Madam Qi couldn’t sleep all night, constantly waiting for news from them, as soon as she heard all the pirates had been arrested, she got up, changed her clothes and headed straight to the prison to interrogate them.
***
Cen Shou, Jinxia and Xie Xiao yawned as they returned to their residence at noon the following day.
“People like Madam Qi, marrying and becoming a Madam have burdened her. All night continuously interrogating twenty people, her stamina, her willpower, almost like a wolf.” Jinxia chuckled and sighed, “An incredible role model!”
Xie Xiao also sighed: “I thought my sister was extraordinary, but there are always higher mountains.”
*[Higher mountain, indicated that someone is already amazing, but there’s always someone else out there, who’s much better, TN]
“Based on their confession, in three days the pirates will attack the city,” Cen Shou muttered to himself, “Madam Qi has already ordered someone to send a letter to General Qi, pulling all troops home, hopefully they will come in time.”
Xie Xiao said casually: “This time there is no need to worry anymore, Xinhe city is not in danger anymore.”
“Later, when the city ban is lifted, you should go back fishing.” Jinxia said to him.
“You still haven’t eaten enough fish?”
“At least you’re making money, just think of it as income.” Jinxia said with a heavy heart, “Not sure what’s the current conditions in Cengang. When will Lu Daren come home? We can’t just wait around and do nothing.”
His older brother and the Young Master had no news at all, Cengang’s condition was also very dangerous, Cen Shou was also very worried: “After this war is over, Xinhe is stable again. After that, I want to go to Cengang.”
These words were really what Jinxia wanted, she said happily: “Just as I thought!”
All night without sleep, Jinxia fell into a deep sleep until Chun Yumin came to light the lantern, the small movement woke her up.
“Miss Yuan, Miss Yuan….” Chun Yumin slowly woke her up, “Brother Yang asked you to come downstairs to eat something. If you continue to sleep, I’m afraid you won’t be able to sleep again tonight.”
Jinxia sat up with her eyes closed, then turned to look out the window: “Ms. Chun…. What time is it now? It’s dark already?”
Chun Yumin laughed: “It’s getting late, Brother Yang already made tangyuan. He said it’s something you love to eat, so he asked me to wake you up.”
*[tangyuan = traditional Chinese dessert made of glutinous rice shaped into a ball that is served in a hot broth or syrup, TN]
As soon as she heard the words tangyuan, Jinxia immediately woke up and nodded her head: “Let’s go eat!”
As she opened the door, a loud noise was heard from afar, as if two metals were hitting against each other. The sound was very distant, but very clear. The sound made a series of five bangs every time. Those who heard these sounds would be very nervous.
Did something happen? Jinxia’s expression changed completely. Completely forgetting about Chun Yuming, she rushed out and almost hit Xie Xiao, who was also running.
“What happened? I’m not the only one that heard it right?” Xie Xiao asked frantically.
Jinxia shook her head: “Not sure, I think something happened!”
At this moment, someone knocked on the front door of the residence, the sound was also like the sound they just heard, but this time it was rushed and clearer.
Xie Xiao quickly opened the door, it turned out to be Uncle Xu from Chun Yumin’s family, he hurriedly said: “Did you hear it? Did you?”
“I did, I did..” Xie Xiao said cluelessly, “The constant banging, what is that sound?”
Uncle Xu looked for Chun Yumin among the people, hurriedly said to her: “Second Miss, all of you need to come with me quickly to hide. The pirates are coming!”
Chun Yumin was stunned: “Where are the pirates?”
“They said they’ve arrived at the entrance of town…Do you hear that? That’s the alert sound, letting people know there’s an attack!” Uncle Xu said in panic.
Jinxia said hesitantly: “Impossible, they said it would take about three days for them to come and attack Xinhe. Why are they here now?”
“Three days later, and now, what difference does it make? Anyway, the pirates are coming, you guys hurry up and follow me!”
Outside, the beating is faster. Jinxia turned and said to YangYue: “I will go to Madam Qi’s residence and ask her what’s going on. You guys go with Uncle Xu first.”
As she finished talking, her body turned and walked out of the door. Immediately her hands were pulled back by someone, indeed that is Mrs. Shen.
“….Aunt.”
These few days, Jinxia hasn’t had a chance to really talk to Mrs. Shen, seeing that she is currently pulling her hand, definitely about to stop her again. Jinxia subconsciously knitting her brows.
