Water gushed out of the mirror, and in just a few seconds, Feng Xiyan and everyone present were soaked.
Snapping out of his shock, Feng Xiyan quickly ordered, "Quick! Bring something to hold the water!"
"Yes, Great General!"
While the generals rushed out to find containers, Yan Bingyang scooped up some water with his hands and took a sip. As the cold liquid slid down his throat, the burning pain instantly subsided.
Staring at the water in disbelief, he muttered, "It's water... It's really water!"
Coming back to his senses, he hurriedly grabbed a cracked earthen bowl from the low table and filled it with water.
Holding the bowl like a precious treasure, he presented it to Feng Xiyan. "Great General, the water is safe to drink. Please have some."
Feng Xiyan took the bowl and drank it in one go. The water tasted sweet and cool, like fresh mountain spring water.
Looking at the mirror, still gushing with water, Feng Xiyan's heart surged with hope. Raising the empty bowl high, he declared, "Heaven has eyes! Our Feng Army will survive!"
When his words echoed in the surroundings, tears welled up in the soldiers' eyes. Seconds later, they raised their fists and shouted in unison, "Heaven has eyes! Our Feng Army will survive!"
With their morale reignited, the soldiers rushed forward to scoop the water with their hands. Smiles broke out across their dust-covered faces as they drank.
Soon, the other generals returned, carrying wooden buckets, earthen jars, and leather water bags. Yan Bingyang quickly began filling bowls and distributing water among them.
After downing three bowls, Zhan Qi laughed heartily. "With Heaven's blessing, we will win this war against the Yuezhi Tribe!"
The mood in the tent instantly brightened at his words.
Watching their joy, Feng Xiyan smiled. With water, they could grow food. With food and water, he believed the Feng Army would rise again.
With renewed determination, Feng Xiyan commanded, "Bring every container you can find and fill them all! Each soldier is to be given two buckets of water!"
Cheers erupted the moment his words fell.
"Thank you, Great General!"
Feng Xiyan's expression then turned serious as he looked at the generals. "This matter must be kept secret."
The generals understood immediately and cupped their fists. "Yes, Great General."
Orders were quickly carried out. Soldiers lined up in front of the tent in orderly rows, waiting patiently for their turn.
Feng Xiyan draped a red cloth around the mirror, shielding it from curious eyes. A large wooden bucket was placed beneath it to catch the flowing water, while the generals took turns scooping it out to fill water bags and water containers.
Meanwhile, word of the miracle spread to the civilians living near the barracks.
Most were soldiers' families, and though hesitant at first, they eventually brought their own containers and began lining up quietly in front of the barracks, unsure but hopeful.
By evening, the rumor had already taken hold—Heaven had blessed the Feng Army and gifted them with a spring of life.
The line of people stretched longer and longer, winding like a black dragon outside the barracks.
The next morning, Bai Hanyun woke up from hunger. After washing up, she went out to buy breakfast.
Although Bai Yansheng had robbed her inheritance, Bai Hanyun was used to living frugally.
With the monthly allowance given by her grandfather over the years, she had saved tens of millions—enough to live a comfortable life without working.
Stopping in front of a food stall, she said, "Boss, give me ten meat buns, ten scallion pancakes, and four bottles of soymilk."
When the stall owner heard this, he laughed and asked, "Miss, can you finish them all?"
Bai Hanyun smiled and replied, "I want to keep some for lunch and dinner later."
Hearing her answer, the stall owner's smile brightened. The best compliment he could get was that his customers liked his cooking.
Pleased with Bai Hanyun's words, the stall owner packed two extra meat buns and said, "Since you like my food, I will give you two more. Please come again."
"Thank you, Boss! May your business prosper!" Bai Hanyun beamed as she paid for the food.
Returning home with her breakfast, she looked at the clean living room and felt that something was missing.
After pondering for a moment, Bai Hanyun suddenly exclaimed, "Oh no! The mirror!"
Placing the bags of food on the dining table, she rushed to the backyard. Seeing the rope still tied to the tree by the riverside, she hurried over.
Bai Hanyun pulled the rope out from the river and saw that the antique mirror was still secured on the other end. Patting her chest, she let out a sigh of relief.
Even though the antique mirror annoyed her, it was still an antique. If she ever needed money, she could sell it.
After inspecting the antique mirror and finding it merely wet from the water, she brought it back inside.
Placing it on the dining table, Bai Hanyun grabbed two plates and a glass from the kitchen and plated the meat buns and the scallion pancakes. After she sat down, she set up her tablet and then took a sip of the warm soymilk.
While Bai Hanyun enjoyed her breakfast and watched a variety show, Feng Xiyan and the others were in distress.
Standing in front of the mirror, Feng Xiyan and the generals stared at it for a long time, but not even a drop of water came out.
After his eyes began to sting from staring, Fan Wanming couldn't help but ask Feng Xiyan, "Great General, can you make it spit out water again?"