Chapter 44: Striving for a Future

In the afternoon, Tian Mi returned from outside, carrying large and small bags of items. Besides food, she also brought back plenty of soap.

She gave half of the food to Tian Dabiao, instructing him to take it to Fengqiu Village, and also sent a bar of soap to the village elder there. In this era, wealthy people used bath beans or soap for bathing and washing hands, while the poor relied on soap pods or wood ash—soap was still unheard of.

Tian Mi claimed the soap was bartered and distributed it accordingly: one bar for Prince Ding, one for each family on their side, and one for the village elder in Fengqiu Village.

Currently, everything she used came from her space’s inventory. Once they reached Qinghe County, and supplies became more accessible, she could replenish her stock.

Tian Mi also used recently harvested herbs to create formulas for treating external injuries and replenishing energy and blood. She worked with Sister Jianhui to roast and process the herbs into remedies, enhancing their effects with spiritual spring water, which made them remarkably effective.

Since she didn’t have enough porcelain bottles or jars, Tian Mi packed the medicines in bamboo tubes and advised them to repackage them as they wished. She also emphasized not demanding excessive credit because of the valley’s limited resources.

As she glanced at the earnest young man, she thought to herself: Business must be strict! Humph!

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During dinner, Tian Mi noticed the growing spark between her father and Sister Jianhui. Her father seemed unable to look Jianhui in the eyes.

“Hahaha! Even an old man’s love life can be this bashful!” she thought to herself, amused.

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The next day, Zuo Zhengfeng arrived with two soldiers, each riding a horse, to pick up the goods. Tian Mi quickly sent Yanzu off to play in the mountains to avoid being seen by them.

As soon as Zuo Zhengfeng arrived, he teased, “Doctor Tian! Yanzu ran off disobediently.”

Tian Mi ignored him. If he ran off, that’s your problem—it has nothing to do with me.

Zuo Zhengfeng still couldn’t figure out how the securely locked cage had been opened. It’s like I’ve seen a ghost! he thought.

He continued, “Prince Ding has instructed that you bring Yanzu along for reconnaissance. Don’t worry—we’ll ensure you’re rewarded. Who knows, you might even earn yourself a title. You’d be someone of standing in the Heavenly Qin Kingdom.”

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Tian Mi realized Zuo Zhengfeng always hit her weak spot. In this era, having money often made you a target, but holding a position of status deterred opportunists and significantly reduced trouble.

She cast a skeptical glance at Zuo Zhengfeng. That Bai Mucheng doesn’t look like someone generous with rewards. How much will he really give me?

She asked bluntly, “Is Prince Ding this considerate?”

Zuo Zhengfeng confidently replied, “Absolutely. Prince Ding is known for his strict rewards and punishments. Don’t worry—everyone’s eagerly waiting for your medicine!”

His reasoning sounded convincing. For the sake of a peaceful and wealthy future, it seemed worth the effort to fight for it.

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Tian Mi handed over medicine, alcohol, and soap, along with 25 tubes of loquat syrup. She explained that the syrup could soothe throat discomfort, alleviate coughing, and refresh the mind. Zuo Zhengfeng wrote a receipt.

The loquat syrup was calculated at 20 tubes, while the remaining five were gifted for them to drink with water. The 20 tubes were essentially forced sales—but they were premium goods.

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Since she was striving for her future, Tian Mi felt the need to put on a proper appearance. She informed her father and Sister Jianhui of her departure. Both lowered their heads, nodding as they assured her they understood and that she could leave without worry. They promised to take care of the two little ones.

These two must be secretly thrilled that this “third wheel” is finally leaving, Tian Mi mused.

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She returned to her room, changed into dark-colored clothes, tied her hair in a masculine style, slung a bow and arrows over her back, carried an axe, and packed a bundle for disguise.

This bold and dashing look, combined with her handsome face, could charm a crowd of beauties. The first to fall for her was Xu Feiyan.

Her eyes sparkled as she exclaimed, “Sister Tian Mi, if you were a man, I’d marry you!”

Tian Mi chuckled inwardly. If I were a man, I’d definitely make you my primary wife and let you manage a whole group of sisters.

Heh heh heh! After all, I’m rich—why wouldn’t I have the power to do so?

Tian Mi took out a bamboo whistle and summoned Yanzu. The bird let out a loud, clear cry in midair, immediately captivating Zuo Zhengfeng and his men. With four riders and one bird, they raced toward the military camp.

