Koi Fubao: Being loved by everyone on the road to escape from famine

When two large pots of steaming meat with an enticing aroma were brought to the table, Xiao Zhixue finally revealed a satisfied smile and signaled Zhang Yu that he could leave.

Inside the tent, as Zhang Yu left, the atmosphere gradually became harmonious and warm.

Xiao Zhixue greeted her family while personally picking up meat for them. The warmth of family affection seemed particularly precious in this chaotic time.

Zhou Shuqiong and his wife's eyes were slightly moist, and their smiles were filled with pride and gratitude for their daughter.

Xiao Tingrui watched silently from the side, and was amazed at Xiao Zhixue's ability.

As the first bite of meat came into their mouths, the villagers' tense emotions completely relaxed. They chewed it with big mouthfuls, enjoying this sudden happiness.

In a flash, only the empty bottoms of the two large pots of meat were left. Everyone smiled at each other, and the light in their eyes was brighter than the stars outside the window.

After the meal, Xiao Zhixue walked out of the tent and, in a cold and dignified voice, ordered the soldiers to remove the empty bowls.

Inside and outside the tent, everything seemed to have returned to calm, leaving only the residual warmth lingering in the night sky for a long time.

Soon, Fan Yanmu ended his short rest by the campfire, walked into the tent and came to Xiao Zhixue's side.

He asked quietly about General Gu's invitation to stay overnight, his tone containing both inquiry and expectation.

In this moment of tranquility, a new story seems to be about to begin.

Fan Yanmu attached great importance to Xiao Zhixue's opinion. After all, after such a long and tiring journey, they were already very close to their destination, Zhangzhou. In his opinion, staying for one more day would not be a big deal. Instead, it would give their tired body and mind a brief respite.

Xiao Zhixue tilted her head slightly, her eyes gentle and deep, as if she could see through every subtle change in emotions around her.

Her eyes gently swept over everyone around her, as if silently asking for everyone's opinion.

Everyone looked expectant, waiting for this wise and courageous woman to make a decision.

Finally, she lowered her eyes, nodded slowly, and a faint smile appeared on her lips. "This place is rich in resources and meat. It's not a bad idea to stay one more night."

In this land ravaged by cold winds, the bonfires in the military camp became a warm haven. Compared with the days of eating wind and drinking dew and working day and night in the outside world, the conditions here were undoubtedly a luxury.

Moreover, the guards in the camp were so well-placed that not even a shadow of the enemy could get close. Safety was guaranteed, which made everyone feel more at ease.

After some consideration, the benefits of staying to rest clearly outweighed the need to continue on the journey.

After Fan Yanmu obtained Xiao Zhixue's consent, he immediately sent his trusted confidant Ying Yi to deliver the message to Gu Huairen.

After receiving the news, Gu Huairen immediately began to make arrangements. The soldiers acted quickly to allocate vacant tents to the guests who had traveled a long distance so that they could rest.

As for Fan Yanmu, he was specially arranged to stay in Gu Huairen's own tent and enjoyed VIP treatment.

Shadow One and Shadow Two shared the same tent with ordinary soldiers. They had no dissatisfaction at all and instead enjoyed the closeness and simplicity.

As the night deepened, the soldiers around the campfire added charcoal from time to time to ensure that the warm firelight continued to illuminate this temporary home.

Just as Xiao Zhixue was about to take a nap, a clear voice of a soldier came from outside the tent: "Miss Xiao, the general wants to see you. Please move over and talk."

Upon hearing the voice, Xiao Zhixue straightened her clothes and followed the leading soldiers through the winding camp road, heading straight for Gu Huairen's tent.

She knew clearly in her mind that what Gu Huairen was concerned about must be the precious jade pendant.

Unless Gu Huairen can offer something of equal value in exchange, such as the legendary life-saving talisman, the jade pendant in her hand will not change hands easily.

Although it seems that the talisman is useless now, who can predict what will happen in the future? Maybe one day, it will become the key to her survival.

In this crisis-ridden world, having an extra insurance policy is always better than facing the unknown with bare hands.

Xiao Zhixue arrived at Gu Huairen's tent, and the guard respectfully lifted the curtain to greet her.

When Gu Huairen saw Xiao Zhixue walk in, he hurriedly stood up to greet her and invited her to sit down.

Xiao Zhixue looked around and found that Fan Yanmu and his entourage were all beside her, so she sat down quietly without saying a word, waiting for Gu Huairen to speak.

Gu Huairen cleared his throat gently and blurted out the words directly: "The summons tonight is still for the jade pendant. Miss Xiao, can you tell me what conditions are needed to return the jade pendant to its owner?"

Fan Yanmu's eyes were fixed on Xiao Zhixue's face, trying to interpret her thoughts. He really couldn't understand why a jade pendant could make Xiao Zhixue so stubborn.

Could it be true, as rumored, that Xiao Zhixue fell in love with Gu Tingxuan and longed to marry him? Thinking of the scene of Xiao Zhixue and Gu Tingxuan standing side by side, Fan Yanmu couldn't help but feel a chill in his heart.

Xiao Zhixue seemed to be completely unaware of Fan Yanmu's probing eyes. She took out the warm jade pendant from her sleeve and played with it nonchalantly between her fingertips, with a faint smile on her lips. "General Gu is eager to take back the jade pendant. I'm afraid it's because he thinks that a woman from a peasant family like me is not worthy of being a good match for your son, Gu Tingxuan."

After he finished speaking, Gu Huairen's brows unconsciously tightened, obviously Xiao Zhixue's incisive words touched upon his deep concerns.

"Miss Xiao is right. This is exactly what I was thinking. As the son of a general, my son's marriage naturally needs to be considered in terms of family background..."

At this point, Gu Huairen's tone softened, with a bit of helplessness and apology, "But Miss Xiao saved my life, we will remember this kindness in our hearts, so we sincerely entertain you. As for the matter of marriage, I hope you can understand, Miss Xiao, and let go of this idea."

Although Xiao Zhixue had expected Gu Huairen to say such things, she did not expect him to be so frank and direct. Every word was like a sharp blade, piercing her heart.

This is not only a denial of her personally, but also a contempt for all people of ordinary origins.

She was in turmoil inside. Although she came from the countryside, she was by no means a character who could be looked down upon.

So what if he is a general? He is still a man of flesh and blood after all. He has no more privileges than ordinary people, and his wealth is not necessarily much greater.

If he was really wealthy, he should have shown it generously when she proposed the conditions.

Xiao Zhixue has always been clear about what she loves and hates, so how could she miss such an opportunity to fight back? She decided to give the other person a taste of his own medicine.

"General Gu, let's be frank. The friendship between Gu Tingxuan and I is like a bolt from the blue. We love each other and swear to transcend life and death and never separate. If I return this jade pendant, then our oath will become a joke and a laughing stock!"

When Gu Huairen heard this, he instantly became furious and almost jumped up from his seat, his voice trembling with anger.