Chapter 950: Whereabouts of the Military Provisions
Editor: Henyee Translations

Lan Qiongzhen stepped out from the side, teasing Chu Qingning, “You’re so fixated on him, do you admire the general?”

Chu Qingning’s brow immediately furrowed, and she responded sternly, “He’s my brother-in-law, and I already have a husband. Don’t spout nonsense.”

If someone overheard this and spread it around, how would they face others or each other in the future?

Lan Qiongzhen, trying to smooth things over, cooed as she clung to Chu Qingning’s arm, “Alright, alright, I spoke without thinking. Don’t be mad, I won’t say it again.”

Chu Qingning looked at Lan Qiongzhen, who bore a resemblance to her fifth sister but was far less sensible. She gently removed Lan Qiongzhen’s arm, “I have work to do, you stay here.”

With that, she walked away.

Watching Chu Qingning’s departing figure, Lan Qiongzhen’s expression darkened, “Who do you think you are to treat me like that!” Her face quickly shifted back to a smile as she followed after Chu Qingning.

Chu Qingning, carrying a basket on her back and holding a small hoe, was preparing to go up the mountain to gather herbs.

Seeing this, Lan Qiongzhen hurriedly blocked her path, “Where are you going? Let me come with you.”

Chu Qingning found Lan Qiongzhen’s insistence odd, as she usually wouldn’t interfere, “I’m going to the mountains to gather herbs. The paths are rough and difficult; you’d be better off staying in the camp.”

Lan Qiongzhen expressed her concern, “I’ve heard the mountains are very dangerous. Let me come with you.”

Chu Qingning declined, aware of the known dangers of the mountains and the unknown dangers that Lan Qiongzhen might pose, “No need. You just said the mountains are dangerous. If something happens, I might not be able to save you. Stay in the camp and help the medics brew medicines.”

Lan Qiongzhen grasped Chu Qingning’s hand, “Sister Qingning, I really won’t feel at ease if you go alone.”

Something was definitely off, making Chu Qingning even more cautious, “Then I’ll take two soldiers with me, and you stay safely in the camp.”

Seeing the wariness in Chu Qingning’s eyes, Lan Qiongzhen gave up, “Then be careful.”

Chu Qingning nodded and proceeded to the mountains with Jia Liyu and Jia Lixia.

As they watched her leave, a shadow crossed Lan Qiongzhen’s eyes.

Meanwhile, Jia Liyu couldn’t help asking, “Miss Qingning, why didn’t you let Lan Qiongzhen come with us?”

Chu Qingning was blunt, “Her background is unclear. It’s riskier to have her with us.”

Jia Liyu jokingly said to Jia Lixia, “See, we should be cautious like Miss Qingning, not just blindly trust someone’s sweet talk.”

Chu Qingning couldn’t help responding, “That sounded a bit pointed.”

Jia Lixia blushed.

Jia Liyu stepped closer to Chu Qingning, laughing, “You don’t know, my sister has her eyes on a young officer in the camp, and he likes her back. Last night, I caught them talking about getting married in the capital once the eastern border matter is settled.”

Chu Qingning looked at Jia Lixia happily, “That’s wonderful news.”

Jia Lixia, a spirited young woman, was embarrassed, “Don’t tease me, it’s not even certain yet.”

Chu Qingning smiled, “I’m not teasing, I genuinely wish you well. If you get married, I’ll definitely come to celebrate.”

As they chatted, Chu Qingning also gathered the needed herbs. These weren’t for sale; only fresh herbs were effective for medical use.

As Chu Qingning bent down to gather herbs, a sharp “clang” sounded. A stone flew by, deflecting an arrow aimed at her.

Jia Lixia and Jia Liyu drew their swords, positioning themselves in front of Chu Qingning, vigilant of their surroundings, “Who’s there?”

Just then, a figure flashed by, and Chu Qingning’s eyes reddened—it looked like Zhaoyong. Was it him?

She dared not call out; if Zhaoyong couldn’t reveal himself for a reason, what if her shout exposed him?

For now, knowing Zhaoyong was alive was enough for her.

Chu Qingning watched the direction in which Zhaoyong had disappeared, her mind not returning for a long time.

Jia Liyu noticed Chu Qingning’s dazed state and thought she was frightened, “Miss Qingning, are you alright?”

Chu Qingning shook her head, “I’m fine, let’s head back.” She couldn’t believe someone had tried to kill her; she had to survive, she had to live to see Zhaoyong again.

“Okay.” Jia Liyu led the way while Jia Lixia covered their rear, escorting Chu Qingning back to the camp.

Once back at the camp, Jia Liyu went to report to General Tang Jinghong about the assassination attempt on Chu Qingning, while Jia Lixia accompanied Chu Qingning to the infirmary to treat the wounded soldiers.

Inside the main tent, Tang Jinghong listened to Jia Liyu’s report and immediately ordered a discreet investigation, “Keep close protection on Chu Qingning, both you and your sister. Do not fail.”

Jia Liyu accepted the order, “Yes, General.”

Meanwhile, Chu Qingning immediately used the freshly gathered herbs on the soldiers. By the afternoon, their swelling had reduced significantly, showing remarkable effects.

…

Hong Feiyun arrived at Chu Tang’s room, “Do you know there was a major incident in Tang Jinghong’s camp? Your fourth sister was almost killed too.”

Chu Tang was already aware, as Hong Feiyu had informed him earlier, and even before that, he had no idea Hong Feiyu managed part of the information for the Yun organization, “I know.”

Hong Feiyun sat opposite Chu Tang, “What are you planning to do?”

Chu Tang propped his chin with one hand, his gaze lingering on a teacup on the table, “Naturally, I’ll have to go back and see, but not right now.”

Hong Feiyun commented, “There aren’t many as rational as you.”

Chu Tang said indifferently, “Because those who aren’t rational are already dead.”

Hong Feiyun, “…”

After taking a sip of tea, Hong Feiyun suddenly remembered, “Right, I came to tell you another piece of news.”

Chu Tang played with the teacup in his hand, “What is it?”

Hong Feiyun hesitated, “There are people on the streets looking for information about you, or more precisely, about Lou Ze.”

Chu Tang speculated, “Could it be someone from the Xuan family?”

Hong Feiyun shook his head, “I don’t know, but you could try to find out.”

Chu Tang asked, “How long have they been looking for me?”

Hong Feiyun replied, “For quite some time now, and they haven’t given up.”

Chu Tang wasn’t too interested, “I know. I’ll check it out later tonight. By the way, any news on the military provisions?”

Hong Feiyun nodded then shook his head, “Oddly enough, the provisions aren’t with the Yun organization.”

Chu Tang straightened up, “What do you mean? Weren’t the military provisions stolen by the Yun organization?”

Hong Feiyun explained, “I heard from a street source that while initially stolen by the Yun organization, the provisions were hijacked midway. As to who’s responsible, that remains unknown.”

Chu Tang massaged his forehead, “So many are after the military provisions?”

Hong Feiyun added, “With such an amount of provisions, which power wouldn’t be tempted? It’s common for them to be targeted, and it also deals a significant blow to Tang Jinghong. If it were me, I couldn’t resist making a move either.”

Chu Tang glanced at Hong Feiyun and remained silent. Although the provisions were not in the Yun organization’s hands, the organization was still wealthy. He planned to check the warehouse later; if he found food, it could serve as a supplement to the military provisions.