Bai Mucheng still couldn’t figure out what he was thinking. Nor could he understand why he decided to call her back again. He explained to himself, “Her medical skills are exceptional, so it’s safer to have her around in case of emergencies.”

Tian Mi was once again housed in her previous courtyard, with Auntie looking after her daily needs. When Auntie saw her, she was overjoyed. She had thought she’d lost her job, but to her surprise, her employment—and income—were back.

“Are you thirsty? Hungry? Tired?” Auntie fussed over her, leaving Tian Mi both amused and exasperated.

“Auntie, no need to be so formal! If I need anything, I’ll call for you!”

Later, Tian Mi practiced with her large axe. She wanted to make a name for herself and secure a future. Swinging the axe so swiftly that it became a blur, the sound of it slicing through the air was both impressive and intimidating, leaving Auntie in awe.

This young lady is truly extraordinary! No wonder she dares to be in a military camp.

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Not long after, Zuo Zhengfeng came to fetch Tian Mi, asking her to bring Yanzu along. Today, they were heading to investigate the waterways outside Qinghe County.

Tian Mi slung her bow and arrows over her back, grabbed her axe, and accompanied him to meet Bai Mucheng. Such reconnaissance missions were typically handled by Bai Mucheng himself. This foolhardy approach of taking only Zuo Zhengfeng, Tian Mi, and one bird as their team baffled her. Didn’t he learn his lesson? If he hadn’t left on a personal mission back then, the original host wouldn’t have found the opportunity to exploit his absence. Yet now he dares to set out like this?

When Bai Mucheng glanced at Tian Mi, it seemed casual. Her androgynous look was understated, but that oversized axe was no ordinary weapon for a woman. From what Zuo Zhengfeng had told him, her skills were decent, but he hadn’t expected a woman to wield such a weapon.

Bai Mucheng himself wore simple black coarse cloth attire, yet even such plain clothing couldn’t conceal his striking handsomeness.

Tian Mi greeted Bai Mucheng with a smile—after all, he was her “boss” for now, and she was merely a hired worker.

When Zuo Zhengfeng saluted, Tian Mi gave a simple bow and said, “Your Highness, Prince Ding, greetings!”

Bai Mucheng glanced at Yanzu circling above and said, “Let’s move.”

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The three of them were armed with weapons and bows. They all rode horses but avoided the main road, opting for rugged mountain paths instead. Seriously? Just three people openly heading to Qinghe County like this? It’s suicidal.

Zuo Zhengfeng led the way. It was clear he had done his homework and was quite familiar with the area.

The mountain trail was steep and challenging, forcing them to dismount and walk in some parts. My goodness! Tian Mi thought. People only see Prince Ding’s victories on the battlefield, but who knew he endured such hardships behind the scenes?

Despite being nearly 1.9 meters tall, Bai Mucheng had to navigate through dense, overgrown forests, hacking at branches with his sword as he went. Turns out being a general isn’t easy.

Walking behind him, Tian Mi found the path much easier to traverse.

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After over an hour, they reached a mountain hollow. Zuo Zhengfeng pointed to a nearby peak and said to Tian Mi, “Send Yanzu to scout that mountain and check if anyone is stationed there.”

Tian Mi instructed Yanzu to investigate.

Having been raised by Tian Mi, Yanzu was intelligent and obedient. It immediately soared toward the mountain.

Zuo Zhengfeng turned to Bai Mucheng and said, “Your Highness, from that mountain, we’ll have a clear view of Qinghe County’s waterways. Our informants report that both the entry and exit points are heavily guarded.”

Bai Mucheng listened without responding.

If Bai Dongyuan is willing to betray his father, he’ll surely mobilize all his forces to resist the imperial court. By creating a stalemate, he can pressure the court to negotiate, giving him leverage to make demands. In this era, reputation is everything. He wants both profit and face—what a balancing act.

Tian Mi decided to observe how events unfolded, curious about the patterns of this era.

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Watching Yanzu’s flight path, Tian Mi noticed it circling a particular spot twice.

“Looks like there’s someone keeping watch,” Tian Mi said. “Bai Dongyuan’s defenses are impressive. Yanzu is now scouting the other side of the mountain.”

She continued, “There are sentries up there, and Yanzu’s flight pattern suggests there may be more people ahead. Let’s wait for it to return before deciding our next move.”