Font Size:
Although Bai Qi was from the Lu Empire, he had never acknowledged this fact.
While the Lu Empire might appear better than the Qi Empire and the Ling Empire on the surface, in reality, they were all the same – filled with talk of benevolence and righteousness, yet also involved in conflicts and violence.
What was so great about such countries?
Shaking his head in exasperation, Su Yu remarked, “If your father knew you described the Lu Empire this way, he’d probably have a serious talk with you about life.”
Frowning at Su Yu, Bai Qi sarcastically retorted, “Brother Yu, you know very well that in his eyes, only sons born of concubines are considered true sons. What am I then?”
“Well, you’re not much, just the true heir of the Bai family,” Su Yu quipped, throwing in a bit of banter.
Bai Qi looked speechlessly at Su Yu, “Brother Yu, you’re asking for a beating with remarks like that.”
When did Brother Yu become so cheeky? And he was really asking for trouble with such comments.
“Alright, enough joking around. Let the others come over; I have something to discuss with them.”
“Okay.”
Once all one hundred individuals were assembled, they eagerly gazed at Su Yu. “Ay,Brother Yu, what do you need us to do?”
Su Yu gathered them close and after sharing his instructions, their expressions turned peculiar, especially when they looked at Su Yu with a mix of surprise and admiration. “Brother Yu, you really know how to pull off such cunning tactics.”
“Alright, hurry and get to work. When you return, we’ll have a hot pot waiting for you.”
“That’s great, we’re off.”
Luo Yan, observing Su Yu, suddenly remarked, “Brother Yu, it seems like no matter who offends you, you’re always the one in control.”
Su Yu, with a half-smile, looked at Luo Yan and said, “What can I do about it? You’ve already offended me now.”
“…,” Luo Yan looked at Su Yu silently, contemplating how to handle the situation. He wanted to fight back, but he knew he couldn’t best Brother Yu, which was quite troublesome.
Seeing Luo Yan’s disgruntled expression, Su Yu stifled a laugh and said, “Feeling lost, are you?”
“Yu Ge, when Sister-in-law isn’t around, you just love to tease us. When we get back, we’ll definitely complain to Sister-in-law and make sure she knows how you’ve been treating us,” Luo Yan spoke sternly, knowing he couldn’t outwit Su Yu.
Su Yu’s expression darkened as he pointed a finger at Luo Yan, “You little rascal, daring to complain about me?”
“I dare.” Sister-in-law was kind to them, and after they complained, she would surely side with them against Su Yu. Even if he faced consequences later, he would still dare to speak up.
Seeing Luo Yan’s unexpected reaction, Su Yu suddenly smiled, patting Luo Yan’s shoulder. “Isn’t this all good fun? Why act so mature at such a young age?”
Luo Yan looked at Su Yu in astonishment, thinking he would be angry.
“We are not like those in your family. You can be yourself around us; there’s no need to conceal your true self,” Su Yu said seriously, looking at him earnestly.
Feeling a sense of understanding, Luo Yan looked up at Su Yu with a smile on his face. “Brother Yu, I understand.”
“Good.”
For two consecutive days, there was no activity from Su Yu’s side. Instead, he busied himself collecting unique items from the border to send to Wang Jinhe and the others.
Upon hearing this news, Su Jiu couldn’t help but feel a mix of amusement and exasperation. Did this troublemaker even realize what he was up to?
Upon being discovered for his actions, Su Yu would likely face some reprimand. Why did this lad have such a short memory?
As discussions began below, the individuals Su Yu had sent out finally returned.
“Brother Yu, we’ve successfully completed the task,” they reported.
Su Yu’s lips curled slightly. “Great job. Take a rest, I’ll go see my brother and the others.”
After ensuring their well-being and instructing the chef, who had come with him, to prepare some delicious food for them, Su Yu went to find Su Jiu.
Su Jiu also received a report from a spy: “Marshal, the Qi Empire’s army provisions have mysteriously disappeared.”
Surprised, Su Jiu looked at the two individuals who came to report, asking, “What did you say? The provisions vanished? How could this happen?”
The nearby person shook their head gently, “We’re not entirely sure about the details.”
“This is fresh intel – the Qi Empire only has enough food for three days. It takes ten days to transport provisions from the capital; they simply can’t hold out for that long,” the messenger relayed excitedly.
As everyone became informed, Su Yu observed, “It seems you all already know, no need for me to elaborate further.”
Su Jiu chuckled as he looked at Su Yu, “Looks like you orchestrated this. Did you have their provisions taken away?”
“Of course, originally, I intended to set everything ablaze,” causing those present in the tent to shudder at the thought.
“My Lord, we can’t do that with the provisions,” someone interjected, pointing out the impracticality of burning such a large amount of food.
“Exactly, so I didn’t burn it; I had it taken away. When we conquer this city, we’ll distribute the provisions to the people there. Otherwise, the people of the Qi Empire would starve,” Su Yu explained. Those provisions were a matter of life and death for the civilians; burning them was out of the question.
“With the Qi Empire’s provisions only lasting for three days, what’s your plan?” Su Jiu inquired.
“Inform everyone that we’ll have a hot pot feast on the city walls tonight – my treat,” Su Yu smirked.
Su Jiu and the others thought they were about to engage in battle, only to be invited to a hot pot feast? What kind of strategy was this?
“If you’re willing to splurge, we won’t hold back,” Su Jiu responded.
“Also, let them know that while they can enjoy the hot pot, alcohol is off-limits. Once we capture the city we desire, I’ll treat them to some fine wine,” Su Yu added.
One of the generals nearby chuckled, “With My Lord’s words, we can rest assured. We’ll ensure everything is handled clearly and transparently.”
“Then it’s up to you.”
Swiftly, word spread among the soldiers that the provisions in the Qi Empire had vanished, leaving only a three-day supply. Their general returned, announcing that the Prince invited everyone to a hot pot feast. While some were unfamiliar with hot pot, they knew that anything the Prince treated them to would be of high quality.
They quickly set up the fire and pot, with some washing vegetables while others prepared the meat, creating a bustling atmosphere.
Once everything was ready, the city walls were filled with the aroma of the rich broth, filled with pork ribs and meat, tempting everyone’s taste buds.
“Enjoy the hot pot; we have plenty of ingredients,” Su Yu instructed, dividing the people into two groups: one to guard the city and the other to eat.
Not content with just feasting, Su Yu ensured the news reached the Qi Empire’s military camps.
After learning of Su Yu’s actions, Su Jiu couldn’t help but spit out his food in surprise, exclaiming, “Xiao Yu, that’s quite a cunning move.”
“It’s a good strategy, openly telling the soldiers in the Qi Empire that surrendering means they’ll have meat and a full meal. Those who resist will face hunger,” Su Jiu remarked.
“You’re right, and this hot pot really is delicious.”
While feasting on one side, the atmosphere in the Qi Empire’s military camp was icy.
The soldiers there gazed at the distant bonfires, feeling a twinge of envy.
With their provisions dwindling, having only three days left, and the citizens already struggling, the Qi Empire’s Prince ordered the collection of food from the city.
In truth, everyone knew that this “collection” was just a facade; those sent to gather food were essentially going to loot.