Collisions were the greatest fear in sailing. The officials leading the government ships and their helmsmen were dumbfounded – they had never seen anyone navigate ships in such a manner!

While their opponents seemed fearless, they certainly valued their own lives! If the ships collided, they would all end up as fish food. Driven by their fear of death, they quickly began evading, leaving Xiao Changyan waiting endlessly for reinforcements!

He already had his suspicions, after all, he had instructed Yu Xiang to inform Shen Yun’an about most of his deployments, aiming to gain Shen Yun’an’s complete trust in Yu Xiang for the final battle!

“Your Highness, perhaps we should signal for General Yu and the others to come to our aid!” his advisor suggested as they were cornered.

Xiao Changyan shook his head, simply stating: “Shen Yun’an hasn’t shown up.”

Shen Yun’an’s absence served two purposes: preventing him from going all-in, and allowing him to lurk in the shadows waiting for an opportunity. If Xiao Changyan signaled now, the Jiannan Military Commissioner wouldn’t arrive in time, and if Yu Xiang made a move, Shen Yun’an might personally lead forces to outflank Yu Xiang.

“But… hasn’t the Shen Heir allied with General Yu?” The advisor felt Shen Yun’an shouldn’t move against Yu Xiang – wouldn’t that violate their pact? Unless Shen Heir never truly considered General Yu an ally!

“We’re killing imperial soldiers. General Yu’s losses are under my command, as he was acting to rescue me. The responsibility lies with me.” Even if Shen Yun’an outflanked Yu Xiang, Yu Xiang bore no blame, as he was following Xiao Changyan’s orders.

“Your Highness, the ship is about to collapse!” the advisor warned, noting the intensifying flames and the sinking vessel.

Xiao Changyan surveyed their surroundings and escorted his advisor to the dock: “You disembark first!”

He then turned back toward Shen Twenty-seven’s position, taking two leaps before plunging into the water.

Shen Twenty-seven had been maneuvering in the water for quite some time and was no longer near the ship, having drifted a considerable distance. Despite the multiple blockades, he was struggling greatly. Although specially trained with good stamina, he couldn’t withstand such prolonged exertion.

Especially when he surfaced for air and caught sight of Xiao Changyan’s figure jumping down through the flames and swimming toward him, his heart grew increasingly anxious.

At that moment, a small covered boat seemed to drift carelessly toward them, appearing oblivious to the deadly battle nearby.

The boatman’s faint singing of a fishing folk song created a stark contrast with the fierce battle on the river, adding an eerie discord to the otherwise quiet scene.

Upon seeing this small covered boat, Xiao Changyan knew it must be Shen Yun’an’s people. He accelerated to intercept Shen Twenty-seven but hadn’t anticipated that the Shen family’s forces had already begun clearing a path, killing enemies on both sides to forge an escape route for Shen Twenty-seven.

These men weren’t specially trained by Xiao Changyan, and they were at a disadvantage fighting the Shen forces in water combat. Even with superior numbers, they were disorganized, unable to stop the well-trained, coordinated, and mutually supportive Shen family troops.

By the time Xiao Changyan caught up, Shen Twenty-seven had already been pulled aboard the small covered boat. The boatman was Shen Fifteen, whom Shen Twenty-seven quickly recognized: “Brother Fifteen!”

“Don’t just stand there, the Young Master has prepared a gift for Prince Jing in the cabin,” Shen Fifteen glanced at the exhausted Shen Twenty-seven, tossing him the oar, “Keep the boat steady!”

He rushed into the cabin and soon emerged carrying an alligator with both hands. Though its mouth was bound with rope, Shen Fifteen threw it specifically at Xiao Changyan’s men, then pulled the rope back. Once freed and enraged, the alligator immediately attacked anyone nearby.

The heart-wrenching screams made even Shen Twenty-seven wince.

There wasn’t just one alligator – there were five in total. Shen Fifteen threw them at approaching enemies, not only forcing them to retreat but also helping their people quickly withdraw. Even Xiao Changyan, seeing the situation, had to quickly turn back.

Mere mortals stood no chance against such fierce creatures in the water.

With the five alligators’ assistance, Shen Fifteen leisurely rowed the boat away in the opposite direction.

In this battle, Shen Yun’an suffered minimal casualties while Xiao Changyan’s losses were heavy, though not devastating.

They safely retreated to Shen Yun’an’s hideout, which was actually in the deep mountains – easily defendable but difficult to attack. Even though Xiao Changyan knew their location from Mo Yao, he dared not risk a large-scale assault without knowing all the mountain paths.

He might have risked it against Bu Shulin alone, but Shen Yun’an was an undefeated general experienced in warfare. Xiao Changyan naturally had to proceed with caution. This explained why Shen Yun’an hadn’t relocated despite knowing Mo Yao was enchanted and would reveal his whereabouts – he was confident in his position.

“Young Master Shen.” Shen Twenty-seven met Shen Yun’an and, aware of Mo Yao’s presence, maintained their act.

“Young Master Bu must be startled. Go bathe and change, and rest well for the night. We’ll discuss important matters tomorrow.” Shen Yun’an played along, patting his shoulder and asking Qu Hongying to settle them in while he retired to his room for a good night’s sleep.

Meanwhile, Xiao Changyan was dealing with the aftermath. Fortunately, the river was populous enough that even five alligators hadn’t caught up to him.

However, his losses exceeded expectations. When his advisor presented the casualty statistics, he could see the cold fury suppressed in Xiao Changyan’s eyes.

These weren’t Xiao Changyan’s forces. The Shadow Guards were formidable opponents, while Shen Yun’an’s forces focused on delay tactics. Both sides sustained injuries, but there were no deaths.

However, these were imperial troops. Such significant losses had to be recorded and reported to the Emperor, explaining the circumstances – it was his failure!

Seeing Xiao Changyan’s prolonged silence, the advisor ventured: “Your Highness, this was bait laid for Young Master Shen. Once he takes it, His Majesty will surely be overjoyed. Any sacrifice will have been worthwhile.”

Lost in thought, Xiao Changyan finally responded: “I’m not concerned about the casualties. I’m wondering how Shen Yun’an learned about my Shadow Guards.”

Whether it was the government ships coming to aid or how many men he had stationed at the dock, Shen Yun’an hadn’t concealed anything from Yu Xiang, all to gain Shen Yun’an’s trust.

But the Shadow Guards were never mentioned, and Yu Xiang didn’t know about them. Shen Yun’an was based in the Northwest, and while Xiao Changyan wasn’t underestimating his capabilities, he was certain Shen Yun’an couldn’t have investigated this.

How else could he have so boldly built up his forces to today?

The advisor started, suddenly realizing: “Your Highness, it must have come from the Eastern Palace.”

Shen Ruhe had only been in the capital for a few years – it couldn’t be her. Which meant only…