I Became a Sugar Mama to an Ancient General during a Famine! - Chapter 23 Part 1

Rumors spread from the General’s Residence about food supplies. Today, those collecting porridge even received slices of sweet watermelon.

Zhao Youcai became even more convinced that the General’s Residence held vast quantities of food!

Before the barbarian army marched south, Wei Guang had been a notorious gang leader in Zhen Guan, with connections in both the underworld and among the defense forces. He had brothers in the patrol camp who would die for him.

On the streets of Zhen Guan, Wei Guang had influence in both legal and illegal circles. He never paid when dining at restaurants. Prosperous businesses voluntarily paid protection fees to avoid trouble from thugs. When Wei Guang took money, he ensured results. Anyone eating without paying would be dragged out and beaten.

Though a rogue, Wei Guang still adhered to a code of honor.

Zhao Youcai targeted Wei Guang because he had once been wanted by the Zhen Guan garrison but was never caught because he knew the secret passageways leading out of the city.

Zhao Youcai intended to send messages outside, luring barbarians through these secret passages to attack the General’s Residence and seize the food. For wealth, he disregarded the lives of the entire city.

He dreamed of looting the General’s Residence, ensuring endless riches for himself and generations to come.

The Central Plains were in drought, with no harvests in the six kingdoms. With this grain, Zhao Youcai could amass wealth across the land.

Blinded by greed, he didn’t hesitate to invite barbarians into the city.

He captured Wei Guang and Sun the Mute, subjecting them to brutal torture to learn the secret passage’s location. Wei Guang endured two days and nights of torment, refusing to speak.

Mute Sun, who could read lips, still had value to Zhao Youcai and was tortured less severely.

Now, Wei Guang was barely alive, his breaths shallow.

Mute Sun risked his life to escape, running directly to the General’s Residence for help.

He haltingly recounted everything. Zhan Chengyin’s face darkened ominously. He immediately ordered his men to raid Zhao Youcai’s hideout.

When Zhan’s renowned troops arrived, the hideout was empty.

Wei Guang lay on the ground, covered in blood, his body riddled with whip marks, burns, and torture wounds.

Zhan Chengyin touched his nose lightly—a faint breath remained.

The military doctor, Song Yunhui, quickly administered a life-saving pill. Wei Guang slowly opened his eyes, struggling to speak.

Zhan Chengyin leaned closer as Mute Sun interpreted, “General, Zhao Youcai knows the secret passage’s location. Act quickly, you may still catch him.”

The location was thirty li south of Zhen Guan, beneath a large hill.

Hearing this, Zhan Chengyin hurriedly led his men there.

At the hill, they found the secret passage’s entrance forced open.

Tian Qin lit a torch and took the lead. The passage led to a natural cave. As they walked, they saw hurried, chaotic footprints in the dry sand.

An hour later, they neared the cave’s exit.

Torchlight flickered outside. Zhan Chengyin signaled his soldiers to hide behind rocks.

They saw barbarian soldiers, Han Chinese collaborators, and the traitor Zhao Youcai.

The group was talking, but too far to hear.

Zhan Chengyin asked Tian Qin, “Did you bring the Qin Crossbow?”

Tian Qin replied, “Yes, one set.”

Zhan Chengyin drew the bow, aiming at the armored leader.

Whoosh!

The arrow struck between his eyes. He fell instantly.

Suddenly, the barbarians yelled in panic, drawing weapons but hesitating to enter.

Zhan Chengyin shot down the second-in-command.

Seeing this, the group retreated, hurriedly blocking the entrance with large stones before fleeing.

Zhan Chengyin ordered, “Withdraw!”

The group swiftly exited the cave.

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