NOVEL NEXT Chapter 260: Be Grateful
The sound echoed through the quiet underground prison, and the others raised their heads to look at him.
Gritting his teeth, the soldier said, "Damn it! We have already surrendered! Why are they still starving us?!"
When the first soldier heard this, he shook his head and asked, "Brother, do you really think they will give us food? You are thinking too highly of yourself. We are nothing more than prisoners of war."
After he said that, the second soldier sighed and said in a heavy tone, "That's right. Food is more precious than gold now. What is the point of feeding us when they are only going to kill us later?"
Just as his words fell, they heard footsteps approaching. Instantly, all of them stopped talking and looked outside vigilantly.
Tap. Tap. Tap.
Before long, they saw a Feng Army soldier in silver armor leading a group of people carrying bamboo baskets.
Turning to the workers, the soldier said, "You may distribute the food now."
Bowing slightly to him, the workers responded in unison, "Yes, Sir."
With permission given, two workers set down their bamboo baskets and pulled out a few packages. Sliding open the small wooden panel beneath the cell door, one of them placed a package on the ground.
Looking at the Jin Army soldiers inside the cell, the worker said, "The Great General is merciful and has ordered us to share some food with the prisoners. Be grateful, and share it equally."
After saying this, the worker picked up his bamboo basket and moved on to the other cells.
As the food was being distributed, the first Jin Army soldier stepped forward toward the package.
Just as he was about to grab it, the second soldier caught his wrist and warned, "Be careful. It might be poisoned."
Hearing this, the first soldier paused and took a step back.
When the other soldiers saw this, one of them stood up and grabbed the package of food from the ground.
Rolling his eyes at the two soldiers, he said, "We have already fallen this low and could be killed at any time. What are you guys afraid of? I would rather die as a full ghost than become a starving one."
After saying that, he carried the pack of food to the corner and opened it. The moment he saw ten steamed buns made from white flour and ten small pieces of grilled chicken, his eyes widened in surprise.
Grabbing a steamed bun, the soldier took a big bite. As he chewed the sweet, fragrant bun, tears welled up in his eyes.
Wiping them away, the soldier muttered between sobs, "This is the first time I have eaten a steamed bun made from white flour!"
After swallowing, he picked up a piece of grilled chicken and put it into his mouth. A second later, the salty taste mixed with the fragrance of herbs filled his mouth.
Tasting such a delicious yet complex taste for the first time, his eyes widened in shock. "This chicken is really delicious!"
After his initial surprise, the soldier hurriedly took another big bite of the steamed bun.
Seeing him eating while crying, the other soldiers looked at one another. A moment later, they rushed forward and grabbed the steamed buns and grilled chicken.
"Let go! This is mine!" the soldier shouted, trying to protect his food. Unfortunately, he was no match against nine people.
Soon, everyone had managed to snatch one steamed bun and one piece of grilled chicken.
While they were eating, the prisoners in the other cells overheard the commotion. When the workers placed food in their cells, they didn't hesitate and quickly divided the buns and grilled chicken equally among themselves.
After the food was distributed, the leading soldier said to the workers, "Let's go to the next floor."
Moving downstairs, he informed the guards on the lower floors, while the workers continued to hand out food.
Half an hour later, they reached the lowest floor of the underground prison.
Since those locked here were important prisoners, the guarding soldiers did not allow the workers inside.
Taking a few packages from them, one of the guarding soldiers said, "I will distribute the food. Brothers, thank you for your hard work. You all may return now."
The workers bowed slightly and replied in unison, "Yes, Sir."
The leading soldier nodded to the guarding soldier, then said to the workers, "Let's go. We still need to distribute more food to those war prisoners up there."
After they left, the guarding soldier opened the metal door and stepped inside. Walking along the cold corridor lit only by small oil lamps placed on the wall, he stopped in front of a dark cell.
Looking at the two vice generals of the Jin Army inside, he said, "You two are lucky. Here is some food bestowed upon you by the Great General."
He pushed the package through the small opening beneath the door, then continued toward the deepest part of the underground prison.
Stopping in front of another cell, the guarding soldier set the package down inside and said, "General Ji, we are having a victory banquet today. Here is some food for you to enjoy."
After saying that, he turned to leave. Passing the cell of the two vice generals of the JIn Army, the guarding soldier noticed they hadn't touched the package.
Walking away, he said, "If you don't eat, then starve to death."
Leaving those words behind, the guarding soldier walked out and locked the heavy metal door.
Clang!
When the vice generals heard the sound of the door being locked, one of them picked up the package and opened it. Seeing that the steamed buns were made from white flour, both were astonished.
"They actually have white flour?!" one exclaimed.
Taking a steamed bun, the other vice general sniffed it, then took a small bite.
Seeing this, his comrade quickly reached out to stop him. "Are you crazy?! What if it's poisoned?!"
The vice general pushed his hand away and said, "They still need us. They won't kill us for now."
Hearing this, the other vice general hesitated for a moment, then picked up a steamed bun and began to eat.
Meanwhile, Ji Hui stared at the steamed buns and grilled chicken in deep thought.