Springtime Farming: A Happy Wife At Home

Chapter 2113: Sun Meng Is a Cheat

“No!” Sun Meng objected without a second thought, his anger intensifying. With a sneer, he declared, “I must take the food with me, regardless of its location! It’s imperative that I deliver it to the provincial city first and let our general make the decision!”

“What are you insinuating? Are you using the Northwest Army as a threat?”

But what did it matter if it was the Northwest Army? They were still subjects of the Emperor!

Wasn’t it their duty as subjects to provide for the Emperor? Furthermore, this wasn’t merely a request; it was a form of tribute!

With the Emperor facing a shortage of food, it was only natural for his subjects to offer what they could. If the Northwest Army had any sense of decency, they would willingly provide tribute.

If the Emperor requested such a small amount of food, it would be disobedient not to comply! And disobedience would certainly invite punishment.

Shao Yunduan remained silent, his thoughts racing.

Jia Heming, too, was lost in disbelief.

They didn’t exchange glances, but they shared the same sentiment.

What a deception! What a fraud!

Sun Meng was nothing short of a swindler.

However, it was precisely this single-minded fool who caused Shao Yunduan the most headaches.

No matter how patient Shao Yunduan tried to be, he found no desire to continue.

It just didn’t add up.

Sun Meng seemed a bit smug as he noticed this and let out a soft snort.

Did he really believe she thought he was so easily deceived? There was no way she could pull the wool over his eyes!

“Consider it a deal! Lord Shao, seize this opportunity to demonstrate your loyalty!”

With that, Sun Meng strode away proudly.

“What kind of person is he?! Is General Sun out of his mind? Sending someone like that out on a task? Isn’t he worried about the trouble he might cause?!”

As soon as Sun Meng departed, Jia Heming couldn’t help but voice his frustration.

Shao Yunduan sighed inwardly. The Sun Family wielded considerable influence in the Second Prince’s domain, so what did they have to fear?

Sun Pu must be well aware of Sun Meng’s capabilities, yet he dispatched him without hesitation. It seemed Magistrate Liu’s favoritism had paid off handsomely. Sun Pu must hold quite a grudge against him.

Moreover, he used to be the Crown Prince’s subordinate. He was already enemies with the Second Prince and the Sun family…

Shao Yunduan felt that the situation was worse than he had expected.

“Lord, what’s our course of action now? We can’t all head to the provincial city; that’d be too passive! Plus, giving them this food is out of the question.”

One hundred thousand stones was no small amount. It would be gut-wrenching to surrender it for naught.

And would the Sun family cease their demands after tasting victory? History suggested otherwise.

So, should he yield or not?

Refusal would strain their relationship.

But yielding was equally untenable.

If he capitulated now, he’d be setting a dangerous precedent.

If conflict was inevitable, better to face it head-on. The Northwest Army could serve as a bulwark. It might prove invaluable.

Moreover, Anze Province wasn’t without defenses. Not everyone could act with impunity here!

Jia Heming’s mind seethed with indignation. He wasn’t one to swallow his frustrations easily!

Shao Yunduan spoke calmly, “I’ll depart for the city tomorrow morning with Ah-Ye and Zheng Sangge. Ah-Ye will accompany me inside, while Zheng Sangge and his men will await us outside. Rest assured, I won’t engage them directly. My wife will inform the public of my ‘illness,’ and I trust she can deter Sun Meng. You stay here and detain Sun Meng and his entourage for as long as possible. Keep them within Anze Province, no matter what.”

Dealing with this imbecile was exasperating. If reasoning failed, it was best to sidestep him. Shao Yunduan resolved to address Sun Pu directly.