The Resolute Cannon Fodder Teaching In Ancient Time

Chapter 75: Seventy-Five Treasures ✨

After deciding to head to Chang'an, Xu Zhen took her time to ensure everything was in order. She focused on establishing economic and agricultural plans within the military, improving the legal system, and inviting several legalists to manage administration.

These past few days had been comfortable for Xu Zhen; the weather was pleasant, and her frostbite and wounds had healed. While out handling affairs, she spotted the half-scarred slave she had encountered before.

The slave, still in thin clothing, was sweeping snow with a broom in hand.

Seeing her, Xu Zhen warmly greeted, "Long time no see. How have you been? The food is much better now, right?"

The slave nodded upon seeing her.

Recalling the pervasive rumors of Xu Zhen being the North Frontier King's favored concubine, she was about to kneel in a salute.

Xu Zhen quickly stopped her, "You helped me before; no need to be so formal."

The slave said, "It was just a small thing."

Xu Zhen assumed the kneeling was to thank her for improving their food, so she said, "Improving your living conditions was just a small thing too; you don't need to thank me."

The slave gave Xu Zhen a grateful look.

Feeling good, Xu Zhen chatted with her a bit more. They walked beside a tent, where Xu Zhen handed her a thick cloth shawl. Wearing it, the slave felt the stark contrast from just a few days before.

She continued to thank Xu Zhen.

Xu Zhen smiled, assuring her there was no need for thanks. Then she noticed a large area covered in snow with no signs of being cleared. Curiously, she asked, "Why are you the only one sweeping today?"

The slave seemed shocked and looked up at Xu Zhen.

Xu Zhen asked, "There were many people in the tent before; where are they?"

The slave remained silent for a long time, opening and closing her mouth, before finally saying, "They were sent away."

"Sent away?" Xu Zhen was skeptical, but she accepted the explanation for now.

Returning to the military tent, Xu Zhen found the dim candlelight already lit and Xun Qianchun at the table, with a spread of meat and vegetables—far better than their previous meals.

Xu Zhen sat down.

After a moment's thought, she asked, "Where did you send those slave women?"

Xun Qianchun didn't speak.

Looking at her, Xu Zhen guessed, directly asking, "Did you kill them?"

A touch of worry crossed Xun Qianchun's pale face, but she still didn't reply.

Xu Zhen said, "From your reaction, it seems you did. Why kill them for no reason? I just taught them how to survive in chaotic times—" She almost mentioned earning merit points but stopped herself just in time, as alarms blared in her mind, forcing her to swallow the words back.

"Is that so?" Xu Zhen asked again.

Seeing that Xu Zhen knew, Xun Qianchun nodded.

Xu Zhen pressed on, "Why did you kill them?"

Xun Qianchun remained silent.

Xu Zhen asked, "Is it because the poison in you has worsened, making your body ache?"

Not wanting Xu Zhen to worry, Xun Qianchun stayed quiet.

Xu Zhen threatened, "If you don't tell me, I'm not going to be nice to you anymore."