Even though Mrs. Shen held Jinxia’s hands, her eyes looked towards the beggar uncle: “Brother Lu…”
How could the beggar uncle not know what she’s thinking, he stepped forward and said: “Don’t worry, I’ll go with this kid. I won’t let her get into trouble.”
“Thank you.”
The beggar uncle said: “No need to be so polite, we’re not strangers.”
Jinxia understood Mrs. Shen’s intention, although she didn’t stop her, she’s still very worried about getting her, therefore she asked the beggar uncle to take care of her.
“Uncle, you don’t need to. I’m just going to Madam Qi’s residence to find out what is happening. It would be better for you if you stayed with my aunt. Currently, the situation is very chaotic, and some robbers may take advantage of this. If you’re with my aunt, I’ll feel at ease.”
Mrs. Shen stopped her: “No….”
Cen Shou cut them off, saying straight to the point: “The current situation is unclear, you should all listen to me.”. Two seniors, Ms. Chun, Shangguan Bangzhu and A’Rui, will be escorted into hiding by Uncle Xu and YangYue. Once everything has settled down, come back to the residence and wait for us.”
YangYue didn’t mind, nodding his head.
“I, Xie Xiao and Miss Yuan will go find Madam Qi and investigate the situation. We will come back and join you guys as soon as possible.” Cen Shou turned to face Mrs. Shen, “Senior, I will take care of Miss. Yuan. Don’t worry, nothing will happen.”
Before Mrs. Shen could say anything, Jinxia cut her off: “Very good, very good, just like that…. let’s go!”
Just as she finished speaking, she had already run out, Cen Shou and Xie Xiao followed from behind.
“This child….” Mrs. Shen watched as her shadow disappeared into the night, and couldn’t help but let out a long sigh.
“Everyone, let’s not wait any longer. Hurry and pack whatever you need, we must leave right away!”
Uncle Xu urged them.
The banging sounds are getting closer and louder, which made people very nervous. Everyone quickly packed their things and followed Uncle Xu out of the residence.
***
Just as they arrived at Madam Qi’s residence, Jinxia was very shocked because the entrance was wide open, everyone was too busy to notice them coming in. It seems like they’re getting ready for a battle. Inside the house, servants are walking back and forth while carrying numerous weapons in their hands.
Walking further inside, Madam Qi was seen writing something, and then handed it to the servant next to her to blow dried the ink.
“Madam….”
Jinxia was about to say something, but stopped because she saw the servant glaring at her, indicating that Madam Qi is busy, don’t disturb her. Even though Xie Xiao and Cen Shou are feeling impatient, but it’s because Madam Qi is their senior woman, therefore they didn’t dare to behave rudely and nervously wait for her quietly.
After a while, Jinxia fixately watched all the paper being dried. On the paper, it’s clearly stated that ‘the rescue troops will be arriving soon, therefore do not panic’ and asking ‘every men that’s sixty years old and younger to gather at the east gate tonight, if you don’t show up, you will be greatly punished.’
Men under sixty? Does Madam Qi plan to take them out on the battlefield?
Jinxia, Xie Xiao and Cen Shou looked at each other. They feel like Madam Qi is forcing people to do something beyond their capability.
After great difficulty, Madam Qi finished writing everything, and then she ordered the soldiers to stick it in the center of the city. Just as Jinxia was about to open her mouth, Madam Qi had already stepped quickly past her, entering the small courtyard, her eyebrows tightened at the sight of the items in front of her.
“Madam Qi, what happened?” Jinxia asked.
Madam Qi said in a low voice: “Hikers reported, they saw pirates heading this way, they’re only approximately 5m away from us. I’ve calculated, they will probably arrive here by midnight.”
Cen Shou didn’t understand: “I thought they were coming three days later? About 20 of them said the same thing, they wouldn’t be wrong.”
“It doesn’t matter whether it’s true or not. If the pirates are only 5m away from Xinhe city, do you think they will wait outside for three days and then attack us?” Because of worries, Madam Qi’s tone sounded annoyed.
“It’s probably because of that Japanese pirate we caught on the bought, we were careless.” Jinxia tried to think, “The pirates didn’t see him return, therefore, they changed their plan and decided to attack.”
“That’s a possibility.” Madam Qi said, “Right now, there’s no time to question the situation. We have less than one hundred soldiers, and countless number of untrained men, they absolutely can’t fight.”
