FBC – Chapter 160 Punishment by Military Rod

Overseer Luo looked at the young gentleman whose robe was filthy and torn in several places, one shoe exposing a toe—it was clear he’d had a hard journey delivering supplies.

Now, with his head drooping and looking a little dejected, Overseer Luo couldn’t help but soften.

He asked cautiously, “Did your master insist that you must see him? If you really want to, once the commander finishes his business, I can introduce you?”

Gu Hua quickly shook her head. “No need.”

Mu Junyan was already so exhausted. Now that there was a rare ceasefire for a few days, it was better to let him rest.

Overseer Luo laughed. “Then I’ll take you two to your lodging. Your other companions can stay in various barracks and squeeze in with the soldiers, don’t worry.”

Gu Hua cupped her hands respectfully. “Thank you, Lord Luo.”

After a short walk, the three arrived at an empty tent.

“Make do for the night. Bedding and supplies in the camp are allocated per head—there’s no extra.”

Overseer Luo glanced at the young man—though the robe was tattered, it was at least a cotton robe. It should get him through the night.

The guard accompanying him was a tall and robust man, surely more cold-resistant than the frail youth.

Gu Hua looked at the dust-covered tent and showed no sign of complaint, nodding, “Much obliged.”

In a military camp, she couldn’t be delicate. It was just one night.

It wasn’t as if she hadn’t suffered hardship before.

Overseer Luo gave a final reminder: “The wind here is fierce. Get some rest early and absolutely do not wander around the camp at night—that would be a disciplinary violation.”

“I understand. Thank you, my lord,” Gu Hua nodded.

No sooner had she spoken than the mountain weather abruptly changed. Just moments ago, the starry sky stretched endlessly—now a violent gust whipped up from the ground.

The camp was exposed, and the mountain wind howled, fluttering banners and shaking the flimsy tents as though they’d be torn from their moorings.

Gu Hua’s small frame couldn’t withstand such force. She staggered, her robe flaring and her hat being snatched by the wind.

Startled, she quickly reached to grab it, but the hat’s ribbon tangled around her arm, and she struggled to free herself.

Seeing her flailing and nearly toppling, Overseer Luo laughed and came over to help. But he moved too roughly, tugging off both the hat and its hairpin.

The hairpin clattered to the ground.

In an instant, her long black hair spilled down like a waterfall, dancing wildly in the wind. The yellowish tint on her face was wiped away in a large patch, revealing pale, delicate skin.

The guard captain gasped and rushed forward to shield her from Overseer Luo’s view—but it was too late.

Overseer Luo stared blankly at the young gentleman—no, not a young man at all, but clearly… a young woman!

“You… you’re a girl!”

The moment the words left his mouth, the surrounding soldiers erupted. Everyone turned to stare at Gu Hua.

A woman in the military camp—it was like a little white rabbit falling into a den of wolves. Even if they weren’t wolves, it was bound to cause a stir.

From a distance, patrolling soldiers approached. “What’s going on? A woman snuck in?!”

Gu Hua panicked and tried to explain. “My lords, please let me explain.”

The patrolling soldier frowned and growled, “What’s going on here?”

Gu Hua quickly said, “My surname is Gu. I came with my second uncle to deliver donated rations and supplies to the Mu army. My uncle fell ill, and we were afraid you lacked food and medicine. So I disguised myself as a man and brought the supplies here.”

When the two men heard how she’d endured hardship to bring urgently needed resources for the Mu army, their expressions softened.

Overseer Luo nodded. “So that’s why you looked so delicate, like a little lady.”

Gu Hua blushed and shrank her shoulders, not daring to lift her chest.

Though the Soldier found her actions understandable—and even admirable in their timing—military law was still military law.

His face darkened again. “No women are allowed in the camp, aside from registered camp prostitutes. Not even for donations. Your contributions will be recorded, but you must leave immediately.”

He waved for the patrol soldiers to escort Gu Hua away.

