Chapter 1245: Chapter 1179: All That’s Missing from the Rebel Ship Is You (Part 2)

Xi Zheng covered his mouth and giggled.

The child is hungry and needs to nurse, but everyone watched as Qin Liuxi took a finger-sized fruit out of her bag and placed it by the child’s mouth.

Several people almost screamed.

That’s a fruit, how can a newborn eat it?

Quan Ji was almost driven mad; he didn’t expect the all-powerful temple master to have unreliable moments.

He was about to rush over, but then saw her fingers forming a mantra, and then watched as the fruit shriveled and the juice dripped into the child’s open mouth.

Everyone: "!"

A newborn drinking fruit juice, and the fact that he knows to open his mouth for food instinctively—is it a natural survival instinct?

But that’s not the main point; how could such a small fruit have enough juice for even a sip, yet he could still burp, who are you kidding?

"This is a Spirit Fruit, which grows deep in the mountains far from human habitation, nurtured by nature’s spiritual energy. You used to pay a high price for it, remember?" Qin Liuxi glanced at Quan Ji, saying, "He was born premature and weak. To ensure his survival, he needs to eat food rich in spiritual energy. These Spirit Fruits are enough to fill his stomach and help regulate his meridians and vital organs. Otherwise, how do you think a premature baby could look this healthy?"

Quan Ji remembered, but because the fruit was such a deep red it looked purple, unlike what he had eaten before, he hadn’t considered it. Yet, it turned out to be a precious gem worth a fortune.

He immediately put the shriveled fruit near Xi Zheng’s mouth, saying, "Wife, even though there’s no juice left, don’t waste it. Eat it; it’s good for your health."

"You eat it." Xi Zheng avoided his hand, saying, "The elixir the temple master gave me last night was also excellent."

She wasn’t ignorant either; the elixir had a strong ginseng flavor. After consuming it, her strength quickly returned, and by morning, her spirit was as vibrant as before childbirth.

So she concluded that the elixir was not an ordinary item.

Quan Ji still wanted to insist, but Qin Liuxi intervened, "What she consumed was Elixir Pills made from thousand-year-old ginseng, the spiritual energy of which is far stronger than that of this shriveled fruit."

Upon hearing this, Quan Ji tossed the Spirit Fruit into his mouth, chewing it dry. Although it lacked juice, the pulp still carried spiritual energy, stimulating his taste buds. He couldn’t help but look at Qin Liuxi, "Do you have any more? Money is not an issue."

Qin Liuxi smiled cryptically and said, "The Quan family is wealthy, but it’s best to be low-key. This year, natural disasters have been frequent, crops have failed everywhere, and people are tightening their belts. Moreover, this year will be a cold winter, even harsher than last year. The Ministry of Revenue probably has no funds left."

Quan Ji and Xi Zheng’s faces changed simultaneously. Xi Zheng gave Ma Ying a meaningful look, and the latter immediately withdrew, guarding outside the tent while telling the previous guards to move farther away.

"Did the temple master receive some news?" Quan Ji asked with a frown, "In the northwest, foreign tribes have been invading our borders more frequently, and Tong City has fallen. Beyond Tong City is Wei City, and once Wei City falls, Yang Pass will be breached, putting the northwest at risk."

Yang Pass is a crucial barrier against the barbarian tribes, and if breached, it would be like letting wolves into a chicken coop.

Quan Ji remarked sternly, "To be candid, the military pay for September and October has been temporarily supplemented by the Quan family. If you say this year’s cold winter, and the Ministry of Revenue lacks funds, does it mean even military pay can’t be issued? Even if military pay is set aside, with foreign tribes occasionally invading and it being a cold winter, how can we face the enemy without winter clothes to keep warm and provisions to fill our stomachs?"

As he spoke, his eyes turned red, and a dignified aura surged through him, his gaze becoming fierce. The iron-blooded, imposing general aura instantly emerged, starkly contrasting his previously silly demeanor.

This is a Great General, battle-hardened and famous from a young age, cold, arrogant, and reminiscent of his illustrious ancestors.

"It’s true the Ministry of Revenue has no funds; after all, with mounting disasters and poor harvests, tax revenue is limited, and funds are needed to relieve disasters. Furthermore, the Saint will appoint you as the commander to retake Tong City. At that time, Prince Rui, Qi Qian, will press ahead with military supplies to support you against the enemy."

Quan Ji hesitated, "Prince Rui, he got this task? But he’s..." 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝚠𝚎𝚋𝗻𝗼𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝚘𝐦

He met Qin Liuxi’s gaze, and something flickered in his mind, prompting him to be cautious, "Does the temple master have any guidance?"

Qin Liuxi gave him a smile.

Quan Ji stepped back, "Stop smiling, that smile is more chilling than the sinister grin of the Turkic."

"The Eastern Palace is vacant, the Emperor Star dim, the position of Crown Prince cannot remain empty." Qin Liuxi cradled the baby, "The Quan family has no interest in gaining merit for supporting the dragon?"

Quan Ji’s eyes bulged.

Xi Zheng’s mind buzzed.