Meanwhile, Wang Wu, who had set off several days earlier, had already arrived in Jiangyang City.
More than twenty large carts were loaded with all the compressed military rations, and Liu Shanhe was in Jiangyang City at the time.
Wang Wu originally planned to deliver all these things to the military camp and then return directly. However, when he arrived at the military camp, he found that Liu Shanhe was drinking in the city. Without his approval, this batch of military rations had to wait.
There was nothing else Wang Wu could do but lead his men into Jiangyang City to look for this busy man. Otherwise, if General Liu got drunk in the city and didn't return for several days, wouldn't they have to wait here in vain?
Meanwhile, inside the Snow Moon Pavilion in Jiangyang City, singing and dancing were in full swing, and Liu Shanhe was also there; the entire Snow Moon Pavilion had been booked.
The person who hosted the banquet for Liu Shanhe was none other than the local prince, Prince Jingyang, Chu Tianshu.
Chu Tianshu and his family's heir do bear some resemblance, but Chu Tianshu exudes an even more dignified aura.
"General, it has been many years since we last met after parting ways in the capital."
Liu Shanhe, holding his wine glass, said calmly, "This happened a long time ago. I just don't know what Your Highness means by suddenly asking me to come over for a drink? You should know that, given your situation, this is not appropriate."
Although Chu Tianshu's expression did not change, the others at the table suddenly felt a suffocating pressure.
"General Liu, is it wrong for me to invite you for drinks? Or are you simply unwilling to give me face?"
Liu Shanhe chuckled and said, "Your Highness's words are a bit serious. I was just curious and wanted to remind Your Highness. Is it a crime for me to remind you?"
"Haha, General Liu, you're really joking. How could I possibly have any other thoughts in my current situation? I just wanted to have a drink with an old friend today. Please don't overthink it, General Liu."
Although the two were clinking glasses and chatting as if they were having a great time, the others were terrified and dared not utter a sound. Who knew when these two big shots might suddenly say something that could kill them, these small fry, without them even knowing why.
Just as Liu Shanhe seemed to be enjoying his drink, one of his guards suddenly ran upstairs. "General, the batch of grain and supplies you requested has been prepared. They have sent someone to deliver it. We hope you can go and check it out."
Liu Shanhe said with blurry, drunken eyes, "I knew no one here would dare to disrespect me. They still obediently delivered it to me. What can they do even if it's difficult?"
Chu Tianshu paused slightly in his hand holding the wine glass. "Why do I feel like there's a hidden meaning in what you just said, General?"
"Please don't overthink it, Your Highness. Even if I had ten times the courage, I wouldn't dare to offend you. But I do have something to attend to right now. Please wait for me for a while, and we can continue our drinking and conversation when I return."
Chu Tianshu downed his wine in one gulp. “Since the general is leaving, I will go with him to see what is so special about the military rations that the general cares so much about.”
A large group of people came downstairs in a grand procession, but Wang Wu and the others had never seen such a scene before.
However, Wang Wu and the others were still infected by Ning Ye subconsciously. Even when facing these people in high positions, they did not show much fear.
Wang Wu said, "General Liu, we have prepared everything you wanted. We even brought a whole cartload for you. After you have inspected it, we should head back."
Last time, in the rush, Liu Shanhe didn't notice the posture of Wang Wu and the others, but this time, after looking at them, he realized that each of them was meticulous. Even when they saw them, they didn't kneel down.
Liu Shanhe, being a member of the military, didn't care about this matter. After all, in his view, whether others respected him or not was not determined by kneeling.
However, Chu Tianshu felt a sense of displeasure. A mere group of lowly people dared not kneel before him, showing absolutely no self-awareness.
Liu Shanhe opened the cover and his eyes lit up when he saw the military rations packed in wooden boxes. Inside, there were seventy-two pieces of rations, each enough for a soldier to use for a day, and the boxes were not too heavy for one person to carry.
Liu Shanhe casually picked up a piece of military rations and took a bite. Although it was indeed a bit hard, the taste was definitely many times better than what they were eating now.
You know, these days, when you're marching and fighting, all you have to do is put some wild vegetables you've picked along the way and some millet you've prepared into a big pot of porridge, and everyone gets a bowl. Only when you're actually fighting can you have an extra bowl to fill your stomach.
Most of the time, they couldn't even cook a meal; they would just share some millet with each person and chew it as they walked.
"Great! This stuff is really good! It's exactly the same as what I ate before. It seems your boss didn't shortchange me. I'm very satisfied."
"Since the general is satisfied, and our employer has said that we will not take a single penny of this batch of military rations, but will give it all to the general."
Liu Shanhe said with some surprise, "It's in a merchant's nature to pursue profit, so why does your boss seem to have a grudge against money?"
Wang Wu clasped his hands and said, "The master said that the general is bravely fighting the enemy outside the pass and he can't help much, so this batch of military rations is being sent to the general. Please accept it."
Ning Ye wasn't stupid. If he were just selling them, he would only make some money at most. Anyway, he hadn't spent a single penny on these military rations. He had only added some sugarcane to increase the sugar content, so he wouldn't feel bad even if he gave them away for free.
However, Liu Shanhe is a proper third-rank general. If one could gain such a favor, it would be far more useful than money.
Liu Shanhe's expression shifted slightly. "Then please thank your employer for their kindness on my behalf. However, I will still pay the money due, and I will remember this favor."
Regardless of Wang Wu's refusal, Liu Shanhe immediately ordered his guards to fetch the silver notes. A full 30,000 taels of silver should be enough to pay for this batch of military rations.
Chu Tianshu also took a piece of military rations. He tried this novel item and found it to be far inferior to delicacies. However, given its dryness, it should be able to be preserved for a long time without any problems.
Anyone with experience in marching and fighting knows just how beneficial compressed military rations are; they are practically an essential item for marching and fighting.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com