I Became a Sugar Mama to an Ancient General during a Famine! - Chapter 59

Chapter 59: Armies at the Gates, Battle Imminent

At Zhen Guan, the frontier City, food was abundant, with vegetables scattered carelessly across the ground. The impoverished common folk of Great Chu had traversed mountains and rivers, surviving on tree bark and grass roots, even resorting to eating clay to stave off hunger—all to join the army at Zhen Guan. Of the initial five thousand who set out, less than half survived the journey.

Now, seeing such abundance, their eyes welled with tears as they repeatedly wiped their faces with their sleeves. Despite their immense suffering, if the survivors could live on, it was all worth it.

The soldiers, long accustomed to such plenty, paid little attention. Chen Kui casually picked up a cucumber and began eating. Noticing several children in tattered clothes staring at him hungrily, he gathered more cucumbers and distributed them, one to each child.

As the mothers rushed to kneel in gratitude, Chen Kui stopped them. “From now on, you’ll have enough food at every meal. Focus on raising your children well,” he said. The mothers, overwhelmed with gratitude, led their children away.

*

The soldiers busied themselves with battle preparations while cooks gathered the scattered vegetables. Zhan Chengyin, clad in silver armor with a sword at his waist, ascended the city wall with measured steps. All soldiers paused their work to look up at him. Today, they faced a formidable battle.

Having endured eight months of barbarian attacks, these survivors were battle-hardened warriors, each capable of fighting two opponents at once. Standing atop the highest section of the wall, Zhan Chengyin’s voice rang out:

“Soldiers of Great Qi! Three hundred and fifty thousand troops camp mere miles from our gates!”

“Should we fall in this battle, our people will have neither water to drink nor food to eat. Three million citizens face starvation!”

“Today, we must hold Zhen Guan! We defend not just our provisions, but the very hope of survival for our people!”

“In this battle, I ask every man to defend to the last breath!”

The response from the walls was thunderous:

“We swear to defend Zhen Guan to the death!”

“Our fate is bound to Zhen Guan!”

“Not one enemy shall pass these gates!”

“Until the enemy retreats, we face death without fear!”

Their voices echoed throughout the city, their resolve shaking the very walls. They faced the most crucial battle in their history. Zhen Guan’s fate hung in the balance, and they would defend it with their lives.

*

Ye Mumu finally received word from the bulletproof vest factory owner who had arrived at the city’s outskirts. She secured the warehouse and drove toward Xianyuan Mountain’s base. En route, she instructed the warehouse keeper to open the gates. Within half an hour, she reached the mountain warehouse.

Despite its size, the warehouse was guarded by a single local villager. Recognizing Ye Mumu as the owner, he bowed respectfully, reporting, “The trucks have arrived, Boss.”

Ye Mumu nodded, noting the ten large trucks and their drivers resting in the shade, cargo still untouched. The factory owner, a prosperous middle-aged man named Qu, quickly drew her aside.

“Miss Ye, all one hundred and fifty thousand bulletproof vests are here,” he announced.

“Excellent. Once we verify the count, I’ll transfer the remaining balance.”

But Qu continued, “You’ve only ordered the vests, not their matching helmets. My Middle Eastern clients always purchase complete sets. We have one hundred and fifty thousand helmets in stock—originally intended for the Middle East before they withdrew. If you take the entire inventory, I can offer a better price for the sets. Otherwise, the vests alone will cost more.”

Ye Mumu realized her oversight. How could soldiers face battle without proper head protection? “I’ll take everything,” she declared without hesitation.

Qu’s face lit up as he ordered the unloading. The complete set—vest at 280 yuan and the fully-plated, shock-absorbing helmet at 400 yuan—he offered at 600 yuan per set.

The total for 150,000 sets came to 90 million yuan. Though the payment pained her, thoughts of helping Zhan Chengyin made it worthwhile.

After completing the transaction, Qu leaned in confidentially. “We’re developing even better full-body armor at the factory, though it’s not yet ready for mass production.”

“Reserve fifty thousand sets for me once it is,” Ye Mumu responded.

“Done!” Qu agreed enthusiastically.

After the unloading, Ye Mumu gave the warehouse keeper 5,000 yuan to purchase an air conditioner for his post and an electric scooter for commuting. Delighted to replace his inadequate fan, he rushed off to make his purchases.

Once alone, Ye Mumu disabled the surveillance system and power, then dispatched a note to Zhan Chengyin: 「150,000 sets of protective armor ready. Retrieve within thirty minutes.」

*

At Zhen Guan, Zhan Chengyin received intelligence that the Chu and Yong leaders had convened. The Taoist Si Meng prophesied a noon attack. Only one hour remained.

When Zhan Chengyin read Ye Mumu’s note about the armor, Chen Kui and Chen Wu peered over his shoulder.

“General, with full armor, we might stand against them in close combat,” Chen Kui observed.

“These suits seem perfect for our forces,” Chen Wu added.

Clutching the note, Zhan Chengyin swiftly descended with the vase. Soon, crates of armor materialized in the courtyard. Chen Wu eagerly tested a helmet, challenging his brother to strike it.

Chen Kui’s sword connected with a shower of sparks, leaving his blade notched but the helmet unmarred.

“Stronger than our regular armor!” Chen Wu exclaimed.

With time running short, Zhan Chengyin commanded: “Equip every soldier immediately. Everyone in full armor within half an hour!”

“Yes, General!”

*

At noon, the sun blazed mercilessly, heat waves distorting the sandy horizon. From the city walls, Zhan Chengyin watched the approaching army, their red-yellow banners of Chu drawing ever closer.

Their formation was clear: cavalry at the front, followed by shield-bearers and archers. To their right, Yong’s black dragon banners darkened the sky, their troops in black uniforms presenting an even more terrifying sight.

Three hundred and fifty thousand strong, the enemy force now lay just miles away. The decisive battle loomed.

Zhan Chengyin’s soldiers stood beside him, their eyes bloodshot as they surveyed the enemy forces. The sheer numbers were overwhelming—the world seemed consumed by red, yellow, and black banners. Even their victories against the barbarian tribes hadn’t prepared them for this level of threat.

Despite their new armor and weapons, victory remained uncertain. Some soldiers began writing their final messages. Mo Fan released his last three eagles, each carrying his last testament.

The enemy closed in—eight li, six li, five li…

The battle for Zhen Guan’s survival was about to begin!