Chapter 297
"I'll leave this intelligence matter to Chongtai."
"And now we have plenty of funds and resources at our disposal. Can we gather food from the surrounding areas?"
"Can."
Both Gu Zhongtai and the Fan family were very confident.
Food is the foundation for people to survive in times of chaos.
Even if someone is willing to spend money, no one will be willing to sell it.
Therefore, some means must be used, including coercion and enticement, to achieve the goal. At the same time, it must be done without any mistakes so that the people can survive.
The details involved cannot be finalized in just a few words.
...
...
In Qingzhou City, thanks to the concerted efforts of everyone...
The development has been rapid.
But the most exciting thing was not the struggle between the Gan family and the Fan family in Qingzhou City.
It was precisely the fierce struggle taking place ahead.
Battle reports flew back to Qingzhou City like snowflakes.
Several days later, the situation on the front lines changed again.
The forward troops led by Yu Cheng were cut off from their rear.
The situation on the battlefield can change in an instant.
When this news got back, even Xiahou, the male protagonist, was shocked.
They immediately summoned Gu Zhongtai.
However, it was only after a meal that Gu Zhongtai returned to his residence.
Fan Xiaoxiao could see the seriousness on his face.
"Is there any new military intelligence?" What she feared most was hearing the news of the Qingzhou army's defeat.
I couldn't help but feel uneasy.
After all, although this is a world in a book, it is a real world to her now.
With the plot undergoing significant changes, any possibility exists.
"No." Fortunately, Gu Zhongtai shook his head and denied it: "In the current situation, no news is the best news."
"However, this time the Qingzhou army encountered the main force of the imperial army."
"The other side claims to have a million people."
"..." Fan Xiaoxiao's entire expression changed.
Gu Zhongtai hurriedly said, "It's just a feint. The 'million' includes the civilians who were coerced and the laborers transporting supplies. The actual fighting force is probably less than one-fifth."
Fan Xiaoxiao's expression remained solemn: "Even two hundred thousand people is far more than our thirty thousand-plus troops in Qingzhou."
No matter how well-equipped they were, many soldiers were still just ordinary people.
It's impossible to be a fierce and skilled fighter from the very beginning!
"This is something..." Gu Zhongtai was also worried, but he composed himself and said, "Madam, you don't need to worry too much."
"The Qingzhou Army is a veteran of countless battles, and we were well-prepared for their battlefields."
"The imperial army is merely an outsider fighting against foreign forces, and it will never have much of an advantage."
"At least I can protect myself."
"The only problem is that the vanguard has been cut off from the rear, and we're afraid we won't be able to hold out for long in terms of supplies."
“Then let’s take the provisions with us!” Fan Xiaoxiao paced back and forth a few times. “The trading company has already collected a lot of provisions, enough to contend with the Gan family.”
Ever since Fan Xiaoxiao's business association began to consolidate its business in Qingzhou City, the Gan family has been making constant moves.
This time, however, it happened that her brother-in-law, Yu Cheng, was on the battlefield and his fate was unknown.
They then joined forces with local powerful families in Qingzhou to control the grain supply and drive up grain prices.
Fan Xiaoxiao seems to have a lot of food in her hands now, but given the circumstances, she has no choice but to make a difficult decision.
It could be used to save the market in Qingzhou City and prevent internal strife.
Either send him to the front lines, force his way in, and rescue Yu Cheng.
Gu Zhongtai, who had been involved in the business affairs, was naturally very clear about this.
He immediately said, "Madam, please calm down."
"I have already discussed and agreed on this matter with Xiahou."
Gu Zhongtai didn't beat around the bush: "Xiahou wants to entrust me with the affairs of the city."
"He will lead the garrison soldiers and the Tianshan Sect to transport our Chamber of Commerce's supplies to the front lines to rescue those trapped."
Fan Xiaoxiao was shocked: "Is the Gan family really unwilling to give up any more food?"
It was understandable that the Gan family refused to fund the army, but now in Qingzhou City, they have already shown their fangs and are even refusing to do ordinary business.
The peaceful atmosphere in Qingzhou suddenly turned tense.
As a result, even with real gold and silver, ordinary people could not exchange it for enough food to survive.
“That’s right.” Gu Zhongtai nodded slightly: “They refused to sell, so I have already agreed to Xiahou’s request to use the grain that our Chamber of Commerce has saved to cover the losses after the Gan family’s withdrawal.”
But what about the city?
When Fan Xiaoxiao asked about this, a hint of coldness appeared in Gu Zhongtai's eyes.
Her fingers trembled, and she grabbed his sleeve: "You want to kill someone to steal our food?"
"Is there any other choice?" Gu Chongtai raised his hand and squeezed her wrist: "The gentry of Qingzhou dared to do this today because they were certain that we would fail."
"If we hesitate now and cannot act decisively, once we are truly defeated and the city falls, those bandits will probably be the first to kill the governor's family and relatives to claim credit."
Fan Xiaoxiao's previously weak killing intent completely crumbled after those words.
"My husband, you're right."
"They never intended to leave any way out for people like us."
“If anything happens, my sister and Xiao Bao will be the first to suffer.”
"Hmm." Gu Zhongtai stroked her hair and sighed softly, "I know that although Madam is kind, she also knows what is important."
"This matter isn't exactly honorable, and you don't need to get involved."
"The reason Xiahou led the army there was not only because he had the talent of a commander and could lead the army to rescue people or even fight back, but also because he wanted to leave things to my people."
Fan Xiaoxiao's clenched fingers trembled, but two seconds later she resolutely raised her face.
"No, I want to participate!"
She took a deep breath: "If the Gan family listens to advice, then so be it."
"Even if they don't listen to advice, I'll make sure the people of Qingzhou know that Fan's Business is the rightful heir to Qingzhou!"
To gain a foothold in the world, establishing authority is essential.
The rise of any power inevitably involves killing and tyranny.
Gu Zhongtai looked at her for a long time, and finally nodded: "Okay!"
...
...
Two days later.
Xiahou, the head of the Six Doors in Qingzhou, who was second only to the emperor, led a group of soldiers stationed there and people from the Tianshan Sect.
They set off with a large group of conscripted laborers to transport supplies.
Compared to the last time Yu Cheng left, when everyone was celebrating his triumphant return.
The atmosphere this time was very oppressive.
Fan Xiaoxiao stood on the city wall.
Standing beside her was her husband, Gu Zhongtai.
On one side were Sister Fan, Xiao Bao, and Bai Chaoyan.
Especially Bai Chaoyan, when she and Xiahou were at their most loving.
Right now.
She could only watch her husband go to the treacherous battlefield.
Her beautiful eyes were filled with moisture.
The banners on the city wall fluttered in the wind for a long time.
They stood there for a long time.
Until Xiahou's cavalry army could no longer be seen.
Fan Xiaoxiao then walked over and patted Bai Chaoyan on the shoulder: "Chaoyan, don't worry too much."
"Xiahou will definitely turn bad luck into good. Not only him, but my brother-in-law will also definitely be able to come back."
(End of this chapter)
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