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The war was like a dark cloud pressing down on his head, so urgent that it was suffocating. Although he had thousands of thoughts in his mind, he could only put aside his deep concern for Jiang Nianwei for the time being. A letter home seemed too much of a luxury at this moment.

Standing on the top of the city wall, the cold wind penetrated the armor on his body.

What we see before us is a tense confrontation between the enemy and us. Even before the drums of war sound, we can already feel the murderous atmosphere in the air.

Baili Zhao walked down the tower, put on a ferocious mask, jumped on his warhorse, raised his red tasseled spear and shouted loudly: "My fellow soldiers, follow me and attack forward!"

With high morale, the soldiers' roars were like thunder as they advanced towards the battlefield.

……

Jiang Nianwei woke up from the shaking cabin and suddenly felt cold sweat all over her body. She had just had a nightmare.

Perhaps because I was always worried about A Zhao, I actually dreamed that he was in danger on the battlefield.

She sighed and consoled herself, "It's just a dream, why worry too much? Ah Zhao is always wise and brave, and has extraordinary skills. He can handle swords with ease, so how could he fall into danger so easily? My worries are unnecessary. Perhaps I just dream about what I think about during the day."

Ever since Shuangshuang knew that she was a girl, she had been sleeping with her in the largest cabin on the merchant ship, and was still sleeping soundly next to her.

Jiang Nianwei wiped the sweat from her forehead, dressed neatly and prepared to leave the cabin.

This is already the tenth day of our return voyage, and we should be able to return to Yazhou in another ten days or so.

When she walked onto the deck, she discovered that the sky outside was gloomy, in stark contrast to the cloudless blue sky of the previous few days.

The dark clouds in the sky were as black as ink, piling up layer upon layer, making the entire sky deep and depressing.

A Yong, who was sent by Zong Yan, was looking up at the sky covered with dark clouds. He said with a heavy heart, "Miss Jiang, judging from the situation, there may be a big storm tonight. We must start preparing immediately. If there is a place to dock, we might as well stop temporarily and set off again after the storm passes."

Jiang Nianwei agreed: "Then let's arrange it this way."

It was dusk, and the sky was slowly swallowed by a heavy gray-blue.

Jiang Nianwei had just found a deserted island to dock on, and now she had no choice but to order the ship to dock here first.

The crew acted quickly and in unison, tying the ropes securely to the rocks on the shore to ensure the ship would remain safe in the coming storm.

There was no time to find a cave on the island to shelter from the rain. Fortunately, Jiang Nianwei had anticipated this and prepared a waterproof tent that she had borrowed from the army on the boat in advance. More than a dozen people worked together to quickly set up the tent.

Everything was ready, and just when everyone breathed a sigh of relief, the sky was like a river bursting its banks, pouring down endless rain, wrapping the entire sea in chaos.

There was a crackling sound above the tent, and Jiang Nianwei was about to light the hay with a tinderbox.

Yu Wenlong immediately snatched the tinderbox away and said, "Miss Jiang, just let me do the rough work."

Yuwen Long always remembered the prince's instructions and must not let Miss Jiang suffer.

He secretly calculated that if he could take this opportunity to give Miss Jiang a more diligent impression, she might even be able to win some good words for him in front of the prince in the future.

From making fire and boiling water to cooking, Yuwen Long did it all in one go with smooth and fluid movements. As the flames jumped, the aroma of the dishes gradually spread, making people salivate.

Shuangshuang was stunned at the side: "I really can't tell, you look quite skilled?"

Yuwen Long's lips curled up into a warm smile: "Our business is not like those pampered young masters. They have been through all kinds of training since childhood and need everything. Otherwise, we can't let the master starve to death in the wild."

Shuangshuang's face showed disappointment. "My father was a secret guard. He taught me these skills, but he was killed by his so-called master. If it weren't for the boss's rescue, I would have died long ago. What's the use of being loyal? I'm just a dog raised by those people."

This was the first time Jiang Nianwei heard Shuangshuang talk about her life experience. Seeing her indignant and showing the sad expression that a little girl should have, she couldn't help but comfort her: "The past is in the past. Now you are still living a free and unrestrained life with your boss."

"If it weren't for Miss Jiang's help, all of us in the water fort would have starved to death. The boss specifically told me to protect you and not to let you make any mistakes. I was skeptical at first, but now that I have witnessed Miss Jiang's ability with my own eyes, I know how ridiculous my previous narrow-minded views were."

At first, Zong Yan asked her to stay with Jiang Nianwei, and she was reluctant. Now that he asked her to leave, Shuangshuang felt reluctant.

