Chapter 900: Missing in Action
Editor: Henyee Translations

As Tang Jinghong went to arrange for the resettlement of the refugees, Chu Qingzhi stayed behind in her tent to question the soldiers about the disappearance of the second batch of supplies.

A soldier reported to Chu Qingzhi, “There was a traitor among the soldiers transporting the second batch of supplies. In the middle of the night, they secretly opened the gates and let the enemy in, catching them completely off guard.”

“They killed or knocked out everyone and then took the supplies away in the night. Now, their whereabouts are unknown.”

After pondering for a moment upon hearing this, Chu Qingzhi asked, “Do you have the list of soldiers who were transporting the second batch?”

“Yes,” the soldier handed over the list.

Chu Qingzhi looked at the list and then asked, “Is there a list of soldiers who died?”

“Yes,” the soldier replied, handing over a second page.

Comparing the lists, Chu Qingzhi noted that there were five survivors, three of whom were unconscious and two were missing. “Are the two missing soldiers being searched for?”

“Yes, but the culprits were very thorough, and it also rained that day, so we’ve lost their trail.”

It was indeed a case of perfect timing and execution for the perpetrators.

Chu Qingzhi mused that it would be necessary to visit the site of the incident to gather more insights, as conjecturing without seeing the scene might prove unfruitful.

“Hand me all the information you’ve gathered, and you may leave for now. I need to think this through.”

“Yes,” the soldier handed over all the documents to Chu Qingzhi and then left.

Chu Qingzhi perused the documents, wondering if Lu Ziming could be involved, considering he had also tampered with the military’s grain supply.

…

Meanwhile, the refugees, upon hearing that they finally had villages to settle in, were overjoyed. They quickly packed their belongings and followed the soldiers.

The dozen or so villages could accommodate all the displaced individuals.

After the refugees chose their houses, Tang Jinghong had the soldiers distribute seeds to them to begin planting immediately. He also distributed some grain to help them sustain themselves during this period.

In a tent, Chu Qingning helped a woman pack her belongings.

Holding her child, the woman expressed her gratitude, “Young lady, thank you for taking care of us during this time. Otherwise, my child and I might not have survived till today.”

Chu Qingning smiled as she looked at the child, “It’s no trouble at all; meeting you was fate.”

The woman put down her child, hoisted her bundle on her back, picked up her child again, and said, “I have to go now, young lady, or I’ll fall behind the others.”

Chu Qingning nodded, “Let me walk you out.”

As they left the tent, Chu Qingzhi happened to be passing by. She had come specifically to see Chu Qingning before leaving the camp, “Fourth Sister.”

Chu Qingning, who hadn’t seen Chu Qingzhi for over a day, brightened up at the sight of her, “Fifth Sister, did you encounter any danger on your trip?”

“No trouble, don’t worry,” Chu Qingzhi internally remarked that others should worry when they encounter her, not the other way around.

After the sisters finished catching up, the woman thanked Chu Qingzhi, “Miss, I must go now, thank you for saving me back then.”

“I’ll walk you out.” It was a good opportunity for Chu Qingzhi to see Tang Jinghong.

The woman nodded, “Okay.”

At that moment, Jiang Zhanglin and Yan Zihao approached Tang Jinghong, “General Tang, please assign us tasks!”

Tang Jinghong had no intention of entrusting these city-dwelling young masters with any significant responsibilities, “Return to the camp, it’s dangerous out here.”

Jiang Zhanglin insisted, “General, we didn’t come here to be coddled. We came to gain experience. Please assign us tasks!”

Yan Zihao bowed, “Please assign us tasks, General!”

He was determined to seize this opportunity to rise to prominence, to make those in his family who looked down on him regret their disdain. An outcast of the family he might be, but he was capable of forging his own path to power.

Tang Jinghong looked at them with a sharp gaze, “Very well, then help Jing Xu with his tasks.”

Fan Jingxu, the son of General Fan, was young but already capable of holding his own. He was currently at the front lines dealing with the refugees.

Both men firmly responded, “Yes, General.”

…

In the village, the dilapidated scene caused Jiang Zhanglin and Yan Zihao to frown as they walked through, feeling uncomfortable.

Yan Zihao looked around with discomfort, commenting, “This village is too run-down. The authorities in the eastern border have really let their people down.”

Jiang Zhanglin, who had done his homework on the eastern border’s situation prior to arrival but had not anticipated this level of desolation, agreed, “Indeed, it’s a good thing General Tang is here now. Otherwise, managing this mess in the eastern border would have been a nightmare.”

Yan Zihao’s brows furrowed slightly, “I heard that many were sent here before, but it always ended in silence and mystery.”

Jiang Zhanglin glanced at Yan Zihao, reassuringly, “Others might have failed to return, but with General Tang, we can be assured of safety. We will make it back.”

Nodding, Yan Zihao responded, “Right.”

As they spoke, they approached Fan Jingxu. “Young General,” they greeted him.

Fan Jingxu’s expression soured slightly upon seeing them, “Why are you here? This place is chaotic, not suitable for scholars like you. You should go back.”

Jiang Zhanglin explained, “We are here to assist you. General Tang has approved our stay. Please assign us tasks.”

After a moment’s consideration, Fan Jingxu relented, “Since Brother Tang has agreed, then stay. We are currently distributing seeds to the villagers. You can help with that.”

Gratefully, the two men bowed, “Understood.”

…

Chu Qingzhi approached Tang Jinghong, “Jinghong, I spoke with the soldiers investigating the disappearance of the second batch of supplies. We couldn’t retrieve any substantial leads. I plan to personally investigate the scene.”

After a moment of silence, Tang Jinghong suggested, “Take Jia Liyu and Jia Lixia with you.”

Chu Qingzhi thought to herself that indeed, she needed some assistance on the ground, “Alright.”

“After the refugees are settled, we’ll need to break camp. I thought to inform you in advance.” He would need to stay at the camp to maintain order, otherwise, he would have joined her.

“Okay,” Chu Qingzhi squeezed Tang Jinghong’s hand, “Remember to eat, I’m leaving now.”

“Alright,” Tang Jinghong watched her go, hoping that all these troubles would soon end so Chu Qingzhi wouldn’t have to keep running around so exhaustingly.

After leaving the camp, Chu Qingzhi checked on Du Zhaolin and Rong Shening, who were recovering from their fevers. She then mounted a horse with Jia Liyu and Jia Lixia and rode out of the camp.

As soon as she left, news of her departure spread across the region.

On a narrow official road, a group of masked men emerged from the bushes, blocking Chu Qingzhi’s path. The leader shouted, “Witch, you’ve finally come out!”

Chu Qingzhi, not one to waste words, snapped her whip, sending a slicing wind blade that decapitated the leader.

Her whip danced, and several more wind blades flew out, striking the masked men. Those who were slow reacted died instantly, while the quicker ones were left with deep, bleeding gashes.

Chu Qingzhi showed no mercy. With another powerful flick of her whip, more masked men fell, unable to even flee.

She left one alive, the real leader, “Who sent you?”

Her piercing gaze was intimidating; he had been spotted despite hiding among his men, “It’s…”

Suddenly, three arrows flew from different directions, the sound of them slicing through the air chilling to the bone.