Chapter 48: The Eve of the Great Battle

Guys, the boss just asked a critical question, what should I do? Waiting for your help, it’s urgent!

If Tian Mi had so many treasures in her space like before, the boss wouldn’t dare to make her unhappy in the slightest. She would’ve written a resignation letter and slapped it in his face, telling him she was done!

But reality isn’t so kind!

She could only flash a dazzling smile and flatter him, “Your Highness, King Ding, we’ve been traveling for so long. You must be hungry! I brought some food from the valley, please try it!”

Tian Mi quickly pulled a piece of chocolate from her small bag and handed it to him.

Give them a sweet treat and hope they’ll soften up!

Bai Mucheng took the golden-wrapped chocolate ball from her, and Tian Mi also took one and said, “Look, open it and try it!” She unwrapped hers and started eating.

Seeing her guilty expression, Bai Mucheng couldn’t help but chuckle inwardly. He knew it couldn’t be anything good!

He smiled lightly, unwrapped the chocolate, revealing a deep brown piece coated with crushed nuts. He took a bite. Though it didn’t look impressive, the texture was smooth and the flavor rich, with the fragrance of the nuts. A glimmer of light appeared in his eyes as he glanced at Tian Mi before continuing their journey. This girl, at least she knew how to sweeten him up.

Tian Mi let out a sigh of relief. Ha! At least she knew the way to his heart!

They rode through the forest for over an hour when Yanzu suddenly began circling in the sky. Something was up.

Tian Mi signaled for them to stop and explained the situation.

Bai Mucheng took out the map that Huang Yuanying had given him and looked at it. This area was still a distance from the river! But Yanzu’s warning couldn’t be wrong. He immediately dismounted, and the three of them stealthily advanced to investigate.

Tian Mi found the tactics between these two cousins fascinating. She wanted to witness the battle firsthand, watching each of them make their moves. If she could even find where they were hiding their wealth, that would be even better—she could collect a little service fee.

Bai Mucheng whispered, “Don’t alert the enemy!”

Zuo Zhengfeng and Tian Mi nodded.

Then he told Tian Mi, “Let Yanzu survey the area and find all the sentries.”

The eagle was the king of the skies in the forest, so they waited in place as Yanzu flew through the area. Tian Mi made a special whistle, and the bird immediately returned.

She gestured for it to cover a specific area and find all the places where there were people.

Yanzu followed her orders and flew off, and now Bai Mucheng could understand the general idea of the bird’s flight patterns.

Worried about obstructing his view, he quickly climbed a tree like a monkey, and Tian Mi couldn’t help but admire his agility. He really was quite capable!

The boss was serious about his work, and the two little aides didn’t dare to rest, keeping up with the observations half-heartedly.

After about fifteen minutes, Bai Mucheng climbed down from the tree, cutting down some vines to wrap around himself. Tian Mi and Zuo Zhengfeng quickly followed suit, wrapping themselves in vines. Within moments, all three of them had transformed into moving shrubs.

Tian Mi had been embarrassed before when the bees stung her, but now seeing them like this, she couldn’t help but hold back her laughter.

Forget it, she probably wasn’t in any better shape herself, and her big brother didn’t laugh at her either.

Now Bai Mucheng led the way as they moved through the forest, Tian Mi and Zuo Zhengfeng following quietly behind. He wanted to slip through the trees unnoticed.

They were heading deeper into enemy territory. Tian Mi thought, if she didn’t have her space as an advantage, she wouldn’t want to be involved with this boss. She just wanted to make some money, not risk her life.

If Bai Mucheng knew what she was thinking, he would definitely give her a look. These were just scattered sentries, and the enemy camp was still far away. Besides, was her life more important than his own? Didn’t his life matter?

While sneaking through the trees, they encountered a snake as thick as a human arm. Tian Mi almost screamed, but Bai Mucheng quickly drew his sword and severed its head. He glanced at her and continued on, and Tian Mi quietly took the snake into her space. If it scared her, she might as well eat it.

Yanzu was still surveying from the sky, and after sneaking around for another half hour, it suddenly stopped and began circling in a wide area. Clearly, they were nearing Bai Dongyuan’s garrison.

