Chapter 2112: Afraid In The End

Shao Yunduan and Jia Heming seethed with fury and apprehension, their minds racing with the potential consequences of Sun Meng’s orders.

Despite their concerns, Shao Yunduan stood firm in his resolve. “I will accompany you, General. I oversee all affairs in Anze Province and can provide the information you seek. There’s no need for anyone else to undertake this task. We can discuss further once we reach the provincial city. If you still insist on sending Deputy Prefect Jia and the others, we can negotiate then.”

“As the highest-ranking official in Anze Province, it is my duty to safeguard the welfare of its residents. If everyone departs, who will assume leadership in my absence? I implore you, General, to make an exception in this instance!”

Sun Meng appeared momentarily swayed, but a surge of indignation swiftly overtook him. He glared at Shao Yunduan, his temper flaring. “Absolutely not! I care only for the orders of our general! I answer to no one else, regardless of the consequences! Not even if the sky were to fall!”

“General—”

“Enough!” Sun Meng cut Shao Yunduan off brusquely, waving his hand dismissively. “The decision is final. I won’t entertain any attempts to deceive me.”

Despite his bravado, Sun Meng couldn’t shake a lingering unease in his interactions with Shao Yunduan.

The more Sun Meng contemplated the situation, the more convinced he became of Constable Li’s assertions. Shao Yunduan appeared increasingly shrewd and deceitful, a master of manipulation. Sun Meng resolved to tread carefully, wary of falling into his schemes.

His thoughts still consumed by the grain requisition, Sun Meng issued a final directive to Shao Yunduan. “Lord Shao, arrange for the preparation of the grains. Remember, you must have them ready to accompany us in three days’ time. Not a single dan less than 100,000 will suffice.”

“This is an opportunity for Lord Shao to demonstrate his unwavering loyalty. I trust you understand the gravity of the situation?”

In Sun Meng’s eyes, a true loyalist would seize any chance to prove their allegiance to their general without hesitation, unlike Shao Yunduan, who seemed to perpetually find excuses.

Who would believe that this person had no ulterior motives…

Shao Yunduan took a deep breath and closed his eyes.

“That food isn’t from Anze.”

“What?”

“It’s from the Northwest Army.”

Reluctant as he was to divulge this information, Shao Yunduan felt compelled to do so in the face of Sun Meng’s persistence.

“There’s a young general in the Northwest Army who’s my younger brother. He came here previously and asked me to help him procure food. All those grains were reserved for their use. It won’t be long before the Northwest Army dispatches personnel to transport the grains. The border isn’t particularly tranquil at the moment. Beihu has joined forces with several small tribes beyond the pass to make a move. These grains are strictly military provisions. I cannot interfere with them.”

“I won’t cause you any trouble. Once we arrive at the provincial capital, I’ll clarify matters with General Sun.”

Despite the cutthroat competition among the three princes for supremacy over the realm, none were willing to jeopardize their military assets. The looming threat of Beihu’s incursion seemed inevitable, didn’t it?

The affair concerning the Northwest Army was a delicate matter shared among the three factions.

It was already a blessing that the Northwest Army hadn’t demanded funds or provisions from them. Snatching their supplies would only provoke the ire of Great Qin’s populace, undermining their support.

Had it been the Second Prince or one of his advisors present, Shao Yunduan would have provided an exit strategy.

But how could Sun Meng possess such insight?

He may have lacked knowledge, but he possessed a keen sense of reason. Shao Yunduan’s cunning nature made him untrustworthy in Sun Meng’s eyes.

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