Chapter 182 - 182: Jiang Peihuan’s Departure

Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation

The Flying Feathers Army was established by Xue Yan. Despite its small size and being comprised entirely of women, each member was formidable. Under Xue Yan’s leadership, they had garnered significant military achievements.

However, once Jiang Hong relinquished his military power, the Flying Feathers Army became the Jiang family’s ace up their sleeve.

Jiang Peihuan, seeing the Flying Feathers Army before her, hesitated. Turning to Xue Yan, she softly said, “Mother, while I’m transporting the grains, the Emperor has already dispatched soldiers. Perhaps you should keep the Flying Feathers Army close.”

“Both your father and 1 are in the capital, safe from harm. Please, take the Flying Feathers Army with you.”

“Huan Er, heed your mother’s advice,” Jiang Hong added in a low voice.

Recognizing his intent, Jiang Peihuan nodded, taking the command seal offered to her.

Checking the time, she addressed Jiang Hong and Xue Yan, “Father, Mother, it’s getting late. 1 must depart.”

“Very well.”

“Huan Er, come back safely,” Old Madam Jiang, with teary eyes, implored as she gazed upon Jiang Peihuan in her military attire.

The thought of her great-grandson facing peril in battle had been nerve-wracking enough. Now with Jiang Peihuan setting off, concern dominated the old madam’s eyes.

Acknowledging the old madam’s anxiety, Jiang Peihuan approached, bowed deeply, and assured, “Grandmother, 1 promise to return safely.”

“Alright, my dear… I’ll await your return,” the old madam replied with palpable emotion.

If Jiang Ruyun still felt that the Jiang family treated her differently from Jiang Peihuan in the past, then at this moment, she was very indifferent. Eldest Sister was indeed stronger than her.

Hearing this, Jiang Peihuan responded with a reassuring smile, “1 trust you.”

After offering a respectful bow to the gathered crowd, Jiang Peihuan spurred her horse forward.

The supplies were already at the Jiang mansion’s entrance, collected by soldiers from Emperor Qi Ming. Without further delay, Jiang Peihuan declared, “Let’s move out!”

With her command, the group promptly advanced towards Jiangzhou.

Remembering that ten days had passed since Xiao Nanye’s incident, Jiang Peihuan felt a growing urgency.

The journey from Jingdou to Jiangzhou would span two to three days. Fearing that the army wouldn’t endure without supplies, she addressed her troops, “Before King Cheng departed, their food supplies would last only five days. It’s been ten days since then, so we must hasten our pace.”

“We understand, Eldest Miss,”

The person who spoke was Xu Zhao. He was the Vice Commander of the Imperial Army and was also the person sent by Emperor Qi Ming to accompany Jiang Peihuan.

Although Emperor Qi Ming had promised Jiang Peihuan to let her escort the grain, he still had to send someone to take over.

Hearing Xu Zhao’s words, Jiang Peihuan nodded.

As they sped on, the distant beat of hooves reached them. Ye Xiao, close by, turned her head to identify the newcomer and whispered to Jiang Peihuan, “Miss, it’s the Young Master Xue.”

Following her gaze, Jiang Peihuan recognized Xue Qi approaching.

She had wondered about his absence at the General’s Mansion earlier, only to realize he’d secretly set out ahead.

Pulling on her reins, she waited for Xue Qi.

Upon reaching her, before Jiang Peihuan could address him, Xue Qi hurriedly spoke, “I’ve informed my aunt and family. 1 couldn’t let you undertake this journey alone; 1 must accompany you.”

Jiang Peihuan, with a mix of amusement and resignation, asked, “Would it matter if 1 objected?”

Seeing her expression, Xue Qi grinned, “Naturally, it wouldn’t.”

“In that case, i appreciate your company, Cousin Qi.”

“Alright, alright.” He laughed lightly, nodding in acknowledgment.

Their brief exchange didn’t impede the group’s progress.

In the beginning, the group moved quickly. However, by the time they reached the outskirts of the city, their pace had noticeably slowed.

“Why have we slowed down, Commander Xu?”

Noticing the change in speed, Jiang Peihuan turned her gaze to Xu Zhao.

Xu Zhao met her eyes, his own filled with a mix of embarrassment and helplessness. “Eldest Miss,” he whispered, “the men I’ve brought this time aren’t accustomed to long marches. We’ve been on our feet for over two hours; they’ve reached their limits.”

He seemed somewhat chagrined as he continued, especially given that none of the women from the Feathered Army appeared fatigued. In stark contrast, the Imperial soldiers he’d brought were visibly struggling.

Upon hearing this, Jiang Peihuan’s brow furrowed. She remained silent for a moment, then instructed, “Allow the troops a brief rest.”

“Thank you, Eldest Miss,” Xu Zhao expressed with gratitude.

At Xu Zhao’s mention of rest, the exhausted Imperial soldiers almost immediately collapsed onto the ground. Xue Qi, standing beside Jiang Peihuan, looked on with barely concealed disdain. “Such a display would earn nothing but scorn back in Qingzhou,” he remarked dryly.

“Enough, Cousin Qi,” Jiang Peihuan whispered. Worried that his comment might incite tensions, she shot him a cautionary glance.

Chastened by Jiang Peihuan’s look, Xue Qi bit back any further comments.

From where she stood on the city’s outskirts, Jiang Peihuan’s gaze traveled to the distant Jiangzhou. Her eyes mirrored deep concern.

There had been no word from Jiangzhou and Jiang Peihuan’s anxiety for Xiao Nanye and Jiang Changbai grew.

Jiangzhou

“Young General, the king and his men have returned,” a voice reported.

When Xiao Nanye left with his men last night, Jiang Changbai had been guarding Xiao Nanye’s tent.

He did not sleep for the entire night.

When he heard the noise outside, Jiang Changbai immediately stood up.

As soon as he lifted the curtain, Jiang Changbai saw the food on the horse.

Although it wasn’t much, only about twenty ton, it could at least allow the soldiers to hold on for another day.

Xiao Nanye strode over and Jiang Changbai quickly went up to him.” Your Highness?”

Nodding at Jiang Changbai, Xiao Nanye looked at Lin Xingchen and said,” Ask the kitchen to cook all the food.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

As Lin Xingchen moved to execute the order, Jiang Changbai turned to Xiao Nanye, concern evident in his voice. “Your Highness, we’re out of food in the camp. Shouldn’t we reserve some of this?”

“Even if all of this food is cooked, it’s only enough for today’s food. There’s no need to keep it.”

As he spoke, Xiao Nanye walked into the tent..