Chapter 893: Tracking the Supplies (2)
Editor: Henyee Translations

Chu Qingzhi pointed to the prefect, “He is the Prefect of Linzhang City. Assign someone to look after him; I’m going to search for the supplies.”

Meng Shengdong was momentarily taken aback, “Miss, this…?” The person before them looked nothing more than a beggar; how could he possibly be a prefect?

However, Chu Qingzhi’s words were not to be doubted. Regardless of his true identity, they would find out once they brought him back. If he dared to impersonate a prefect, he would soon learn the meaning of regret, “Xiao Wu, take care of him.”

Xiao Wu saluted, “Yes, General.”

Chu Qingzhi led her group towards the cave sealed with a stone, suspecting a secret lay behind it.

Reaching the entrance, Chu Qingzhi’s palm strike sent the stone flying, revealing the path hidden behind it.

A stone path extended downwards into the forest without stairs but with many signs of friction, indicating heavy objects had been dragged over it.

Meng Shengdong furrowed his brows, “Miss Chu, could it be that the supplies collected by Officer Wang were transported out by the bandits through here?”

“It’s possible,” replied Chu Qingzhi. She turned around, “Bring Officer Wang here.”

Meng Shengdong stepped aside, and two soldiers helped Officer Wang over.

Chu Qingzhi pressed her fingers to Officer Wang’s forehead.

Gradually, Officer Wang regained consciousness, his gaze confused at first but soon cleared upon seeing Meng Shengdong, “Quick, pursue the supplies. The bandits have stolen them.”

Chu Qingzhi pinpointed a concern, “Your convoy had a thousand soldiers, and these bandits at most numbered four to five hundred. Even if ambushed, you should not have been entirely captured. How were you apprehended?”

Officer Wang felt a chill; was Miss Chu suspecting an inside job?

He hurriedly explained, “Miss, please understand, those who ambushed us numbered at least a thousand, not less.”

“How can you be sure?” Chu Qingzhi’s frown deepened. If true, then there was much more to this incident. Worse, the attackers might not have been bandits but someone else entirely.

This theory matched the situation in the suspended floor!

Officer Wang affirmed, “I have spent years in the military, particularly managing supplies. I am highly sensitive to numbers and can estimate a crowd size with a glance, with an error margin of no more than five.”

Meng Shengdong confirmed, “I can vouch for Officer Wang. It’s well-known throughout the camp that he has this skill.”

Chu Qingzhi silently acknowledged the gravity of the situation. She instructed Meng Shengdong, “You return to the camp with the others. I will track the supplies.”

Meng Shengdong hesitated, “Miss Chu, let’s go back together. The General is very worried.”

“Jinghong will understand,” Chu Qingzhi reassured before proceeding down the path.

Watching Chu Qingzhi’s departing figure, Meng Shengdong, realizing he couldn’t persuade her, resolved to follow her orders, secure the stronghold, and then lead everyone back to the camp.

Once out of sight, Chu Qingzhi contacted Tang Jinghong with the Golden Phoenix Messenger, updating him on the situation.

Tang Jinghong advised that if she reached Linzhang City, checking the prefectural yamen might yield some clues, confirming the person they rescued was indeed the Prefect.

After contemplation, Chu Qingzhi decided to visit the prefectural yamen in Linzhang City but chose first to track the supplies.

The trail into the forest soon disappeared, giving way to grass and dry leaves. It seemed the boxes had been carried from this point, leaving many footprints in the grass that faded with distance, making it hard to follow.

Feeling a bit hungry, Chu Qingzhi popped a candy into her mouth before climbing to the treetops to survey her surroundings, then headed towards the nearby official road.

Indeed, heavy wheel tracks marked the road. Following these, Chu Qingzhi moved forward.

Soon, Shuang’er, her bird, arrived, “Qingzhi.”

Chu Qingzhi looked at the seemingly thinner Shuang’er, “Did you find anything?”

“I lost them,” admitted Shuang’er. There was a traitor in the camp, and despite its surveillance, “He went to a nearby inn and then left in women’s attire. I didn’t realize it was him until too late…”

“It’s not your fault; the adversary was too cunning. Anyone else would have lost them too.”

“I’ll keep a closer watch next time.”

“Go ahead.”

After Shuang’er departed, Chu Qingzhi used a spell to speed her travel, arriving at Linzhang City.

The city gates were tightly closed, with many people waiting to enter, creating a noisy and chaotic scene reminiscent of a market.

Chu Qingzhi approached a young servant, “Excuse me, young man, what’s happening here?”

The servant, though not particularly noticeable, was adept at gathering information. Seeing Chu Qingzhi’s polite manner and striking appearance, he willingly shared, “Lin Zhang City experienced a robbery last night. The city gates are currently closed as they search for the culprits.”

“A robbery? Why such a fuss over a theft?”

“It’s because the target was the storeroom of the Prefect himself.”

Chu Qingzhi raised an eyebrow, “What’s so important in the Prefect’s storeroom that someone would risk stealing from it?”

“That, I’m not sure of. But the Prefect was furious, leading to the gates being sealed.”

“How long have they been closed?”

“Since last night, continuing until now. No word on when they’ll reopen.”

“Thank you for the information.”

“No problem. Are you here to visit relatives or for business?”

“I’m here on business.”

“Then you might have to wait a bit longer. The gates should open soon.”

Nodding, Chu Qingzhi moved along the city wall toward the southern gate, following the trail of wheel tracks, “It seems they transported the supplies here last night. The Prefect’s order to seal the city likely forced them to redirect elsewhere. Unfortunate timing.”

About five hundred meters along, the trail led her to a bamboo grove where the wheel marks vanished.