Chapter 1045: Finding the Nalan Family's Former Residence

Editor: Henyee Translations

Snow fell from the sky, white flakes like salt.

“It’s snowing—”

After finishing her tasks, Chu Qingzhi was resting in the tent when she heard the sound and stepped out to see the fluttering white snow. Her brow furrowed.

Snowy weather was unsuitable for battle. If they waited until next year to fight, the consumption of over 300,000 soldiers would be immense. Given Xia Yunjian’s madness, he would likely deploy all his forces for another battle, making a life-or-death struggle imminent.

To prevent the upcoming battle, there was a simple solution: make the army’s grain disappear. Without grain, the army’s morale would collapse, and they wouldn’t fight.

After dark, Chu Qingzhi sneaked into the tents where the grain was stored and sank it into the ground.

There were six places in the camp where grain was stored, and Chu Qingzhi buried the grain in all six locations before returning to Tang’s camp.

She needed to inform Tang Jinghong immediately so he could prepare.

She wasn’t skilled in military strategy; such matters were best left to the experts.

Seeing Chu Qingzhi return, Tang Jinghong quickly took a cloak and draped it over her shoulders. “Are you cold?”

“Not at all.” Chu Qingzhi cupped Tang Jinghong’s face with her hands, her warmth transferring to his skin.

“Sit for a while; you’ve worked hard during this time.” Tang Jinghong placed a blanket on a chair for her.

Chu Qingzhi said, “I’ve hidden all the grain in Xia’s camp. Make your arrangements.”

This was the best news Tang Jinghong had heard. “I’ll arrange it immediately.”

Chu Qingzhi nodded. “Okay.”

Hearing that Chu Qingzhi had returned, Chu Qingning rushed over to see her. “Fifth Sister, are you alright? Did you encounter any danger?”

Chu Qingzhi smiled. “I’m fine.”

Chu Qingning was worried. “As long as you’re okay. Are you hungry? Cold? Shall I cook something for you?”

Chu Qingzhi suggested, “Let’s go into the city to eat together.”n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

“Great.” The sisters left the camp and headed to Liang City.

…

Xia Camp.

Xia Yunjian roared, “What are you doing? Where is the grain? So much grain vanished overnight. Is this a ghost’s work?”

The generals were silent. The situation was indeed strange, even the seasoned veterans felt uneasy.

Xia Yunjian glared at them. “Speak! Are you all mute?”

Xia Qi bowed. “Your Highness, the immediate priority is to solve the grain issue. Without it, we must retreat, or Tang Jinghong will attack, and the consequences will be dire!”

Xia Yunjian understood this but found retreat too humiliating. “Search! Send everyone out to find it!”

Xia Qi complied. “Yes, Your Highness.”

A deputy offered a suggestion, “Your Highness, we might not find the grain, but I know where we can get some.”

Xia Yunjian asked urgently, “Where?”

The deputy replied, “In Tang’s camp!”

At this, everyone felt enlightened. Their grain problem was likely caused by Tang’s camp, so raiding their grain was justified.

Xia Yunjian ordered, “Prepare to march!”

Soon, the sound of horns blared.

Chu Qingzhi and Chu Qingning had just finished eating. Hearing the horns, they hurried back to camp.

Chu Qingzhi realized she had miscalculated. She expected Xia Yunjian to retreat without grain, not to fight desperately.

…

Tang Camp.

General Chen was worried. “General Tang, losing the grain in Xia’s camp is good, but given Xia Yunjian’s nature, he won’t give up easily.”

Tang Jinghong stared at the map. “Xia Yunjian has two choices: a desperate fight or a retreat. I agree with General Chen; he’ll choose the desperate fight…”

He paused, then commanded, “Soldiers, listen up!”

“General Chen, lead 10,000 cavalry and 20,000 soldiers to ambush on the left.”

“Meng Shengdong, lead 10,000 cavalry and 20,000 soldiers to ambush on the right.”

“Xialan Feng, lead 30,000 soldiers through Youlan Valley, sneak to Xia’s camp, and attack from behind. Set fire to the tents as a signal.”

A series of detailed orders were issued, and the atmosphere grew tense.

The soldiers responded in unison, “Yes, General.”

The sound of horns reached them, signaling Xia’s camp was preparing to march. Tang’s soldiers followed their orders, leaving the camp.

Chu Qingzhi entered the tent. “Jinghong.”

Tang Jinghong, already armored, hugged her. “This is the final battle. After this, we can rest.”

Chu Qingzhi kissed him. “Come back victorious!”

“I will.” Tang Jinghong released her, took his helmet, and left the tent. After assembling his troops, he led them out of the camp.

Chu Qingzhi watched them leave.

Chu Qingning joined her. “Brother Jinghong will return safely.”

Chu Qingzhi turned to her. “Fourth Sister, I’m going to the battlefield to fight with Jinghong!”

Chu Qingning understood. “I support you.”

At that moment, a message arrived, “The Nalan family’s former residence has been found.”

Chu Qingzhi read it and decided to retrieve the First Emperor’s jade seal before assisting Tang Jinghong. “Fourth Sister, if there’s danger, hide where I told you. Understand?”

Chu Qingning nodded. “I understand.”

Chu Qingzhi flew to Liang City.

…

Liang City.

Disguised as Chu Tang, she arrived at a villa where Su Liangwei and Duan Ting were waiting at the gate. “Master.”

Chu Tang glanced at them. “Take me to the Nalan family’s former residence!”

“Yes, Master.” Su Liangwei led her into the villa.

As they walked, Chu Tang asked, “Where is Lu Ziming?”

Su Liangwei pointed to the right. “He’s been killed. The body is over there.”

Chu Qingzhi saw several bodies in the grass, including Lu Ziming’s.

Chu Tang paused. “What about Jiang Zhaoyong and Shang Zixing?”

Su Liangwei replied, “They’ve already entered the former residence.”

Reaching the garden pavilion, a hole had been dug, surrounded by Su Liangwei’s men.

Chu Tang asked curiously, “How did you find this place without equipment?”

Su Liangwei explained, “Duan Ting found a stone with runes in the lake, leading us here.”

Chu Tang peered into the two-zhang-deep, dark hole. “I’ll go down and take a look.”