Xie Xiao gritted his teeth and said: “Then we can only endure, no matter how many people there are, we will go all out!”
Jinxia looked at the weapon, asked: “Do we not have enough weapons either? Looks like not everyone will be able to fight.”
“There’s no need for them to use it, just be able to hold it.” Madam Qi said.
“What good will holding it do?!” Xie Xiao shook his head continuously, “Those who can’t use it, giving it to them it’s useless, they will just die in vain.”
Cen Shou’s brows also furrowed: “Is there a way to evacuate people out of town?”
“No time! There are elderly people, women, children and sick people, but horses are limited, so they must walk, which means they will not get anywhere.” Madam Qi replied, “We must keep the city guarded, it’s our only hope.”
No time! In a city where the parents are mostly women, children and the sick, horse carriages are also not enough, just relying on bare feet, will not be able to escape far at all.” Madam Qi said, “Keep the city waiting for the reinforcements, there might still be some hope.”
“Defending the city?” On a floor full of weapons, some of which were even moldy and rusty, Jinxia found this extremely difficult, “Madam, if I may say it bluntly, relying on these items to defend the city is impossible.”
Madam Qi’s face was surprisingly calm: “I know, compared to our enemies, our troops are limited, right now we can only carry out emptying the city plan.”
“Empting city strategy!?”
Cen Shou and Xie Xiao, as well as Jinxia, were stunned by her words.
Madam Qi said: “Since we’ve captured a few pirates in the city. The pirates outside the city don’t know the condition within our city, or how many soldiers we have left or how strong they are, they don’t know anything that’s happening in our city right. As long as we make sure the number of soldiers guarding the entrance matches their number, they will think we have a lot of soldiers in our troop, and wouldn’t dare to hastily attack.”
“But relying solely on these weapons….” Jinxia, who was still frowning at the sight of the weapon, couldn’t help but said, “They will find out, Madam.”
Madam Qi glanced at the weapons on the floor, after a while, decided to say: “Go to the military ammunition storage and take out all the weapons!”
The military ammunition storage is where all the Qi Family troops’ weapons are stored. In addition to spear, swords, there are also firearms. This storage is an important place, only those with a badge can give orders to guards and open the storage. The Chief of the Military Old Nie has been under General Qi for several years, he hasn’t been careless or reckless, even when Hu Zongxian asked him to open the storage, he still had to wait to see a badge given by General Qi.
Upon hearing Madam Qi’s request, Old Nie did not hesitate to say: “Madam, you know that a badge from General Qi is required in order to open the storage.”
Madam Qi of course knew the rule, she continued to say: “General Qi left home in a hurry, and did not leave anything behind, but that’s because he didn’t expect the pirates to come to Xinhe City. Right now, it’s an emergency situation, open the storage, I will take all the responsibility.”
Old Nie didn’t panic nor rush her, he raised his hands in respect and said: “I understand Madam Qi’s situation, but the storage was handed over to me, and I vowed to guard it with my life, I can’t fail to accomplish such a simple task. No matter who it is, without General Qi’s badge, I can’t open it.”
Hearing him at the bottom of the stairs, Jinxia whispered in Xie Xiao’s ear: “She’s already raising her eyebrows, why is this old man still so stubborn?”
Xie Xiao knitted his brows and said: “I would suggest skip the talking and just knock him down.”
Although Old Nie was old, but his hearing was still very good, upon hearing Xie Xiao’s words, he turned to look at the three of then, Jinxia, Xie Xiao and Cen Shou, and realized that he’ve never seen them before, he coldy snorted: “Madam, if I may say, these three here have unknown origin and they’re not apart of the Qi Family. Madam, please do not recklessly listen to them.”
Madam Qi knows that he meant well with his words because he is someone who have followed General Qi for a very long time, but seeing him constantly denying her request, Madam Qi was a little annoyed: “I have my ways of doing things, what do you mean recklessly listen to outsider? The pirates will arrive in Xinhe City very soon! I demand you to open the storage.”
Old Nie did not move at all, he loudly repeated his words: “If you do not have General Qi’s badge, I will not open the storage.”
“You….” Madam Qi took a step forward, her beautiful eyes glaring with anger, “Are you going to open or not?”
“I will not open.”