Overseer Luo was alarmed and blocked them. “It’s already dark—how can a young girl travel back alone?”

The Soldier was in charge of patrols and could not show favoritism. If he did, the commander would never let him off.

His tone was less fierce but still firm. “Orders are absolute. If you dare defy them, I won’t. I’ve already gone easy—otherwise, she’d be whipped thirty times as per regulation. Now that both of us know she’s a woman, and still let her stay… if the commander finds out, do you know how many lashes we’d take? He’s known for being strict and impartial—even toward himself.”

Gu Hua’s back broke out in cold sweat. “Lord Luo, please don’t be troubled. I’ll leave.”

“But the mountain path has wolves…”

Overseer Luo couldn’t bear it. This girl looked so fragile. If a wolf ate her, it’d be a tragedy.

The Soldiers pulled Overseer Luo close and whispered, “If she stays and is discovered, it’ll hurt her more.”

Overseer Luo’s heart clenched.

The soldiers nearby began debating. Some took Overseer Luo’s side, saying she’d traveled thousands of miles through hardship just to bring aid—surely, this deserved an exception.

Others stood with the Soldiers, saying that rules must be upheld, or else others would sneak women into the camp and cause chaos.

Soon, word spread throughout the camp that a young woman had entered. Those busy with tasks stopped what they were doing, and those with nothing to do came running to gawk.

The commotion even reached the main command tent.

The flap lifted, and Chi Yu stepped out. “What’s going on? The commander asked me to check.”

Overseer Luo was already distressed. Seeing the commander’s personal guard emerge, he broke into a cold sweat.

The Soldiers shot him a look and walked over to Chi Yu.

Overseer Luo had no choice but to follow, heart pounding.

“It’s the person delivering the rations… turns out, she’s a woman.”

Chi Yu frowned. “How did this happen? You can’t even tell the difference between a man and a woman? How did she get in?”

“Uh…” Overseer Luo was about to explain when a calm voice called out from inside the tent.

“Come in and explain.”

The Soldiers and Overseer Luo immediately followed Chi Yu into the main tent.

Overseer Luo quickly reported, “Commander, today the wealthy Pei family of Jiangling donated fifty carts of rice and some winter clothes and medicine—they’re the supplier of our winter uniforms this year.”

Mu Junyan was reclining on a bamboo chair with his eyes closed. He opened them slightly.

Pei family?

Delivered rations?

Why hadn’t he heard anything?

“That’s good news. And then?”

“And then… the person who brought the supplies… was a woman.”

Mu Junyan frowned. “A woman?”

The Soldiers explained, “She disguised herself as a man. Overseer Luo failed to spot it. According to regulations, a woman entering the camp is to be punished with thirty lashes. But she brought us so many rations, clothes, and medicine, and she’s also our supplier, so… it’s a bit difficult to handle.”

He, too, had been moved. Such a petite girl, daring to deliver supplies across the mountains. Her clothes were torn by the wind, and her delicate face looked so pitiful.

Overseer Luo added urgently, “Yes, yes! The rice is all fine white grain. Most importantly, they brought medicine—we were in desperate need.”

Mu Junyan didn’t want to waste time on such a minor issue. His expression was cold. “Just follow regulations. I’ve always said: without strict discipline, the army cannot stand. Overseer Luo failed his duty—he’ll take the same punishment. As for the girl, since she came from the Pei family, the punishment can be reduced, but she must still be punished. Be gentle. Then send her out of camp immediately.”

Overseer Luo dared not object.

The Soldiers gave him a sharp look, as if to say see? Now you’re getting whipped too.

Overseer Luo could only reply, “Yes. I’ll accept the punishment. Miss Gu will also take ten lashes before being escorted out.”

“…Wait!” Mu Junyan’s eyes suddenly widened.

“Her surname is Gu?”

The Soldiers, puzzled, said, “Yes. She said she came with her second uncle to deliver the supplies.”

Pei family… Second uncle… Gu…!