Chapter 888: A Swarm of Refugees

Editor: Henyee Translations

Chu Qingzhi smiled gratefully at Chu Qingning’s offer, “Then I’m thankful, Fourth Sister.”

Observing Chu Qingzhi’s slightly thinner appearance after just a few days, Chu Qingning expressed her concern, “You’ve lost weight already. How about I prepare your meals separately from now on?”

Chu Qingzhi declined, “No need, Fourth Sister. It’s too conspicuous in the military camp, and hard to manage.”

Chu Qingning insisted softly, “Then I’ll prepare them secretly.” Nothing was more important than her younger sister’s well-being, regardless of how challenging the task might be.

Chu Qingzhi accepted with a smile, “Alright then.”

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In the main tent.

Meng Shengdong reported with some frustration, “General, we haven’t been able to identify who placed the giant rock in the canyon, but all signs point to it coming from the east.”

Tang Jinghong massaged his temples, “Understood, you may go.”

“Yes, sir,” Meng Shengdong bowed and left.

Moments later, Chu Qingzhi entered, bringing a bowl of peach gum, tremella, and apple soup specially prepared for him, “Try this.”

Tang Jinghong set the bowl on the table and then pulled Chu Qingzhi into his embrace, “Qingzhi, let me hold you.”

Feeling somewhat agitated, he had been irked by the constant petty actions of their adversaries, akin to the annoyance of flies — not biting, but disgustingly irritating.

Sitting on Tang Jinghong’s lap, Chu Qingzhi began to massage his temples, “Don’t worry, let them jump around for now. Once we reach the eastern border, we’ll make them regret their actions.”

Tang Jinghong laughed lightly, “Your words sound like you’re soothing a child.”

Indeed, in her presence, he felt like a child. Chu Qingzhi gently asked, “Feeling better?”

Gradually, Tang Jinghong’s mind cleared, and he held her closer, filled with gratitude and affection, “Qingzhi, it’s truly wonderful to have you by my side.”

Chu Qingzhi handed him the bowl of soup, “Then let me make things even better.”

Naturally, Tang Jinghong didn’t let her feed him. Instead, he took the bowl and fed Chu Qingzhi, sharing the meal together.

…

In the eastern border, Liang City.

Xi ZhaoPing, Tang Jinghong’s trusted subordinate, received a letter. After reading it, he nearly danced with joy, “The General is finally coming.”

His confidant, Ji YouShan, shared in the excitement, “Sir, does the letter mention Miss Chu’s arrival?”

“It does. Tang Jinghong and Chu Qingzhi are coming together.” Xi ZhaoPing burned the letter in a brazier to keep the contents secret.

Their combined presence was invincible. This was great news for the eastern border. Ji YouShan asked, “Sir, what’s our next step?”

“Collect medicinal supplies and food in secret. Do nothing else and wait for their arrival,” Xi ZhaoPing instructed.

Ji YouShan nodded, “Understood, sir.”

Xi ZhaoPing warned, “Keep this matter confidential. Any leaks could lead to unnecessary casualties.”

Ji YouShan assured, “Sir, I understand.”

After sending Ji YouShan off, Xi ZhaoPing began to write several letters, requesting privacy to avoid interruptions.

Meanwhile, the mysterious individual who had left messages for Tang Jinghong and Chu Qingzhi in the forest also received news of their arrival to the eastern border and began to make moves.

…

Half a month later.

A large group of refugees appeared in the forest, numbering at least ten thousand. They were ragged, emaciated, and afflicted with smallpox, resembling ghosts more than humans.

Upon seeing the military troop, the desperate refugees rushed towards them, screaming, “Food, give us food…”

If they reached the soldiers, the entire troop would be at risk of contracting smallpox, and their supplies could be looted.

Meng Shengdong, mounted on a horse, drew his sword and commanded sternly, “Stop! Move one step closer, and you will be killed without mercy!”

The famished refugees paid no heed, charging forward relentlessly like cannonballs.

Tang Jinghong rode forward, channeling his internal energy through his palm, and with a wave, sent the leading refugees flying back, “Further resistance will be met with no mercy!”

The refugees paused momentarily, but their desperation only intensified, “He’s a general, he must have plenty of food. Charge!”

“Charge, and we’ll have food!”

“Charge!”

Their assault resembled a battlefield charge, with the vanguard soldiers attacking with ferocity.

Chu Qingzhi stepped forward, circulating her spiritual energy, forming a powerful gust of wind with one hand. With her other hand, she released a vial of medicine into the wind. Instantly, all the refugees collapsed to the ground.