A moment later, Madam Qi was seen stretching out her hand, elegant plung it toward Old Nie, and before he could react, he had already fallen to the ground. The other guards turned pale, as they’re about to charge forward, Madam Qi shouted loudly: “Who dares to come forward? Who?!”
Standing upright in front of the entrance, she stared fiercely at everyone around her. Once again, she asked the same question. The power of her words forced those guards to take a step back.
Old Nie was in pain, he forcefully tried to use the door as his support, then slowly stood up, while pointing at Madam Qi, he said: “You….This woman…”
Madam Qi’s face remained expressionless, she cut off his words: “Pirates are about to arrive here, Xinhe City is in danger. What kind of person are you? You’re stubborn as a rock, how dare you stop me from fighting the enemies! Quickly open up the storage, and when Qi Jiaguang come home, tell me to talk to me!”
Madam Qi unexpectedly called General Qi’s full name so disrespectfully, Old Nie could notice the anger in her, no longer daring to stop her. He got up, dragged his feet and took out the storage key.
Being able to witness this whole thing, Jinxia couldn’t help but admire Madam Qi, praising her non-stop: “Madam Qi is a hero.”
Xie Xiao felt a little uncomfortable listening to her. He quickly glanced at her and said: “Kissing up to people again huh?”
Jinxia ignored him, jumping forward and followed Madam Qi to the warehouse.
The weapons in the ammunition are not small, ranging from rattan shields, knives, spears, swords, bows and arrows, as well as various kinds of firearms. Madam Qi ordered people to drag out the cannon and place it by the city walls, then the remaining twenty to thirty rifles were distributed among the veteran soldiers, as well as those who received fire canisters also had to go to the city walls.
Jinxia is not used to using firearms, she chooses a bow and arrow as well as the quiver she carries.
Xie Xiao and Cen Shou used the three-hole fire rifles which were taken from Dong San’s place, not forgetting to leave one for YangYue to use.
The remaining machetes, bamboo sticks, long spears and so on, after Madam Qi examined them, she ordered people to bring them all to the east door. At the time of Zixhi (11-1 pm), the men under the age of sixty gathered at the east door, she chose those who were of the most prime age, gave them weapons, immediately asked all of them to climb up to the top of the city walls, in a state of ready to fight.
Madam Qi couldn’t sleep all night, constantly waiting for news from them, as soon as she heard all the pirates had been arrested, she got up, changed her clothes and headed straight to the prison to interrogate them.
***
Cen Shou, Jinxia and Xie Xiao yawned as they returned to their residence at noon the following day.
“People like Madam Qi, marrying and becoming a Madam have burdened her. All night continuously interrogating twenty people, her stamina, her willpower, almost like a wolf.” Jinxia chuckled and sighed, “An incredible role model!”
Xie Xiao also sighed: “I thought my sister was extraordinary, but there are always higher mountains.”
*[Higher mountain, indicated that someone is already amazing, but there’s always someone else out there, who’s much better, TN]
“Based on their confession, in three days the pirates will attack the city,” Cen Shou muttered to himself, “Madam Qi has already ordered someone to send a letter to General Qi, pulling all troops home, hopefully they will come in time.”
Xie Xiao said casually: “This time there is no need to worry anymore, Xinhe city is not in danger anymore.”
“Later, when the city ban is lifted, you should go back fishing.” Jinxia said to him.
“You still haven’t eaten enough fish?”
“At least you’re making money, just think of it as income.” Jinxia said with a heavy heart, “Not sure what’s the current conditions in Cengang. When will Lu Daren come home? We can’t just wait around and do nothing.”
His older brother and the Young Master had no news at all, Cengang’s condition was also very dangerous, Cen Shou was also very worried: “After this war is over, Xinhe is stable again. After that, I want to go to Cengang.”
These words were really what Jinxia wanted, she said happily: “Just as I thought!”
All night without sleep, Jinxia fell into a deep sleep until Chun Yumin came to light the lantern, the small movement woke her up.
“Miss Yuan, Miss Yuan….” Chun Yumin slowly woke her up, “Brother Yang asked you to come downstairs to eat something. If you continue to sleep, I’m afraid you won’t be able to sleep again tonight.”
Jinxia sat up with her eyes closed, then turned to look out the window: “Ms. Chun…. What time is it now? It’s dark already?”
Chun Yumin laughed: “It’s getting late, Brother Yang already made tangyuan. He said it’s something you love to eat, so he asked me to wake you up.”
