Chapter 258: Say Less, Ride Alone into Yuezhou

Tuoba Hongyan gently smoothed the wrinkles in his robe and stepped inside, heart trembling.

Inside the tent.

He saw again this young master of the Lu family—now properly called the Prince of Yan.

He controls five provinces, commands forty thousand iron cavalry—all fierce, battle-hardened warriors.

Those with strong armies and sturdy steeds naturally deserve to be called kings.

"Tuoba Hongyan pays homage to Prince Yan."

He bowed deeply in full reverence, his words brimming with respect, not daring a single misstep.

His purpose was clear; in his hand he held the letter given to him by his father, which he slowly presented.

"I bring a letter penned by my father, humbly requesting Your Highness's inspection."

Tuoba Hongyan kept his head lowered, harboring no intent to plead or persuade—only to deliver the letter safely into Lu Chen's hands.

That would be enough!

Yu Xu stepped forward at the right moment, took the letter, and handed it to you.

All the generals in the tent were curious.

They wondered why Tuoba Shu yi had sent this letter, and what North Wind intended now.

The paper unfolded lightly, revealing only a few characters upon it—

"Meet me in Yuezhou. I shall be satisfied with your actions."

Tuoba Hongyan, standing aside, secretly speculated what his father might have written—he dared not open it himself.

What would his ever-bloodthirsty father say at this moment?

Surely not words of flattery or submission?

He was deeply curious.

The generals waited silently for your decision.

At this moment… you chose.

1. Agree to this, attend the meeting in Yuezhou. (Hint: Rich rewards, matter resolved.)

2. Disagree; order an immediate assault on North Wind. (Hint: Rich rewards, but sows future dangers.)

3. Participate personally. (2/3)

The three options on the tripod slowly froze, their azure text no longer shifting.

Yu Ke rubbed his chin, staring at the three options.

With hints now provided, there was nothing left to agonize over!

It was obvious.

Option three: 3. Participate personally (2/3).

It could be eliminated outright.

You had already used "participate personally" twice—only one remains.

It was exceedingly precious.

Avoid using it unless absolutely critical.

Choose option one or two.

The hints were clear enough.

Both offer rich rewards—choose the one with no lingering dangers.

Yu Ke made his choice.

1. Agree to this, attend the meeting in Yuezhou. (Hint: Rich rewards, matter resolved.)

As your choice was confirmed,

The simulation continued.

In silence, Tuoba Hongyan received no reply; his heart grew anxious. Though the autumn wind of the north had turned bone-chilling, beads of sweat broke out on his forehead.

This weight came not merely from the cold without, but from the torment within!

How could a true man not be frantic when facing a cataclysmic event?

The reason was simple!

Tuoba Hongyan recalled his father's gaze—long, unblinking, never turning back at their farewell.

The letter in his hand felt heavier than a mountain—he dared not disappoint his father, so he carefully tucked it into his bosom.

Just as he trudged heavily past the city gate, a figure waited quietly beside him.

A tall middle-aged man, clad in a thick fur-lined robe, his face handsome yet pale as winter's first snow, eyes gentle.

He held a charcoal brazier, yet could not stop coughing.

Gu Yi!

Tuoba Hongyan knew this man well—the Chancellor of North Wind.

"Gu Yi, pays homage to the Fourth Crown Prince," Gu Yi's voice was weak.

Tuoba Hongyan dared not be arrogant; he immediately composed himself and returned the bow with due respect.

Tuoba Hongyan understood Gu Yi's standing in North Wind—his popularity among the people and influence at court were unmatched.

Gu Yi's coughs grew increasingly frantic, each one seeming to tear out his heart and lungs, stirring deep concern for his health.

"Master Gu, are you well?" Tuoba Hongyan asked with concern.

"Old ailment. No need for the Crown Prince to worry."

Gu Yi waved a hand lightly, forcing a faint smile: "It's nothing. The cold weather, coupled with the state's pressing affairs, has worsened my condition."

His tone was light, yet heavy with unspoken burden.

Tuoba Hongyan understood clearly—Gu Yi's appearance now was no accident; he had something urgent to say.

