Howell lifted the grass curtain covering another ox cart, which startled everyone.
The young man's back stiffened, eyes wide, fearing Howell would pull out a knife.
But when the curtain was lifted, it revealed a cart full of sweet potatoes, potatoes, and white radishes.
"Take some food back with you. You must have a wife and children at home, right?"
Howell told the soldiers to give some to the man.
The young man's face instantly brightened, awkwardly accepting the food.
His home's food was almost gone. He was weak from hunger every day, but his wife still had to breastfeed their child, so the food had to be saved for her.
With food and water nearly gone, he never expected these invaders to bring supplies. Even the nobles of Chen Kingdom hadn't done this.
After thanking Howell deeply, the man wrapped the food in his clothes, carried the water in one hand, and happily hurried home.
His wife saw him coming and quickly opened the door to welcome him inside.
Other households were in similar conditions.
Seeing the man safely fetch water and receive food, others started opening their doors one after another.
Howell's water supply ran out quickly, as did the food.
Those who came late watched others getting water and food with longing.
Licking dry, cracked lips, one asked, "Sir, will you come again tomorrow?"
Howell said, "Go back and fetch water now. Each household is only allowed to send one person to get water and food. Later, someone will come to register the population of each household."
The crowd cheered, happy they didn't have to wait until tomorrow.
Howell rode on the ox cart, cracking the whip. The ox pulled more eagerly today—finally not overloaded on the return trip.
Howell continued delivering water for several days. Meanwhile, other strategists at the camp brought craftsmen to find good well-drilling locations.
Soon, wherever Zhao's army went, the Chen people lined the roads to welcome them.
Sophia, with the help of Deron's strong legal team, was found not guilty and even received 50,000 yuan in mental distress compensation from Mellina.
Deron's auction was already being planned. A catalog of all items was sent to Sophia.
At this time, Sophia and Deron's experts boarded a vehicle heading to Huining Town.
Sophia said she had other suspected Yuan Zhaonian antiques.
If all these were confirmed, Deron's auction would be the hottest event this year.
After almost seven hours of driving, they finally arrived in the city at eight in the evening.
"It's too late now. Let's all rest tonight. I'll take you to see the items early tomorrow," Sophia said.
Auctioneer Zhena came along. Hearing Sophia's words, she looked at the other experts and said, "Hotels have been booked for all of you. Let's go rest."
Though eager to see Sophia's collection, their age made them agree quickly.
"Miss Sophia, you'll rest in the city tonight too. We've booked a hotel for you," Auctioneer Zhena said politely.
Sophia thanked Auctioneer Zhena and agreed.
She really didn't have the energy to take another long ride home.
After sitting on the bus for seven hours straight, her backside was almost numb.
The next morning, after everyone had a simple breakfast, they headed toward Huining Town.
When the car stopped in front of an abandoned factory in the middle of nowhere, everyone still doubted it.
"Miss Sophia, is this the place you mentioned?" one of the experts asked.
Before anyone could answer, five or six people came out of the factory and blocked their car.
"This is a private area. Please don't stay here."
Because it was such a remote place, a sudden car arrival looked suspicious.
The bank security, hired by Sophia, was very responsible.
Sophia got out and said, "It's me! Is Manager Wu here?"
Hearing Sophia's name, the men in black stepped aside.
The car drove straight inside.
Deron's group followed Sophia hesitantly, their faces full of confusion.
Who would keep antiques just lying around in a factory?
When they reached the third floor with Sophia, they finally saw the antique canopy bed and other furniture, desks, chairs, dressing tables, and old-style shelves. Their mouths dropped open.
Before Sophia could say anything, they had already gone forward to look.
Sophia let them look, standing a bit apart.
She asked the security captain nearby, "Has anything happened here these days?"
"There are very few people and cars coming in and out. But a young man did come by riding an electric tricycle. He said he needed to see you," the captain replied.
Sophia barely knew anyone in this town, so she guessed it might be Ronin.
She actually didn't have contact info for anyone in the village.
She didn't think much about it and decided to check later what Ronin wanted. No rush.
If it was urgent, the security would pass on the message.
Sophia had many collections, but the visible ones were mostly big items. The small ones were kept in boxes.
When someone started touching the boxes, Sophia stepped forward and said, "There's nothing important in these boxes. No need to look."
What was on display was already enough. Showing more might attract unwanted attention.
Even so, the people from Deron's group were amazed.
"I've seen those unearthed paintings. This bed looks exactly the same as in the pictures," one said.
Others agreed.
But some questioned, "The bed really looks detailed and similar, but how was it stored? It looks so new."
They worried it might be a high-quality fake.
They asked Sophia, but she couldn't explain.
She certainly couldn't say it was directly sent from Zhao country.
Although uncertain, the experts were about 70 to 80 percent sure these collections were authentic.
After spending half a day there, Auctioneer Zhena finally said to Sophia, "Miss Sophia, we will do further verification of these items. For now, please don't take them away. We might need to bother you a few more times."
Sophia smiled, "No problem."
After all, these people were there to give her money.
When leaving, Auctioneer Zhena reminded Sophia to attend the auction in a month.