He had specially stockpiled 600,000 dan of military grains for them. This year brought new grains and another abundant harvest. While procuring large amounts of grain from other regions wasn’t feasible, distributing the grain produced in Huaixi province to the Northwest Army for 200,000 dans proved manageable.

Shao Yunduan had been diligently addressing this matter.

The envoys from the northwest had fretted over the possibility of Lord Shao refusing. They had come to transport 100,000 dans of food, only the initial installment.

In essence, this marked just the beginning. Following this delivery, subsequent batches of food transport teams would arrive, totaling at least 300,000 dans.

This was no trifling matter!

Despite General Shao’s assurances that Lord Shao wouldn’t refuse, concerns lingered among them.

Even General Feng, General Xu, and others harbored some uncertainty.

Unexpectedly, General Shao’s assurances proved accurate!

The envoys expressed their gratitude and happily retired to rest with the others.

They hadn’t dared to pause for rest on their journey. Braving rain and wind, they pressed on day and night toward Huaixi province. Now, finally able to relax, exhaustion washed over them. They desperately needed to recuperate.

Given Qiao Xuan’s oversight of the granary, Shao Yunduan and Qiao Xuan conferred before inspecting the grain together.

The granary was situated entirely in Anze Province, providing an opportunity for them to return there.

All the grains were impeccably preserved–dry, fresh, and free of mold. Qiao Xuan arranged for them to be packed into bags, while also retrieving the stored carriage parts from the warehouse and assembling them into grain carts.

Anticipating potential rain during the journey, they had prepared linoleum cloths for protection. Additionally, they had stocked up on essential spare parts like wheels and shafts. They could easily replace any damaged components en route.

Qiao Xuan’s thorough preparations impressed Shao Yunduan, earning admiration even from the officials.

It’s no wonder Lord Shao holds such high regard for Madam Shao, entrusting her with everything. With her capabilities, Lord Shao has nothing to fret about!

With so much unfolding simultaneously, the scene was bustling with activity.

Unable to contain her curiosity, Qiao Xuan remarked, “Qi and the others have to traverse the Second Prince’s territory to bring the grain back, don’t they? Will the Second Prince pose obstacles for them? And what about the Sun Family?”

Shao Yunduan scoffed. “The Second Prince isn’t foolish. General Feng is safeguarding the empire, and the fact that he hasn’t sought assistance from the three emperors for funds, food, or supplies speaks volumes. If the Second Prince dares to obstruct or seize them, he’ll incur the wrath of the entire realm. He can’t afford such disgrace, nor can the Sun Family.”

A chuckle escaped Qiao Xuan. “You’re absolutely right! General Feng and the others must have strategized, but it’s still a lengthy journey!”

Shao Yunduan sighed. “Indeed, let’s hope for a smooth outcome.”

The journey spanned over 2,400 miles, and the food carts moved at a sluggish pace, covering just over 100 miles per day. Regardless of the urgency, it would take around 20 days to complete the return trip.

However, with the knowledge that provisions had been stockpiled for them, General Feng and his companions likely made prior arrangements instead of rushing the transportation of food. That’s a more favorable scenario.