Chapter 342 - Chapter 342: Chapter 342: Delivering Grain Together 1 (1/2)
Chapter 342: 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.”