Chapter 166: The Loss
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The pitch-black night was dyed crimson by raging flames, the acrid stench of smoke thick in the air.
In front of the official granary, the pungent scent of scorched wheat stabbed at Xiao Ming’s heart like a blade.
This was months of rations for the Qingzhou Army… months of rations.
“Your Highness!”
A loud shout rang out, accompanied by urgent hoofbeats. Niu Ben and Lu Fei arrived with the Qingzhou troops.
“Those damn bastards! Who did this?!” Lu Fei roared furiously, charging into the fields and stomping on the burning stalks.
Niu Ben’s face was like stone. Seeing Xiao Ming so stricken, he said, “Your Highness, now’s not the time for sorrow. We must stop the fire from spreading. If not, all the wheat will be gone—and the blaze will reach the villagers’ crops too.”
Xiao Ming had only just arrived. Shaking off the haze of rage, he said, “Tell all soldiers to stop using water. Everyone start cutting the wheat along the burning edge. We’ll make a firebreak.”
Niu Ben didn’t stop to ask what a firebreak was. “All men, start cutting wheat!” he commanded.
Xiao Ming noticed many villagers had been roused by the commotion. Approaching them, he said, “Everyone, I ask for your help to bring this fire under control.”
“Your Highness, this is our duty,” one man said.