Bai Mucheng gestured for everyone to stop. He took out the map again and started scribbling on it. Shortly after, Yanzu returned, and Bai Mucheng instructed Tian Mi to have it conduct a larger-scale reconnaissance. This time, he didn’t dare to climb a tree himself—he was cautious too.

Bai Mucheng became deeply engrossed in his map again. Once he got busy, he would forget all about eating.

Tian Mi was feeling frustrated. Following the boss for three days meant nine meals missed! She found an excuse to sneak into her space and prepared a bowl of wontons, along with a plate of sauced beef, enjoying her meal leisurely. After finishing, she had a few small tomatoes and took a few sips of spring water. She felt so satisfied!

When Tian Mi looked over, they were still in their usual positions. One was completely focused on the map, while the other quietly stood guard behind him. Tian Mi glanced at the map herself.

This was the map? It seemed too simple! That bend—was it the river? Bai Mucheng had marked all sorts of symbols that she couldn’t understand.

Just then, Yanzu returned, circling overhead. The three of them watched as it flew forward a bit and then hovered again.

Tian Mi spoke, “There’s a large force in front, and there are soldiers in the top right corner as well.”

Bai Mucheng’s lips curled up slightly. Just as he had expected!

The three of them quietly continued their stealthy approach, closing in on the military camp!

Having been with the boss for two days, the reconnaissance was almost complete, and Tian Mi was starting to feel homesick.

She found Zuo Zhengfeng and mentioned that she missed the valley. In response, he said, “On the eve of the great battle, none of us can leave the camp.”

What did he mean by that? What do I know about these things? Bai Mucheng was always so focused on work and never spoke much. How would I know what he’s planning? I can only guess that he’s planning to launch a surprise attack on those two garrisoned camps.

Forget it! Tian Mi sat in the courtyard, and the maid brought her some food. She wasn’t very hungry, so she ate slowly.

Just then, Jin Wenwen came over. The girl seemed to be about the same age as Xu Feiyan, but her gaze wasn’t as innocent as Xu Feiyan’s.

She wore a polite smile and said she was there to thank Tian Mi for saving her older brother.

Tian Mi responded politely, “Miss Jin, you’re too kind.”

Jin Wenwen continued, “Doctor Tian, since I was young, I’ve always admired capable women like you. Would it be possible for me to learn medicine from you? If I do, I’ll surely repay you for your kindness in the future!”

Tian Mi didn’t like troublesome matters, especially since this girl didn’t seem like someone who couldn’t find a teacher. She wasn’t particularly familiar with her, so why did she come to her?

Tian Mi smiled and said, “Miss Jin, I learned medicine as a family tradition and don’t accept disciples. This basic stitching technique was only taught to the military doctor because His Highness, King Ding, requested it.”

Jin Wenwen wasn’t really interested in learning medicine. She just wanted a reason to stay.

She wasn’t discouraged by Tian Mi’s refusal. Instead, she said, “Doctor Tian, you’re so busy every day. Having an extra disciple to help you wouldn’t be bad. There aren’t many women in this military camp, so it would be good to have someone around for company. I won’t take up much of your time. I’m willing to pay five thousand taels of silver for the lessons, and whether I’m successful or not will depend on my own luck. You don’t have to worry about it.”

This attitude really confused Tian Mi. Five thousand taels wasn’t a small amount.

If people weren’t careful, they’d lose sight of the true value of money.

A normal family would consider themselves fortunate if they had five taels of silver left after a year of food and expenses.

What exactly was this girl after? She didn’t care whether she learned well or not, which clearly wasn’t about medicine.

But whatever she was after, it didn’t concern Tian Mi.

Still, she responded politely, “Miss Jin, I’ll be leaving in a few days. I just want to finish my mission quietly, and I truly can’t help you.”

Jin Wenwen’s gaze suddenly turned cold. She was a fourth-grade official’s sister, and here was a mountain woman who didn’t know how to appreciate a favor.

She spoke coldly, “Doctor Tian, the world changes in the blink of an eye. The more friends you have, the more paths you can take.”

Hmph! A young girl like you, really don’t know how to appreciate favors.

“Miss Jin, please leave.”