I Became a Sugar Mama to an Ancient General during a Famine! - Chapter 44

Chapter 44: The General’s Triumphant Return

Zhan Chengyin was very happy as he received the next note and eagerly shared the news.

「He Hong and Chen Junlin at the South Gate performed excellently. Chen Junlin, in his first battle, killed over 400 enemies, matching General Chen Wu’s prowess!」

「The South Gate saw 25,000 enemy casualties: Qin’s crossbowmen killed 15,000, the Modao squad 10,000. The rest fled.」

「We captured 600 live warhorses and an enormous amount of horse meat…」

「We’ve completely wiped out the barbarian troops at the North and South gates!」

「Today, I’m truly exhilarated. It’s been long since I’ve felt this happy.」

「Divine One, I thank you!」

Ye Mumu was equally pleased.

Despite the vast disparity in numbers and equipment, Qin’s crossbowmen and the Modao squad had effortlessly defeated the barbarians.

The Zhan family army’s morale soared.

These three battles laid the foundation for the Zhan family army’s rise.

They also signaled the barbarian forces’ impending collapse.

If wise, they should retreat quickly.

Engaging the Zhan family army head-on was futile, especially with the city’s ample food and water.

Fighting would only hasten their defeat.

As a netizen from the Iron Blood Military Network had said: if they didn’t withdraw within three days, they’d face three months of relentless conflict – either fleeing or being annihilated.

Ye Mumu said, “I’ll order some dishes. Everyone will have a good meal tonight.”

“Thank you, goddess!”

Zhan Chengyin’s triumphant return set the entire city in a festive mood.

Solar-powered night lights illuminated the city gates as bright as day.

Solar lamps lined the roads every fifty meters. Citizens marveled at these bright pillars, sensing a quiet change in Zhen Guan.

Learning of the overflowing granaries, many sought to enlist – even sixty-year-olds and children under fourteen.

Yesterday’s recruitment notice promised veterans ten jin of rice, five of flour, three of vegetables or fruits, two of meat, one liang of salt, and a jug of oil monthly.

New recruits would receive seven jin of rice, four of flour, two of vegetables, one liang of pickled vegetables, and a small liang of salt.

All new enlistees would receive additional rice.

People believed the camp had abundant rice and that the general kept his word.

Everyone wanted to join, even if just to forge weapons, repair walls, tend horses, or mend tents.

The soldiers’ meals were enviable:

Three daily meals included meat porridge with watermelon for breakfast, with pickled vegetables and meat sauce.

Lunch was lavish: steamed rice, stir-fried pork, varied vegetables, and soup – sometimes egg and seaweed, other times winter melon and pork ribs.

Dinner featured aromatic noodles topped with minced meat sauce.

Zhan Chengyin rode in on his tall horse, clad in blood-stained silver armor. As the young general appeared…

The entire city knelt: “Welcome back, General!”

Zhan Chengyin dismounted: “Everyone, please rise quickly!”

The people quickly stood up, holding gourds to offer water to the returning soldiers.

“The barbarians lost the South and North gates. Can we go out now?”

“Yes, we can leave the city!”

“But what’s out there? There’s famine, and beyond Zhen Guan is a thousand-mile wasteland. We’d either starve or die from heat.”

“Exactly! I just realized how good life in Zhen Guan is; we have an endless supply of food and have beaten the barbarian army three times. Today alone, we killed a hundred thousand barbarians.”

“A hundred thousand in a day is extraordinary. Even the Central Plains’ armies rarely suffer such defeats, let alone the northern barbarians.”

These battles would soon be renowned throughout the realm.

Those eyeing the Kingdoms of Yong and Chu must now reconsider their capabilities against Zhan Chengyin.

He was undoubtedly the era’s strongest general, living up to subsequent evaluations.

Citizens gathered, eyes brimming with grateful tears:

“General, thank you for defending Zhen Guan and protecting us!”

“General, without you, we’d have starved. Please take care!”

“General, when will the barbarians retreat?”

Chen Kui, Chen Wu, and other officers came to welcome Zhan Chengyin.

Mo Fan arrived, snacking while walking with Zhuang Liang.

He glanced over Zhan Chengyin, relieved to see him unharmed.

“You’re lucky to be alive.”

Mo Fan approached Jiang Yuan, who offered a bloodied package.

“Master, I killed two hundred today. This is proof, a gift for you.”

Mo Fan refused, wrinkling his nose. “Take it away. I don’t want that.”

They had fulfilled their midday promise.

“Zhan Chengyin, I want to promote Jiang Yuan to my vice commander. Do you agree?”

Jiang Yuan had performed valiantly, leading charges and following orders well.

The Empress had chosen him from ten thousand elite warriors to serve Mo Fan.

Jiang Yuan was worth cultivating.

“Agreed.”

Zhan Chengyin asked, “But he’s a slave. By Great Qi law, slaves can’t hold official positions!”

Mo Fan replied, “The contract’s with my aunt. I’ll have her burn it.”

“It’s settled then.”

Jiang Yuan knelt, joy evident.

He bowed to Mo Fan: “Thank you for your support, Master!”

Then to Zhan Chengyin: “Thank you, General!”

No longer a slave, he could hold his head high, earn military merit, and save his sister from the Empress’s control.

Zhuang Liang helped him up. “Well done. You deserve it.”

“Yes, without Master’s chance, I’d have remained a slave.”

“Master, I won’t disappoint you.”

Mo Fan tossed him candies. “Eat these; food will keep you quiet.”

Zhan Chengyin watched the trio, smiling helplessly.

He and the others entered the military tent.

They’d seized fresh horse meat, still warm.

The camp’s meat was nearly gone; this would be the best supplement.

They’d also captured barbarian sabers, tents, and dried meat rations.

The dried meat smelled strong, likely from starved cattle.

If the barbarians ate it, it should be safe.