Nightfall descended.

The cold wind howled through a forest, shaking branches and leaves, the sound of the forest like thousands of troops galloping ceaselessly through the dark night, causing hearts to tremble with fear.

In truth, there were only a few riders in the forest.

These individuals arrived at dusk, and after arriving, they concealed themselves within the forest. No matter how cold the weather, or how cutting the wind, they did not ignite even a spark until the sun set, and then they emerged at the edge of the forest, led by the robust figure of Yu Wenye.

He stood at the forest’s edge, his cold, stern eyes fixed on the distant shadows under the dark sky, a massive form like a crouching tiger lying on the ground.

That was their target this night—Taiyuan City.

Previously agreeing with Nie Chong to act at midnight tonight, they came to survey Taiyuan City, but a direct military action might alert Taiyuan to prepare in advance, so he had the army move slowly, halting a few miles away temporarily, while he brought Shen Tu Tai, Shantong’er, and several trusted aides lightly equipped to the area.

Now, less than two hours remained until the agreed time.

As they traveled lightly, the clothing on everyone was not particularly thick. Although strong and resilient against the cold, to avoid detection they did not light any fires, enduring the cold wind blowing for half a day, becoming increasingly uncomfortable; a few personal soldiers had lips turning purple from the cold, even Shen Tu Tai sneezed twice.

He sniffled, and then glanced up at Yu Wenye standing at the edge of the forest.

As King Qin, his attire was no thicker than that of ordinary soldiers, having stood for over half an hour in the coldest wind, nearly unmoving, without any sign of feeling cold.

In fact, his gaze and demeanor were colder than the wind.

Everyone knew the Prince Qin had a resolute nature, but today, his resolve seemed infused with a hard coldness, as if intentionally making himself colder, even colder to extinguish some nameless fire within.

Watching his back, everyone exchanged silent glances, their eyes carrying hidden worries—although the events within the county government were unclear, today, the circumstances before dispatching the troops were indeed strange. The always military-minded Princess Qin did not accompany the army, even though this time, unlike the defense battle at Fufeng, would be much more dangerous. She, as Princess, need not follow, but normally would at least show up to send off the army led by Prince Qin.

Yet today, she did not appear at all.

Not only did she not appear, but before leaving the county government, King Qin left many people there, as though preventing someone from escaping.

Recalling the news from Changchun Palace, everyone seemed to understand something.

Therefore, throughout this journey, and after waiting here for so long, no one dared to speak lightly, everyone careful not to rush until now, when another gust of cold wind blew, cutting like a knife across faces, swirling sand and dust into Yu Wenye’s eyes.

He uttered a "hm" and lowered his head immediately.

Shen Tu Tai gave Shantong’er a look, Shantong’er blinked and cautiously approached his side: "Prince Qin."

"..."

Yu Wenye did not speak, but vigorously rubbed his eyes.

Shantong’er whispered, "Your Highness, this place is a wind gap, standing here for so long, one can catch a cold. Better move behind the trees; I can guard here."

Yu Wenye said indifferently, "No need."

"But, your health—"

"I said, no need."

Though only two words, they carried an unquestionable authority, coupled with an unusual sternness and as he lifted his gaze to glare coldly with bloodshot eyes, even Shantong’er, no timid child, was startled, swallowing back the words before they left his mouth.

He pouted and helplessly looked back at Shen Tu Tai.

At that moment, a trusted aide who had been quietly standing aside suddenly turned to look at the road outside the forest—where they had come from.

"Hmm? Someone?"

Upon hearing his voice, Yu Wenye and Shantong’er immediately turned to him, Yu Wenye quickly asked, "What is it?"