Chapter 342: Delivering Grain Together 1

“Yes. My nephew assured that once Your Highness agrees, the supply of grain would be sent here within three days, then… then we will trade as per the usual price.”,

Despite his nervousness, Xu Zhushan managed to relay Wei Ruo’s instructions accurately.

“Excellent.”

Chu Lan was satisfied with the timeline. It took time to move such a large amount of grain. It was commendable that Xu Zhushan’s nephew could manage it so quickly.

Then Chu Lan asked, “Can I meet him in person?”

“Your Highness, you are of such noble status, and my nephew is just a merchant. It would be inappropriate for you to spend time meeting him Moreover, he is not currently in Taizhou Prefecture, he merely has some businesses here, meeting… would… not be convenient…”

Xu Zhushan was very relieved that before he came, the lady had already told him all the possible dialogues, so now he knows how to respond to the prince’s questions.

Otherwise, he would stand there stupefied now with his intellect and response capability.

“It’s a pity, I had intended to thank him in person,” said Chu Lan.

“My nephew said… being able to help Xiaoyong and the soldiers of the Anti-Japanese Army is his honor, he wouldn’t dare to take credit,” Xu Zhushan relayed.

“Fair enough, I will not force the issue,” Chu Lan didn’t insist too much.

He then turned to Xu Zhengyong and said, “Xu Zhushan, you have undoubtedly contributed significantly this time. I shall inform the court and reward you appropriately.”

“Thank you, Your Highness,” Xu Zhengyong expressed his gratitude. Xu Zhengyong knew that the best way to repay Ruoruo’s kindness was to leverage this opportunity to gain promotion, hence augmenting his power and becoming a steadfast supporter of Ruoruo.

The Guard Commander, Zheng, gave Xu Zhengyong a pat on the shoulder, “I’m looking forward to your good news, and don’t forget to invite me for drinks.” “Lord Guard Commander, once we defeat the Japanese Pirates, I will definitely treat you to the finest booze,” said Xu Zhengyong.

“So you’re planning on treating me to some Thyme?” Zheng chuckled.

“No problem, Thyme it is! As long as we can defeat those damn Japanese

Pirates, I’ll treat everyone to Thyme,” Xu Zhengyong promised.

Chu Lan also said, “I’m looking forward to having the Thyme that Xu Zhushan is going to treat us with.”

“No problem at all!” Xu Zhengyong agreed confidently.

After the soldiers had unloaded the sixteen carts of grain in the camp, Xu Zhushan took the empty carts and left.

They agreed that Xu Zhushan’s nephew would arrange for another delivery of grains in three days’ time.

From then on, it would depend on the camp’s requirements – more grain would be arranged to ensure the soldiers would not starve and they would be able to concentrate on fighting the Japanese Pirates without any worries.

###

Three days later, Wei Ruo and Lady Xiumei disguised themselves as men and personally delivered the grains to the camp.

Accompanying them were Wei Jinyi and Xiaobei. While they were familiar with Wei Ruo and Lady Xiumei’s male attire, they were in the dark about what the pair was up to this day.

Wei Jinyi only knew that Wei Ruo was going out on errands, so he asked to accompany her.

Wei Ruo agreed, and then the four of them, like before, set out together. Once they reached Younan Farmstead and saw the twenty carts full of grain Xiaobei was surprised and asked Lady Xiumei, “Where are we taking so much grain, Lady Xiumei?”

“These grains are being sold to the camp for military rations. The lady here is delivering it today.” Lady Xiumei answered.

“Ah?” Xiaobei exclaimed in surprise, “Where did all these grains come from?”

Lady Xiumei did not respond, instead, she looked at Wei Ruo uncertain whether she should inform the young master and Xiaobei about it.

Wei Ruo turned around and explained: “It’s mine.”

“Miss, you have so much grain?” Xiaobei was even more surprised.

“Are you surprised?” Wei Ruo countered.

Xiaobei nodded vigorously: “I know that you are very good at growing grains and you can make barren land produce crops, but I didn’t know you had so much grain! Then…what about the situation at the military prefecture…”

Considering the current food shortage faced by the Wei Family, and Madam’s concerns about it, Xiaobei was taken aback to learn that Wei Ruo had so much grain to supply the army!

Wei Ruo smiled brightly, “These are my private possessions. It’s none of their business who I choose to sell or give them to, right?”

Xiaobei nodded, there was no problem with that, only this was… too unexpected.

Xiaobei couldn’t help but exclaim, “Miss, you’re really amazing! If the family knew about this, I bet they would be utterly astonished!”

Wei Ruo laughed and said, “Then you must help me keep this secret. I fear if they found out, they would demand grains from me and then I would be worried.”

Xiaobei nodded seriously, “Miss, don’t worry, the young master is on your side we will definitely keep your secret!”

Wei Ruo looked back at Wei Jinyi and smiled, “What about you, second brother?”

“Uh-huh.”

We Jinyi’s eyes met Wei Ruo’s brilliant smile, which coaxed a rare smile onto his face too.

After loading the carts, Wei Ruo, Wei Jinyi, Lady Xiumei, and Xiaobei each mounted a horse and led the way, with the farmstead’s people following behind driving the carts full of grain.

They set off from Younan Farmstead, laughing and chatting on their journey

Upon leaving Xianju County City, they met soldiers from the Anti-Japanese Army, who had been sent to escort them.

The military attached great importance to the safety of the grain. To ensure the gram’s security, the camp had specially dispatched someone to meet them at the eastern gate of Xianju County City.

The person in charge was none other than Xu Zhengyong.

Seeing Wei Ruo and Lady Xiumei, Xu Zhengyong was full of smiles. However, respecting the presence of others, he was forced to restrain himself.

Besides, he was in military uniform with his subordinates behind him, he needed to maintain a far more serious demeanour than he usually did when jovially interacting with Wei Ruo and Lady Xiumei.

Seeing Xu Zhengyong in his military uniform, and his unusually serious demeanor, Lady Xiumei was a bit mesmerized.

Despite the familiar face, something seemed different. He seemed radiant, emanating an aura of heroism and dignity.

As she kept on gazing, Lady Xiumei blushed and lowered her gaze.

Xu Zhengyong slowed down to ride beside Wei Ruo: “The road ahead might be a bit tough, if you feel tired we can take a break. We still have plenty of time.” n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

The last portion of their journey was near the battlefield and was sparsely populated. Plus, the road was bumpy and could be a rough ride.

XU Zhengyong knew that Wei Ruo was not familiar with horse riding and was worried she might tire out.

Tm fine. Let’s take a rest after delivering the grain,” Wei Ruo responded.

“Alright,” Xu Zhengyong pointed to a narrow path between two large mountains in the distance and said, “After passing through that path, we’ll be there.”

“Alright,” Wei Ruo assented.

Half an hour later, the group entered the winding path.

Suddenly, Wei Jinyi’s brow furrowed: “Stop.”

Everyone turned to look at him.. Wei Ruo asked, “What’s the matter, second brother?”