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“I can’t bear this wait any longer.”

“If we don’t take action now and wait for that cursed troublemaker to finish the battle, the emperor might indulge him even more.”

When the Great Empress Dowager voiced this sentiment, a cold fierceness glinted in her eyes.

The old nanny beside her intended to comment. But upon glimpsing the resolve in the Great Empress Dowager’s eyes, she chose to remain silent.

Due to King Chujiang’s rebellion, a tense quiet enveloped the Qi Kingdom.

Since both Xiao Nanye and Jiang Changbai were dispatched to the frontlines, the entire General’s mansion was in suspense, awaiting news.

Yet, ten days had elapsed since the troops departed, and no word had reached them from the front.

Jiang Sijin too had returned to the military camp. Early in the morning, Jiang Peihuan went to Yanlin Garden.

She had intended to join Xue Yan for breakfast, but nearing the entrance, she was met with the fiery rage in Jiang Hong’s voice, “These peoples, they’re nothing but parasites.”

“The emperor hasn’t issued a statement, best hold your tongue.”

“How can 1 stay silent? Changbai is still in combat, and King Cheng, leading this campaign, is without supplies. How are they expected to wage war?”

Although Jiang Hong harbored reservations about the marriage between Xiao Nanye and Jiang Peihuan, he genuinely respected Xiao Nanye as a person.

Thus, with such a calamity befalling the court, his soldier’s heart burned with fury.

“Father, Mother.”

Jiang Peihuan gracefully entered the main hall, extending courtesies to the two elders.

Hearing Jiang Peihuan’s voice, Jiang Hong stopped cursing.

A hint of a smile played on his lips. “Huan Er, what brings you here?”

“I assumed you’d be visiting the military camp today, Father. So, I came to accompany Mother for breakfast.”

“Father, could you clarify your comments about the grain?”

Previously, Jiang Hong refrained from discussing court matters with his children. However, recent events underscored to him that his eldest daughter was far from ordinary.

Meeting Jiang Peihuan’s inquisitive gaze, he whispered, “Ten days ago, King Cheng and your elder brother led the troops, having only five days’ worth of grain. They were assured of subsequent supplies, but ten days have now passed, and the Ministry of Revenue remains unable to furnish the grain.” “And the emperor? How would he address this? After all, Xiao Nanye is his brother, his blood kin.”

Were it anyone else, perhaps the Emperor’s concern might wane. However, Jiang Peihuan personally witnessed Emperor Qi Ming’s fondness for Xiao Nanye.

Jiang Hong’s eyes clouded with a mix of frustration and resignation. “The Emperor is anxious every day, but the national treasury is empty. He has no choice.”

There were only five days worth of rations, but Xiao Nanye and the others had already set off for ten days.

Traditionally, in battles between two forces, securing food supplies took precedence.

With thoughts of Xiao Nanye and Jiang Changbai weighing on her, Jiang Peihuan’s eyes brimmed with deep concern.

Jiangzhou.

Inside the military camp.

“Your Highness, without any food today, our soldiers will not endure.”

Since their arrival in Jiangzhou, the camp’s meals were reduced to thin porridge, the kind where rice grains were barely visible.

Today, there wasn’t even rice for that.

Seated, Xiao Nanye’s face had lost its color. He hadn’t eaten in two days. He absentmindedly fingered a jade pendant— the same one Jiang Peihuan gifted him.

Upon hearing the concern, Xiao Nanye questioned, “Where is the young general?”

“Your Highness?”

Before Xiao Nanye could elaborate, Jiang Changbai entered, drawing the curtain behind him.

Jiang Changbai, too, looked troubled. He had spent years in the army, but this scarcity was unprecedented.

Recognizing him, Xiao Nanye inquired, “Have you gathered the information?”

Jiang Changbai nodded. “Indeed. It seems King Chujiang has stored most of the grain in his palace. However, a portion remains in the granary by the docks outside the city.”

“Tonight, we’ll raid the docks and seize the grain,” declared Xiao Nanye.

“Understood.”

Jiang Changbai had no objections to Xiao Nanye’s decision.

On the battlefield, it’s kill or be killed. Without food, their troops would face starvation.

Later that evening, Xiao Nanye, accompanied by Han Feng, left the camp. Turning to Jiang Changbai, he said, “During my absence, the camp’s responsibilities are yours.”

“Your wishes will be honored, Your Highness,” Jiang Changbai affirmed.

With a nod, Xiao Nanye departed.

The Jingdou.

Ever since she left Yanlin, Jiang Peihuan’s mind was consumed with securing grain supplies. “Ye Xiao, summon Deputy General Liu.”

“Understood.”

Soon after, Deputy General Liu entered the Plum Garden. As he prepared to offer his respects, Jiang Peihuan cut to the chase. “Deputy General Liu, I want you to use this money to acquire grain.”

“Eldest Miss, the commoners have sufficient grain at the moment. Despite having money, many are reluctant to sell it.”

“No matter. If they won’t sell for one coin, offer two.”

While speaking, Jiang Peihuan handed Deputy General Liu a stack of silver notes. These were the reparations from Huainan Mansion, initially given to her and Xiao Nanye in gold.

The funds could now be utilized to buy the much-needed grain.

“We should also consider checking the grain stores within the city…”

“Eldest Miss, Young Master Liu and Miss Liu have arrived.”

Before Jiang Peihuan could finish her sentence, Yue Er made her entrance.

After a brief exchange with Deputy General Liu, her gaze shifted to the entrance.

Liu Hao and Liu Xin were brought in by Yue Er.

“Sister Jiang.”

“Eldest Miss Jiang.”

Upon spotting Jiang Peihuan, the Liu siblings promptly approached to pay their respects. Jiang Peihuan stepped forward, assisting Liu Xin to her feet. “Xin Er, what brings you here today? Are you visiting Third Aunt?”

“Sister Jiang, we’re not here for our aunt today. We came to see you.”

“For me?”

Liu Xin’s words clouded Jiang Peihuan’s eyes with confusion.

Sensing her bewilderment, Liu Hao advanced, speaking softly, “Miss Jiang, I’m aware of the court’s current grain shortage. Our Liu family possesses a stock of one hundred thousand ton of grain. We wish to donate this to the army.”

“Cousin Liu, such a gesture is no small matter. Is this a mutual decision between you and Xin Er, or is it influenced by Uncle Liu?”

In these time, a hundred thousand ton of rice was even more precious than a hundred thousand gold.

“Rest assured, Eldest Miss Jiang. This decision stems from my father.”

“Why didn’t he approach the emperor directly? Why seek me?”

Being imperial merchants, the Liu family had the privilege to meet the emperor personally.

This detail deepened Jiang Peihuan’s intrigue.

Liu Xin intervened, “Sister Jiang, our intent is for the grain to sustain our troops, not to be squandered among the court officials.”

However, if the supplies were handed over directly to Emperor Qi Ming, their actual destination remained uncertain.

Though Liu Xin’s implications were subtle, Jiang Peihuan grasped the underlying message..