Chapter 146: Wei Ruo Delivers Medicine

However, the status of the medicinal herbs from the He family was uncertain, and judging from Lady Yun's words earlier, the military camp was in desperate need of them right now.

Wei Ruo decided to go talk to Xie Ying early tomorrow morning; the medicinal herbs they had previously procured should finally come in useful.

***

Two days had already passed, yet the medicinal herbs in the military camp still remained unreplenished. Having barely scraped through these past two days by forcibly requisitioning a small amount of medicine from local pharmacies, they would truly reach the end of their tether tomorrow if no supplies arrived.

If the wounded could not be treated, not only would the lives of the injured soldiers be compromised, but the morale of the entire army would also suffer a severe blow. If this battle could not be brought to a quick end, it would undoubtedly prove highly disadvantageous to their side.

Filled with anxiety, Wei Mingting summoned his subordinates to his tent to discuss the next deployment of troops.

"Gentlemen, you are all well aware of the current situation. This counterattack by the Japanese pirates was premeditated and well-prepared. We have already expended more than half of our crossbow bolts and arrows, yet we have still failed to beat them back. This situation is extremely disadvantageous to us. I wonder what thoughts you all have at this moment?"

Wei Mingting solicited the opinions of Assistant Commander Qian, as well as the various lieutenants and sub-lieutenants.

Everyone remained silent, and a heavy atmosphere hung inside the tent.

Standing in the third row, Xu Zhengyong deliberated for a long time before stepping forward with a resolute expression.

"Commander, I believe we cannot simply sit here and await our doom. We should switch from defense to offense!"

"Does Assistant Lieutenant Xu have any specific battle plans in mind?" Wei Mingting asked.

"I am willing to personally lead a small detachment, setting out from the south gate, crossing Mount Wangyue on the southeast side, and launching a surprise attack on the enemy's flank!"

Hearing this, everyone looked at him in astonishment.

This was a perilous gamble. If it paid off, it would be one thing; if it failed, Xu Zhengyong would never return alive.

In truth, Wei Mingting had also considered this strategy, but it was far too risky and required someone to step forward and serve as the vanguard for the surprise attack.

What he had not expected was that Xu Zhengyong not only thought of it, but was also willing to personally lead the team and court danger.

Wei Mingting said to Xu Zhengyong, "The terrain of Mount Wangyue is treacherous, and crossing the mountain is extremely dangerous—especially now in the bitter cold. Furthermore, if you are discovered by the enemy, you will find yourselves utterly isolated and without reinforcement, placing you in a position of extreme peril."

Xu Zhengyong replied, "Commander, as things stand, we have no replenishment of medicinal herbs and no reinforcement of troops, whereas the Japanese pirates are fiercer than ever. Every circumstance is heavily against us! If we continue to hold our ground like this, as the number of injured grows, our morale will weaken and our determination will scatter. By the time we finally wish to retaliate, it will be too late! If we can secure a glimmer of survival for everyone, my men and I are willing to take this risk."

Xu Zhengyong's attitude was resolute and devoid of fear of death.

Upon hearing this, the officers throughout the tent fell silent. They knew Xu Zhengyong was right; continuing to hold out like this would only worsen their plight.

Wei Mingting naturally knew that Xu Zhengyong was speaking the truth. After pondering for a long time, he approved Xu Zhengyong's proposal: "Assistant Lieutenant Xu, I consent to your plan to lead your men in a detour from the south gate to ambush the enemy. Please ensure you protect yourselves above all else. I wish to see every single one of you return safely!"

"This subordinate shall not fail the mission!"

Xu Zhengyong knew the dangers of this endeavor, yet he forged ahead without hesitation.

Wei Mingting was deeply moved, and the other officers, infected by Xu Zhengyong's heroism, reignited their fighting spirit.

Consequently, Wei Mingting and the others discussed the overarching battle plan. The remaining forces would need to coordinate with the surprise attack launched by Xu Zhengyong's unit to execute a large-scale counteroffensive.

This process allowed for not a single error; otherwise, not only would Xu Zhengyong and his men be in mortal danger, but everyone else would be as well.

And once they failed, Xingshan County, which lay behind them, would fall.

The discussion lasted from morning until afternoon before the plan was finalized.

As the meeting concluded and the others dispersed, Wei Mingting rubbed his temples and sighed softly.

While the strategy proposed by Assistant Lieutenant Xu might be a way to break the deadlock, the wounded soldiers still lacked medical treatment, and the military's morale remained fractured. Fighting this battle now meant their combat effectiveness was at least thirty percent lower than it had been over two months ago.

At that time, the Seventh Prince was present, reinforcements were available, and with the aid of the new divine crossbows, morale was steadfast and spirits soared—truly a moment when the timing, terrain, and unity of men were all on their side.

Whereas now...

Just as Wei Mingting was worrying, a soldier came to report: "Commander, your eldest daughter is outside the camp asking to see you."

Hearing this, Wei Mingting replied, "The military camp is a restricted area, and outsiders are not permitted to enter. Go tell her to return home."

Wei Mingting did not know which of his daughters was looking for him, but regardless of who it was, military discipline was no child's play.

"Sir, your daughter said she did not come for personal matters; she came regarding medicinal herbs. She even brought two carts of goods, claiming they are medicine," the soldier reported.

"Medicinal herbs? Then quickly bring her in!" Wei Mingting said hastily.

"Yes!"

Complying with the order, the soldier went to the front of the camp and escorted Wei Ruo inside.

The two carts of medicinal herbs brought by Wei Ruo could not enter just yet; they were parked outside and guarded by soldiers, pending inspection before they could be brought into the camp.

Wei Ruo was led to Wei Mingting's tent situated in the center of the encampment.

Upon seeing Wei Ruo, Wei Mingting was in no mood to exchange pleasantries with his daughter and asked bluntly, "Ruo'er, you brought medicinal herbs?"

Wei Ruo nodded. "I heard the army was short on medicine, so I brought some for Father."

"Where on earth did you get medicinal herbs?" Wei Mingting asked in astonishment.

Even with Magistrate Qian and himself racking their brains, they had been unable to secure any. How had Ruo'er managed to acquire them?

"To be honest with Father, Xie's daughter and I stockpiled these some time ago," Wei Ruo replied.

"You and Miss Xie?" Wei Mingting was even more surprised.

"During our leisure time from our studies, Miss Xie and I had a sudden whim. We wanted to engage in some business to test the knowledge and principles taught to us by our tutor. Thus, I proposed dealing in medicinal herbs. We acquired a plot of land in the south of the city and grew some herbs, and at the same time, took advantage of a bountiful harvest period to purchase a considerable amount more. I never imagined it would come in handy now."

When Wei Ruo and Xie Ying were hoarding the herbs, the weather had not yet turned cold, and natural disasters had not struck various regions, making the medicine easy to purchase and transport.

"How much did you stockpile?" Wei Mingting asked.

"I brought two carts today, which are outside the camp. The remaining herbs in the warehouse should be enough to load another two carts," Wei Ruo answered.

"Good, good, this is truly wonderful! It turns out to be a blessing in disguise!" Wei Mingting could not help praising repeatedly.

With that said, Wei Mingting finally began to examine the daughter standing before him...