Chapter 2586: Wind and Snow Return

Chapter Nineteen: Old Return in Wind and Snow

The sound of the wind outside the window was so loud it was startling.

It was already the first month. A spring snow had suddenly fallen.

Wu Bu She was currently in the study. The charcoal brazier was burning bright, making the room extremely warm. The fragrant smoke rising from the incense burner curled and lingered, filling the air with a faint, pleasant aroma. He was reading a book, his posture upright and relaxed.

"Master," the page boy outside the door announced, "the Third Master of the Shen residence has arrived."

Shen Yan entered, his sleeves brushed free of snow. He held a letter in his hand, and a worried expression was on his face.

"Big brother Wu," he said, "something big has happened!"

"What is it?" Wu Bu She put down his book, his gaze calm.

"News has just arrived," Shen Yan said, "the army returning from the south has been intercepted in the Western Region!"

"Intercepted?" Wu Bu She frowned slightly. "Who would dare intercept the Great Jin army?"

"The bandits!" Shen Yan exclaimed, his voice filled with anxiety. "The bandits in the Western Region are extremely fierce. I heard they have taken a large portion of the returning army as prisoners!"

Wu Bu She's face darkened. The returning army from the south was bringing back the captured Duke Nan, who had rebelled. If Duke Nan were to escape, the consequences would be disastrous.

"Where are the returning troops now?" Wu Bu She asked urgently.

"They are currently stranded in the area near the Kunlun Mountains," Shen Yan replied. "The bandits are experts at guerrilla warfare and are familiar with the terrain. The army is at a disadvantage."

Wu Bu She stood up, his expression grave. "This is not good. If Duke Nan falls into the hands of the bandits, it will be a huge trouble for the Great Jin."

"Indeed," Shen Yan agreed. "The Emperor is extremely worried. He has ordered General Xu to lead a relief army to the Western Region, but it will take time for them to arrive."

Wu Bu She paced back and forth in the study, his mind racing. He knew that relying solely on the relief army might be too late.

"Shen Yan," Wu Bu She said, stopping his pacing, "we must do something."

Shen Yan looked at him expectantly.

"Send a message to the border garrisons," Wu Bu She instructed. "Order them to be on high alert and prepare for any potential unrest."

"Yes, Big brother Wu," Shen Yan replied, his voice firm.

"Also," Wu Bu She continued, "inform the various government offices to be ready for any emergencies. We cannot afford to be caught unprepared."

"Understood," Shen Yan said.

Wu Bu She then turned his gaze towards the window, where the snow continued to fall. He knew that the situation was grim, but he also knew that they could not give up hope.

"The Western Region is a complex place," Wu Bu She said, almost to himself. "The bandits are not the only threat."

Shen Yan remained silent, understanding the weight of Wu Bu She's words.

"We must be vigilant," Wu Bu She said, his voice resolute. "For the sake of the Great Jin, we must overcome this crisis."

The snow outside continued to fall, as if mirroring the uncertainty and danger that lay ahead. Wu Bu She and Shen Yan stood in the study, their hearts heavy with worry, but their resolve unwavering. They knew that the coming days would be challenging, but they were determined to face them head-on.