The Lucky Heiress - Chapter 341:
Chapter 341: Chapter 341: Delivering Food to the Military
Camp 1
Miss, you mustn’t think that way. If Madam didn’t care about you, she wouldn’t have saved you in the first place, and you wouldn’t have been served your medicated soup every day,” Nurse Li said hurriedly.
“But, I’m just not as good as I used to be…” Wei Qingwan lamented, with a pained expression.
“Miss…”
“I should have known this day would come,” Wei Qingwan muttered.
Miss, you should relax and think on the bright side. Didn’t Mr. Qi write back to you? He cares a lot about you. With Mr Qi to rely upon in the future, there is no need to fear, whether it be the Military Prefecture now or even the Loyal and Righteous Duke’s Residence in Capital City in the future, they would not dare to belittle you,” Nurse Li assured.
At the mention of Qi Zhen, a glimmer of brightness appeared in Wei Qingwan’s eyes. Qi Zhen had written back, explaining that he had been delayed by official business and had not been able to visit her.
He also reassured her that he would find a way to see her after her wounds had healed and that he would propose marriage to the Wei family formally.
Upon hearing this, Wei Qingwan asked Nurse Li, “Has there been any news about the scar removal medicine?”
She needed to heal the wound on her back without leaving a scar.
She couldn’t let Qi Zhen see the terrifying scar on her back on their wedding night.
“This…” Nurse Li wore a look of difficulty on her face, “Miss, don’t worry. Finding this doctor is not easy. Give me some more time. I will manage to find him.”
“If it’s too late, will it be more difficult to get rid of the scar completely?” Wei Qingwan voiced her worry.
“No, no, it will definitely be removed. You will be just like your old self,” Nurse Li said hurriedly.
Wei Qingwan took off her bracelet and stuffed it into Nurse Li’s hands, “Nurse Li, please help me buy the medicine on the street tomorrow, and then try to find out more about that Doctor Xu.”
Alright, alright. Miss, don’t worry. 1 will certainly handle everything properly for you.”, Nurse Li received Wei Qingwan’s bracelet and promised.
###
Wei Mingting had only been home for two days, and, apart from spending the nights there, he spent all his time outside, either running to the govermnent office or visiting local prominent families to resolve the issue of military provisions.
Two days later, Wei Mingting returned to the military barracks.
He left with a deep furrow on his brow as the issue of military provisions was still unresolved. But staying in the city was pointless, so returning to the barracks meant at least enduring hardship together with his troops.
Wei Mingting anxiously returned to the military barracks, only to hear some good news upon arrival.
Xu Zhengyong claimed that he had found a way to obtain provisions, and he had already reported this to the guard commander and the Prince.
Weimmg Tmg immediately returned to his tent and summoned Xu Zhengyong for confirmation.
“Is it true? Can you really secure military provisions?”
Weimmg Ting could barely contain his excitement, which was unusual for him, even with enemies at the gates.
“It’s true. I have a cousin who is wealthy and somewhat skilled in trade. His granaries are currently well-stocked. After I wrote to him asking for grains, he agreed to supply several carriages of grain to help the army. He said that for my sake, he is willing to sell even more grain to the camp at the original price.” Xu Zhengyong explained.
The scarcity of food has driven up the prices. Even if you are willing to purchase at high prices, supply is limited, with few willing to sell.
Being able to sell at the original price was already considered very benevolent.
“How much grain can your cousin contribute?” Wei Mingting pressed.
For this month, he can supply five thousand stones of wheat and thirty thousand stones of sweet potatoes.”, Xu Zhengyong replied.
“What? So much?” Wei Mingting was stunned.
Not many households could spare that much grain now.
Xu Zhengyong clarified, “Yes, my cousin can supply this much at the moment.
There will be even more after the autumn harvest.”
“When can your cousin deliver the grain?” Wei Mingting asked next.
“The first batch can be delivered this afternoon,” Xu Zhengyong answered.
Unexpectedly, the response was quick and pleasing.
Wei Mingting, now delighted, asked, “What did the Prince and the Guard Commander have to say?”
“The Prince and the Guard Commander have agreed. They plan to buy all the grain from my cousin. The Prince will pay in advance to meet the urgent need, and then make a plea to the court later on.” Xu Zhengyong explained.
“That’s excellent!” Wei Mingting’s heart was relieved.
Then, he turned to Xu Zhengyong, “Xiaoyong, you have made a great contribution this time.”
Xu Zhengyong scratched his head in embarrassment, “It’s nothing really.”
It was nothing worth mentioning, everything was arranged by his sister Ruoruo.
Ruoruo insisted that he claim to have taken the initiative to seek help from his “cousin”; it was because of his face that his “cousin” had agreed to provide the grain, as this would highlight his importance in this matter.
“The provisions for the army are of utmost importance. Without steady resupply, the massive Anti-Japanese Army would be defeated without a fight. When the Japanese Pirates invade, we will not be able to hold Taizhou prefecture. Your contribution in settling the food and fodder issue for the military is of great importance,” Wei Mingting said seriously.
The soldiers did not fear dying in battle, but dying from inadequate logistics support.
“You’re praising me too much, Sir Wei. This is only what I ought to do. As long as everyone can fill their stomachs, it’s okay.” Xu Zhengyong replied.
###
That afternoon, Xu Zhushan led the convoy delivering the food to the camp.
A total of six carts of wheat and ten carts of sweet potatoes were transported.
Although there was no rice, these foods were very filling.
Both Chu Lan and the government official came personally to the camp gate to receive the delivery, demonstrating the importance of this food supply to the camp.
Xu Zhengyong was there too. Xu Zhushan lighted up when he saw his son.
“Father, thank you for your hard work,” Xu Zhengyong said.
“No, it’s not tiresome at all.” Xu Zhushan chuckled heartily.
He wasn’t suffering at all. The young miss had supplied the grain, and the merit was attributed to his son. He was merely the transporter.
Xu Zhengyong turned to Chu Lan and the government official and explained, “My lord and Guard Commander, unfortunately my cousin was unable to make it, so he asked my father to help deliver the grain.”
“Thank you for your hard work,” Chu Lan said.
Xu Zhushan respectfully bowed to Chu Lan and the guard commander, then stood awkwardly to the side, not knowing what to do.
Chu Lan asked Xu Zhushan, “When can the remaining grain be delivered? We have no issue with the price your son quoted me. If possible, I’d like to meet with Xu in person.”
“This…!…”
Xu Zhushan felt a bit nervous. The young lady had told him how to respond, but he was never very eloquent, and to make it worse, this was his first time meeting with a prince, so it was no wonder he felt tense.
Don’t be nervous, take your time,” Chu Lan reassuringly said..