A month ago, Bei Chenyuan had sent Ning Huaian back to the capital to procure grain, but Ning Huaian later reported that the grain convoy had been ambushed.

He then prepared another batch of grain, yet along the journey, he encountered more than a dozen attacks.

Fortunately, he had brought more men this time.

However, before reaching Yuzhou City, the grain was still seized.

Its whereabouts remained unknown, and Ning Huaian was currently investigating in Yuzhou City.

If the grain could be found and transported to the northwest by Shen Qing’s people, it would alleviate the urgent crisis there.

Shen Qingwan had initially been quietly listening, but upon hearing the title “Grand General,” her heart tightened. “The Northwest Army is also short on grain?”

Murong Wushuang nodded. “Unless something unexpected happens, they should already be running out of food. The northwest is barren, surrounded by desolate mountains, and relies on a single city. If they run out of food, the northwest could fall. So, they are in dire need of grain.”

Shen Qingwan frowned.

She hadn’t expected the situation to be so severe. “I can agree to transporting the grain, and I guarantee it will arrive safely. However, I want you to promise me one thing in return.”

Murong Wushuang, hearing her agreement, became even more certain that she had a unique method of transporting grain.

As long as the grain arrived safely, nothing else mattered.

“What is it?”

“I will donate 500,000 shi of grain to the Zhenbei Army and also transport a batch of grain for you. However, I ask that you never investigate anything related to me in the future, and you must not probe into my transportation methods or routes. If you can agree to this, perhaps we can cooperate again in the future.”

Donating 500,000 shi of grain in exchange for a county princess title was already a good deal for her.

More importantly, she genuinely wanted to help the Zhenbei Army through this crisis, so there was no need to haggle over details.

Murong Wushuang was stunned.

He hadn’t expected her to offer 500,000 shi of grain so readily.

That amount was enough to get them through this ordeal.

Originally, he had thought that if she could donate 200,000 or 300,000 shi, it would already be incredible.

Even if it were only 100,000 shi, he would have accepted it.

But now, it was 500,000 shi—Bei Chenyuan would have nothing to say against it.

“Rest assured, I will report this to the prince. From now on, we will not investigate anything related to you, nor will we probe into your transportation methods or routes.”

Everyone had their own secrets, especially when it came to such a discreet yet powerful transportation network. It was only natural to be cautious.

Shen Qingwan and Murong Wushuang discussed further details about the grain transport and her conditions, delaying them for quite some time before they finally parted ways.

When Murong Wushuang returned, Bei Chenyuan was handling military affairs, his expression cold enough to freeze people.

Murong Wushuang knew he was angry about his late return, but there was nothing he could do about it.

“I’ve spoken with Shen Qing. She is willing to donate 500,000 shi of grain to the Zhenbei Army and has also agreed to transport a batch of grain to the northwest. Huaian’s grain shipment likely won’t make it, so rather than wasting time, it’s better to send this batch to the northwest first.” Murong Wushuang ignored Bei Chenyuan’s cold expression and continued speaking.

Beichen Yuan set down the memorial in his hand and looked at Murong Wushuang, surprised by the final amount—500,000 shi.

He had thought this guy would side with that woman, but at least he hadn’t let emotions cloud his judgment.

“Hmph, does she really have the ability to transport the grain to the northwest?”

It wasn’t that he didn’t believe in Shen Qing, but someone was deliberately intercepting grain shipments to prevent supplies from reaching the battlefield.

Could she really deliver the grain under such circumstances?

Murong Wushuang raised an eyebrow. “If she didn’t have the ability, then how did 500,000 shi of grain reach the northern lands? She must have her own transportation channels, just ones that remain unknown to us.”

“This prince will have people investigate. I want to see exactly how she is transporting the grain.”

Before Beichen Yuan could finish speaking, Murong Wushuang interrupted him.

“That’s not allowed. I have already promised her that we will not investigate her background or transportation routes. As long as the job is done, there’s no need to pry further, Your Highness.”

Since he had given his word, he had confidence that Beichen Yuan would eventually let it go.

Beichen Yuan merely shot him a cold glance before spitting out four words:

“You’re bewitched by her.”

Murong Wushuang… Wasn’t this just a case of thankless effort?

The next morning, Shen Qingwan prepared to leave the northern military camp with her mother.

As for the 500,000 shi of grain, she told them to collect it three days later from the same manor as before.

To facilitate the grain transfer, Shen Qingwan had rented another temporary manor outside Yanzhou City.

The last batch of 20,000 shi had also been stored there.

Murong Wushuang knew the location and her rules, so he didn’t ask further.

Before she left, Shen Qingwan hadn’t expected Beichen Yuan to show up.

He handed her a jade token and instructed her to show it to Ning Huaian when she reached Yuzhou City, so he would cooperate in handing over the grain.

Shen Qingwan examined the token—it was made of the finest black jade, smooth and glossy, with an intricately carved, hollowed-out Qilin, clearly a priceless object.

Just as she was marveling at Beichen Yuan’s generosity, he spoke coldly, “This jade token is only to be given to Ning Huaian upon meeting him.”

Shen Qingwan’s excitement immediately deflated.

Tsk, stingy man.

She had thought he was gifting it to her, but it turned out she had celebrated too soon. Even though she didn’t lack valuable treasures, this was a symbol of the War Prince’s status—something beyond monetary worth.

“Rest assured, Your Highness. I will keep this jade token safe,” Shen Qingwan said, forcing a smile before leaving with her mother and Rong Yunshuang.

Chu Fengchun waved at Shen Qingwan with great reluctance.

He was particularly pleased that she had left him the ingredients and two packs of hotpot seasoning.

Murong Wushuang watched as the carriage disappeared into the distance.

This was the first time Beichen Yuan had seen such an obvious emotion on his face.

The once unattainable Murong Wushuang, admired by countless noble ladies in the capital, had finally been moved by someone.

“If you keep staring, you’ll turn into a ‘longing wife stone,’” Beichen Yuan mocked before returning to his tent.

Now that they had enough grain, it was time to launch a counterattack.

This time, he would ensure the Beirong forces never returned.

After leaving the northern camp, Shen Qingwan didn’t rush to depart entirely.

Instead, she drove to Yanzhou City, planning to stay for two or three days to ensure the grain was secured.

She waited until Beichen Yuan’s men retrieved the grain before leaving.

During her time in Suzhou City, she hadn’t been idle.

She searched for young chickens, ducks, and geese for breeding, but found none in large quantities.

Due to the food shortage, households couldn’t afford to raise livestock.

Eventually, she settled for buying eggs—chicken, duck, and goose eggs—intending to hatch them herself. Her space contained incubation equipment and solar-powered systems, making it easy to hatch them.

She had originally planned to raise fish and lotus in the lake, but fish fry were unavailable. Even large, live fish were difficult to buy, so she had to put that plan on hold.

On the second night, Shen Qingwan transported all 500,000 shi of grain to the manor.

The next morning, she saw a large military convoy heading there.

Only then did she quietly leave.