Three days passed in a flash.

Under Shen Yun’an’s arrangements, Shen Twenty-seven had been suffering from a cold since being rescued from the ship, unable to leave his room. On the day of departure, Shen Yun’an specifically chose someone with a similar build to Shen Twenty-seven, dressed them in a cloak with a hat covering half their face, and had them board the ship.

The vessel was a large ship secretly built by the Qu family, unknown to outsiders. Not only did Qu Puyi and others accompany them as protection, but Shen Yun’an also dispatched a large contingent of guards to safeguard the journey.

Watching the ship sail away and disappear into the night, Shen Yun’an looked up at the sky, sparsely dotted with stars under the bright moon, a meaningful smile crossing his lips.

After waiting about half an hour, Shen Yun’an boarded a small boat, following the westbound large ship. Only Shen Six was with him steering the boat, and no one knew that he had silently slipped into the water midway through the journey.

On the boat remained only Shen Six steering and a straw dummy wearing Shen Yun’an’s clothes. They traveled stealthily, as if afraid of being detected, even taking detours in open waters rather than exposing themselves to the vast river waves…

This information was swiftly delivered to Xiao Changyan through his hidden shadow guards, without missing a single detail!

Xiao Changyan quickly mobilized his troops and set sail, pursuing the westbound large ship.

By this time, the people Shen Yun’an had dispatched on the large ship had all entered the cabin and then slipped into the river water, one by one leaving the ship.

Xiao Changyan had already returned to the eastbound large ship. They had calculated the distance and sailing time, knowing this was the only narrow point on the river where one could quickly swim to the other side. Miss this spot, and the two parties would gradually drift apart.

Shen Twenty-seven, who had been waiting on the ship, handed prepared ginger soup to Shen Yun’an, who drank it in one gulp and quickly changed into dry clothes.

Their ship slowly advanced. About half an hour later, they encountered patrolling official ships – not many, just three or four. Sitting in the cabin, Shen Yun’an heard a familiar voice: “Routine inspection, stop and dock!”

It was the voice of Yu Xiang’s capable deputy. Shen Yun’an gave Qu Hongying a meaningful look.

Unlike the westbound ship, this was a legitimate vessel flying the Qu family’s merchant flag. Following Shen Yun’an’s earlier instructions, Qu Hongying went out to take charge, obediently following the official ships to the nearest docking point and stopping for inspection.

Yu Xiang personally led the search. Qu Hongying led him to a room where Shen Twenty-seven and Shen Yun’an sat leisurely drinking tea.

Yu Xiang’s heart sank.

Seemingly oblivious to Yu Xiang’s changed expression, Shen Yun’an said casually: “General Yu truly keeps his word, coming to receive me personally.”

“You…” Yu Xiang felt as if his throat was being squeezed tight, unable to utter a word.

Only one thought crossed his mind: they had fallen into a trap!

Appearing not to notice Yu Xiang’s panic, Shen Yun’an feigned confusion: “Is General Yu so overjoyed that he’s lost his senses?”

With a light laugh, Shen Yun’an continued: “It’s too early to rejoice. General, you must let Young Master Bu and me pass. Only after Young Master Bu crosses the shore and enters Shu will it be cause for celebration.”

“Foolish dreams!” Yu Xiang blurted out in protest.

Shen Yun’an sneered, then clicked his tongue: “General Yu truly lacks foresight. If I were you, at this point, why not go along with my words? You might still gain some benefit.

But now, General Yu insists on confrontation, forcing me to show my hand. Ah—”

He ended with a long sigh, as if deeply reluctant and forced into this position.

“You think you can escape?” Since pretenses were dropped, Yu Xiang stopped pretending, “Guards—”

His loud call didn’t bring the expected rush of soldiers. He quickly turned around but was blocked by Shen Fifteen. Yu Xiang retreated cautiously, one hand on his sword.

“Don’t be rash, General. Why not look outside?” Shen Yun’an remained calm, gazing out the ship’s window.

Yu Xiang followed his gaze, his pupils contracting. This was the ship’s most secluded room, but it faced the dock’s walkway, where he saw someone dressed identical to himself leading his subordinates ashore.

That person suddenly seemed to sense something and turned to look at them. Yu Xiang stumbled back, colorless, as the person looked exactly like him!

The Crown Prince was skilled in disguise, and naturally, his subordinates were also talented. Shen Yun’an had specifically requested a few lessons, which now proved useful.

Earlier when Yu Xiang boarded, Qu Hongying had quietly told him alone: The Young Master requests your presence.

Though the Young Master wasn’t named specifically, Yu Xiang knew it must be Shen Yun’an, so he naturally came alone, leaving his men outside.

But this room was deep inside, with a turn in the corridor. His men were required to wait beyond the turn, and Yu Xiang hadn’t thought much of it, giving Shen Yun’an an opening to exploit.

Someone disguised as him had left shortly after he entered the room, silently leading away his men.

“Young Master thinks this can coerce me?” Even now, Yu Xiang remained defiant.

What did disguise matter? The military deployment orders and command tokens were still with him.

Shen Yun’an poured another cup of tea, lightly rotating the cup between his fingers: “General Yu, do you know why Prince Jing has staked everything on pursuing westward?”

Though unsure why, Yu Xiang knew it must be Shen Yun’an’s scheme. He remained silent.

“And do you know why I led Prince Jing westward?” Shen Yun’an showed patience with the uncooperative Yu Xiang, asking another question.

Yu Xiang had heard something about this – there were hidden reefs to the west, which Prince Jing had specifically sent people to investigate, not keeping it from Yu Xiang.

“Mere reefs wouldn’t be enough to severely damage Prince Jing’s forces. When he catches up and discovers neither Young Master Bu nor I are there, he’ll naturally turn back to pursue us. If General Yu doesn’t let us pass here, we can still be captured when Prince Jing returns, right?”

Shen Yun’an revealed Yu Xiang’s thoughts: “Two hundred men outside, and this is a Qu family merchant ship. If we dare make any rash moves, the General can signal for stationed troops, and the Qu family will suffer consequences too. General thinks I wouldn’t dare risk mutual destruction with you.”

Having his thoughts exposed by Shen Yun’an made Yu Xiang’s heart sink further. This was the arrogance of someone holding all the cards!

Sure enough, Shen Yun’an suddenly smiled mysteriously: “General Yu, your Prince won’t be coming back. You should consider finding an escape route instead of continuing to oppose me.”

“Won’t come back?” Yu Xiang didn’t believe it.

Shen Yun’an raised his eyebrows: “The wind is rising.”

Outside the ship, fierce winds howled, and in the distance, they could see the river waters churning – truly a scene that could only be described as a tempest.