"Master, I beg you to share your wisdom."

"I implore you to guide me!"

His words were filled with sincerity. This journey to Yanbei had already filled him with unease—if he could gain the counsel of Gu Yi, the "White Ze" Chancellor, it would be a blessing.

White Ze is a mythical beast said to speak and foretell the future. Though Gu Yi was ill, his intellect was peerless; rumors even claimed he had shortened his lifespan by revealing heavenly secrets, adding to his mystique and awe.

Yet!

Gu Yi's reaction surprised Tuoba Hongyan—he nodded, then shook his head, and finally sighed: "I had prepared three clever strategies for you, Crown Prince, but after much thought, I burned them all."

Tuoba Hongyan's confusion deepened.

Gu Yi's voice carried resignation: "The dilemma facing North Wind now rests entirely in the hands of that young master."

"I did not wish to burden you further, but this matter concerns North Wind's survival—I must speak plainly."

"The young master of old, now the Prince of Yan—North Wind's fate hangs on his whim."

Tuoba Hongyan, upon hearing this, refused to believe North Wind lacked strength; he spoke up sharply: "Master, you err! How can we embolden the enemy and weaken our own prestige?"

"North Wind has no cowards—only valiant warriors!"

Gu Yi smiled faintly and asked gently: "I speak to you as a confidant, yet you still guard your heart."

"Do you truly believe North Wind's army can defeat them? Or do you believe victory is certain?"

"The one at Zhongnan Mountain leads the troops in person, Crown Prince—how many chances do you think we have?"

Tuoba Hongyan had long believed North Wind had little chance—he dared not voice it, for Gu Yi was his father's trusted minister; if he spoke ill and it reached his father's ears, what then?

"How many chances…"

Tuoba Hongyan sighed softly, glanced at Gu Yi, then said: "With that young master in command, North Wind stands little chance."

Gu Yi's coughing did not cease.

"The northern lands, honed by fifteen years of hardship, are now a sharp blade—drawn today, its strike will shatter mountains. If North Wind insists on direct confrontation, the only outcome will be retreat to the frozen Liaodong—foolish indeed."

"The Emperor himself would not wish it."

Gu Yi held the highest regard for the Daoist general Lu Shaobao: "That young master commands with divine insight, sees through all deception, acts with flawless precision, unburdened by worldly fame or gain. No one knows his true ambition—such an opponent is terrifying."

Gu Yi paused, fixed his gaze on Tuoba Hongyan, and spoke with solemn gravity: "Therefore, I can only warn you, Crown Prince—one thing: Say less, speak less. More words, more mistakes."

Tuoba Hongyan nodded silently, lost in thought.

After Gu Yi finished, Tuoba Hongyan turned to take his leave.

But as Tuoba Hongyan turned away, Gu Yi spoke again:

"Crown Prince, if you can persuade this Prince of Yan to cease hostilities, I will gift you a white hat."

"Such a feat deserves the Eastern Palace."

Add white to the king's crown—and he becomes emperor.

Tuoba Hongyan froze for a moment, then continued walking past the gate, his grip on the letter tightening.

He had returned from his years as a hostage in Chaoling—his base nearly gone, unable to compete with his brothers. But if he gained the Chancellor of North Wind's support now!

Could he not sit upon North Wind's throne?

Tuoba Hongyan snapped back to the present, his gaze returning to Lu Chen within the tent.

The Prince of Yan's decision seemed to hinge on the turning point of his entire life.

You looked at Tuoba Hongyan and said calmly: "Go meet Tuoba Shuyi."

At these words!

The men in the tent were stunned—but your authority in the army was deeply rooted; none dared oppose you.

Only!

Feng Haiping spoke in a low, steady voice: "Prince Yan, shall we take a thousand elite troops?"

Riding alone into Yuezhou is somewhat risky.

You shook your head.

Lu Yu laughed from behind: "I'll accompany you—it's fine."

You had already risen; Lu Yu followed closely behind.

As you passed by Tuoba Hongyan, you said:

"Don't let me down."

Tuoba Hongyan's eyes lit up, and he hurried to follow.

(End of Chapter)