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Chapter 768: The Wrecked Ship
The splashing sounds were swallowed by the wind and waves. Due to the distance, the ships following Xiao Changyan hadn't noticed anything.
"Your Highness, we've entered the reef zone. The wind and waves are too strong, affecting the helmsmen's judgment," a subordinate reported.
Xiao Changyan had brought along someone who had previously surveyed this section of the river. This person was an excellent swimmer who relied on this skill to deliver messages.
However, the wind and waves grew increasingly fierce. Combined with the ship's course and the pitch-black night devoid of moonlight, it was extremely difficult to identify any markers on the vast river.
"What about the ship ahead?" Xiao Changyan asked.
"The ship ahead has also slowed down," the subordinate replied.
Due to the storm, Xiao Changyan moved from the deck to the cabin. Whenever a window was opened, the wind would send objects in the room swaying violently, making it hard to even keep one's eyes open.
At this point, Xiao Changyan had completely lost his sense of direction. After a moment's consideration, he asked, "Can we order two ships to accelerate and intercept them?"
"Your Highness, the wind and waves come and go unpredictably but remain strong. With the reefs, attempting to flank them is inadvisable," an experienced sailor quietly advised.
Xiao Changyan accepted this advice and was deep in thought when suddenly a scout came to report: "Your Highness, the ship ahead seems to have stopped."
"Stopped?" Everyone in the cabin was startled.
Xiao Changyan rushed out regardless of the storm outside. He went to the lookout post and peered ahead along the hanging lanterns.
Occasional flashes of lightning allowed glimpses of the ship, but normally it was impossible to see clearly. Xiao Changyan couldn't be certain whether it had truly stopped.
He immediately ordered, "Pursue them."
As soon as he spoke, a strong gust hit. For a moment, it felt as if the ship had veered off course, but everything returned to normal in an instant.
"Your Highness, there are many reefs ahead. If we pursue, retreating might become difficult," the sailor felt compelled to warn.
"Your Highness, perhaps we could send two ships to investigate?" a subordinate suggested.
Xiao Changyan remained silent for a moment before accepting the proposal. Their ship slowly anchored in a relatively safe spot while two other ships were dispatched to approach.
Meanwhile, Shen Yungan led several official ships, with Shen Shiwu disguised as Yu Xiang quickly following behind. They weren't pursuing Xiao Changyan but rather the other official ships led by Xiao Changfeng that were trailing behind Xiao Changyan.
Xiao Changfeng commanded the Invincible Army, but this time, concerned about divided authority leading to disputes, His Majesty had placed everything under Xiao Changyan's command, with Xiao Changfeng assisting.
Most of his crew lacked extensive sailing experience. Sensing the eerie winds and strange weather, they grew concerned: "Your Highness, should we continue following?"
Going further would take them into the center of the river. If strong winds arose, retreat would be difficult.
"Follow orders," Xiao Changfeng replied, frowning as he watched the flags whipping violently in the wind.
Xiao Changyan hadn't issued any commands. Their imperial decree designated Xiao Changyan as the commander. Even if Xiao Changfeng sensed something amiss, he couldn't withdraw without authorization.
Moreover, if something truly went wrong, they couldn't possibly abandon Xiao Changyan.
After sailing for another half an hour, the intermittent winds now blew continuously. Xiao Changfeng raised his hand: "Order the ships behind to slow down...""Your Highness, there are official vessels pursuing us from behind!" Before Xiao Changfeng could finish speaking, someone came forward to report.
"Official vessels?" Xiao Changfeng was puzzled.
"Yes, official vessels," the messenger replied. "Five in total, flying General Yu's banners."
Had it been one or two vessels, Xiao Changfeng might have suspected forgery, but replicating five would be difficult. If they were stolen, Yu Xiang would have sent signals unless he were dead.
Thus, the official vessels easily drew alongside Xiao Changfeng's ship. Shen Shiwu, wearing Yu Xiang's face, exchanged pleasantries with Xiao Changfeng, while Shen Yungan and his men slipped into the river from their vessel, using the churning waves to approach Xiao Changfeng's fleet and sabotage the ships from below.
"Your Highness?" Shen Shiwu feigned astonishment at seeing Xiao Changfeng, as Yu Xiang naturally wouldn't have known of his presence.
Xiao Changfeng on the bow nodded slightly. "General Yu, weren't you stationed in the rear? Why have you pursued us?"
Xiao Changyan had neither informed Yu Xiang of Xiao Changfeng's arrival nor explained why Yu Xiang was left behind. Xiao Changfeng assumed Yu Xiang had been assigned to rear guard duty.
"Your Highness, this humble general encountered a fisherman who warned of an impending storm tonight. Fearing for Prince Jing's safety, I rushed to intercept and warn you," Shen Shiwu imitated Yu Xiang's mannerisms.
Xiao Changfeng observed the faint outlines of several official vessels behind them. If they came to deliver a warning, why bring so many people?
This single anomaly aroused Xiao Changfeng's suspicion. "General Yu, why have you brought such a large contingent?"
"To be frank, Your Highness," Shen Shiwu didn't beat around the bush, "Prince Jing originally received intelligence that both Worldly Son Bu and Shen Yungan would attempt to flee into Shu territory tonight. Everyone knows who His Majesty intends to target—these water bandits are merely pretext. However, Shen Yungan laid false trails by sending merchant ships eastward. His Highness ordered me to guard against the merchant vessels, and I intercepted one."
"There were no young masters aboard—clearly a diversion. Coincidentally, I heard the fisherman's warning, so I interrogated the merchant crew and pieced together that the young masters knew about the impending storm and planned to risk crossing tonight."
"They intended to abandon ship in the reef zone, swim through it, and enter Shu territory. Worldly Son Bu already knew someone from the Shu Southern Royal Manor would meet them at the Shu dock. Once they cleared the reef zone, they'd escape."
"Feeling uneasy, I came swiftly to assist His Highness in intercepting the young masters."
The explanation seemed reasonable, and Xiao Changfeng couldn't immediately find fault.
Just then, Shen Shiwu heard two taps against the hull and urgently said, "Might I ask why Your Highness is here? This humble general has pressing matters that brook no delay. I beg Your Highness to grant passage."
Xiao Changfeng studied Shen Shiwu. The two vessels were close, and the swaying lantern light on the bow illuminated the face belonging to Yu Xiang.
Xiao Changfeng gestured, and his ship slowly made way. The official vessels passed one by one, chasing after Xiao Changyan.
Xiao Changfeng watched silently as the official vessels disappeared, feeling an indescribable unease.
Once the official vessels were out of Xiao Changfeng's sight, Shen Yungan immediately launched small boats, dispersing his men in them. If necessary, they wouldn't need to besiege Xiao Changfeng—the storm was growing increasingly violent.
"Young Master, please take a small boat and leave!" Shen Shiwu urged again.
Shen Yungan still refused. "Press on ahead."The official vessel continued forward, while Xiao Changfeng's boat soon began taking on water, teetering perilously in waves similar to those encountered earlier.
"The hull is breached!" shouted the person sent to inspect.
Several vessels had their hulls damaged, and Xiao Changfeng's expression shifted dramatically: "This is bad!"
(End of Chapter)
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