Springtime Farming: A Happy Wife At Home

Chapter 2111: He Must Have a Plan

The more Sun Meng listened, the fiercer his anger burned.

“This Prefect Shao displays unparalleled arrogance! To show such disrespect to his superiors is unforgivable. Lord Liu may be lenient, but if he were to cross swords with our general, he’d meet a swift demise!”

Constable Li’s sigh was laden with frustration. “Our Lord values talent, indeed. He once spared Lord Shao’s reprimand due to his intermediate Primus scholar status. Who would have thought he’d only grow more audacious and brazen? General, do you believe he’s harboring ulterior motives with his clandestine food hoarding?”

“Undoubtedly! There’s more to this than meets the eye!”

Sun Meng’s countenance hardened. “I’ll confront him immediately.”

Constable Li interjected hastily, “General, perhaps it’s wise to inspect the granary first. Let him squirm in front of the entire stockpile!”

Sun Meng dismissed the suggestion with a cold smile. “I’ll simply make my inquiry. What can he possibly do?”

Constable Li hesitated to voice his doubts, but upon reflection, he realized the potential benefits of Shao Yunduan refusing to comply. If Prefect Shao offended General Sun, it could spell trouble for him.

After all, General Sun’s reputation preceded him, and he wasn’t one to be trifled with.

“General, your wisdom knows no bounds! Your renown precedes you, and I doubt Prefect Shao would dare to defy you!”

Constable Li began to heap praises upon Sun Meng.

Though his flattery bordered on the extravagant, who wouldn’t appreciate a bit of praise? Sun Meng couldn’t help but feel gratified.

The following day, Sun Meng arrived at Shao Yunduan’s residence accompanied by a dozen formidable-looking men. He wasted no time in broaching two matters: firstly, he requested Shao Yunduan, Jia Heming, Ah-Ye, Sun Bai, and Sun Qian to accompany him to the provincial city, as his general had inquiries for them; secondly, he declared his intent to requisition 100,000 dans of grain upon his return to the province.

“There’s no time to dawdle, Lord Shao. Prepare yourself! We depart in three days at the latest. Ensure all the provisions are ready by then.”

Shao Yunduan had anticipated Sun Meng’s less-than-amicable intentions, but the extent of his domineering demeanor took him aback.

He refused to acquiesce to either of Sun Meng’s demands.

Attempting to negotiate, Shao Yunduan proposed an alternative with a genial smile. “General, if there are inquiries to be made, I’m at your disposal. I’ll venture to the provincial city alone, sparing the need for anyone else. After all, we require personnel to maintain order here in Anze Province, don’t we? If everyone departs, who will attend to our daily affairs?”

“No!” Sun Meng eyed Shao Yunduan warily. He recognized the futility of attempting to outwit the astute Primus scholar.

Mr. Primus was shrewd, and engaging in protracted dialogue risked falling prey to his cunning manipulations.

Thus, Sun Meng opted for a simpler, more forceful approach. He would not entertain Shao Yunduan’s suggestions, regardless of their merit.

Whether logical or not, objections to Sun Meng’s directives spelled the end of the discussion.

Casting a disdainful glance at Shao Yunduan, Sun Meng scoffed, “This is a direct order from the general. You and your companions will comply! Anze Province pales in comparison to our general’s domain. A minor delay here is inconsequential. When the general commands, you obey without question!”

“Lord Shao, don’t blame me for not reminding you. Our general isn’t as good-tempered as Prefect Liu. You can’t disobey him! Otherwise, humph!”

The revelation regarding Prefect Liu left Shao Yunduan stunned.

Nevertheless, he remained resolute in his stance.

The implications of abandoning Anze Province, Qiao Xuan, and their child to accompany Sun Meng were dire. Their families would be left vulnerable and defenseless.

Should Sun Pu and Prefect Liu dispatch agents to seize control in their absence, Anze Province would be left leaderless, exposing them to imminent peril.

Without a doubt, Shao Yunduan refused to gamble with the safety and well-being of those under his care.