RWNEFE -Chapter 266 Zhou Ruan Seeks Wealth in Peril!

In the past couple of days, Zhou Ruan had been trying to win over Wei Dongzhu and the other city commanders. To this end, he had a lavish banquet prepared to entertain them.

Unexpectedly, just as he began the meal, Wei Dongzhu interrupted him.

“Second Prince, the army doesn’t have a single grain of food left. If the supplies don’t arrive soon, there could be unrest among the troops!”

Qian Feng recalled previous events: “When we were in Dongchuan, a whole battalion mutinied due to lack of food. Five or six hundred soldiers died in that battle.”

Xiao Fang sighed deeply: “We had no choice but to kill horses to feed the troops. You know, without horses, once battle begins, we’d be like lambs to the slaughter.”

The others chimed in: “These past two days, my soldiers have been complaining. Even the porridge is so thin you can see your reflection in it.”

“Second Prince, if the court doesn’t send supplies soon, the soldiers might get desperate enough to eat us!”

“Second Prince…”

One by one, they all looked to Zhou Ruan for food.

Zhou Ruan broke into a cold sweat. Outsiders didn’t know, but he did: yesterday, he had received a secret imperial edict—there were no supplies available from the court.

He had planned to first win over Wei Dongzhu and the others, then figure out a way to gather provisions. But now, they were all demanding food from him immediately.

Where could he possibly get it?

“Before I arrived, the Northern Garrison got its supplies just like it always had!”

“According to the court, we have to achieve results first, only then will they send us food!” Zhou Ruan said, gritting his teeth.

Xiao Fang protested: “It’s unfair! We’ve already recaptured a city, so why isn’t the court sending us supplies?”

Qian Feng added: “From what I know, the Southern Prince didn’t accomplish much in Dongchuan. Didn’t the imperial edict say whoever achieves military merit gets the supplies? Could it be that we in the northwest are treated like stepchildren?”

Zhou Ruan’s ears twitched at the words “stepchildren.”

“Enough! Even if the court transports supplies here, it would take one or two months. The Northern Garrison can’t wait that long!”

Wei Dongzhu said, “The three Tujue armies are watching us closely, and the trade caravans no longer come here.” His words closed off Zhou Ruan’s hope of having Shen Lanxi gather supplies.

Zhou Ruan wanted to say, Shen Lanxi already has so many merchant relatives, but Wei Dongzhu cut him off before he could speak.

“Everyone, what do you suggest we do?” Zhou Ruan had truly run out of ideas.

He began to resent the court, resent Zhou Ruan, resent Emperor Renxiao. Had he known the northwest situation in advance, he wouldn’t have volunteered to come.

If his third brother saw the current situation, he would laugh himself to death.

And his father… his father must know the situation in the northwest. Back when Zhou Ruyuan was in charge, supplies were never lacking. Now, the moment he comes, supplies are cut off. Doesn’t his father fear mutiny, with this prince becoming the target and being sacrificed at the flag?

Father… why are you so biased?!

Wei Dongzhu saw Zhou Ruan’s frustration and said, “I actually have an idea.”

Zhou Ruan, as if seeing a savior, hurriedly urged, “Speak quickly!”

Wei Dongzhu: “We can borrow supplies from Xiling and Hailing. These two are the most prosperous cities in the northwest and close to us. They definitely have food!”

Zhou Ruan’s tone brightened: “Then what are we waiting for? Send someone to borrow it immediately!”

Wei Dongzhu hesitated: “Even when the Wei army was stationed here, they tried to borrow supplies. The commanders of the two cities refused!”

Zhou Ruan’s eyes flickered. It’s normal they refused the Wei army. But now I’m a prince—surely they won’t dare defy an imperial edict.

“I’ll send people!” He planned to bring the imperial edict himself and didn’t believe the two commanders would dare oppose it.

Wei Dongzhu advised seriously: “Borrowing supplies is a serious matter. Just sending subordinates may lead to delays. We should go ourselves and bring the supplies back directly.”

Zhou Ruan hesitated. What’s my rank, what are their ranks? Is it really worth going myself?

Wei Dongzhu said, “Second Prince, the court today is not like before. Many commanders stationed in the region are watching and waiting. If Dongchuan falls, these commanders could become independent powers.”

Zhou Ruan immediately grew cautious. If the two city commanders became disloyal, going personally could be dangerous.

Wei Dongzhu: “It’s also a perfect chance to win over their loyalty. You can also act as the emperor’s representative inspecting the cities, intimidating the troops.”

Zhou Ruan’s eyes lit up, and four words popped into his mind: wealth comes from peril.

If he could win the commanders over, it would greatly increase his leverage.

“Good, I’ll go personally to borrow supplies from the two cities. Prepare more troops immediately!”

Wei Dongzhu: “Yes!”

No sooner had Zhou Ruan been sent off than the Northern Garrison erupted in a wave of marriage and resettlement activity.

For the first wave of soldiers and relocated villagers, Shen Lanxi personally attended to host the weddings!

“Zeng Erniu, Zhang Taohua, Sun Tie, Wang Daniu, Liu Cai, Sun Zaohua… congratulations to the fifty couples tying the knot. When your name is called, come forward to receive your resettlement silver, housing, and livelihood!”

“As always, those who registered first get first choice of houses and livelihoods. Later registrants might find the good houses and jobs already taken…”

“Today is the first batch. General Shen Lanxi is here personally to celebrate with everyone!”

Amid cheers, Shen Lanxi ascended the stage, waving to the crowd. Two rows of twenty people each carried trays filled with wedding clothes, pastries, and most eye-catching of all—a tray of silver hairpins and bracelets.

Shen Lanxi smiled warmly: “Today is a big day for the Northern Garrison, a big day for the entire northwest! To express my feelings, I’ve prepared these small gifts to congratulate the newlyweds, wish them happiness, and hope the northwest is pacified soon. May you all have thriving offspring, and may the people live in peace and prosperity!”

The Northern Garrison erupted in cheers, and Shen Lanxi personally handed out the gifts to the couples.

In an instant, the newlyweds were adorned in festive clothing. Brides wore silver hairpins or bracelets.

Moments ago, they were bare; now they were radiant with celebration—a stark contrast that stirred everyone’s hearts, making them wish they could marry on the spot.

“Truly worthy of being a general,” someone remarked. Even the timing of the gifts was perfectly calculated.

Che Mingyuan fanned himself lightly, never imagining he’d get to act as a matchmaker in his lifetime—arranging so many marriages at once.

“Old Che, when will you arrange a match for me too?” Xiao Fang teased.

Che Mingyuan snapped his fan against him: “Fine, tell me who you fancy. I’ll arrange it immediately. You’ll even get a share of the gifts the general brought!”

Xiao Fang bolted, laughing as he ran: “I was joking! You actually take it seriously?”