A flash of insight crossed Xiao Changyan’s mind as he narrowed his eyes: “After this matter, I must have a proper meeting with the Crown Prince when we return to the capital.”

Regarding this elder brother who hadn’t grown up alongside them, Xiao Changyan had always maintained clarity – neither overly suspicious nor too trusting.

However, after returning to the capital, Shen Ruhe’s prominence draws everyone’s attention to her, causing both him and the Emperor to overlook the Crown Prince with unquestioning negligence.

Now that Xiao Changyan harbored suspicions about Xiao Huayong, reviewing many events felt like parting clouds and fog – he seemed to see Xiao Huayong’s shadow everywhere. He wasn’t sure if he was being overly suspicious or if this was reality.

He could only suppress his thoughts, waiting to conclude after returning to the capital.

“Did anyone recognize the background of those who fought our Shadow Guards?” Xiao Changyan was more concerned about this now.

His Shadow Guards were rigorously trained, capable of fighting ten men on the battlefield, well-disciplined and coordinated. Regular troops stood no chance against them, yet now they were repeatedly thwarted.

Earlier, those sent to hunt down Bu Shulin had encountered Xiao Changying and a mysterious person, losing several men. This time, though none died, dozens were trapped without means of breaking through!

“Your Highness, I’ve inquired – they’ve never encountered such fighters before. They have the ferocity and disregard for death like suicide troops, yet possess the unity and efficiency of secret guards,” the advisor reported worriedly. They’d met their match!

“How many such men do you think Shen Yun’an commands?” Xiao Changyan asked. “Did he anticipate I wouldn’t send many Shadow Guards, or does he have far more men than shown, only deploying enough to handle the number of Shadow Guards present?”

Without waiting for his advisor’s response, Xiao Changyan answered himself: “It must be the latter.”

If it were the former, unless Shen Yun’an had planted spies by his side – but only he and his advisor knew about deploying these Shadow Guards and their numbers.

“Go to Yu Xiang, and maintain close contact with Shen Yun’an. Let’s give him and the Bu Heir a proper send-off.” Before his advisor could speak further, Xiao Changyan gave his orders and retired to his chambers to rest and recover.

Meanwhile, Shen Yun’an slept well into midday. After visiting his injured subordinates, he dined with Shen Twenty-seven.

Shen Twenty-seven remained somewhat uncomfortable. While he could perfectly impersonate Young Master Bu before others, he felt awkward before his former master. Fortunately, Shen Yun’an noticed and didn’t speak much.

After the meal, Shen Yun’an gathered him, Shen Six, Shen Fifteen, Mo Yao, Zha Pu, and Qi Pei in the small tea room outside his chambers. He brewed a pot of Northwestern-style milk tea, first serving bowls to Shen Twenty-seven and Qi Pei: “Try our Northwestern tea.”

Only Shen Yun’an and Shen Twenty-seven himself knew his true identity here.

The two accepted and appropriately praised it, then the topic shifted to their return to Shu.

“Given the current situation, though this waterway seems treacherous, it has only one hurdle and is the most advantageous route,” Qi Pei stated.

Taking an alternate land route wasn’t impossible, but how many counties would they have to cross? The checkpoints weren’t limited to these. Crossing the Min River would take them directly to Shu’s dock – Shu was Bu family territory. Once they safely reached Shu’s dock, they’d be out of danger.

Shen Yun’an nodded: “The water route is imperative. Prince Jing has three forces totaling tens of thousands of troops, including a naval fleet from the Jiannan Military Commissioner.

After rescuing Young Master Bu last night, Prince Jing will surely use his alleged kidnapping as justification to openly deploy troops, making a grand show of force against us.”

Shen Yun’an’s words made everyone’s expressions grave, but none interrupted.

Shen Twenty-seven and Zha Pu exchanged glances before breaking the silence: “Military strategy has always been Young Master Shen’s strength. If you have a good plan, please share it. My subordinates and I will fully cooperate, at your disposal.”

Shen Yun’an smiled at Shen Twenty-seven without keeping them in suspense: “I came here at the Crown Princess’s request to help Young Master Bu return to the South Shu Prince’s mansion. I’ve investigated the imperial forces thoroughly these days and have some ideas.

Additionally, while General Yu deserves great credit for successfully rescuing Young Master Bu, I still have some reservations…”

Shen Yun’an appeared hesitant to continue.

“General Yu?” Zha Pu showed slight surprise. “The General Yu sent by the imperial court?”

Shen Yun’an nodded: “The Crown Princess and I coerced him to exchange information with us.”

“Then why does Young Master still have concerns?” Zha Pu asked.

“It’s not about distrust, but a necessary precaution. One wrong move could lose everything,” Shen Yun’an sighed softly.

“But if General Yu is truly loyal to us, wouldn’t Young Master’s suspicion backfire?” Zha Pu followed Shen Yun’an’s logic naturally, not acting.

Shen Yun’an’s lips curved into a smile as he asked: “Therefore, I’ve devised a foolproof plan. The Jiannan Military Commissioner can only help Prince Jing block our route through Tibet. He can’t leave his post lightly, or Tibet might revolt, bringing disaster to civilians – neither he nor His Majesty could account for that. Thus, we needn’t worry too much about him.

As for General Yu and Prince Jing, with Prince Jing in command, we’ll split into two groups. One will head east from here. The other will go in the opposite direction…”

Shen Yun’an pointed at the map – both routes followed the river, one left, one right, aiming to divide their forces.

After briefly analyzing the map, Shen Yun’an continued: “I’ll follow the eastern route, Young Master Bu the western. I’ll tell General Yu that Young Master Bu is with me heading east, and the western route is a decoy.

General Yu trusts me completely, so he’ll naturally request to block us in the east, actually clearing our way. I’ll go ahead first to meet Young Master Bu. The western route has reefs here – the Qu family’s boatmen are experienced. If Prince Jing pursues westward, we can attack from both sides, ensuring Young Master Bu’s escape.

If General Yu secretly opposes us, he’ll join Prince Jing to block me in the east. Their pursuit force to the west will be insufficient, allowing Young Master Bu to escape safely!”

“Are these reefs little known?” Zha Pu immediately grasped the key point.

“Yes, they’ve only recently appeared,” Qi Pei answered. “Only the Qu family’s people can navigate them at night, knowing their number and locations.”

This confirmation delighted Zha Pu!

Shen Yun’an surveyed everyone: “If there are no objections, we’ll proceed with this plan.”

Nobody objected, so Shen Yun’an instructed Mo Yao to begin preparations.