I Became a Sugar Mama to an Ancient General during a Famine! - Chapter 29 Part 1

The couple escorted Zhan Chengyin to the door, where they happened to meet several soldiers who had come to Chen Kui’s residence to look at the fabric.

With the soldiers gathered, Zhan Chengyin said, “Go pick out some fabric and take it home for the servants to make into clothes. There will be two more batches of fabric in the next couple of days.”

The divine fabric bestowed upon them was enough for each soldier to have a full set of military attire, with some left over!

Mo Fan had long grown weary of his dirty, foul-smelling clothes.

Without water, there was no way to wash.

He was the first to enter the backyard, and soon emerged carrying five bolts of fabric.

Two bolts were sky blue and navy, while three had vibrant floral patterns. He handed them to the accompanying military advisor.

With him taking the lead, the remaining soldiers had no more reservations.

Each chose three bolts and gave them to their accompanying deputies to take home first.

Chen Wu didn’t bother choosing; his elder brother would help deliver some to his residence.

He said, “General, a report from the city wall – until noon, the barbarians neither attacked nor retreated. They’re camped 10 li outside the city.”

Zhan Chengyin furrowed his brow. “They’re waiting for an opportunity. I heard Luo Ge brought shamans – are they relying on divination to attack the city?”

“That’s what I thought too. If only we could leave the city, instead of being trapped to die within these four square walls!”

With the barbarians camped outside the city for a day, the pressure inside multiplied.

It was like a sharp sword hanging overhead, ready to fall at any moment.

They say it’s easier to be a thief for a day than to guard against thieves for a day.

They had endured this passive state for a year and didn’t want to continue being so helpless.

Zhan Chengyin said, “Go find some clever soldiers to come to the city tower and learn how to plant explosives.”

Chen Wu’s eyes widened suddenly. “You mean plant explosives to blow them up?”

Zhan Chengyin said, “At night, exit through the small city gate and plant them along the barbarians’ path of attack.”

Chen Wu clapped his hands. “Good, this is an excellent plan.”

Boom – instantly killing hundreds of barbarians would also vent some of their anger.

At this moment, another soldier came on horseback to deliver a message.

“General, a letter from the Great Yong Kingdom.”

Chen Wu took the letter from the soldier’s hand and muttered in confusion, “Our relationship with Yong isn’t very good. What could this letter be about?”

He presented the letter with both hands to Zhan Chengyin.

Zhan Chengyin opened the letter. His sword-like eyebrows furrowed slightly, his expression unhappy…

Seeing this, Chen Wu asked, “General, what does the letter say?”

Zhan Chengyin handed him the letter. “General Yue Hong from Yong’s border has written to recruit me!”

Chen Wu read through the letter.

In it, Yue Hong said that Zhan Chengyin was not valued by the Qi emperor, and the young emperor wanted to seize his military power.

His elder brother at home in the capital had already been imprisoned by the emperor.

The Zhan family army of 200,000 had suffered countless casualties, with only 20,000 remaining – not enough to resist the barbarian attack on the city.

Rather than stay, the Zhan army should bring their troops to join Great Yong. The Yong emperor cherished talent and would surely make good use of the Zhan army.

At the end, the letter inquired whether the city had food and water supplies.

As long as the general gave the order, Yue Hong’s 200,000 troops would cooperate with the Zhan army to kill the barbarians and drive them back to the northern grasslands.

After reading the letter, Chen Wu cursed angrily.

“Damn it, I wondered why that bastard Yue Hong would write. He has no connection to the general. It turns out he’s trying to find out if we have water and food in the city. That’s why he’s targeting us.”

“If Zhen Guan falls and the Great Qi Kingdom is destroyed, Great Yong will be next. He’s just watching from the sidelines, yet he has the gall to try to recruit us at a time like this!”

“General, this man has ill intentions. We absolutely cannot fall for his trick!”

In terms of national strength, Chu ranked first, Yong second, and Qi third…

Chu and Yong were mortal enemies, constantly at war. Otherwise, they would have long since annexed the other four kingdoms.

Zhan Chengyin was worried. If even Yong knew he had food and water, Chu likely knew as well.

It seemed some rats had escaped, and the news had reached the barbarians.

How had Yong received word so quickly? The news had spread far too rapidly.

Zhan Chengyin said, “Write a reply to Yue Hong.”

Chen Wu didn’t understand, thinking he really meant to defect to Yong.

He anxiously said, “General, you can’t be muddleheaded about this! Although the young emperor suspects you, the late emperor entrusted the Zhan army with great responsibility and trusted you very much!”

“Worst case, when we return triumphant, we’ll help you take down Prime Minister Su.”

Zhan Chengyin shook his head. “My family has served Qi for generations. We will not defect to Yong. Write a letter to send to Yue Hong.”

“Tell him to bring his men to join us. Each soldier will receive 5 jin of rice, 3 jin of flour, a barrel of oil, and a chunk of salt per month…”

“However many men he brings, I’ll accept that many soldiers.”

Chen Wu laughed heartily. “Good! This is a great idea – it will really humiliate him.”