Chapter 416: 416 asks for it for free without asking you

She was capable of fending for herself without the need to covet these small benefits, lest others look down upon her.

Ye Jiu’s reaction was well within Sikong Mo’s expectations, “The mansion isn’t given to you for free, consider it an advance payment.”

“What do you mean, Young Master Sikong?” Ye Jiu was puzzled.

“A battle between Dongyue and Nanchang is inevitable. I hold significant power, have long been envied by others, and there are villains sabotaging from behind. This trip to the capital is for the preparation of food supplies for the war. However, things are not going smoothly. You once said you could procure goods from other worlds and were willing to help me; therefore, your assistance is now needed,” explained Sikong Mo.

“Alright, I wonder how much Young Master Sikong needs?” Although Ye Jiu did not refuse, her heart was not entirely willing.

Though precious, this mansion pales in comparison to the dietary needs of hundreds of thousands of soldiers.

Sikong Mo truly had his calculations right in exchanging so many supplies for one mansion.

However, Ye Jiu had no choice but to agree.

After all, he held a grip on her vulnerabilities, and she had once voluntarily offered to help him!

Never mind that, for the sake of her own safety, although she had to give up these supplies, she could gain a strong backing in return. She did not consider it a loss.

Ye Jiu thought to herself comfortingly.

“Food, enough to satisfy hunger. As for the quantity, the more, the better.” Serving in the army at the frontier border is arduous. One could not hope for luxury meals; being full was fortunate, so Sikong Mo did not have high demands.

After speaking, Sikong Mo added, “As for the silver, when the court allocates it after some time, it will all be delivered to you.”

“There’s also silver?” Ye Jiu retorted.

Seeing Ye Jiu’s expression, Sikong Mo knew what she was thinking.

He couldn’t help but laugh, “Waging war naturally involves substantial silver. What are you thinking? You don’t think I’m asking you for it for nothing, do you?”

Ye Jiu was equally embarrassed, “It was you who said there were villains at play. I…” So, it was not strange for her to think that way.

Sikong Mo chuckled lightly, “What I meant by villains at play is that the Imperial Court should normally resolve the issue of food supplies. However, the Ministry of Revenue used the excuse of having no food, so they only allocated silver. With the military conflict at the frontier border imminent, there really isn’t time to gather more provisions, which is why I thought of asking for your help.”

That being the case, it wasn’t so bad, Ye Jiu thought. “There’s no rush about the silver issue. If Young Master Sikong needs it, I can start preparing now.”

At that moment, Ye Jiu was the opposite of her initial displeasure, speaking quite generously.

“How soon can the food supplies be ready?” asked Sikong Mo.

“Five days.” For safety, Ye Jiu added two more days as a buffer for herself.

At the same time, Sikong Mo couldn’t help but be amazed.

Supplying provisions for hundreds of thousands of soldiers was no small matter. Even Nanchang had taken two months to prepare, yet Ye Jiu casually mentioned that five days would suffice, without showing any strain or difficulty in her demeanor.

“Once the food supplies are ready, keep them at your place first. We will leave the capital in ten days and bring out the food gradually on the way. Is that okay?” Sikong Mo asked.

It was no small amount of provisions, and suddenly revealing it might draw too much attention. Sikong Mo was not afraid, but he worried that overly conspicuous actions might lead inquiries to Ye Jiu.

“The food supply is not a problem,” Ye Jiu replied, “but my elder brother’s leg has just been treated; we’re set to leave in ten days, and I’m worried…”

Ye Jiu had initially planned to leave after Ye Gaosheng’s leg had fully recovered, but now, with this situation created by Sikong Mo, she had to think it over more carefully.