The Empress Kneels in Her Palace to Admit Her Mistakes After Slaying Her Ways in the Female-Oriented

Pukou City, military camps within the city.

It's mealtime again.

Unlike before, when there were two meals a day and dry goods, things have completely changed now.

All that was left was a bowl of soup.

The broth simmering in that enormous rice pot was so bland it was almost palpable, and each soldier was limited to only one bowl.

The discontent among the soldiers has gradually spread.

They were all thin and pale, but their eyes always shone with a strange light.

Most importantly...

The soldiers began to frequently gather in twos and threes, discussing the matter.

"Have you heard? The sweet potato producing areas of Qingchouyuan and Luofengpo have been taken over by the Duke's men. Our life-saving sweet potatoes are all gone."

"The price of grain in the city has also risen outrageously. The quartermaster is my brother-in-law. He made it clear to me that if we go out now, we simply won't be able to buy any grain. In fact, we won't be able to steal any even if we try. We are destined to go hungry for a long time to come."

"Sigh, when will this ever end?"

"These miserable days are likely to last a long time. Either we have to wait for reinforcements from Yunjing to arrive and defeat the Duke, or we have to wait for the Duke to enter the city. The Duke has plenty of grain."

"I can testify to this. When I was patrolling the city wall, I happened to be eating. The wind was blowing, and I could clearly smell the aroma coming from the Duke's place. Ah, it smelled so good, and there was even the smell of rice. Just thinking about it makes my mouth water."

"Sigh, being a soldier is really tough, especially being a soldier in Yunjing. Not only do we have to complete all sorts of love missions assigned by Yunjing, but now we can't even get enough to eat."

"Not enough to eat? In two more days we won't have enough to eat. If you ask me, we might as well just surrender to the Duke. The Duke treats us soldiers really well. At least we're fed, we get paid, and there aren't so many other problems."

"Brother, keep your voice down. Don't you know how strict General Zhou Xiong is in disciplining his troops? If anyone hears you saying this, you'll be executed immediately."

"Yeah, brothers, keep it to yourselves and don't spread it around, or General Zhou Xiong won't spare anyone."

……

Most of the soldiers were dissatisfied. After all, no one can work on an empty stomach. However, Zhou Xiong's prestige was undeniable, and his strict discipline kept the soldiers' discontent hidden, accumulating and growing stronger in the shadows.

"Something's not right!"

As usual, Zhou Xiong came to inspect the military camp. He could tell at a glance that the atmosphere in the military camp in the city had undergone a seemingly subtle but actually earth-shattering change in a short period of time.

"I never imagined that even the soldiers I trained would be unable to stand by me through these hardships..." Zhou Xiong said with some sadness and frustration.

But more than anything, it was fear of Ren Tianye.

He knew his soldiers; they were trained by him personally, and their loyalty was absolutely unquestionable. Under normal circumstances, they would definitely share his joys and sorrows and face swords and spears together.

The current situation can only prove one thing.

Ren Tianye is so popular!

Even more popular with his soldiers than he was the commander-in-chief.

"Oh shit……"

Thinking of this, Zhou Xiong couldn't help but curse, "It's all Yun Jing's fault! They're such a rip-off! If it weren't for all those romantic demands that wear down the soldiers both physically and mentally, why would they just eagerly look at any benefit they receive?!"

Despite the scolding, Zhou Xiong knew very well what he should do in this situation.

In chaotic times, severe punishments are necessary!

Right now, it's also very suitable.

His eyes sharpened, and he commanded, "Enforcement Team!"

"exist!"

"Patrol day and night, and if anyone is found to undermine morale, execute them without mercy. You need not inform me beforehand!"

When Zhou Xiong issued this order, his voice was like thunder, echoing throughout half the military camp. Many soldiers were startled and looked over in despair and helplessness.

The captain of the enforcement team couldn't bear to do it.

But still, gritting her teeth, she said, "Yes, General!"

Zhou Xiong turned and left.

The thoughts in my mind never stopped flowing.

The situation is now very bad. After losing the support of the city lord and the people, and being chased and killed by the Love Mutual Aid Alliance of Pukou City, he has finally lost the morale of his army, which he depends on for survival.

Although we try our best to maintain it, it's not a long-term solution.

We must find a way to get food!

We must find a solution.

"Zhou Xiong, haven't you grasped the situation yet?"

Back inside the mansion, a leisurely voice rang out beside them; it was none other than Sun Rong, the former member of the Demon Suppression Division.

She had been under house arrest by Zhou Xiong in his mansion. At this time, she heard that the last military supplies of sweet potatoes in Pukou City had been seized by the Duke's men.

He immediately jumped out.

Hey, Zhou Xiong, you're not going to surrender, are you?

Why don't you kill me or just put me under house arrest?

Fine, then I'll pop up every now and then and disgust you, let's see if you, a young man, can't take it first, or if this experienced old woman can't take it first?

"The soldiers are all preparing to mutini, haven't you noticed? There are sounds all around you all the time, but as soon as you get close, the sounds disappear immediately."

"What do you think those sounds are doing?"

"Moreover, some of these voices came from people close to you, such as the captain of this law enforcement team whom you trust. I have personally witnessed him conspiring with others."

The enforcement team leader immediately jumped up.

A triple denial.

"No!"

"It wasn't me!"

"I didn't do it!"

Granny Sun glanced at him sideways: "Whether you did it or not, don't you know in your heart? If you don't know, doesn't Zhou Xiong understand?"

He paused, looked at Zhou Xiong, who was already unable to hold back and whose expression had changed slightly, and laughed: "The food issue is a matter of life and death, success or failure. Logically speaking, you, Zhou Xiong, are also a capable person, having defended this Pukou City as solid as a rock."

"How could someone possibly rip out your manhood?"

"I'm so curious."

"In just a few days, the entire sweet potato production area supplying Pukou City has fallen under the Duke's control. How did the Duke manage to do that?"

"Oh, I see... The Duke is a man of destiny, destined to be invincible, those he sees will surrender, those he encounters will submit. You're just a lunatic, yet you dare to dream of shaking the will of Heaven, ha!"

Granny Sun's words were sharp and cutting, especially since they were like knives stabbing into Zhou Xiong's heart, almost causing him to break down the composure he had managed to maintain over the past two days.

He was really frustrated!

It's one thing for sweet potato producing areas outside of Yunjing, but how come the sweet potato producing areas of Qingchouyuan and Luofengpo... disappeared in the blink of an eye?

He wasn't even given time to react!

My heart is bleeding, and I want to cry but can't!

Fortunately, Zhou Xiong was ruthless enough to hold back, gritting his teeth and saying, "Only in turbulent times can true heroes emerge!"

"The greater the crisis, the greater my opportunity to make a name for myself in Yunjing... Granny Sun, you should put away your little schemes."

He turned his head and looked intently at the captain of the law enforcement team, saying, "Now, your duties are being adjusted. You will hand over law enforcement matters to the deputy captain, and then lead a group of men to Fanshan Fort."

"Fanshan Fortress serves as a protective barrier for Pukou City and has always stored up grain reserves. Go immediately to its garrison commander and order him to send over the grain. Remember... do not bring your family. Go now!"

The enforcement team leader reluctantly accepted the order, knowing that Granny Sun's words had already planted a seed of doubt in Zhou Xiong's heart, but he had no choice but to carry out the order.

Just as they were about to set off, the messenger stumbled in.

"Report!"

"General!"

"Fanshan Fortress has fallen!"

……