The Fierce Farm Girl Has A Secret Space Chapter 2365: Military Pay Hasn’t Arrived (Part 3)

"You foolish lad, the Imperial Court lacks enough flour for us—doesn’t your wife have any?" Nian Qianqian shot Gu Qingheng a disdainful eye roll.

"How does this involve Xinxin?" Gu Qingheng creased his brow.

"Haven’t you heard Xinxin has granaries scattered everywhere?" Nian Qianqian snickered, "The closest one to us takes just two days round trip. On horseback, we could finish it in one day. It’s packed with all sorts of flour, plenty to supply tens of thousands of soldiers with several dumpling meals..." While speaking, she pulled out a ring of keys, "Xinxin mentioned they’ve stocked durable goods too, like pickled vegetables, bean paste, and different preserved meats. Quick, gather some soldiers to go fetch the food with me."

Gu Qingheng let out a sigh. He was aware his wife had constructed numerous granaries and instructed Du Yunpeng to buy grain in spots like Hangzhou and Quanzhou, yet he hadn’t known about ones here on the southern frontier. Just how vast was this girl’s ambition? Still, he couldn’t tap into them.

"Old lady, this approach won’t work." Zhang Changyang gestured to halt Nian Qianqian.

"Why not?"

"We’re in wartime; there’s a military stipend provided." Zhang Changyang rapped the table, "That’s the Imperial Court’s duty. Why make Xinxin cover it? Plus, schemers could twist it, claiming Xinxin’s up to no good."

"That bad?" Nian Qianqian drew in a sharp breath, "So we can’t use that grain?"

"We can use it, but it hinges on the method." Zhang Changyang eyed Gu Qingheng, "Right?"

Gu Qingheng nodded, "Master’s correct—hoarding grain is a capital offense. However... buying local grain to bolster the stipend poses no issue."

"Then let’s move fast." Nian Qianqian

"Call the military supplies officer."

Moments later, the military supplies officer showed up. Learning they wanted grain for New Year purchases, he displayed a troubled face, "General, this month’s stipend hasn’t come through yet."

"The stipend’s delayed?"

"Indeed, it normally hits by month’s end, ready for soldier payments at the start of the next. Yet here we are near month’s end, and nothing." The officer appeared anxious, "Past delays happened, but never beyond the 28th. Today’s the 28th with no sign. I’d already inquired earlier—no word. I planned to inform you soon, General."

"Sounds like courtiers are scheming." Dao Xuzi remarked with glee, "In my view, those fellows all merit death."

"What good comes from snide remarks?" Zhang Changyang shot Dao Xuzi a sideways glare.

"Because I feel like it!" Dao Xuzi arched a brow.

"You..."

"Stop it!" Gu Qingheng barked softly, "Chaos reigns already. You two elders, go amuse yourselves outside."

Nian Qianqian giggled: "Booted out, huh? Come along, we’ll stroll the hills, perhaps snag some wild game."

The trio of mischief-loving seniors departed, restoring calm to the tent.

"Keep urging the stipend via official routes." Gu Qingheng paused briefly, then eyed the officer, "I’ll find a way."

The military supplies officer saluted with clasped fists and departed.

Gu Qingheng turned to Zhou Jiang.

Zhou Jiang wore a deeply sullen expression, "Our side’s stipend arrived fine yesterday."