The Resolute Cannon Fodder Teaching In Ancient Time

Chapter 87: Eighty-Seven Treasures

Earning money was always a challenge. Teaching or training in Jiangling wasn’t feasible, as many people had left during the chaos to seek fortune elsewhere. Writing letters for people was also out of the question, as Xu Zhen was infamous for her terrible handwriting. Selling calligraphy was not an option, and she wondered if she should go back to writing novels.

Xu Zhen considered this possibility carefully.

But it seemed too difficult.

In these times, how many people actually read books seriously? She decided to leave that plan for the future. Xu Zhen gave up on the idea.

It was late spring, and the weather was heating up. Jiangling had been experiencing constant rain, welcoming the summer season. At home, there was only one broken oil-paper umbrella, which had been lost when Xu Zhen was kidnapped by traffickers and later returned by Li Sanlang. The umbrella remained in its tattered state.

So Xu Zhen couldn’t go out and stayed indoors, doing nothing but watching the outside world through the window. Even the usually gossip-loving neighbors weren't venturing out.

Bored out of her mind, Xu Zhen ended up helping Little Beggar clean the house, spreading an old bamboo mat on the floor.

Around noon, a carrier pigeon flapped its way into the room, landing on the window ledge. Xun Qianchun went over, took a piece of paper from the bird's leg, and unfolded it to read.

Xu Zhen peered over her shoulder.

The handwriting was as messy as her own, but although the content was brief, Xu Zhen managed to glean some understanding.

The letter was about Zhenbei. Zhenbei now had ample grain supplies and numerous schools, following Xun Qianchun's orders to adopt a defensive strategy, avoiding involvement in the affairs of other small nations. This cautious approach seemed effective, but with Zhenbei not taking action, besides the princess, there were many others eager to ally with Zhenbei.

In the ongoing struggle among the seven nations, each faced prolonged standoffs, relying on strategists to negotiate. The most sought-after alliances were with the Li family and Zhenbei. The Li family, known for their loyalty, would support anyone standing on the side of righteousness. Meanwhile, Zhenbei, inactive for years unless attacked, had become a target.

After reading, Xun Qianchun rolled up the letter and tucked it into her pocket, then fetched some grains for the pigeon.

Finally with something to do, Xu Zhen eagerly asked Xun Qianchun, "What will Zhenbei do now?"

Xun Qianchun stroked the pigeon's head, pondering the question.

Xu Zhen asked, "Aren’t you going to get involved?"

"I have to," Xun Qianchun replied after a moment of thought. "I don't want to seize the world, but Zhenbei has soldiers who fought alongside me. If they are attacked, I may have to return."

This answer surprised Xu Zhen a bit.

She nearly forgot that Little Beggar, being in a position of power, naturally had many companions. Having rarely heard Little Beggar mention others, Xu Zhen now felt that her companion had matured.

Little Beggar was, after all, a person of flesh and blood, maintaining a soft heart despite the long poisoning ordeal.

How could one not love such a Little Beggar?

Xu Zhen smiled and asked, "Why would you go back to fight yourself? Can't your soldiers handle it?"

Xun Qianchun replied, "They can handle it militarily, but the enemy has many capable people, so I'm worried about falling into their traps."