Jiang Nianwei didn't get angry when she heard her description. She just stirred the burning hay with a branch and said slowly:

"Only after going through trials and tribulations can one see into people's hearts. You are still young and have a long way to go. If you meet someone you like in the future, remember not to make a promise based on your first impression. People's hearts are like the sea, and you need to carefully consider them to discern their depth and choose the right person who is worthy of your trust."

Shuangshuang's heart was stirred when she heard her say this, and she hurriedly clarified: "Miss Jiang, I don't have anyone I like."

“Not now, but there may be in the future.”

No one had ever said such words to Shuangshuang before, and she suddenly had the illusion that Miss Jiang was like her elder sister.

How wonderful it would be if she really had an elder sister like this, but unfortunately her family was broken up and she was left alone, walking alone in this vast world.

Yuwen Long consoled him softly, "My parents died a long time ago, and I am alone now. Why don't we keep each other company?"

Shuangshuang glanced at him and said, "Go away! I have many like-minded friends in the water village. I am not alone!"

Jiang Nianwei distributed the food to the crew members, and after they had eaten and drunk their fill, they each found a place to rest.

But she stood alone in the rain, feeling melancholy.

Originally, she came with Duan Yun and A Zhao, but now both of them have gone to the battlefield, plus her second brother, she now has to worry about three people.

In a trance, he recalled that the defeat of the Dasheng Dynasty was originally the result of the conspiracy of Qin Ziqian and Meng Wanran. He originally thought that if something happened to Qin Ziqian, Dasheng would not be defeated, but now it seems that the war situation is still tense.

Prince Yu was killed in this battle. He never imagined that the person who framed him was someone close to him.

She had heard from Yuwen Long that A Zhao was also a member of the Chihuo Army, so she had put a letter in the clothes that she asked Duan Yun to pass on to him, hoping that A Zhao could find a way to contact Prince Yu and let him make preparations in advance.

No matter what, Prince Yu cannot die. As long as he does not die, Dasheng will not be defeated.

……

They stayed on the deserted island for two days. After the heavy rain stopped, Ayong ordered everyone to continue their journey.

The journey was peaceful and smooth, and they arrived at the water fort smoothly. Jiang Nianwei gave the specialties she brought from Linzhou to Zong Yan.

By the way, he mentioned: "Regarding the matter you mentioned, I have already made a secret plan. This matter is not something that can be accomplished overnight. It will take time and careful preparation before it can be accomplished naturally."

The small tuft of beard that Zong Yan grew trembled slightly as the corners of his mouth turned up. He grew it deliberately to add a bit of awe-inspiring aura, but it seemed a bit funny to Jiang Nianwei.

"Of course I am not worried about Master Jiang. If you need me, just let me know. I will wait for good news."

Now it’s time to say goodbye to Shuangshuang, so Jiang Nianwei specially left a box of things for her.

"If you have any important matters in the future, you can come to Baihua Tower in Yazhou to find me."

Shuangshuang's eyes flickered with reluctance, but she was originally from the water village, so she tried to force a smile, her voice choked with sobs: "You have to treat me to a good meal when the time comes."

Jiang Nianwei agreed readily: "Of course no problem."

Shuangshuang's eyes wandered around, and she couldn't help but ask, "Why didn't that always annoying enemy show up today?"

"You mean Yuwen Long? I haven't seen him for a long time. He must be hiding somewhere, right?"

There was a barely perceptible sadness in Shuangshuang's eyes, but she still said goodbye solemnly.

Yuwen Long hid in the dark, watching the scene quietly.

His mission was to protect Miss Jiang, so naturally he didn't dare to put any extra thoughts on other people.

From the moment he became a secret guard, his life no longer belonged to himself alone, and he could not develop any other emotions.

Shuangshuang is just a teenage girl. In the long time to come, she will eventually forget him, so it is better for her to be free and easy.

After the fleet left, Shuangshuang opened the box that Jiang Nianwei had given her, and found a lot of exquisitely crafted clothes and jewelry in it.

When she was in Linzhou, she often envied the beautiful dresses worn by those women.

Perhaps Jiang Nianwei noticed her stopping gaze and prepared all these.

There were some other items at the bottom of the box, all of which were daily necessities for the woman.

She lived in the water fort and always stayed with the boss, but the boss was a man after all and never cared about these details.

Shuangshuang suddenly felt bitterness in her eyes, "Miss Jiang is really thoughtful, she even prepared all these."

……

Two days later, when the merchant ship docked, Jiang Nianwei paid the remaining wages.

