Empress Fu Yao [Volume 2] (Completed)✔

Walk of Shame

Yaocheng had limited army provisions, which shouldn't have been the case, but King De had sent a message a few days back, informing that transportation was delayed due to the bad weather. The front line couldn't do a day without food, so King De transferred it from within the city, promising to deliver more provisions from Huazhou when it became available. However, from the looks of it, their stomachs would've digested themselves by the time help arrived.

They had enough provisions to last about ten days, but there was a more pressing issue. The Han-Rong mixed city was like a ticking time bomb, and someone within could easily set it off. Plus, they had only 800 soldiers, who were already exhausted from resisting the enemy, so how were they going to guard against the potential internal issues?

Seek help from Yuan Zhaoxu? He should have reached the eastern coast far away, and it would take him half a month to traverse the whole of Wuji. Would it be too late? Plus, didn't he have military affairs to attend to over there as well? Meng Fuyao did not want to rely on him unrealistically. It was her city, so she shall protect it.

Meng Fuyao thinned to the point where her cheekbones became clearly visible. She appeared somewhat frail as well, but her eyes were bright like the morning stars as usual. She ordered for the provisions to be rationed. She herself, ate two steamed buns a day, insistently rejecting the food Tie Cheng delivered over. Nevertheless, she accepted fruits and dried food, since she couldn't bear to let Lord Yuan Bao starve; not after he'd so cruelly been dumped.

PROMOTED CONTENT

She did not know that there was a group of people disputing over her calculations. They were secret guards allocated by Yuan Zhaoxu to protect her. That was his only order.

The guards were split in their opinions. One side felt the need to report to their master immediately while the other disagreed, stating that both armies were of entirely different strength and that the Rong army could break into Yaocheng any time. When that happened, it was their job to protect Meng Fuyao, so they mustn't go separate ways at this point. The latter view garnered more support, and those men in black continued to stay by her side quietly, awaiting the perilous situation.

Days passed, and the citizens lost hope in receiving the assisting army's help. They queued before the mayor's office, quietly waiting to collect their rations. Fights to snatch for food soon broke out on the streets, and the whole scene appeared desperate and gloomy as if there had been a soundless rain that shrouded and extended throughout the city.

Meng Fuyao locked herself in the office and refused to meet anyone except for the routine meetings regarding the arrangement of defense troops within the city. She basically stayed in all the time, the unease on her face replaced by a firm determination and calmness. On the ninth day, she suddenly called for Yao Xun to send food. Upon the delivery of a fresh bun, Meng Fuyao waved him off.

"Meat! I want meat!"

Yao Xun stared at her with his eyes wide open, not understanding what had gone over the mayor. She provided no explanation, only stuffing the bun within seconds and standing up to leave.

Midway she turned around, asking, "You've been looking wan recently. Troubled?"

In a daze and caught off guard by her question he jumped, before stuttering, "...no...no."

"Follow me. It's been hard on you," Meng Fuyao responded without looking at him. "You're a sect leader after all and stealing is your job. Following me around as a housekeeper is simply a waste of your talents. Now that Yaocheng is in imminent danger, I won't hold you up any longer. Leave if you want."

PROMOTED CONTENT

Finished and not waiting for Yao Xun to answer, she strode off.

The clear sun rays shone from the vast horizon, spreading its glory, only to be blocked off by Meng Fuyao, who raised her hand up while blinking and smiling.