Chapter 217 - Desolate Liangzhou (Part Seventeen)
The following days were unexpectedly calm both inside and outside the city, like the calm before the storm. Everyone was uneasy with the temporary tranquility.
The Northern Qiang army outside the city seemed somewhat cautious after the battle a few days prior. They neither attacked the city nor moved their troops, simply remaining stationed outside. If not for the smoke constantly rising from their campfires at mealtimes, Zhou Tong might have thought they had already abandoned their camp...
News of the Northern Qiang’s failed first assault had already spread throughout the city under the deliberate guidance of the authorities. The townspeople found hope, and the once lifeless streets began to welcome scattered groups of people.
Today, Ye Beizhi and the others were having lunch. Baili Gucheng’s room was too cramped, so they opened the inn’s main door and sat in the main hall to rest. Chi Nanwei carried the dishes to the back kitchen to wash them.
Xue Qiming propped one foot on a stool, picking his teeth with a wooden toothpick. "The Northern Qiang barbarians haven’t made a move these past few days. Who knows what kind of mischief they’re brewing."
Ye Beizhi knew the remark was directed at him. He looked up at Xue Qiming and replied slowly, "They are getting ready for a decisive attack."
Xue Qiming licked his lips and leaned back against the table, staring at the ceiling. "Regathering morale to strike with overwhelming force, huh? You seem to know a lot about warfare?"
Ye Beizhi remained silent for a moment before answering, "When you see enough, you'll understand."
As they spoke, footsteps came from the stairs. The two turned to look and saw Rao Shuang coming down with a box of food.
Noticing the three in the main hall staring at her, Rao Shuang complained, "He didn’t touch the porridge I brought this morning and said he wouldn’t eat lunch either. All he said was that it’s a critical moment and not to disturb him... At this rate, I think he’ll starve to death before he finishes brewing the medicine."
Xue Qiming waved dismissively. "He values his life too much to starve himself, if he gets too hungry, he’ll eat. You don’t need to worry."