It was originally agreed that each person's wages for going out to sea was ten taels of silver. Excluding the five taels paid before, it would be enough to give them another five taels, but Jiang Nianwei gave them twenty-five taels each.

This move made everyone happy and surprised, but also worried: "Although this trip involves troubles, it is not hard labor. We are lucky to have the guidance of the girl, which has broadened our horizons. It is difficult for us to accept such a generous gift with peace of mind."

There was a mixture of gratitude and uneasiness in everyone's words.

"Don't worry, you are of great help to me. Besides, there are some private matters, I hope you can keep your mouth shut and not let the outside world spread rumors. When we set sail next time, I hope you can continue as usual."

When these young crew members heard such good news, they naturally agreed without hesitation.

Jiang Nianwei returned to the familiar yard and saw Jing Qiudie busy in the vegetable garden.

Chen Ge'er has grown from a toddler to being able to walk steadily. Now he is walking towards Taozhi under her care.

When Taozhi saw Jiang Nianwei, tears welled up in her eyes, "The young lady is back."

When Jing Qiudie heard the noise, she quickly walked over to Jiang Nianwei. She looked at her daughter carefully, her eyes full of love and joy. "Looking at her appearance, she must have suffered a lot. She has become thinner and tanned."

"I didn't suffer any hardship, it was just the wind on the boat."

Jing Qiudie gently stroked Jiang Nianwei's hair, her words filled with relief: "Just come back safely."

Jiang Nianwei told her mother everything that happened in Linzhou.

Jing Qiudie sometimes frowned with worry, and sometimes sighed with emotion: "I never thought that my elder sister would encounter such hardships. If I had noticed it at the beginning, maybe I could have shared her burden earlier."

"Now that the Jing family's assets have been taken back, Lu Yong has deserved his punishment. Mother, you don't have to worry about it anymore. Next time we go out to sea, I will take you to see my aunt. She is living a good life now."

Jing Qiudie nodded repeatedly: "That's great."

When Siyu returned and saw her elder sister, she threw herself into her arms, her voice full of joy, "Sister, Siyu really missed you."

"I missed you, too. I haven't seen you for a long time. You've grown taller and look more stable."

Jiang Siyu's cheeks flushed when she heard this, and she lowered her head shyly, "Yes, I have learned a lot from my father, and I have experienced a lot. I do feel that I have become much more stable."

She turned and looked behind her, but she couldn't see her brother-in-law. Jiang Siyu couldn't help but ask: "Where is my brother-in-law now?"

At this point, Jiang Nianwei's eyes suddenly dimmed: "A Zhao and Duan Yun have already gone to the Youzhou battlefield."

Jiang Siyu smiled bitterly: "Duan Yun...he went too? Whatever, it was his wish after all."

"Before I leave, Duan Yun has a few words for me to tell you..."

Jiang Nianwei told Jiang Siyu those words word for word, "After this separation, the day of reunion is far away, and the little grudge between you should finally be let go."

"It's not that I blame him in my heart, but I had complicated feelings for him at that time, so I thought about distancing myself from him and sorting things out. Later, I kept thinking about what you said to me, and I figured it out. No matter what kind of feelings I have for him, the first thing to do is to stick to myself."

Jiang Nianwei couldn't help but feel relieved: "Siyu has really grown up."

Jiang Siyu's tone was regretful: "Sometimes, I even envy them for being able to go to the battlefield. I only regret that I am not a man, otherwise I can take the imperial examination and know how strong I am now."

In the prosperous dynasty, there were occasional daughters of generals who, relying on their family glory and their own extraordinary talents, were able to see the flames of war on the battlefield, but for the vast majority of women, wars and battles were ultimately out of reach.

Not to mention taking the imperial examination, there was not even a threshold to enter. In this world where men are superior to women, most people still follow the view that a woman's virtue lies in her lack of talent.

Jiang Nianwei couldn't help but shake her head. She wanted to change this situation: "Don't envy them. Women also have their own advantages. Besides, how long have you been serious about it? Do you think you have the ability to participate in the imperial examination?"

"Since I was little, my father has always thought that I have a good memory, so he likes to let me read the Four Books and Five Classics. Strangely enough, I only need to read them three times at most, and every word and sentence will be deeply engraved in my heart like a brand, and it is difficult to erase."

Jiang Nianwei then remembered that her sister died before she had the chance to show her talents in the previous life, but now there are plenty of opportunities before her.

"If you want to test your current strength, it's not a difficult task."

Jiang Siyu's eyes lit up: "Sister, do you really have a solution?"