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

When He Jinglan was picking plum blossoms, two handsome men were standing beside her.

One person was all smiles, while the other had a cold expression.

Holding up the plum blossom, He Jinglan turned around and smiled, "They say a timely snowfall promises a bumper harvest, so next year's wheat will definitely grow well."

He Jinghui smiled indulgently, but there was also a hint of helplessness in his smile.

Ever since his younger sister returned from the Northwest, she always brings up farming in every few sentences.

Has he truly been assimilated by that Mr. He?

When He Jinglan left Huachidu Village, the winter wheat had already been planted.

She glanced at Mu Nanzhao and deliberately brought it up, "I wonder if it snowed in Huachidu Village too? Xixi will be so happy to see the first snow."

"Brother Qi Xiu, don't you think so?"

Since He Jinglan gave up on Mu Nanzhao, she has stopped calling him "A-Zhao".

Previously, they would call each other by name in private, but now that they have returned to the capital, they still need to observe the proper etiquette of family friendship, so they address each other by their childhood name plus "elder brother".

Mu Nanzhao had been expressionless since earlier, and it was unclear what he was thinking.

When He Jinglan asked him directly, he turned to look at her and said with a slight parting of his thin lips, "Given her preferences, she would be happy."

She must have felt even better when she was certain that he would not return to Huachidu Village.

Thinking of this, Mu Nanzhao's expression grew even colder.

He had clearly sent Master Liu back long ago, ostensibly to let Master Liu continue teaching, and to replace him when a suitable village school teacher was found.

In reality, he wanted to leave a connection near Gu Xixi so that she could find a place to contact him whenever she thought of him.

however……

It has been more than a month since Mu Nanzhao returned to the capital.

Gu Xixi didn't send any news, she didn't ask, she didn't respond.

Mu Nanzhao was certain that this woman was putting into practice what she had said before.

Just pretend she never knew him, just pretend she never went to Huachidu Village.

Just pretend he never existed in her life.

He Jinghui watched his friend's face turn somber one moment and then he sneered to himself the next. He couldn't stand it any longer and said, "If you're thinking about her, then go find her."

"What's the point of sulking here? You're making us stay out here in the snow, freezing cold."

We were just drinking tea in the warm pavilion.

Mu Nanzhao suddenly said it was hot and he wanted to go for a walk in the garden.

Mu Nanzhao shot him a glare.

He Jinghui, however, was not afraid of him. "Even if you glare at me, I'm still going to talk!"

"From the first day you arrived in Korea, has there ever been a day when you were in a good mood?"

"Have all the official documents and memorials from various places that have been piling up for the past two years be reorganized, and then personally review them, especially the memorials from various places concerning agriculture, sericulture, and people's livelihood."

"You said that the Empress Dowager's faction had increased taxes and that it should be corrected in time. His Majesty personally approved the adjustment of taxes. Furthermore, considering the merits of the Northwest Army, he also granted the Northwest a two-year tax exemption."

“But you’re still unhappy. When you’re unhappy, you work like crazy.”

"Officials in all departments are exhausted by you. Everyone is on edge, afraid that you will conduct a spot check on them."

"To put it nicely, it's because the Regent is diligent, working tirelessly day and night to handle official duties. To put it bluntly, you're just making everyone suffer because of your own resentment."

Mu Nanzhao said calmly, "In the past, when the maternal relatives were in power, they made too many mistakes. If I don't correct them as soon as possible, am I supposed to just let things develop like this?"

He Jinghui was furious. "You've pointed out too many mistakes. Is it something that can be finished in a month or two?"

“Chronic and long-standing illnesses need to be eradicated completely, and require a long-term, gradual approach. You understand this better than I do.”

He Jinglan nodded in agreement, "Even if Brother Qi Xiu works himself to death, my brother and the other adults will still have to clean up the mess."

The brother and sister looked at Mu Nanzhao with sympathy, conveying the message that "we understand you."

Mu Nanzhao seemed to have been pricked by a needle, his face darkened as he turned and left.

He Jinglan chased after her, saying loudly, "I won't laugh at you! I understand!"

"One should not give up just because of one or two rejections!"

"Out of our family's long-standing friendship, I already told you the news!"

"Your opponent is strong! The one you admire is even stronger! If you back down, you will be defeated!!"

He Jinghui looked at his younger sister with a big smile.

This girl, all those storybooks she read weren't for nothing, she can shout such a catchy slogan.

In the wind and snow, Mu Nanzhao walked faster and faster, as if a pack of wolves was chasing him from behind.

There are only three days left until Lunar New Year's Eve.

Gu Xixi hasn't gone anywhere these past few days; the whole family has been eating and drinking together, enjoying the bliss of hibernation.

During the farmers' vacation, Gu Xixi spent her free time reading the pharmacopoeia, learning about more medicinal herbs, and practicing herbal preparation.

At first, the old doctor had some reservations about Gu Xixi only learning how to prepare medicine.

Especially when you see the medicines that Gu Xixi concocts on her own, besides poisons, they are all kinds of drugs that cause adverse reactions in the human body.

The old doctor was puzzled. "Good apprentice, why are you qualified to use these things?"

Gu Xixi, eager to learn, failed to grasp the old doctor's worries. "Was my prescription bad? Master, do you think there's any other prescription that needs adjustment?"

The old doctor was silent for a moment, then said, "There's nothing wrong with the prescription you gave me."

"Even I, your teacher, can't see where the adjustments have been made."

The old doctor couldn't help but look up at Gu Xixi and say, "That's wonderful! With such talent, why don't you use it to dispense medicines that cure diseases and save lives in your hometown?"

Gu Xixi blinked. "I didn't study medicine with you. I don't even know how to observe, listen, inquire, or palpate. How can I treat patients and save lives? Master, please don't joke around."

The old doctor said, "Then let's learn!"

Gu Xixi pouted and said, "We already agreed that I wouldn't learn it."

The old doctor seemed a bit weak. After a while, he said, "Some of your poisons are too potent. Just in case, I need to make you some antidotes."

Gu Xixi smiled and said, "I did it, and I will be extremely careful when using it, so you can rest assured."

The old doctor looked puzzled, as if something was amiss.

Just then, Shi Tou ran in, "Sister Xi Xi, Master Liu came to say goodbye and said he has something for you!"

Gu Xixi seized the opportunity to stand up and floated away in a flash.

The old doctor was horrified when he heard the door close.

Judging from the girl's tone just now, she had clearly used poison, and more than once!

In the front yard, Mr. Liu politely declined Aunt Zhang's invitation to come inside for tea.

He stood outside the gate, waiting for Gu Xixi to come over, and smiled as he cupped his hands in greeting, "I was fortunate to receive Mr. Gu's care in Huachidu Village, and I have come here to say goodbye."

Before the village school closed for the holidays, Master Liu had already announced his impending departure.

After the New Year holidays, another village school teacher will come to replace him.

Gu Xixi returned the greeting to Master Liu, saying, "Mr. Liu, you flatter me. I am deeply grateful for your help on many occasions."

"I hope that Master Liu will have a smooth journey and a successful career."

Master Liu was taken aback. He was indeed about to enter officialdom, so he smiled and said, "Thank you for your kind words."

Finally, he took out the envelope and handed it to Gu Xixi.

"I don't need to say anything more; Boss Gu must know where this letter came from."