Joyful Motherhood in a Rural Family-Chapter 886: Three Urgent Needs of People

Chapter 886 -886: Three Urgent Needs of People

The flying snow continued to flutter down, coating the trees in ice crystals and piling a thick layer on the ground beneath. A single step would sink into a deep pit.

On a snowy day, if you kept moving, you wouldn’t feel very cold, but the worst was after you’d moved around and your back was soaked with sweat, and then you suddenly stood still in the snow, feeling the chill piercing to the bone.

Worried about being discovered by the enemy below, no one brought up the matter of starting a fire, and most simply huddled with a few acquaintances for warmth.

Only Liu Sisi, a woman, stood alone in the shelter of the wind, shivering uncontrollably.

Zhang Peng could not bear to watch. He took off the sheep wool shawl he was wearing and handed it to Liu Sisi, “Sister-in-law, in these critical times, we must do what we must. Wear this shawl for now. It will keep you warmer.”

Liu Sisi glanced at the shawl in Zhang Peng’s hand, then smiled.

“Brother Zhang, look at what I’m wearing. This is a sable fur cloak. The reason I’m feeling cold is simply because I’m not accustomed to the cold outdoors, it has nothing to do with how much clothing I have on. You’d better put it back on. If you fell ill, Sister Guihua would blame me!”

Life on a military campaign was dull beyond compare, and a light-hearted topic like this caused everyone nearby to laugh.

Zhang Peng looked at Liu Sisi’s cloak, indeed made of sable fur, and reassured, he put the sheep wool shawl back on.

Sable fur was known as the “King of Fur” for its superb, soft yet resilient quality with fluffy and glossy fur. Cloaked in a sable fur garment, Liu Sisi looked even more dignified, elegant, and gracefully lavish.

Zhang Peng, as a hunter, although he had not hunted any sables himself, understood the preciousness of the fur. It was rare, expensive, and seen as a status symbol, a treasure money couldn’t buy!

It even had the reputation of “The fur grows warmer with the wind, snow melts upon it, and rain leaves it undampened!”

Despite its warmth, the sable fur could not fend off the cold creeping into the underclothes. The inner layer had gotten wet during the march and now sticking to her back, it was like clinging to a block of ice.

But, with all men around, how could she, a woman, change her undergarments?

Besides, in the rush of the march, she had not brought any other personal clothing.

Watching everyone talking and laughing in low voices, Liu Sisi decided not to be too hard on herself. She thought for a moment and cleared her throat lightly.

“Brother Zhang, I need to discuss something with you,” she said and walked toward the other end.

Zhang Peng naturally did not refuse, quickly agreed, and followed Liu Sisi to the other side.

Liu Sisi did not walk far before she stopped.

Turning around, she said somewhat embarrassingly, “Brother Zhang, when nature calls…”

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She had barely begun to speak when Zhang Peng, realising what she meant, slapped his forehead and said, “Look how thoughtless I am! Don’t worry, sister-in-law, I’ll handle it right away.” He then turned and walked back. Soon after, he instructed two men to go to the other side.

Liu Sisi breathed a sigh of relief, thinking it would be good to take this chance to address her needs.

Entering the makeshift “restroom” sectioned off with branches, Liu Sisi found it to be quite secure. Even though it was small, just big enough for one person, it was sufficient for her. She did not take off the sable fur cloak but quickly reached underneath to untie her clothes, removed the damp attire, and got dressed again.

Without fussing over modesty, she quickly took care of her needs and emerged feeling much lighter.

Outside, Zhang Peng, along with several trusted soldiers, stood guard at the four corners, vigilantly surveying the surroundings. Liu Sisi looked back at the “restroom,” and an idea flashed through her mind.

“Sister-in-law, the ‘spy’ has been captured. You see…”

Zhang Peng leaned in and said,

Liu Sisi nodded, “Mm, this place can serve as a temporary spot for everyone’s ‘toilet break.’ Shall we head over? Has the interrogation started over there?”

“They were just captured, and before everyone had a chance to interrogate them, they were waiting for you to take a look.”

Zhang Peng followed closely behind Liu Sisi as he spoke.

“Hmm, that’s good.”

When they returned to the original location, indeed, there were two individuals with their eyes covered and mouths gagged, writhing and moaning constantly.

Liu Sisi moved closer to Zhang Peng and whispered a few instructions.

Zhang Peng nodded, made a sign to the trusted soldiers nearby, and soon four of them came out. They split into two groups and followed Zhang Peng and Qi Yuanzheng to the other side, separating the two captives for the interrogation.

Liu Sisi quietly positioned herself at a clever spot where she could oversee the interrogation on both sides.

Zhang Peng whispered with the two trusted soldiers for a while, then stealthily moved behind a big tree, exposing half his back to the “spy.”

The trusted soldier didn’t hesitate. He stepped forward, ripped off the black cloth concealing the “spy’s” face, and before the latter could get a clear view of his surroundings, unleashed a series of punches and kicks at the gagged “spy.”

The “spy” grunted in pain, all sounds stifled by the cloth in his mouth.

“If you don’t want to die here, then answer the questions obediently. If you understand, nod your head. If you try any tricks with me, don’t blame the knife in my hand for being merciless!” The soldier held a short blade right to the “spy’s” throat.

The “spy’s” eyes bulged, glaring at the short blade at his throat and carefully nodded, his face showing genuine fear.

“Good, who’s leading your men and horses? Speak!”

The soldier effortlessly yanked out the rag from his mouth.

The terrified and fearful “spy” felt like his throat was on fire, but too anxious to care, he hurriedly confessed, “It’s… it’s General Gu, from His Highness’s forces, leading the troop.”

“Which His Highness? And which General Gu? Be more specific.”

The soldier pushed the blade a little closer.

The “spy” was on the verge of tears and had no choice but to answer, “It’s His Highness… Highness Zhao Heng, and his General Gu is one of the former Four Grandmasters of Li Sect…”

So it was the former Shopkeeper Gu! Liu Sisi realized instantly.

Shopkeeper Gu had followed her before, and she knew a bit about him. Not only was he cunning and experienced, but his small eyes were also very direct, making others uncomfortable. However, his ability to handle affairs was strong; otherwise, he wouldn’t have been able to firmly hold the position as the Chief of the Four Grandmasters of Li Sect.

“How many horsemen did General Gu bring altogether? How much grain and grass is left? Who are the vanguards? How many are in the rear guard?”

The soldier continued the pressing interrogation.

The “spy” clamped his mouth shut and refused to speak further; if he answered these questions, death awaited him just the same.

“Speak! If you answer, I will let you live. If you don’t, you will die right away! It’s no big deal for yours truly to just capture another ‘tongue’ to bring back.”