I Became a Sugar Mama to an Ancient General during a Famine! - Chapter 55

Chapter 55: Trading Dusty Ceramics for Treasures – A Fortune Made

Deputy Curator Zhang held up the gold ingot and inquired, “650 million. What do you think, Miss Ye?”

Ye Mumu hadn’t expected such an astronomical price. On appraisal shows, gold and silver from the same period typically fetched less than porcelain, calligraphy, or antique art pieces. This price far exceeded its actual value.

Satisfied, she nodded. “If you believe it’s worth that much, I’ll sell.”

Zhang couldn’t suppress his smile as he carefully wiped the ingot with silk before placing it in a box. He grinned at Old Mu, “As for the wine jug, don’t even think about competing!”

Old Mu protested vehemently. “I’ve already negotiated with Miss Ye. Why should I yield to you?”

“The wine jug and goblet are a set—perfect as our museum’s centerpiece,” Zhang countered. “Whatever price you’ve offered, I’ll add another 20 million!”

“Had I known, I wouldn’t have brought you along. You’re just here to snatch deals,” Old Mu fumed.

Zhang secured both the gold ingot and wine jug for 1.25 billion yuan total. He immediately instructed finance to transfer the funds to Ye Mumu, rushing the transaction to prevent any interference.

As a valued customer, Zhang received a special bonus: Ye Mumu allowed him to select two additional porcelain pieces as gifts. Delighted, he chose two flawless plates with vibrant glazes, while the other elders watched, their whiskers practically twitching in frustration.

The remaining eight plates were divided among the three men. Each piece commanded over 20 million yuan. Great Qi Dynasty porcelain had never appeared on the antique market before at an auction, they could fetch astronomical prices. However, auctions were time-consuming with 10-20% commissions, and Ye Mumu couldn’t afford to wait.

The eight exquisite pieces sold for 1.08 billion yuan, bringing the day’s total earnings to 2.33 billion.

After concluding the transaction, Ye Mumu escorted the elders to their cars at her villa’s entrance.

Within Zhen Guan City, the military camp’s four wells brimmed with water, overflowing their edges. Several soldiers stood behind Zhan Chengyin, watching with satisfaction as the fifth well neared capacity. Water meant security for the troops.

Chen Kui reported from behind Zhan, “Word from Song Duo—they’ve reached the border after traveling through the night.”

“Without horses? How did they manage such speed?” Zhan Chengyin asked, surprised.

Chen Wu explained that Song Duo had captured several runaway barbarian warhorses. With water and provisions on hand, the horses had followed the scent. Once fed, they helped pull the carts, significantly accelerating the journey.

Zhan Chengyin nodded. “Have Song Duo plant explosives along the Chu-Qi border. Once set, they should conceal themselves and monitor all movement. If anyone dares cross the border, blow them up on sight!”

After Chen Wu departed to relay the orders, Chen Kui stepped forward. “General, shall we engage today? The men haven’t fought in two days—they’re eager to earn provisions for their families.”

The recent battle had yielded impressive results: each soldier earned at least 30 kilograms of rice and 50 kilograms of flour. Many civilians were soldiers’ family members, and after victories, the rewards ensured their families ate well. The porridge stall lines had notably shortened, with some citizens even trading surplus grain for vegetables and meat.

Chen Kui, whose subordinates were all eager for battle, suggested targeting the western gate, as the barbarians had abandoned their positions at the north and south gates. But Zhan Chengyin’s dark eyes turned eastward, where the barbarian army’s main force—and their stables—were stationed.

“The Zhan family army has only 800 horses total. We need more,” he declared.

That night, they prepared for a complex operation. Chen Kui, Chen Wu, and Bian Ziping led 500 Qin crossbowmen and a 200-strong reconnaissance team. They donned night attire and moved silently toward the main barbarian camp, while Li Yuanzhong’s group created a diversion at the west gate.

The barbarian western force numbered 20,000, with watchtowers every kilometer. The Qin crossbowmen’s superior range allowed them to eliminate tower guards under cover of darkness. After covering 100 kilometers, they reached the enemy camp at midnight.

With at least 10,000 troops on patrol, the barbarians had clearly grown more cautious. Li Yuanzhong ordered his men to plant explosives before taking action. From a safe distance, the Qin archers launched flaming arrows into the tents.

Chaos erupted in the barbarian camp. As soldiers fled from spreading fires, unable to locate their attackers, their mounted forces finally spotted the archers. They charged forward, bows ready, only to be met with a devastating explosion that sent hundreds of men and horses flying.

The remaining barbarian forces froze, painfully aware of explosives’ destructive power—their own Prince Luo Ge had lost his position after being crippled in a similar blast.

Just then, a note fluttered down to the war room. 「 I’ve purchased three sets of bone china gift boxes. They’ve arrived. Have the three generals exchange their household porcelain for them!」

Three immaculate gift boxes materialized on the table. Mo Fan immediately snatched the most beautifully wrapped ones, stuffing them into Jiang Yuan’s hands. “What are you staring at?” he declared when others looked his way. “These are gifts for the Empress Dowager.”

The others chose not to argue with the young man. Of the seven remaining boxes, Mo Fan opened two more, entranced by the bone china’s beauty. He reached for more until Chen Kui restrained his hand. “Stop—there won’t be enough for everyone!”

Mo Fan withdrew sheepishly as Zhan Chengyin shared the note with everyone. They all thought of their own dull, dusty ceramics at home, then gazed at the translucent, delicate bone china before them. The trade was clearly in their favor.

Each person took three sets, sending aides to retrieve their old ceramics. Over 200 pieces were transmitted away in exchange.

Zhan Chengyin, Chen Kui, and Chen Wu then began planning their mission to steal the warhorses from the barbarian stables.

They selected the strongest and best-fed horses.

They hung salt blocks, water pouches, wooden buckets, and quality feed on the horses.

Chen Kui, Chen Wu, and Bian Ziping led 500 Qin crossbowmen, following the 200 men strong reconnaissance team.

They donned dark night attire and stealthily left the city, heading straight for the main barbarian camp.

Meanwhile, Li Yuanzhong, Lin Yijun, and He Hong led harassment troops to the west gate.

They were all experienced veterans, having been promoted from the Zhan family army.

That night, the barbarians stationed to the west numbered around 20,000 men.

As they neared the camp, there were watchtowers built every kilometer, manned by guards.

With the Qin crossbows’ long range, scouts crawled forward under the cover of night, shooting the guards on the towers.

The troops advanced further.

After 100 kilometers, it was midnight when they finally saw the enemy camp.

There were 20,000 men stationed, with at least 10,000 patrolling.

The barbarian army had grown cautious.

Seeing this, Li Yuanzhong ordered the men to hold back and plant explosives first.

Once the explosives were planted, they retreated to a safe distance. The Qin archers lit the fuses and shot arrows directly into the tents.

This caused panic in the barbarian camp.

Many soldiers fled in disarray as fires spread, yet they couldn’t find the Zhan family army.

When they finally spotted the archers, they mounted their horses, bows in hand, and charged fiercely.

Boom!

A huge explosion sent the leading hundreds of men and horses flying.

The remaining barbarian forces were paralyzed with fear.

They understood all too well the devastation that explosives could cause.

Their prince, Luo Ge, had been crippled in a blast, losing his position as a royal prince.