Chapter 143: Chapter 143: Words Are Fearful
This battle lasted for a full four hours.
What Shang Ruyi didn’t know was that this was also the strongest and longest siege initiated by the Turkic soldiers during the three days Yanmen County had closed its gates for defense. She had not seen the countless soldiers’ bodies being dragged down from the city walls, piling up into a small mound, with blood flowing down the walls, almost dyeing the entire tower crimson.
Between the streets and alleys, the bodies of those civilians, hit by arrows and powerless against the soldiers, were also piled up like a mountain.
Screams of agony and wails were endless.
Lei Yu had just ordered her people to carry down a few wounded soldiers, and when she looked up, she saw Mu Xian, covered in blood and flesh, walking down from the city wall. The men and horses on both sides were bonded by life and death, and at this moment, a face-to-face meeting was full of emotions.
In this situation, any words were unnecessary.
After a moment of silence, Lei Yu’s voice was heard: "Why hasn’t your young master come yet?"
Mu Xian was in a difficult position: "This—"
Lei Yu’s face showed a hint of implicit anger, but only for a moment, the anger dissipated, leaving only a trace of powerlessness and helplessness. "His wife is also trapped here. Could it be that he doesn’t care?"
"..."
Mu Xian looked at her in surprise.
He had always been by Yu Wenye’s side and knew Miss Lei’s feelings towards his young master, but he never expected that Lei Yu would suddenly act contrary to her norm and be angry at Yu Wenye at this time.
After saying those words, Lei Yu sighed and turned to leave.
Watching her back, Mu Xian’s expression grew heavier.
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On the other side, Shang Ruyi didn’t even last until the end of this siege because her wound suddenly started to hurt. Plus, having not eaten or drunk for the two days she was unconscious, amidst the deafening loud noises, she fell asleep once again.
When she opened her eyes again, the sky was already dark.
Seeing her wake up, Tushere laughed and cried at the same time, hurriedly helping her get dressed and washed.
Leaning weakly on the head of the bed, Shang Ruyi asked her, "How’s it outside?"
Tushere showed a troubled expression but still said, "We held it."
"That’s good then."
"It’s just—"
"Just what?"
"I heard that this time there were heavy casualties among the defending soldiers. It seems the number of troops now is less than half of what it was before."
Hearing this, Shang Ruyi felt a wave of weakness through her body, and cold sweat once again dampened her temples.
Tushere said, "Miss, please don’t worry about the outside. Focus on your health first. I’ll get you something to eat. How about some porridge?"
Before Shang Ruyi could agree, she suddenly heard footsteps outside. Then, several young and beautiful palace maids came in, holding various food boxes, and respectfully said, "Young Madam."
"You are—"
"We, the maids, specially came to prepare a meal for the Young Madam."
After speaking, they placed a low table in front of Shang Ruyi, then took out the bowls and dishes from the food boxes one by one. They were all exquisite and delicious snacks and dishes, along with a bowl of finely simmered shredded chicken congee. Instantly, the somewhat chilly room was filled with the aroma of food.
Shang Ruyi was a bit surprised, but soon understood something.
Tushere looked at everything in open-mouthed shock, stammering, "Who sent you?"
One of the palace maids smiled slightly and said, "We serve His Majesty the Emperor."
"..."
After speaking, they bowed to Shang Ruyi and then retreated.
At this point, the worry on Tushere’s face deepened. She turned to look at the now silent Shang Ruyi, trying to speak several times yet not saying anything, finally just lowered her head, fetched a bowl of porridge, and placed it beside Shang Ruyi.
Shang Ruyi looked at her, "What do you want to say?"
"..."
Tushere glanced at her, then looked down at the lavish dishes on the table, muttering softly, "I heard Miss Lei say, the city’s food supplies are already insufficient..."
Shang Ruyi also felt that such dishes were indeed excessive at this time, but since it was the Emperor’s order, no one dared defy it.
She said, "Then, sit down and eat some with me."
Tushere shook her head, "I can’t eat."
"..."
Seeing her disheartening look, Shang Ruyi said, "Do you think my conduct is lacking?"
Hearing this, Tushere hastily waved her hand, "No, since childhood, maidservant grew up with Miss. What kind of person you are, I know best. Miss surely wouldn’t have such filthy thoughts or actions."
Shang Ruyi watched her.
After a brief silence, Tushere finally said, "It’s just that, people’s words are fearful..."
"..."
"Moreover, as I recall, Miss seems to have never visited His Majesty the Emperor. Why this time, does His Majesty the Emperor care for you so attentively, taking care of every detail, almost as if he cares more than your husband?"
Mentioning Yu Wenye, Shang Ruyi’s heart ached.
She wanted to explain something, but couldn’t utter a single word, only feeling herself caught in a vortex, her emotions and identity, all seemingly entangled by something unseen, entirely in disarray.
After a prolonged silence, she lowered her head, despondently saying, "Let’s eat first, after eating, then we’ll talk."
This meal was finished in a somber mood.
Shang Ruyi felt much of her strength return, and having slept through most of the day, her shoulder and back wounds didn’t hurt as much. Even with Tushere’s support, she could get out of bed and walk a bit.
Slowly stepping out of the house, she could see clearly the place she was in.
It was a small courtyard, clearly at the depths of the official residence. Looking around, she could hardly see the surrounding mountains or trees, only layers of tiled rooftops and the deep night sky above.
The courtyard itself was also quite empty, with just two trees planted in the eastern and western corners, and nothing else.
It was indeed a suitable place for someone to reside quietly and recover.
Feeling her body gradually recovering its freedom of movement, Shang Ruyi told Tushere, "You may leave; I want to be alone for a while."
Tushere looked at her, "Miss, if you need anything, just call me. No others are allowed in this courtyard."
"..."
Hearing this, Shang Ruyi paused, then smiled lightly, "I understand, you can go."
Only then did Tushere leave, still worried about her.
Once she left, the place became even quieter.
Indeed, it was a deep location, aside from the earth-shattering battle sounds during the day; at this time, only the sound of the wind could enter this courtyard. Shang Ruyi didn’t go outside, knowing that her body wouldn’t sustain it, and more importantly, the answers she sought could be found here.
So, she stood in the center of the courtyard, listening to the wind, waiting slowly.
Finally, amidst the wind, came a very light sound of footsteps.