Moonlight stretched like silk over murmuring streams, while thin clouds veiled the mountains in a hazy mist.
Bathed in the flickering candlelight swaying in the evening breeze, Shen Yunan leaned over the table, both hands braced against its edge as he intently studied the map spread before him. It detailed the entire Min River and its surrounding areas.
This map was crafted by the Qu family, its precision so remarkable that even the Jiannan Governor residing by the river would feel humbled.
Mountains and rivers do change over time, though such shifts are often imperceptible in the short term. Yet, accumulated over years, only a great shipping family like the Qu, with generations of seafaring experience, could continuously monitor and master the river’s transformations.
The room was utterly silent. Qi Pei and Qu Hongying were present, both maintaining a wordless stillness.
After an indeterminate length of time, hurried footsteps approached. As Shen Yunan looked up, Mo Yao strode in from the doorway, swiftly presenting a letter. "Young Master, a message from General Yu."
Shen Yunan opened it, his expression unchanged as he read. Lifting his gaze, he addressed the others, "General Yu reports that Worldly Son Bu is trapped aboard an official vessel docked at the pier. Prince Jing seems concerned that someone might attempt to abduct him under cover of night and has stationed heavy guards.
As for the exact number of troops, fearing exposure and pressed for time, he dared not investigate in detail!"
Xiao Changyan, using the pretext of escorting Shen Ershi and the others to Shu at daybreak, had personally accompanied them. The entire party was aboard the ship, providing a convenient excuse to deploy additional personnel for security.
"Is this General Yu’s information reliable?" Qu Hongying’s eyes shifted from the letter Shen Yunan had placed on the table to the dock outside. This was an official pier, reserved only for government vessels or private ships contracted for official transport.
To avoid disturbing or inconveniencing the populace, it was situated in a remote area. No residents lived nearby; the view stretched endlessly across misty waters, with the riverbank’s flat expanse clearly visible.
Such conditions made it difficult for them to infiltrate covertly. The only feasible approach was by boat, maneuvering to a blind spot of the dock’s watchtower before diving into the water and swimming toward the official ship holding Shen Ershi captive.
But the risks were immense. Prince Jing’s men appeared highly skilled in aquatic combat, and it was uncertain whether he had laid underwater ambushes.
Even without ambushes, the nearly kilometer-long swim would severely drain the rescuers’ stamina. Those who managed to reach the ship might lack the energy to confront the patrol guards!
If Yu Xiang’s intelligence proved inaccurate, and they overcame all obstacles only to find Worldly Son Bu absent, the team would be marching to their doom.
Shen Yunan remained silent, his fingertips lightly tapping the long table. After a moment, he pressed his lips together. "The residual poison in my system hasn’t cleared; I’m unfit to lead the rescue. When in doubt about a person, do not employ them. Mo Yao, you will lead the team to save Worldly Son Bu. Proceed from here…"
Ultimately, Shen Yunan decided to stake everything on one throw. The others could not defy his orders. He outlined the detailed plan to Mo Yao, who accepted the command and departed.
After Mo Yao withdrew and Qu Hongying left to arrange the necessary supplies for Shen Yunan and the team, Qi Pei asked meaningfully, "Will you truly not go yourself, Young Master?"
Shen Yunan’s starry eyes shifted, meeting Qi Pei’s gaze with firm conviction. "Truly, I will not."
Qi Pei registered slight surprise.He thought the earlier performance was merely an act put on for Mo Yao's benefit, since Mo Yao now essentially served as Xiao Changyan's puppet. Whatever they did or said, Mo Yao could uncontrollably—perhaps even unwittingly—relay it all to Xiao Changyan.
"If I don't go, they can return." Shen Yunnan smiled mysteriously and lowered his head to study the map again.
He needed to meticulously plan how to dig a trap for Xiao Changyan, one that would annihilate his entire army and bury them in the river!
Qi Pei instantly understood as well—Xiao Changyan's ultimate target was Shen Yunnan. Compared to Worldly Son Bu, whom he looked down upon, the Northwest Prince Heir was the true threat.
Whether it was Shen Yunnan's current obstruction of his path to the throne through the Eastern Palace or the future reality that the Northwest would forever hold the throne by the throat if he became emperor, Xiao Changyan refused to become a second Your Majesty—powerless against the Northwest yet tormented by its presence!
If he could kill Shen Yunnan, the Northwest King would have no heir, and the title would end with him!
As for Worldly Son Bu, killing him now would solve the problem permanently. Even if Bu escaped this time, there would be future opportunities. But if Shen Yunnan escaped, even if Shen Xihe were framed for treason, as long as the Shen family wasn't implicated, she—as a married daughter—would have the Northwest's popular support, and the emperor wouldn't dare move against the Shens lightly.
Thus, chances to kill Shen Yunnan were far too rare!
The moon drifted westward, hanging high and distant, casting a cold gleam over the river.
"Your Highness, midnight has passed." On the deck at the bow, Xiao Changyan's advisor glanced at the night sky and spoke softly.
Past midnight meant only half an hour remained until dawn.
They had been waiting, but there was still no movement. The advisor grew restless, wondering if Shen Yunnan didn't trust Yu Xiang's words or deemed the ambush site too dangerous to approach.
"He will send someone." Xiao Changyan's hands were tucked inside his black cloak, its collar trimmed with lustrous gray sable fur. "It's Worldly Son Bu's only chance at survival."
By having Yu Xiang deliver the message about "escorting" Bu tomorrow, he made it clear to Shen Yunnan that the Shunan Prince Heir was already meat on his chopping block. Once the ship set sail tomorrow, he could ensure Bu's death.
On this vast, misty river, even without assassins or pirates, he could create them. Bu had no way out unless Shen Yunnan completely abandoned him.
But since Shen Yunnan had rushed here over great distances and even risked his life for Bu, he wouldn't give up so easily.
Therefore, tonight was the best—and only—opportunity for a rescue.
With this thought, Xiao Changyan narrowed his eyes. "But for caution's sake, he won't come personally."
Even without Mo Yao's reports, Xiao Changyan could guess Shen Yunnan wouldn't appear. Shen Yunnan knew his own importance—as long as he stayed away, Bu wouldn't easily become a disposable pawn.
After all, Bu was merely bait to lure Shen Yunnan.
"Not come personally?" The advisor was momentarily stunned, then comprehended, frowning. "If he doesn't come, should we still let them pass?"
Xiao Changyan shot him a glance. "Whether Shen Yunnan comes or not, whether they can rescue anyone, and whether they can retreat unscathed—that depends entirely on his men's capabilities."Though it was a setup, Xiao Changyan had no intention of playing games with Shen Yungan. If Shen Yungan had the capability to rescue the person in this scheme, then it would be up to him to figure out how to bring Worldly Son Bu back to Shu.
If Shen Yungan lacked the ability, Xiao Changyan would not hold back—if he eagerly handed over Worldly Son Bu, then it would be up to Shen Yungan to rescue him during the "escorted" journey back!
No matter what, Xiao Changyan remained the one in control of the situation!
Dear reader, this chapter is complete. Wishing you a pleasant reading experience! ^0^
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