CHAPTER 161: PERMISSION TO ENTER THE CITY

After the Ji Army left, the city gate was opened from inside. Soon, Tan Pengtai and his team came out. Riding their warhorses, they arrived swiftly in front of Tuluo Cheng and the others.

Sitting atop his warhorse, Tan Pengtai observed Tuluo Cheng, the adjutant, and the nine guards. Seeing that they were thin and had sallow complexions, he said, "Everyone, please follow me into the city."

Tuluo Cheng clasped his hands and replied, "Thank you, General Tan."

After a brief exchange, Tan Pengtai led them into the city.

Standing among the curious refugees, Gui Ying watched everything with great interest.

Glancing at the man beside him, he slowly fanned himself and asked, "Brother, this young master noticed you are wearing clothing from the Rong Tribe. Are you here on business?"

The young man shook his head and sighed. "My caravan was attacked by bandits a month ago. My family had no choice but to join the refugees because of this. Fortunately, we heard rumors of food and water in Xiqiang City, so we came to try our luck."

Listening to his answer, Gui Ying nodded in understanding. "It’s not easy to do business in the current state of the world."

After saying that, he thoughtfully looked at the man for a moment before smiling and walking away.

Walking into Xiqiang City, Tuluo Cheng and the others were shocked by the clean streets and bustling atmosphere. Although many buildings were still in disrepair, the citizens looked healthy, happy, and full of smiles.

As they walked through the streets, Tuluo Cheng watched as the citizens greeted Tan Pengtai and the elite soldiers of the Feng Army with smiles and admiration. It was a stark contrast to the situation in Xiquan City.

After walking for an hour, they arrived at the east district of Xiqiang City.

Dismounting from his warhorse, Tan Pengtai walked up to Tuluo Cheng and said, "This general has prepared accommodations for General Ji and all of you. Please come inside."

"Thank you, General Tan."

While the adjutant and the guards carried Ji Hui out of the horse carriage, Tuluo Cheng looked at the building in front of him. Seeing that the inn was in good condition, he lifted his feet and followed Tan Pengtai inside.

When they entered the main hall of the inn, Tan Pengtai handed over a set of keys to Tuluo Cheng and explained, "These are the keys to the rooms on the third floor. This general has reserved the entire floor for you so that no one will disturb General Ji’s rest."

"As for food and water, they will be delivered to the inn. Military Advisor Tuluo, you may collect them twice a day from the servants."

After explaining everything, Tan Pengtai clasped his fists and added, "This general still has matters to attend to, so I will take my leave."

Just as Tan Pengtai turned to go, Tuluo Cheng stopped him. "Please wait a moment, General Tan."

Halting in his tracks, Tan Pengtai turned and asked, "Is there anything else you need, Military Advisor Tuluo?"

Tuluo Cheng replied, "General Tan, could you invite a physician to treat General Ji’s wounds?"

Hearing the request, Tan Pengtai thought, ’You want us to treat him? In your dreams.’

Although he sneered inwardly, his expression remained calm.

Looking steadily at Tuluo Cheng, he replied, "This general will request permission from the Great General. However, I cannot promise we will be able to send a physician. Military Advisor Tuluo, I’m sure you understand our current situation."

Tuluo Cheng’s expression stiffened when he heard what Tan Pengtai said. Forcing a smile, he replied, "Of course."

Seeing that he understood the hidden meaning, Tan Pengtai smiled and gave a final order to the elite soldier, "You all are to stay here and protect General Ji and the others. Make sure not even a fly disturbs his rest."

In unison, the elite Feng Army soldiers clasped their fists and replied, "This subordinate accepts the order!"

After giving out the order, Tan Pengtai mounted his warhorse and returned to the barracks to report to Feng Xiyan, while the elite soldiers surrounded the inn.

Seeing this, the adjutant clenched his fists and asked, "Military Advisor, what should we do now?"

Lowering his voice, Tuluo Cheng replied through gritted teeth, "Let’s go back to the room first. We will make the next plan when General Ji wakes up."

The adjutant nodded, and the two of them headed upstairs to the third floor.

While Tuluo Cheng and the adjutant waited anxiously for a physician, Tan Pengtai entered the commander’s tent.

Standing in front of Feng Xiyan and the other generals, he reported, "Great General, it’s done. They are currently staying at an inn in the east district."

Feng Xiyan nodded. "Well done."

Fan Wanming looked at Feng Xiyan and asked, "Great General, now that Ji Hui is here, should this subordinate assign more soldiers to guard them?"

Feng Xiyan shook his head. "No. General Tan has already stationed a team of elite soldiers. If we don’t give them a little freedom, they won’t act, and we won’t be able to learn their true motive for coming here."

After saying that, Feng Xiyan paused for a second before adding, "Just tighten security inside and outside the city. This general has a bad feeling that Ji Hui’s arrival will bring trouble."

Noticing his concern, Fan Wanming said, "This subordinate will handle it immediately."

After Fan Wanming left, Tan Pengtai said, "Great General, Tuluo Cheng has requested a physician to examine Ji Hui."

Hearing this, Feng Xiyan replied, "We can’t let him die just yet. General Tan, escort Physician Yan to check on him. Make sure he suffers, but doesn’t die."

Tan Pengtai clasped his fists and responded, "Yes, Great General. This subordinate will go at once."

After Tan Pengtai left, Feng Xiyan turned to the remaining generals and said, "Let’s continue."

While Feng Xiyan and the generals discussed their next move, Hua Yuyu’s phone rang.

Seeing the caller ID, he answered, and Bao Shengjie’s energetic voice came through the speaker.