A husband found in the village? I bought a regent for a penny!

He Jinglan was about to accept the aunt's kindness with a smile when Gu Xixi quietly pulled her hand.

Gu Xixi smiled at the woman and said, "We appreciate your kindness, Auntie, but we have left some food at home this morning, and it will go bad if we don't eat it. We'd better go back and eat there. Anyway, it's not far, just a short walk back and forth."

After saying that, Gu Xixi grabbed He Jinglan and left.

After they had gone some distance, he explained the reason: "Right now, it's the lean season, and ordinary families are struggling to make ends meet."

"Look at the dry rations they brought; they're all mixed with bran and coarse sorghum flour, which shows how hard it is to get food. They probably have to eat a fixed amount every day."

"So if we eat it, others have to eat less."

He Jinglan nodded obediently, and said with some shame, "No wonder my brother said that I have had too many good days."

"I never imagined that some people in this world couldn't even eat these simple foods freely."

Gu Xixi comforted her, saying, "This isn't your problem. I just happen to be born into a farming family, so I've seen more of these kinds of things than you have."

He Jinglan's expression brightened again. "My brother went south to provide disaster relief a couple of years ago. I imagine he must have seen a lot of things like this. That year, I asked him his birthday wish, and he said he hoped that everyone in the world could have enough to eat."

"Now, I think I can understand a little why he thought that way."

Gu Xixi sighed softly, "I've seen it in the village before. There's no arable land, only small areas in front of and behind the houses, all of which are planted with vegetables."

"The food and other expenses were probably bought with the military pay of his family members."

He Jinglan nodded and said, "If the land on the northwestern border could easily produce grain, why would General Huo have been troubled for so many years and repeatedly petitioned the court for grain?"

She patted Gu Xixi's shoulder with a smile, "But now it's all good, we have a lucky charm like you!"

"Grain will grow in the Northwest wilderness soon, grain that we grow ourselves! Every time Meng Chengping says this, his expression is priceless..."

Realizing that she had once again inadvertently mentioned "that guy," He Jinglan awkwardly changed the subject.

"You said you left food at home? How come I didn't know that?"

Previously, Meng Chengping had arranged for two women to clean and cook in the courtyard, but today they also went out of the village to dig for epilepsy grass.

Logically speaking, there shouldn't be a soul in the courtyard right now.

However, Gu Xixi's statement that there was food at home was not just a lie to appease the child.

She laughed and said, "Isn't there plenty of food in the kitchen? Don't worry, you, Miss He, will definitely not go hungry!"

He Jinglan became even more worried after hearing this, "Hey, does either of us know how to cook?"

"No way?"

The kitchen in the courtyard is fully stocked with rice, flour, oil, meat, eggs, and vegetables, though the variety is limited.

The general had made a prior statement that, out of respect for the He family as an ally, Miss He should not be wronged.

At this moment, the lovers were not far from the courtyard. Gu Xixi simply stopped answering and dragged He Jinglan away.

As soon as I stepped over the threshold, I smelled the aroma of food.

He Jinglan was shocked. "Isn't there no one home?"

Gu Xixi smiled mysteriously, "Maybe it's some kind-hearted little snail boy bringing food to my door?"

He Jinglan realized something, her face immediately darkened, and she turned and walked out.

Gu Xixi quickly grabbed her arm, "You can treat that person however you want, but it's your own stomach. Weren't you hungry just now? Why make things difficult for yourself just to avoid him?"

He Jinglan took a deep breath, straightened her posture, and stood up dignifiedly.

"That's right, this is our territory. Why should I leave just because he comes?"

"Besides, I still have to work this afternoon, how can I do without a full meal!"

The two walked into the courtyard. Meng Chengping came out of the kitchen, his face covered in streaks of black ash. When he grinned, he looked particularly comical.

"You're back? The mess hall sent you food. I borrowed the kitchen to heat it up for you. Wash your hands and eat."

He Jinglan glared at him arrogantly, "How did you know we'd be back for dinner right away? Were you spying on us?"

When Meng Chengping faced He Jinglan, he still felt ashamed and couldn't look her in the eye. "How could I dare?"

"Boss Gu said I'm too conspicuous, and it would be bad if someone with ulterior motives saw me and started speculating."

"The general's task for me is also to guard the village and protect the soldiers' families, so that outsiders don't get in. If the rear is unstable, how can the soldiers charge into battle with peace of mind?"

He explained everything very carefully, not daring to be perfunctory or careless with a single word.

Then, mustering his courage, he glanced at He Jinglan and said, "As for the news that you're coming back, I asked the brothers who were on rotation."

"A change of guard?" Gu Xixi caught the key word and narrowed her eyes.

Meng Chengping gave a stiff laugh. "I'm not happy about this, Boss Gu. The General said he must protect you, so... wherever you go, there are... hidden sentries around."

Gu Xixi felt the veins on her forehead contract a few times.

"Even Miss He doesn't receive this treatment, why am I the only one being given it?"

Looking at her smile, Meng Chengping felt a chill run down his spine and instinctively moved closer to He Jinglan.

He Jinglan rolled her eyes and said, "Just answer my question. Who dares to do it but doesn't dare to admit it?"

Gu Xixi stared at Meng Chengping, her smile deepening. "Is it because of Mu Nanzhao?"

Meng Chengping, who had been keeping his head down, suddenly jumped up, looking shocked. "That's not what I said!"

Gu Xixi turned around expressionlessly, "Please convey to the General that I appreciate your good intentions."

"However, the army is currently busy with preparations for the battle. It is difficult for me to spare so many people and time for me alone. Please withdraw your request."

As she spoke, she lifted the curtain and went into the kitchen. It was still a simple big pot of stew, already heated up.

Several pancakes were baking by the stove.

Gu Xixi scooped up some water, called He Jinglan to wash her hands, served her some food and flatbread, and each of them sat on a small stool to eat.

Neither of them paid any attention to Meng Chengping.

Meng Chengping had no words to express his suffering, and deeply felt what it meant to be caught in the middle.

“Actually…” he hesitated before speaking again, “this matter cannot be entirely blamed on my brother Mu.”

“Sending out sentries was the general’s idea. Boss Gu has always worked for the military, but he is not a member of the military. It is neither reasonable nor ethical for you to stay here and put yourself in danger.”

He Jinglan agreed, "Xixi, they're not abandoning me. They just want to send me away, away from danger, and end it all."

“You’re different. You’re useful to them now and can’t leave for the time being. In the future, and for a very long time to come, they will need you. They should protect you!”

Gu Xixi glanced sideways, "If I didn't know your temperament, I would think you were mocking me."

He Jinglan smiled and said, "I admire you."

As she spoke, she gave Meng Chengping a wink, signaling him to continue.

Even if your own marriage is over, you should still help your sisters and childhood friends to stay connected!

As if receiving a military order, Meng Chengping spoke even more fluently, "My brother Mu didn't intend to interfere with anything you did; he just wanted to settle you in before the big battle."