Chapter 183: Capturing Someone From The Chujiang Mansion
Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation
Jiang Changbai settled into the seat beside Xiao Nanye, glancing over before posing a question, “Your Highness, did you encounter any resistance at the granary of King Chujiang’s Mansion last night?”
“Yes.”
Seeing Xiao Nanye’s affirmation, Jiang Changbai inquired further, “What’s the state of King Chujiang’s forces?”
A shadow passed over Xiao Nanye’s face as he looked back at Jiang Changbai, murmuring, “They are formidable.”
This succinct response caused a hint of concern to appear in Jiang Changbai’s eyes.
At this moment, Han Feng walked in with two bowls of porridge. He looked at the two people on the chairs and said softly,” Master, Young General, please eat first.”
He set the porridge on the table. Having not eaten for two days, both Xiao Nanye and Jiang Changbai instinctively reached for their bowls.
Yet, Xiao Nanye paused to ask Han Feng, “Has everyone been given their portion?”
“They all have,” Han Feng reassured.
Comforted by the response, Xiao Nanye began to eat. But he had barely finished when an urgent voice from outside alerted them, “Your Highness, we are under attack!”
Exchanging a swift glance, both Xiao Nanye and Jiang Changbai left their seats, exiting the tent in haste.
Without a word, Xiao Nanye headed in the direction of the disturbance. Han Feng was at his side, leading Zhui Yun, Xiao Nanye’s steed.
Quickly mounting, Xiao Nanye rallied his men to move out.
As they neared the site of the commotion, the clashing of weapons became discernible. Lin Xingchen, it appeared, had already engaged the intruders.
While Lin Xingchen had the upper hand against his immediate opponent, the defeated foe hastily retreated on horseback. Lin Xingchen moved to pursue, but Xiao Nanye’s voice held him back. “Stop.”
Hearing this, Lin Xingchen reined in his horse, but the fleeing man dared a look back, eyes darkening with recognition and animosity.
With evident rage in his posture, he accused, “It was you who raided our granary last night.”
Unfazed, Xiao Nanye replied after a brief pause, “You must be Jiang Han, King Chujiang’s youngest son.”
Xiao Nanye was certain of his statement. Seeing this, the man’s eyes widened in surprise.
Jiang Han stared at Xiao Nanye, shocked. “How did you know?”
Being the youngest son of King Chujiang, his existence was kept a secret. King Chujiang had concealed him to preserve the last vestige of his bloodline. It was a safeguard, ensuring that he could pass on his lineage.
So, Jiang Han was taken aback when Xiao Nanye revealed his identity.
A smirk played on Xiao Nanye’s lips, “Now that you’ve come to me, i won’t be holding back.”
His seemingly friendly demeanor sharply contrasted the steely resolve in his eyes.
Swiftly, the confrontation escalated. “Capture him alive,” Xiao Nanye commanded Lin Xingchen.
“Understood.”
Lin Xingchen, being astute, had already understood Xiao Nanye’s intentions. Upon hearing Xiao Nanye’s statement, he didn’t hesitate and spurred his horse onward.
Jiang Han’s escorts quickly shielded him. However, Lin Xingchen’s entourage was equally formidable. In no time, both parties clashed in heated battle. “Young Prince, escape while you can!”
When Jiang Han’s side found themselves outmatched, they attempted to block Lin Xingchen, imploring their prince to flee.
With a look of defiance, Jiang Han, seeing the unfolding chaos and heeding the advice of his subordinate, galloped away.
At that moment, Xiao Nanye received a bow from Han Feng. With the distance increasing between them and Jiang Han’s retreating figure, Xiao Nanye took aim.
Releasing the arrow, it found its mark in Jiang Han’s steed.
Han Feng swiftly moved forward, pointing his arrow at Jiang Han’s throat.
“Young Prince, I advise you not to move. My arrow does not have eyes.”
“Hold your positions! Your prince in my grasp.”
Seeing Jiang Han captured, his soldiers hesitantly lowered their weapons.
The sight of the captured Jiang Han elicited smiles from the soldiers in the camp.
Back in their tent, Jiang Changbai and Xiao Nanye deliberated on the worth of their captive. “Your Highness, do you plan to use Jiang Han as a bargaining chip against King Chujiang?”
“Even though Jiang Han is King Chujiang’s youngest son, the king wouldn’t surrender just to save him.”
“So, what purpose of capturing Jiang Han?”
“He might not ensure King Chujiang’s immediate surrender, but he could be traded for food supplies.”
“After all, he’s a prince of the Chujiang. Surely, he’s worth some food supplies.”
Jiang Changbai chuckled at Xiao Nanye’s remark, but his amusement soon gave way to concern. He broached, “Your Highness, if the capital doesn’t send supplies soon, our situation will become dire…”
Grasping the seriousness, Xiao Nanye affirmed, “The supplies will be here within days.”
Xiao Nanye had faith in Emperor Qi Ming’s assistance, although he hadn’t expected the emissary to be Jiang Peihuan.
On the outskirts of the capital.
“Eldest Miss, shall we rest for the night?”
Seeing that nightfall was approaching, Xu Zhao turned towards Jiang Peihuan.
“We won’t rest now. We’ll assess the situation later into the night.”
Hearing Jiang Peihuan’s words, Xu Zhao’s eyes brimmed with sadness, but he had no other options.
All the Imperial Army showed their displeasure, yet none dared to voice their concerns.
After all, they had all witnessed Jiang Peihuan’s use of her whip firsthand.
Seeing the looks on everyone’s faces, Jiang Peihuan tightened her grip on her whip, her brow furrowed in concern.
If she had anticipated this outcome, she would rather face the wrath of Emperor Qi Ming than not have the guards from her own family, the Jiangs, at her side.
While Jiang Peihuan proceeded, chaos erupted at Prince Qing’s mansion. “You’re saying Jiang Peihuan is escorting the food supplies to Jiangzhou?” Shock filled Xiao Junhao’s eyes as he gazed at Pei Wu, who knelt before him. Pei Wu had only just been informed.
After all, Jiang Peihuan had only disclosed this to Emperor Qi Ming. Many court officials were still unaware.
Upon hearing Xiao Junhao, Pei Wu nodded in confirmation.
Xiao Junhao’s hand clenched into a tight fist, a torrent of emotions swirling in his eyes.
He had painstakingly ensured the Ministry of Revenue was short on grain. Without it, even Emperor Qi Ming was powerless.
But never did Xiao Junhao expect Jiang Peihuan to procure such a supply and personally see it to Jiangzhou.
“Send someone,”
After a brief pause, Xiao Junhao directed his words to Pei Wu, “Under any circumstances, that grain must not reach Jiangzhou..”