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At this thought, Qi Xin couldn't help but steal a glance at Rong Shu.

When Lady Liao's carriage was bombed, this young lady had confidently declared that Lady Liao would survive.

The explosion occurred while Lady Liao was on her way to the Exquisite Silk Pavilion.

Back then, the citizens in the city were in a panic, almost causing a stampede. Seeing the situation, Lady Liao got off her carriage by the Small Qinhuai River and personally directed the people to evacuate with two guards.

It was precisely this decision that saved her life.

Uzhda had planted a considerable amount of explosives in that carriage, resulting in a widespread blast. Although Lady Liao escaped with her life, she sustained severe injuries and had yet to regain consciousness.

After conversing with Rong Shu for a while, Shiiun arrived, bearing news that was surprisingly similar to Qi Xin's – Gu Changjin had been injured.

Why were they all telling her about Gu Changjin's injury?

From Qi Xin's tone earlier, it seemed that Gu Changjin's injuries weren't severe. Then why did Shiiun appear so worried?

"Lord Gu is severely injured?"

Shiiun remarked, "This time, the pirates from Four Square Island were equipped with superior weapons. A single shot from their firearms could pierce through flesh, and their cannons could devastate even the finest naval vessels. Our lord has sustained injuries in several places."

Shiiun's account was only partial truth; Gu Changjin had indeed been injured by firearms, but they were mere grazes that could be easily treated with medicine.

Upon hearing this, Rong Shu instructed someone to bring a wooden chest filled with medications. Addressing Shiiun, she said, "Many proprietors of pharmacies have generously sent over these remedies. Take this box of medicine to the frontlines for the wounded soldiers, and it will also come in handy for Lord Gu."

After saying this, she remembered that there were still unsorted medicines to be accounted for. Giving instructions on dosage, she hurried off to attend to her duties.

Luo Yan followed behind her, shooting a disapproving glance at Shiiun before joining Rong Shu in her work.

Shiiun felt stifled by her words but found no grounds to refute. Resignedly, he set off to deliver the medicine.

Rong Shu was genuinely swamped with tasks these days.

With the outbreak of war, not only did they need ample emergency medications, but provisions like food and fodder were also crucial.

The coffers of Great Yin were historically meager, and the military garrisons in the Jiangsu and Zhejiang regions often struggled to meet their needs.

Given the aggressive advance of the Four Square Island pirates, the duration of this fierce battle was unpredictable. Adequate provisions were the backbone of the frontline's morale – it would be unacceptable to send hungry soldiers to fight the enemy.

Liu Yuan had initially entrusted Qi Xin with the responsibility of securing provisions. However, upon witnessing Rong Shu convince Yang Zhou City's major medicine merchants to willingly contribute their supplies within just two days, Qi Xin decided to let Rong Shu assist him in obtaining grain.

Rong Shu promptly agreed.

The Shen family had initially built their fortune through the grain trade, owning several large granaries in Yang Zhou. Unfortunately, Shen Zhi had transported most of the stock to exchange for salt permits.

Rong Shu gathered the remaining provisions and delivered them to the front lines. She then personally approached several prominent families in Yang Zhou to request more grain.

These days, she always brought Luan Yan along whenever she ventured out.

Back in Da Tong, Princess Danzhu was in charge of logistics. Despite the severe shortage of provisions in Da Tong compared to the Jiangzhe region, Princess Danzhu had developed an unwavering resolve and a knack for negotiation. Even the usually reticent Luan Yan could hold her own in discussions when it came to requesting supplies.

With Luan Yan by her side, Rong Shu quickly adapted to handling logistical affairs.

In her previous life, General Liang and his troops had fought fiercely for three months to defend Yang Zhou. Rong Shu's objective now was to stockpile enough provisions for at least that duration. It would be ideal if she could persuade others to donate willingly; if not, borrowing would also suffice.

Shiiun would pay a visit to Chang Ji every other day, alternating their meetings.

Sometimes Chang Ji would come, and at other times, Shiiun would make the journey.

Today, it was Shiiun's turn to visit.

On the previous two occasions when Shiiun had come, Gu Changjin had been absent, either discussing military affairs with General Liang or engaging in battles aboard Jiaofeng's warship.

But today, Shiiun's luck seemed to have changed as he entered the tent and found Gu Changjin right there.

As Shiiun prepared to make a lighthearted remark, the sight that greeted him froze the smile on his lips.

Gu Changjin sat on a cushion, a bloody hole in his left shoulder blade.

Chang Ji stood beside him, her eyes reddened as she muttered softly while rummaging through a medicine chest.

A fine sheen of sweat glistened on Gu Changjin's forehead. Upon catching sight of Shiiun, he sighed in slight relief and instructed calmly, "Chang Ji, keep watch outside. Shiiun, bring a flask of strong alcohol. Help me extract the steel ball from inside."

It was a wound inflicted by a firearm, and without removing the steel ball, the injury could not heal.

With a short dagger heated by fire, he poured fiery liquor onto the wound before skillfully slicing through the flesh.

Gu Changjin closed his eyes, his lips as pale as winter frost.

Moments later, there was a metallic clink as a steel ball was dug out from the wound.

Pouring the remaining half of the flask slowly into the bleeding hole, Gu Changjin whispered, "How is the inner city?"

Although he asked about the inner city, Shiiun knew that he was also inquiring about Rong Shu.

Every time Shiiun conversed with Chang Ji, after discussing the affairs of the common folk, he would inevitably mention Rong Shu. How was her foot injury healing, what was she busy with now, and who had she met that day.

Hearing Gu Changjin inquire, Shiiun replied, "The people are no longer in panic. Apart from the City God Temple, several spots along the city walls have been designated for treating the wounded. Under Rong Shu's guidance, the citizens have voluntarily formed dozens of teams to take turns at these sites."

Shiiun glanced at Gu Changjin, noticing his intense concentration as he listened with his head lowered. He continued,

"Rong Shu's foot injury has fully recovered, and she walks as she did before. Didn't Eunuch Qi Xin entrust her with managing the grain supply recently? The Shen family offered to open their granary to support the frontlines, followed by several prominent city households who also opened their granaries to donate grain. It's said that they've already secured enough food for our several dozen garrisons for two months."

Gu Changjin set down the flask and took the cloth offered by Chang Ji, gently wiping the blood from his shoulder. He asked, "Will she feel exhausted?"

Upon hearing this, one could discern that our master was concerned about Lady Rong being overexerted by Eunuch Qi Xin's presence.