Chapter 154: Taking Hostages to Threaten Them
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
“Mother, what are you doing?”
At this moment, the little bun quietly pushed the door open and stuck his head out, looking at Yu Yunxi curiously.
Yu Yunxi was reading her mother’s medical journals at this moment. She turned around and saw the cute little bun immediately. She waved him in and asked gently, “Have you gotten used to it after returning to the residence?”
The little bun ran over and threw himself into her arms before he said softly, “Of course. The King of Xinan’s Residence is our home, after all.”
Yu Yunxi’s eyes flashed when she heard this.
‘That’s right. The King of Xinan’s Residence is our home. It’s only natural for us to get used to it here…’
Seeing the expression on Yu Yunxi’s face, the little bun knew that Yu Yunxi must have recalled some unhappy things. He quickly tiptoed and looked at the books on the table curiously. Then, he asked, changing the topic, “Mother, are you worried about the commoners falling sick?”
“That’s right. It’s said in the ancient books that when there’s an outbreak of plague, one would first have headaches and joint pains. They’re similar to those of typhoid fever, rheumatism, heatstroke, and overconsumption of alcohol. Whether it’s the woman in the capital or the people in Xinan, they all have these symptoms. Needless to say, another symptom is that it’s highly contagious. However, I feel like something is not quite right…” Yu Yunxi said seriously.
“What’s not quite right?” the little bun asked, puzzled.
“I checked that woman’s pulse previously, and when I checked the pulse of the people here, I found that their pulse is slightly different…”
“Isn’t everyone different when they’re sick? That’s not strange…” the little bun said, looking even more confused.
“No, I keep feeling like something is wrong. It’s like a plague, but also not…
Yu Yunxi’s expression was very grim.
“Mother, if it’s really a plague, and we can’t find a cure, will those people die?
When I came here, I heard someone say that the plague is very difficult to cure. They might choose to sacrifice the ill to save the others…” the little bun said uneasily as he fidgeted his fingers. He naturally did want to see such a thing happen.
Yu Yunxi sighed. She shared the same feelings as the little bun. Suddenly, she realized something was wrong and quickly asked, “Wait a minute. Junjin, where did you hear those words?”
They did not want to cause panic among the people so they had been very discreet when they took the patients away. Moreover, a gag order had also been issued to the soldiers. Those who break the order would be punished with death.
The little bun said with a frown, “E-earlier, I went out with Aunt Qian Jian and the others. I heard the commoners talking about it.”
‘What? How did the commoners know about it?’
Yu Yunxi’s eyelids twitched, and the foreboding feeling in her heart grew.
“Junjin, stay in the residence for now. Don’t go out unless it’s absolutely necessary. Mother is going out to have a look..
Shen Hezhi had gone to meet the enemy, but he had yet to return. She could not help but feel worried and wanted to investigate the situation.
The little bun knew that this was a critical moment so he nodded obediently. “Okay, Mother. Go and do your work. I’ll look after myself.”
“Alright.”
After gently hugging the little bun, Yu Yunxi quickly left to change.
When she left, her hair was tied up high, and she was wearing a set of close-fitting armor. She carried a sword at her waist. Her aura was completely different from usual.
Behind her, Qian Jiao, Qian Mei, and Qian Qing had also changed into their military uniforms.
Yu Yunxi thought of something, and she turned to ask, “Qian Jiao, Qian Mei, how much of the food that I asked you to prepare previously is here?”
“Half of them have been transported back, and the other half is on its way. It’ll probably arrive tomorrow, ” Qian Jiao quickly replied.
“That’s good.” Yu Yunxi nodded. She was not afraid that they would have too much food. They had to be fully prepared before the city was completely sealed off.
“Let’s go.”
After saying this, Yu Yunxi mounted her horse and headed for the city gates.
When they arrived at the city gates, Yu Yunxi quickly climbed up the city tower.
She asked Qian Ji, who was guarding the place, “Qian Ji, how is it?”
“County Princess, Nanyue used our people as hostages and sent three thousand people to provoke us. Young Master has already led the troops out…”
‘What?’
“They took our people hostage?” Yu Yunxi was shocked.
“There’s a spy in the city. Before the city was sealed, the people from Nanyue snuck in at night and took away many citizens. Now that they’re using them to threaten us, we’re in a very passive position…” Qian Jin explained grimly.
“Another spy?”
Yu Yunxi’s eyes flashed with anger as she clenched her hands. The soldiers and commoners in Xinan were mostly honest and loyal. However, bad people existed everywhere.
Previously, when Xinan went to war, there would also be a small group of spies who chose to betray Xinan for glory and wealth.
“This is a special situation. We can’t afford to make any mistakes. Qian Ji, send someone to keep an eye on the people,” Yu Yunxi said after taking a deep breath.
“County Princess, you mean…”
“If there can be a spy in the military camp, why can’t there be a spy among the commoners? Moreover, Xinan is facing the double threat of war and plague.
It’s inevitable that panic would arise,” Yu Yunxi explained.
“I understand,” Qian Ji said and quickly nodded.
Yu Yunxi turned around and looked down from the city tower.
Not far away, the soldiers on both sides were clearly divided.
Dust flew in the air, and the atmosphere was extremely tense.
“Guard the gates,” Yu Yunxi reminded Qian Ji before she called out, “Qian Qing!”
“Yes, County Princess!”
Qian Qing understood Yu Yunxi’s meaning immediately, and she quickly opened the gates.
The horse that Yu Yunxi was riding earlier neighed loudly as it stomped its front hooves a few times. Then, it ran out.
Yu Yunxi leaped down from the tower and accurately landed on the horse’s back.
“It’s been hard on you, Chasing Wind,” Yu Yunxi said, gently patting the horse’s head.
This horse was given to Yu Yunxi by Shen Hezhi. It had accompanied her for five years. She naturally had feelings for it.
After Yu Yunxi spoke to it, it let out a nicker before it took off, carrying Yu Yunxi to where the two armies were facing off.
At the same time, the city gates behind her slowly closed.
Nanyue had sent a few thousand men here, and Xinan had a few thousand elite soldiers. Their strength was equally matched for now. The only advantage Nanyue had was that they had hostages from Xinan.
When Shen Hezhi heard the sounds of hooves behind him, he turned around. His gaze darkened when he saw Yu Yunxi. His voice was extremely stern as he called out, “Yunxi.”
Shen Hezhi wanted Yu Yunxi to stay in the King of Xinan’s Residence not only because he wanted her to look for a cure, but it was mostly for his own selfishness. It was dangerous on the battlefield, and he was worried she would be injured.
Yu Yunxi naturally understood Shen Hezhi’s thoughts. She rode the horse to his side and said calmly, “Brother, have you forgotten we used to be comrades? We have to save those who are sick, but we also have to save those who aren’t sick.”
At this time, an extremely icy voice said, “General Yu, long time no see..”
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