Inside the general's mansion, the battle flags fluttered in the wind, which was biting cold.
Jia Dafu from Beicheng, Lin Sangui from Nanyuan, and He Meng from Dongshan all looked paler than the last.
Although they knew each other, neither dared to speak casually.
When the three of them were frozen like little chicks, they heard a thunderous summons.
"Her Highness the Princess has arrived!"
The sound startled the three people present so much that they almost lost their souls.
All of Huo's troops knelt down.
"Long live Your Highness!"
Qin Yue Zhao walked through the mansion with her sword drawn, raised her hand to everyone, and sat down on a mahogany chair, looking at the three trembling wealthy merchants.
Rice porridge, pickled vegetables, and freshly made white steamed buns were laid out on the mahogany table.
Although they may look shabby, these items were considered delicacies for entertaining distinguished guests during years of famine.
Chen Wan'er obediently stood to one side, but Qin Yuezhao tugged at her hand and asked, "Are you hungry?"
Chen Wan'er looked straight ahead and said solemnly, "Your Highness, this humble general is not hungry!"
"How could you not be hungry? You haven't eaten for a day and a night, you must be starving! Come, sit down and eat with us."
Chen Wan'er did not refuse, but sat down on the stool next to her and started eating by herself.
Watching the two chat, the trio standing nearby exchanged glances, feeling increasingly uncertain.
Qin Yue Zhao then looked at the three of them and raised her hand, saying, "You three, please sit down as well."
The three were terrified and quickly expressed their gratitude.
No sooner had they sat down than Qin Yue Zhao laughed and said, "You're used to eating delicacies, so you probably won't be able to swallow this bland porridge and pickled vegetables, will you? But in this famine year, this is all the princess can eat."
Upon hearing this, the eldest, Jia Dafu, quickly stood up, cupped his hands, and said, "This humble subject is terrified. It is already an honor that I have the blessing of my ancestors to be able to meet Your Highness."
Lin Sangui, tall and thin with a mustache, said shrewdly, “I have heard that the princess has asked the gods to grant her food. The more sincere one is, the more food the gods will bestow. I am willing to set an example by donating 50,000 taels of silver to the gods as an offering to show my filial piety.”
After hearing this, Jia Dafu and He Meng cursed inwardly, thinking that the old man was indeed cunning.
But they refused to back down, saying, "Yes, yes, we are also willing to donate 50,000 taels of silver to pray for the people's well-being."
Upon hearing this, Qin Yue Zhao stood up.
"I didn't expect the three of you to be so eager before I even spoke. You really are a great merchant."
She had a smile on her face, but her eyes were extremely cold and chilling.
Lin Sangui, true to his cunning nature, spoke again, saying, "Your Highness is too kind. It is an honor for us to share Your Highness's burdens, and we dare not take credit for it."
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