I Became a Sugar Mama to an Ancient General during a Famine! - Chapter 37

Chapter 37: Tablet, Solar Lamp, Fan

Ye Mumu was elated.

After slaying 50,000 barbarian soldiers in a single day, victory over their remaining 300,000 seemed within reach.

「goddess, this triumph was possible only through your gift of explosives. We’ve depleted our supply over two battles. Might you bestow more? We will not take them without offering something in return.」

「Mo Fan presents this chest of treasures in exchange for explosives.」

A large red lacquered box, ornately carved, materialized before Ye Mumu.

The chest was even larger than yesterday’s delivery, which had contained three smaller boxes.

Eagerly opening it, she found an array of jewelry, gold, and jade pieces…

Inside lay a complete phoenix-patterned enamel porcelain set.

Three plates—though one space remained empty, as Old Mu had purchased it—accompanied by four bowls, four pairs of intricately carved golden chopsticks, two golden cups, and two golden bowls.

A phoenix hairpin with jade tassels, a pair of gem-studded gold bracelets, and a necklace of red jade and agate completed the collection…

The items were numerous and meticulously arranged.

Each piece bore the imperial seal.

The phoenix-adorned pieces carried the empress’s exclusive mark.

A gem-inlaid golden tea set bore the emperor’s personal seal on its base.

This chest’s value far exceeded yesterday’s offering.

Ye Mumu couldn’t refuse such a generous proposal.

Gazing at the glittering treasures, she found herself reluctant to part with them!

She replied, 「Alright, explosives are illegal and come with risks, but I’ll try my best.」

「Thank you, goddess. When can we expect the first shipment of armor?」

「A batch of weapons will arrive this afternoon. Though the quantity isn’t vast, I’ve pressed for expedited delivery.」

「My deepest gratitude, goddess. I’ll take my leave.」

Ye Mumu tucked away the note and immediately contacted Xiao Hua.

Seeing her call, he retreated to a quiet spot to answer.

“Sister Ye…” he whispered.

“Uncle Xiao, I need another batch of explosives—as much as possible, highest quality, and urgently.”

Xiao Hua’s brow furrowed as he chided her, “Explosives are contraband! Discovery means imprisonment.”

“Fifty million. Double the previous quantity, superior quality.”

Though Xiao Hua’s inner voice screamed to stop—after all, the previous deal’s twenty million would ensure comfort for life—the new figure…

Fifty million yanked at his resolve!

But he was also afraid of being discovered.

His conscience waged war with itself.

He had connections with explosive manufacturers—long-term suppliers who would provide without question.

But the risk was enormous. Discovery meant certain imprisonment.

Noting his hesitation, Ye Mumu sweetened the deal.

“Sixty million~”

“Uncle Xiao, I know you have the connections. This isn’t pocket change. Rest assured, these aren’t for nefarious purposes and no one’s watching me!”

Her increased offer finally shattered Xiao Hua’s resistance.

“Transfer the money. I’ll have the factory deliver tonight. We’ll stick to back roads, no highways, moving only at midnight.”

“Remember—I don’t care about their purpose. Just keep them out of domestic use. Sell them to the Middle East for all I care, but don’t get caught!”

“Agreed. Half now, half upon delivery.”

“Deal!”

Xiao Hua’s agreement secured double the previous quantity of explosives—enough to sustain the Zhan army’s campaign for several more days.

She immediately dispatched a note to Zhan Chengyin: 「 I’ve secured another batch of explosives. Delivery tonight, tomorrow morning at latest.」

「The first fabric shipment has arrived—waterproof canvas, sewing machines, and thread…」

「Regarding the sewing machines, I’ll provide a tablet with instructions. This will help teach the seamstresses and increase production efficiency.」

Ye Mumu had a spare tablet, an older model. She downloaded several tutorials and placed it in the vase.

Zhan Chengyin’s reply came swiftly: 「goddess, I apologize for these continued impositions.」

「No need for such formality…」

「Mo Fan inquires about the hundred pairs of shoes, and requests a tablet and some sweets!」

The young master who’d sent this morning’s treasure chest was certainly generous.

Such modest requests deserved fulfillment.

Ye Mumu responded:「 The shoes, tablet, and candy will arrive within half an hour.」

She drove first to the electronics district.

Parking curbside, she headed straight for the fruit flagship store and purchased two tablets.

At the neighboring Huawei store, she acquired three more tablets and phones…

She added several 20,000mAh power banks to her cart.

The large purchase earned her five complimentary USB fans.

These fans, both handheld and desk-mounted, offered powerful airflow and seven-hour battery life when fully charged.

Given Zhenguan’s severe drought and scorching heat, these would provide welcome relief.

Without hesitation, she added fifteen more fans.

She then purchased thirty rechargeable flashlights.

And thirty electric razors.

Noting her generous spending, the clerk recommended smart voice-activated desk lamps—she took thirty.

At the next shop, she acquired thirty solar charging panels compatible with phones, tablets, and power banks.

The world of solar products opened new possibilities.

The solar-powered night lights particularly caught her attention.

The clerk’s demonstration impressed her—drawing the blackout curtains, the lamp automatically illuminated the room to daylight brightness.

She realized these mounted on city walls would serve as an excellent deterrent.

She bought their entire stock of large solar lamps—one hundred boxes.

Adding three industrial-grade solar standing fans, far more powerful than the portable units.

She directed the staff to load everything into her truck.

The items filled the pickup truck bed to the brim, with no space left.

The textile factory’s sales manager called about the delivery. She consulted Uncle Yang about the quantities…

Uncle Yang checked the scale, subtracted the tare weight, and reported the final tonnage.

Ye Mumu transferred the remaining payment to the sales manager.

Now cordial, the manager informed her the sewing machines were unloaded and more fabric would arrive tomorrow.

Roadside, she unpacked several tablets and connected to the network, downloading Bluetooth tutorial videos.

She added military histories, tactical manuals…

Formation drills, guerrilla warfare strategies…

She downloaded the complete educational curriculum—primary through high school textbooks, online courses, comprehensive references…

For the young master, she included Chinese chess, Go, and Five-in-a-Row. She deliberately avoided other games, wary of potential distraction.

Driving to an abandoned demolition site, she erected the vehicle canopy.

Once visibility was obscured, she transferred the entire cargo.

*

In the command room, Zhan Chengyin and his generals planned their next move.

Two decisive victories had transformed the army’s spirit. Soldiers now competed for combat positions.

The sight of victorious comrades queuing for rice rewards sparked intense envy.

Those carrying rice sacks homeward drew admiring gazes, their family members eagerly helping transport the bounty, pride evident in their bearing as they walked the envious streets.

Unable to contain themselves, some soldiers approached their commander: “General, when do we strike the barbarians again?”

Consider the transformation—in a single day…

These same soldiers, who once trembled before barbarians who had slaughtered 280,000 of their 300,000 men.

Now, each yearned for battle, eager to claim barbarian lives.

And earn their rice.

The original plan called for a third guerrilla assault that morning, but Zhan Chengyin’s received note changed everything.

The Divine One promised afternoon delivery of equipment and weapons.

So they postponed the attack, waiting for the new armaments before launching their assault on the barbarian forces.