*[tangyuan = traditional Chinese dessert made of glutinous rice shaped into a ball that is served in a hot broth or syrup, TN]
As soon as she heard the words tangyuan, Jinxia immediately woke up and nodded her head: “Let’s go eat!”
As she opened the door, a loud noise was heard from afar, as if two metals were hitting against each other. The sound was very distant, but very clear. The sound made a series of five bangs every time. Those who heard these sounds would be very nervous.
Did something happen? Jinxia’s expression changed completely. Completely forgetting about Chun Yuming, she rushed out and almost hit Xie Xiao, who was also running.
“What happened? I’m not the only one that heard it right?” Xie Xiao asked frantically.
Jinxia shook her head: “Not sure, I think something happened!”
At this moment, someone knocked on the front door of the residence, the sound was also like the sound they just heard, but this time it was rushed and clearer.
Xie Xiao quickly opened the door, it turned out to be Uncle Xu from Chun Yumin’s family, he hurriedly said: “Did you hear it? Did you?”
“I did, I did..” Xie Xiao said cluelessly, “The constant banging, what is that sound?”
Uncle Xu looked for Chun Yumin among the people, hurriedly said to her: “Second Miss, all of you need to come with me quickly to hide. The pirates are coming!”
Chun Yumin was stunned: “Where are the pirates?”
“They said they’ve arrived at the entrance of town…Do you hear that? That’s the alert sound, letting people know there’s an attack!” Uncle Xu said in panic.
Jinxia said hesitantly: “Impossible, they said it would take about three days for them to come and attack Xinhe. Why are they here now?”
“Three days later, and now, what difference does it make? Anyway, the pirates are coming, you guys hurry up and follow me!”
Outside, the beating is faster. Jinxia turned and said to YangYue: “I will go to Madam Qi’s residence and ask her what’s going on. You guys go with Uncle Xu first.”
As she finished talking, her body turned and walked out of the door. Immediately her hands were pulled back by someone, indeed that is Mrs. Shen.
“….Aunt.”
These few days, Jinxia hasn’t had a chance to really talk to Mrs. Shen, seeing that she is currently pulling her hand, definitely about to stop her again. Jinxia subconsciously knitting her brows.
Even though Mrs. Shen held Jinxia’s hands, her eyes looked towards the beggar uncle: “Brother Lu…”
How could the beggar uncle not know what she’s thinking, he stepped forward and said: “Don’t worry, I’ll go with this kid. I won’t let her get into trouble.”
“Thank you.”
The beggar uncle said: “No need to be so polite, we’re not strangers.”
Jinxia understood Mrs. Shen’s intention, although she didn’t stop her, she’s still very worried about getting her, therefore she asked the beggar uncle to take care of her.
“Uncle, you don’t need to. I’m just going to Madam Qi’s residence to find out what is happening. It would be better for you if you stayed with my aunt. Currently, the situation is very chaotic, and some robbers may take advantage of this. If you’re with my aunt, I’ll feel at ease.”
Mrs. Shen stopped her: “No….”
Cen Shou cut them off, saying straight to the point: “The current situation is unclear, you should all listen to me.”. Two seniors, Ms. Chun, Shangguan Bangzhu and A’Rui, will be escorted into hiding by Uncle Xu and YangYue. Once everything has settled down, come back to the residence and wait for us.”
YangYue didn’t mind, nodding his head.
“I, Xie Xiao and Miss Yuan will go find Madam Qi and investigate the situation. We will come back and join you guys as soon as possible.” Cen Shou turned to face Mrs. Shen, “Senior, I will take care of Miss. Yuan. Don’t worry, nothing will happen.”
Before Mrs. Shen could say anything, Jinxia cut her off: “Very good, very good, just like that…. let’s go!”
Just as she finished speaking, she had already run out, Cen Shou and Xie Xiao followed from behind.
“This child….” Mrs. Shen watched as her shadow disappeared into the night, and couldn’t help but let out a long sigh.
“Everyone, let’s not wait any longer. Hurry and pack whatever you need, we must leave right away!”
Uncle Xu urged them.
The banging sounds are getting closer and louder, which made people very nervous. Everyone quickly packed their things and followed Uncle Xu out of the residence.
***
Just as they arrived at Madam Qi’s residence, Jinxia was very shocked because the entrance was wide open, everyone was too busy to notice them coming in. It seems like they’re getting ready for a battle. Inside the house, servants are walking back and forth while carrying numerous weapons in their hands.
