Qin Sang waved her hand.
"If you eat one meal and then starve for two days, your injuries will never heal. Don't worry, I'll be careful."
The dozen or so men were so moved by Qin Sang's words that the corners of their eyes reddened; they were ready to give their lives for her.
The next night, Qin Sang brought back Sliced Cold Chicken, Mouth-watering Duck, Steamed Fish, and Braised Pork Ribs...
Lin Qi:
"This Southern Army is feasting on the blood and sweat of the people."
Others:
"They deserve to die. Even being cut into a thousand pieces wouldn't be enough."
On the third night, Qin Sang prepared Braised Lion's Head Meatballs, Lotus Root and Pork Rib Soup, Eight-treasure Rice, and Oil-braised Prawns...
Lin Qi:
"Eat. Only when you're full will you have the strength to deal with them."
Others:
"Right, eat."
On the fourth night, Qin Sang brought Braised Beef Shank, Braised Pig's Head Meat, Cold-tossed Chicken Feet, and Steamed Pork with Rice Flour...
Lin Qi:
"Looking at these dishes, the first thought that came to my mind was how great it would be if there was wine... Have I also fallen to the level of the Southern Army?"
Others:
"If we keep eating like this every day, how are we supposed to go back to corn grits porridge and brown rice cakes later?"
Qin Sang was also conflicted about what kind of excuses to make up every day, fearing they would notice the loopholes in her words. Over the past few days, they had followed her instructions, shouting and cursing during the day to demand food. As a result, the more fiercely they cursed, the fewer people came, which actually made things much more convenient.
"I see you've mostly recovered. You can start exercising your bodies now. After lying down for so long, I'm sure your skills have weakened quite a bit; you need some targeted training."
The men nodded:
"Sister-in-law is right. These past few days, I feel like my bones are starting to rust."
Lin Qi also agreed:
"Then I'll join you."
Qin Sang asked:
"What weapons are you all used to using? Feel free to speak up, and I'll see if I can find a way to get them."
Everyone was startled:
"Sister-in-law, having a blade would be good enough; we don't ask for much."
Qin Sang waved her hand:
"You tell me first, and I'll do my best. If I can't get them, then there's nothing I can do. Our numbers are small as it is; if you can't use your full strength, wouldn't that be a waste?"
Seeing Qin Sang say this, everyone began to speak up:
"I like using a long saber."
"I like using a war hammer."
"I use an axe."
...
Qin Sang silently noted everyone's preferences, finally looking at the silent Lin Qi:
"Young General, what about you?"
Lin Qi said seriously:
"I'm used to using a spear, and I'm decent with a sword as well."
This "decent" likely meant he was actually quite good.
Qin Sang nodded:
"Alright, then I'll find a way to look for them tonight."
The men began to practice one after another, while Qin Sang went up into a tree to keep watch, lest anyone discover the movement inside.
Murphy's Law struck; from a distance, Qin Sang saw the previous Captain leading a squad toward them.
Qin Sang immediately signaled to everyone. Once all the soldiers in the courtyard had returned to their rooms, Qin Sang jumped down from the tree. Hearing the sound of the lock at the gate, she ran toward the entrance:
"You've finally come! Why haven't you given us a single steamed bun these past few days? Are you trying to starve us to death on purpose?"
The Captain frowned, looking down at her disdainfully:
"You still have this much energy?"
Qin Sang pulled half a multigrain bun from her bosom:
"I originally planned to save these for my granddaughter. Since you didn't send any food, I had no choice but to eat these buns.
However, while I have something to eat, I can't look after those wounded soldiers anymore."
The Captain didn't doubt this explanation. He nodded with satisfaction and explained patiently:
"There isn't enough grain in the army. Even our training soldiers have nothing to eat, so how could there be grain to spare for you wounded?
The severely wounded shouldn't waste grain and Medicinal Herbs. I mentioned this to you before, did you forget?"
Qin Sang glanced behind him:
"Then the reason the Captain is here today is..."
The Captain's eyes flickered:
"Naturally, I've come to ask you why your son hasn't returned yet?"
Qin Sang replied calmly:
"The Captain might not know, but it's been raining on and off these past few days, often for half a day at a time. My son and the others have to transport the Medicinal Herbs, so they naturally have to avoid getting them wet. They must take shelter when it rains and can only travel once it stops.
Furthermore, he has to notify the other villagers to leave the mountains together, which will surely cause a two-day delay. Why don't you wait three more days, Captain? I believe my son will definitely appear in three days."
The Captain wasn't surprised by this reason. After a slight nod, the corners of his lips curled into a cold smirk:
"Are those wounded soldiers inside still alive?"
Qin Sang lowered her eyes:
"These past few days, I've been picking leaves and digging up soil to boil for them to eat, just to keep them alive. But they're down to their last breath. Captain, can't you really squeeze out a little grain for them?"
Qin Sang asked this question on purpose, just so the Zhenbei Army soldiers inside could see these villains for who they truly were.
The Captain snorted coldly and spat out two words in displeasure:
"Pointless."
Then, ignoring her, he walked toward the house.
Qin Sang watched them enter the room, her heart tightening. Would they be able to act?
Qin Sang followed the Captain into the room and caught sight of the soldiers lying scattered on the communal bed. Seeing their chests still rising and falling, the Captain's gaze grew even colder:
"Why do they look like they've gained a bit of weight despite not eating for so many days? Can leaves and dirt actually grow flesh?"
Qin Sang's eyes darted:
"Leaves and dirt naturally don't have that effect. It's because they can't be digested and remain in their stomachs, unable to be expelled. This clogs their intestines and causes swelling. In reality, they are terminally ill, their oil has run dry, and no medicine can save them."
The Captain said half-doubtingly:
"Then why do their complexions look better than ours?"
Qin Sang reached out and countered:
"It's an illusion. This is actually due to Terminal Lucidity. Some people on the brink of death will suddenly eat and drink heartily just before they die. They might suddenly remember people they had forgotten, or someone previously bedridden might suddenly be able to move and run. But within two days, they will die.
That's how they are. They look like they have good skin color, but in fact, their end is near."
People of old knew the term "Terminal Lucidity," and the Captain had heard of it too, though he wasn't entirely sure if this was the case. Hearing Qin Sang's explanation, the Captain finally nodded with satisfaction. He glanced at Qin Sang and said:
"So you're saying that even if I were to feed and treat them now, they might not necessarily be cured?"
After saying this, the Captain seemed to think of something and started walking out.
Qin Sang was startled and immediately followed, grabbing the Captain's sleeve and questioning him:
"Is the Captain blaming me for feeding them dirt and leaves, causing them to die of abdominal distension? But can you blame me? It was you who wouldn't give them anything to eat..."
Qin Sang's questioning clearly exposed the filth in their hearts. The man pushed her away and said as a matter of course:
"I told you to treat their illnesses, not to kill them. You knew full well that dirt and leaves aren't edible, yet you still fed them. What's wrong with blaming you?"
With that, the Captain ordered the soldiers behind him:
"Lock the courtyard gate. When those wounded soldiers die, behead her as well to be buried with our brothers."