After interrogation, it was revealed from the mouths of those Southern Frontier soldiers that the poison had been obtained from a Tianqi person. Further questioning led to a shocking piece of news:
Jun Hui, who had been missing for a long time, had actually defected to the Southern Frontier!
This poisoning incident was entirely his doing!
When Jun Mo heard this news, a chilling light flickered in his eyes, but he ultimately only said, "That is indeed something he would do."
As the war intensified, news of the former Sixth Prince Jun Hui's defection and treason reached the capital. The Emperor was furious and issued an order to eradicate the traitor!
Su Li spent her days bustling around the pharmacy and various businesses like a spinning top, thinking that this might be a long war. She wanted to earn more money so that when the battlefield was in need, she could contribute.
That day, the family was having dinner when someone from the palace arrived, urgently summoning Minister Su into the palace.
It was almost past hai shi (9-11 PM) when Minister Su finally entered, his steps heavy.
Su Li was waiting by the door. Seeing his troubled expression, she softly called out, "Father, was there something urgent for His Majesty to summon you to the palace?"
Minister Su sighed, "It's the issue of provisions again. Northern Flame's vast support in horses consumes an enormous amount daily. His Majesty has ordered us to gather provisions and send them to the front lines."
Su Li paused, understanding that this was reasonable.
If others were providing horses, surely they had to supply their own provisions?
"Father, how many provisions can Tianqi provide right now?"
Minister Su shook his head, "It's difficult. The national treasury was emptied a few years ago. How can we gather so many provisions in such a short time? We can only hold out for another half a month at most."
Su Li comforted him, "It's alright, Father. I can also gather some from my side. I'll arrange it tomorrow."
Minister Su looked at his daughter and said, "Your businesses earn money, but not long ago, you supplied medicinal herbs, weapons, and horses. How much do you have left?"
"My medicinal herbs are all grown on my own estates, and aside from the tenants' wages, they don't cost much. I didn't buy too many weapons and horses, originally planning to buy them in batches. Only one batch was sent before Princess Pingyang entered her marriage alliance with Northern Flame, so now the weapons and horses are sufficient. Therefore, I still have money."
Minister Su looked at his daughter, who stood graceful and tall. He had initially thought her opening shops was just a petty endeavor, but now he had to rely on the silver she earned.
"Your father truly feels ashamed!"
Su Li smiled, "Father, don't say that. As citizens of Tianqi, we naturally contribute money if we have it, and strength if we have it. Besides, Uncle, Elder Cousin, and Ziyan are all on the battlefield."
Minister Su nodded, smiling. "Good. Tomorrow, you can see how much you can gather, and I'll also try to squeeze out more from my end. Our father-daughter hearts united, we will help Tianqi overcome this difficult time."
"Mmm! Father, don't think too much for now. Go back to your room and rest. We can discuss anything else tomorrow."
"Alright. It's late; Li'er should also return to her room."
"Then I shall take my leave first, Father."
Watching Su Li's retreating figure, Xu Jin sighed, "Miss truly makes us men feel ashamed."
Minister Su proudly exclaimed, "Indeed! Who says daughters cannot share the family's worries and solve its problems? My daughter can not only solve family difficulties but also prosper the nation and secure the country!"
The next day, Su Li set out early with her maid.
Upon arriving at Jin Chao Zui, she asked Xu Mubai to bring all the account books from various shops, including those from her mother's businesses.
These accounts, when combined, totaled an astonishing sum.
"Mubai, all of this money will be used to purchase provisions. If you have connections in neighboring countries, that would be even better. I'll send a letter instructing Brother Wang Wei to also acquire some provisions in the south using the surplus funds from the southern shops. The south has just experienced a disaster, so we might not be able to gather much, but a little is better than nothing," Su Li instructed.
Xu Mubai was momentarily surprised. "Miss, all of it for provisions?"
Su Li nodded. "Yes, all of it!"
With so many soldiers and horses, the daily consumption was already staggering, not to mention that the duration of this war was still unknown.
Xu Mubai felt nothing but admiration in his heart.
Su Li added, "And the speed must be quick. My father said the front lines can't hold out for more than half a month."
"Don't worry, Miss. As long as there's silver, it's easy to handle. Our merchant caravans are already spread throughout Tianqi. I will immediately have them acquire provisions from the surrounding smaller states!"
After arranging these matters, Su Li went to her estates.
She intended to check the harvesting progress of the second batch of medicinal herbs, but she saw the estate manager approaching with a group of tenants.
"Mistress, these tenants wish to see you."
Su Li looked at everyone, puzzled. "Has something happened?"
One tenant stepped forward and said loudly, "Mistress, we just found out these medicinal herbs are to be sent to the front lines, so we've all decided not to take our wages."
"Yes! Although we are uneducated, we know the principle that every commoner bears responsibility for the nation's rise and fall!"
"Right, Mistress, I don't want my wages!"
"Me neither!"
Su Li looked at them, deeply moved.
Even these impoverished commoners understood the sentiment of "every commoner bears responsibility for the nation's rise and fall," while those corrupt officials, who indulged in wine and meat, received their salaries yet did nothing useful.
"Since you all have such a kind intention, I shall accept it. Don't worry, once we overcome this difficult period, I will give you every single coin of your wages."
Now was the time when every coin counted; saving even one could mean an extra mouthful of food!
Besides the tenants refusing their wages, even the shopkeepers and assistants in the shops offered to forgo theirs. This time, Su Li refused.
Everyone had families to support; their lives should not be affected for the sake of gathering provisions.
With such a significant movement from Su Li's side, many naturally caught wind of it.
The next day, Wei Yuanyao and Qu Zhirou both arrived, bringing all their personal assets.
The Empress in the palace followed suit, summoning various officials' wives and appealing to their reason and emotions, leading the way in contributing silver to purchase provisions.
Su Li sighed, realizing that this time, it was truly mobilizing the nation's entire strength!
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