Walking further inside, Madam Qi was seen writing something, and then handed it to the servant next to her to blow dried the ink.
“Madam….”
Jinxia was about to say something, but stopped because she saw the servant glaring at her, indicating that Madam Qi is busy, don’t disturb her. Even though Xie Xiao and Cen Shou are feeling impatient, but it’s because Madam Qi is their senior woman, therefore they didn’t dare to behave rudely and nervously wait for her quietly.
After a while, Jinxia fixately watched all the paper being dried. On the paper, it’s clearly stated that ‘the rescue troops will be arriving soon, therefore do not panic’ and asking ‘every men that’s sixty years old and younger to gather at the east gate tonight, if you don’t show up, you will be greatly punished.’
Men under sixty? Does Madam Qi plan to take them out on the battlefield?
Jinxia, Xie Xiao and Cen Shou looked at each other. They feel like Madam Qi is forcing people to do something beyond their capability.
After great difficulty, Madam Qi finished writing everything, and then she ordered the soldiers to stick it in the center of the city. Just as Jinxia was about to open her mouth, Madam Qi had already stepped quickly past her, entering the small courtyard, her eyebrows tightened at the sight of the items in front of her.
“Madam Qi, what happened?” Jinxia asked.
Madam Qi said in a low voice: “Hikers reported, they saw pirates heading this way, they’re only approximately 5m away from us. I’ve calculated, they will probably arrive here by midnight.”
Cen Shou didn’t understand: “I thought they were coming three days later? About 20 of them said the same thing, they wouldn’t be wrong.”
“It doesn’t matter whether it’s true or not. If the pirates are only 5m away from Xinhe city, do you think they will wait outside for three days and then attack us?” Because of worries, Madam Qi’s tone sounded annoyed.
“It’s probably because of that Japanese pirate we caught on the bought, we were careless.” Jinxia tried to think, “The pirates didn’t see him return, therefore, they changed their plan and decided to attack.”
“That’s a possibility.” Madam Qi said, “Right now, there’s no time to question the situation. We have less than one hundred soldiers, and countless number of untrained men, they absolutely can’t fight.”
Xie Xiao gritted his teeth and said: “Then we can only endure, no matter how many people there are, we will go all out!”
Jinxia looked at the weapon, asked: “Do we not have enough weapons either? Looks like not everyone will be able to fight.”
“There’s no need for them to use it, just be able to hold it.” Madam Qi said.
“What good will holding it do?!” Xie Xiao shook his head continuously, “Those who can’t use it, giving it to them it’s useless, they will just die in vain.”
Cen Shou’s brows also furrowed: “Is there a way to evacuate people out of town?”
“No time! There are elderly people, women, children and sick people, but horses are limited, so they must walk, which means they will not get anywhere.” Madam Qi replied, “We must keep the city guarded, it’s our only hope.”
No time! In a city where the parents are mostly women, children and the sick, horse carriages are also not enough, just relying on bare feet, will not be able to escape far at all.” Madam Qi said, “Keep the city waiting for the reinforcements, there might still be some hope.”
“Defending the city?” On a floor full of weapons, some of which were even moldy and rusty, Jinxia found this extremely difficult, “Madam, if I may say it bluntly, relying on these items to defend the city is impossible.”
Madam Qi’s face was surprisingly calm: “I know, compared to our enemies, our troops are limited, right now we can only carry out emptying the city plan.”
“Empting city strategy!?”
Cen Shou and Xie Xiao, as well as Jinxia, were stunned by her words.
Madam Qi said: “Since we’ve captured a few pirates in the city. The pirates outside the city don’t know the condition within our city, or how many soldiers we have left or how strong they are, they don’t know anything that’s happening in our city right. As long as we make sure the number of soldiers guarding the entrance matches their number, they will think we have a lot of soldiers in our troop, and wouldn’t dare to hastily attack.”
“But relying solely on these weapons….” Jinxia, who was still frowning at the sight of the weapon, couldn’t help but said, “They will find out, Madam.”
Madam Qi glanced at the weapons on the floor, after a while, decided to say: “Go to the military ammunition storage and take out all the weapons!”
