Masquerade in Bridal Attire and Marry the Prince

224. We Got Company

Translator: Bryan

All the others expressed their agreement. Sanyuan City had always been famous for its abundant source of steel. That was why there were so many merchants visiting this city in which the food production was low. Improving their weapons and armor would give them an advantage over the enemies during the upcoming battle.

However, the supply of food was still one of the most important issues. Everyone looked at Yuxing Tianrui involuntarily. Having sensed their gaze, Yuxing Tianrui held his arms but didn’t chip in.

“Your Highness, the quickest way is to borrow food from the locals.” Finally, one of the officers couldn’t help but make a suggestion. “We’re new here, and we know little about them. If we promise we’ll repay them, I think they’ll agree.”

The deputy general’s heart gave a lurch. Having served under Yuxing Tianrui for a long time, he naturally knew that Yuxing Tianrui would never take a grain of rice from the common folk, not even at a crucial juncture or if his soldiers had food enough for only one meal.

He winked at the general, then took a step forward and said in an effort to sugar the pill. “Alas. It’s not like we’re at the end of our rope. Besides, it’s very likely the court has sent in reinforcements already. We just have to rough it for a few days. All problems will be solved when they arrive.”

Yuxing Tianrui nodded. “You’re right. Cut everybody’s food ration in half, including mine, starting from today. If the hunger is unbearable, give everybody an extra steamed bun at dusk.” Yuxing Tianrui slowly narrowed his eyes. He knew why the court still hadn’t sent in any reinforcements. The more aware of the reason he was, the deeper his disappointment.

Having made a decision, he appointed some men to some important positions. There was a lot of work to do. Sanyuan City had been affiliated to Turk for many years. Many locals had been Turkish since their birth. Shenglan country had taken this city without warning, and many locals were disgruntled at the situation.

Du Chuxuan had been galloping for ways in an effort to see Yuxing Tianrui sooner. Luo Er had been in his company and had seen Du Chuxuan tire two good horses to death. Luo Er couldn’t help but try to persuade him. “We’re at the borders already. I think His Highness is somewhere nearby. There’s no hurry.”

Du Chuxuan took the water bag from Luo Er and took a swig of it. They had been galloping non-stop since they had left the courier station this morning. On their way to this place, they had heard from some commoners how valiant Yuxing Tianrui had been during the battle. But the more Du Chuxuan heard about it, the more worried he became.

Some said that the crown prince, riding a horse with a spear in his hand, killed a high-ranking Turkish official with a single blow. Some others said that the crown prince’s courage and wisdom was matchless, that a rain of arrows fell on the enemies as he gave the order in front of his massive army. If it weren’t for the long distance between Du Chuxuan and Yuxing Tianrui, Du Chuxuan would have rushed to Yuxing Tianrui already.

Du Chuxuan felt that Yuxing Tianrui was a real daredevil. Yuxing Tianrui had only average kung fu skills, and yet he had actually dared go to the battlefield personally. Did he have no officers in his army? Why had he, a crown prince, had to fight the enemies personally?

“You’ve had some rough days, but we’ll have to keep it up for another day or two.” Du Chuxuan put down the bag, wiped the lingering water off his lips and looked into the distance. He wished he could fly to the military encampment.

Luo Er shook his head, knowing that he was unable to talk Du Chuxuan out of it. He glanced at the sky to gauge the time. Given the speed they had been traveling, they had to either gallop all night to cover a great deal of ground or spend another few days on the road. Unsurprisingly, he heard Du Chuxuan say, “We’ll press on tonight.”

They had literally been traveling day and night. Luo Er made no response after hearing his words, his admiration for Du Chuxuan growing. He felt that only a man like Du Chuxuan was worthy of the crown prince. Of course, Luo Er didn’t dare give voice to his thoughts, and he dismissed them all from his mind as a breeze brushed past his face.

Different rumors had been circulating in the capital city all along. Even the commoners had sensed the whiff of danger in the air. More soldiers were being sent to the city gates to tighten the security. The stores of the Du family closed, and nobody knew the reason.

“Your Highness, the siege has lasted seven fully days.” The deputy general looked worried. They had cut the soldiers’ food ration three times. If things kept going like this, they might really starve before the arrival of the reinforcements sent by the court.

Yuxing Tianrui was standing bolt upright on the gate tower, looking at the Turkish encampment a short way away from the city wall, his eyes glinting gravely in spite of himself.

“How many more days can we last?”

“We can’t cut the ration anymore, or the soldiers would be too weak to stand guard. Even so, we’ll still run out of food in less than three days.” The deputy general smacked his lips. He really missed the roast chicken in the capital city. However, as the deputy general, he couldn’t allow himself to look crestfallen.

Yuxing Tianrui remained silent, a thoughtful look in his eyes. The officers around him, naturally, didn’t dare interrupt his train of thought. He couldn’t solve the problem of food by thinking. Even if people in the capital city set off to deliver food immediately, the soldiers wouldn’t live long enough to see them arrive.

“Your Highness! Someone beat the gate drum at the south gate, requesting an audience with you!” A soldier ran over to report. The deputy general became curious as he noticed the excitement on the soldier’s face. Who would come to the border to see the crown prince at this point in time? Could it be someone sent by the Turkish emperor?

Yuxing Tianrui was also confused. The south gate faced Shenglan country. If that person was from Shenglan country, he would naturally have to enter the city through the south gate. If they wanted to resume attacking Turk, they would have to charge out of the north gate. Though puzzled, Yuxing Tianrui didn’t pause. He followed the soldier towards the gate.

Autumn wind was blowing past the south gate. Looking from Turk in the direction of Shenglan country, Yuxing Tianrui felt that the latter was like a paradise. The sight of it gave him a longing to go back. He walked up the stairs to the gatehouse and looked down. The south gate was the part of Sanyuan City that Yuxing Tianrui visited the most. He came here every time he missed Du Chuxuan.

“Your Highness! I came bearing food!” In front of the city gate stood Luo Er. Behind him were dozens of carts. Each cart had a driver on it. Those with sharp eyes saw clearly that those cart drivers were all thickset. Yuxing Tianrui could tell at a glance that they were no common people.

Yuxing Tianrui was stunned momentarily before he shouted at the guards down below, “Open the gate!”