Song Xian is very strict in managing the army. Even when army supplies were lacking and they had to eat millet porridge for several days, everything remained as usual.
Old General Zhang had an illusion, as if, regardless of whether they could obtain military supplies, Cheng Yanzhao would still lead reinforcements to the West Pass.
Having led troops for many years, how could Old General Zhang lack experience? Yet even an old general began to feel anxious in such a silent atmosphere, not about winning the battle, but fearing that Song Xian might encounter a mishap.
After all, back in the day, Prince Guangyang faced such a situation, with remnants of the previous dynasty in front and the Liao people behind.
History must not repeat itself.
Even so, Cheng Yanzhao kept chattering incessantly in his ear, making Old General Zhang dream of catching a flock of ducks.
In the dream, he suddenly realized that the issue of army provisions was resolved.
Catch the ducks and stew them for food, then there would be provisions, wouldn’t there?
His stomach growled, waking up Old General Zhang.
Just as he was about to get up and continue running around, he heard someone shouting, "The supplies have arrived."
Old General Zhang quickly walked out of the military tent.
The supplies had indeed arrived.
With his graying hair, Old General Zhang grabbed a horse and rode outside the camp to clearly see the team transporting the supplies.
Endless mule carts in sight.
The Song Family Army escorted a team, but there were more common people dressed in simple attire.
The front carts carried provisions, while boxes stacked on the rear carts appeared to be military supplies.
This team traveled from Zhenzhou, with the faces of those escorting the supplies showing no fatigue, but rather excitement upon seeing them, like long-lost family members finally reunited.
Chen Yongsheng and others couldn’t help but wave their arms.
Even the Song Family soldiers in the camp had expressions on their faces.
Joy, gratitude, a mix of emotions so intense that even a solemn face couldn’t completely hide it.
Then, for the first time, Old General Zhang saw Sister Chen from Zhenzhou.
The young girl rode a chestnut horse, wearing a short brown jacket commonly worn by men, her hair tied up. Even though she appeared thin, she exuded a certain heroic spirit.
The team kept moving forward, and nothing could stop their steps.
The girl riding alongside them, as if she were their guiding light, as long as they kept looking at her.
Old General Zhang ordered people to greet them, and when Cheng Yanzhao arrived nearby, Old General Zhang couldn’t help but ask, "Who is that woman on horseback?"
Just watching this team transporting supplies for a while would reveal who they were following.
Everyone’s eyes were on that girl.
"Sister Chen," Cheng Yanzhao said, "Miss Xie from Chen Family Village in Zhenzhou, Sister Chen of Zhenzhou." She is the beloved of Commander Song, General of the Western Expedition, Song Xian.
Cheng Yanzhao said, "The one we’ve been waiting for all along."
The journey was arduous, with villagers’ shoes worn out, legs sore, swollen, and dust in their eyes, ears, nose, and mouth, lips cracked and bleeding.
But it didn’t stop their smiles, teeth stained red with blood, faces creased with smiles.
Arriving half a day earlier than expected, could they not be filled with joy?
Along the way, some people got sick, but with Miss Xie’s timely treatment, they gritted their teeth and persevered.
The number that departed from Zhenzhou is the same as the current one. Content orıginally comes from novel✦fire.net
Most importantly, they saw General Song’s troops standing here waiting, General Cheng appeared relaxed, indicating they were not late.
The supplies brought were abundant.
Provisions and medical supplies from Zhenzhou, weapons from Zhaozhou blacksmith shops, all things Old General Zhang dreamed of obtaining.
Cheng Yanzhao’s head was hot with excitement, wishing he could lift Miss Xie off the horse and throw her up high.
To express his current excitement and gratitude.
Nothing else, just gratitude.
A hundred times more powerful than coal in the snow.
What Miss Xie sent was not just supplies, but lives, the lives of thousands of soldiers.
Of course... Cheng Yanzhao would never act so recklessly. The mere thought gave him chills down his spine, unable to resist making sure Song Xian wasn’t here at the moment.
Cheng Yanzhao still went forward to embrace Chen Yongsheng.
"Second Uncle," Cheng Yanzhao said, his eyes bright, expressing his excitement, "Thank you all for your hard work."
Second Uncle Chen Yongsheng’s body trembled, his smile froze, wondering from where Cheng General was speaking. He couldn’t quite understand.
After hugging Chen Yongsheng, Cheng Yanzhao greeted Xie Liangchen: "Thank you, Miss Xie."
Xie Liangchen returned the courtesy.
Cheng Yanzhao wanted to speak more with Xie Liangchen but found another person in his line of sight.
Like a stone monument firmly blocked his view. Cheng Yanzhao couldn’t help but shake his head silently, for such is the master, such are the followers.
The military supplies gradually entered the camp.
Cheng Yanzhao introduced Old General Zhang to everyone.
Old General Zhang heard a woman’s voice and realized that this supply team had more than just Miss Xie, there were also several women among those escorting medical supplies.
"Old General Zhang," Lishu called again, "Do you remember me? Ayin from Tong Family Village."
Hearing those words, Old General Zhang’s expression changed slightly, carefully observing Lishu.
Lishu said, "We were tricked away by Jiahui... Yang Wu."
Perhaps from recalling past events, or noticing that Old General Zhang was much older than she remembered, Lishu’s nose tingled, and her eyes turned red.
All the humiliation suffered over the years surfaced in her mind.
Lishu’s voice trembled, making it difficult for her to continue.
Next to her, Yu Niang held Lishu’s hand, helping her to regain composure before she continued, "General Song and Miss Xie rescued me, and now... we’ve returned home."
Tears still slipped down from the corners of her eyes; Lishu stood on the land of the eight states, her hometown located here. Although everything before her was strange, she hadn’t yet returned to Tong Family Village to see her family. Yet, for some reason, she felt a familiar atmosphere around her, bringing a sense of extraordinary peace.
She’s home, she’s done nothing wrong, and can now see her family back home.
Therefore, she is thankful to General Song and Miss Xie for paving a path home for her.
In the camp, cooking smoke curled upward.
Lighting fires to prepare meals, readying rations and supplies for the troops, Xie Liangchen watched Lishu busy around her. Lishu’s expression was much more relaxed than it had been in the past couple of days, indicating that much of the burdens weighing on her heart had been lifted.
"Miss," Lishu said, "Is there something that hasn’t been arranged properly?"
Xie Liangchen didn’t know why Lishu said this.
Lishu said, "You’ve been frowning all along." It seemed as though she wasn’t at ease; after arriving here, everyone breathed a sigh of relief, except Miss Xie, who remained the same as during the journey. Did Miss Xie feel something was amiss?
Xie Liangchen looked at the soldiers coming and going in the camp.
She didn’t know, maybe because... she hadn’t seen Song Xian here?
Xie Liangchen remained silent for a long while before Lishu heard her ask, "Is it far from here to the West Pass?"