The military ammunition storage is where all the Qi Family troops’ weapons are stored. In addition to spear, swords, there are also firearms. This storage is an important place, only those with a badge can give orders to guards and open the storage. The Chief of the Military Old Nie has been under General Qi for several years, he hasn’t been careless or reckless, even when Hu Zongxian asked him to open the storage, he still had to wait to see a badge given by General Qi.
Upon hearing Madam Qi’s request, Old Nie did not hesitate to say: “Madam, you know that a badge from General Qi is required in order to open the storage.”
Madam Qi of course knew the rule, she continued to say: “General Qi left home in a hurry, and did not leave anything behind, but that’s because he didn’t expect the pirates to come to Xinhe City. Right now, it’s an emergency situation, open the storage, I will take all the responsibility.”
Old Nie didn’t panic nor rush her, he raised his hands in respect and said: “I understand Madam Qi’s situation, but the storage was handed over to me, and I vowed to guard it with my life, I can’t fail to accomplish such a simple task. No matter who it is, without General Qi’s badge, I can’t open it.”
Hearing him at the bottom of the stairs, Jinxia whispered in Xie Xiao’s ear: “She’s already raising her eyebrows, why is this old man still so stubborn?”
Xie Xiao knitted his brows and said: “I would suggest skip the talking and just knock him down.”
Although Old Nie was old, but his hearing was still very good, upon hearing Xie Xiao’s words, he turned to look at the three of then, Jinxia, Xie Xiao and Cen Shou, and realized that he’ve never seen them before, he coldy snorted: “Madam, if I may say, these three here have unknown origin and they’re not apart of the Qi Family. Madam, please do not recklessly listen to them.”
Madam Qi knows that he meant well with his words because he is someone who have followed General Qi for a very long time, but seeing him constantly denying her request, Madam Qi was a little annoyed: “I have my ways of doing things, what do you mean recklessly listen to outsider? The pirates will arrive in Xinhe City very soon! I demand you to open the storage.”
Old Nie did not move at all, he loudly repeated his words: “If you do not have General Qi’s badge, I will not open the storage.”
“You….” Madam Qi took a step forward, her beautiful eyes glaring with anger, “Are you going to open or not?”
“I will not open.”
A moment later, Madam Qi was seen stretching out her hand, elegant plung it toward Old Nie, and before he could react, he had already fallen to the ground. The other guards turned pale, as they’re about to charge forward, Madam Qi shouted loudly: “Who dares to come forward? Who?!”
Standing upright in front of the entrance, she stared fiercely at everyone around her. Once again, she asked the same question. The power of her words forced those guards to take a step back.
Old Nie was in pain, he forcefully tried to use the door as his support, then slowly stood up, while pointing at Madam Qi, he said: “You….This woman…”
Madam Qi’s face remained expressionless, she cut off his words: “Pirates are about to arrive here, Xinhe City is in danger. What kind of person are you? You’re stubborn as a rock, how dare you stop me from fighting the enemies! Quickly open up the storage, and when Qi Jiaguang come home, tell me to talk to me!”
Madam Qi unexpectedly called General Qi’s full name so disrespectfully, Old Nie could notice the anger in her, no longer daring to stop her. He got up, dragged his feet and took out the storage key.
Being able to witness this whole thing, Jinxia couldn’t help but admire Madam Qi, praising her non-stop: “Madam Qi is a hero.”
Xie Xiao felt a little uncomfortable listening to her. He quickly glanced at her and said: “Kissing up to people again huh?”
Jinxia ignored him, jumping forward and followed Madam Qi to the warehouse.
The weapons in the ammunition are not small, ranging from rattan shields, knives, spears, swords, bows and arrows, as well as various kinds of firearms. Madam Qi ordered people to drag out the cannon and place it by the city walls, then the remaining twenty to thirty rifles were distributed among the veteran soldiers, as well as those who received fire canisters also had to go to the city walls.
Jinxia is not used to using firearms, she chooses a bow and arrow as well as the quiver she carries.
Xie Xiao and Cen Shou used the three-hole fire rifles which were taken from Dong San’s place, not forgetting to leave one for YangYue to use.
The remaining machetes, bamboo sticks, long spears and so on, after Madam Qi examined them, she ordered people to bring them all to the east door. At the time of Zixhi (11-1 pm), the men under the age of sixty gathered at the east door, she chose those who were of the most prime age, gave them weapons, immediately asked all of them to climb up to the top of the city walls, in a state of ready to fight.
