Looking back, the Battle of Tongguan lasted for five years, leaving countless people displaced and living in unbearable hardship.

All of this was caused by the invasion of the Xiongnu, who committed atrocities such as burning, killing, and looting, which greatly threatened the lives and property of the people.

At that time, the imperial court was facing a severe shortage of military leaders! It was difficult to find a suitable successor among the younger generation. The old general Huo Donglin had no choice but to take up arms and lead his soldiers in one fierce battle after another against the Xiongnu, but unfortunately, he eventually died on the battlefield.

This was undoubtedly a heavy blow to the imperial court, because Huo Donglin was not only an extremely brave military general, but also a pillar of the country.

However, at this critical moment, the court needed someone to step forward, take responsibility, and lead the army to continue resisting the Xiongnu invasion.

At that time, Tantai Zhou, who held the rank of Lieutenant General, stepped forward. He won everyone's trust with his courage and extraordinary talent in battle planning.

He was appointed to command the army in a time of crisis. He knew the importance of the war and understood the weight of his mission. Therefore, he devoted himself wholeheartedly to the war, leading his soldiers in a valiant fight against the enemy.

After arduous and persistent efforts, Tantai Zhou finally achieved victory. He successfully repelled the Xiongnu attack, safeguarded the country's security, and recovered Tongcheng.

On his deathbed, General Huo used his last bit of strength to tightly grasp Tantai Zhou's hand, his gaze firm and full of expectation, and said, "Treat the wounded soldiers well..." After saying this, he slowly closed his eyes and left this world forever.

Tantai Zhou gripped General Huo's blood-stained, rough hand tightly, tears glistening in his eyes, and replied in a low but firm voice, "I promise you, I will never abandon any wounded or disabled soldier!"

Tantai Zhou kept his word. For those soldiers who could no longer go to the battlefield, he not only gave them generous pensions, but also arranged for a special team to escort them home.

For those soldiers who were alone and unwilling to go home, Tantai Zhou arranged for them to stay near the military camp and have them do some work within their capabilities to make a living.

However, fate is always unpredictable. Not long after, Tantai Zhou was ambushed and poisoned, falling into a coma that lasted for three months. During this time, he was unable to attend to these people, and his subordinates, anxious about his uncertain fate, gradually forgot about them.

When he woke up, he was in a state of taking medicine and half-asleep every day until he finally woke up a year later. At that time, his brothers were fighting for power, and his father demoted him to Runan County to protect him. He had to guard against his brothers' persecution on the one hand, and arrange for the military power to be dispersed on the other.

A year and a half had passed before he could finally free up his resources. He immediately arranged for Xuan Liu and Xuan Qi to lead men to Tongguan to make arrangements. However, they were ultimately too far away to effectively manage the situation, and most of his businesses were not located in Tongcheng. Once he left, how could the Tongguan governor and the military camp truly accept these people? Later, he fell ill several times on and off, which delayed some of his plans.

He had considered bringing all of them to Runan, but several thousand of them were disabled, and they would stand out too much in a crowd. Runan was also too sensitive, and they would easily be targeted, which would only harm them. He did not want these people to become sacrifices in his brothers' power grab.

With winter approaching, life is likely to become even more difficult.

Human joys and sorrows are not shared, and Tantai Zhou's troubles did not affect Qiao Jingjing at all.

Today is the 23rd day of the twelfth lunar month, and Qiao Jingjing decided to take her whole family to buy New Year's goods. When Li Xianglan heard about this, she asked if it would be convenient for her to come along.

Since planting an additional acre of double-cropping rice, the relationship between the two families has become even closer. As Qiao Jingjing passed through the village, she got out of the car and asked Xuan Yi if there was anything she needed to bring back for the New Year.

The three grown men were all completely bewildered. All they knew about the New Year was that they should eat and drink better than usual; they had no idea what they actually needed. Even when His Highness was poisoned and unconscious, he had no interest in celebrating the New Year, and afterwards, he spent it all in the military camp after arriving in Runan. Old Master Feng could brew medicinal herbs, but he was completely clueless about other grains.

Qiao Jingjing saw Xuan Yi scratching his head and knew she had asked the wrong person. Then she saw the two people behind him with the same expression.

Alright, they're all ethereal male bodhisattvas who don't concern themselves with worldly affairs.

"Then I'll buy them and deduct it from my food allowance." He then left.

Old Feng, afraid of slipping and falling, chased after her with small, quick steps, calling out, "Qiao family girl, bring back some wine for this old man! Good wine! Did you hear me? Good wine!"

Qiao Jingjing didn't turn around, she just waved and left the courtyard.

Speaking of alcohol, there is space available, but not much.

Before she arrived, the company had asked her to order a batch of baijiu and red wine. The packaging and bottles of these wines were custom-made, with "Special Supply for [Company Name]" written on them, so that they would be presentable when entertaining clients.

Additionally, in some situations and with certain guests, it's inappropriate to have sensitive brands on the table. Using specially supplied bottles can avoid some trouble. This is because these don't have a price tag, but the wine is definitely of high quality.

This actually benefited Qiao Jingjing. She wasn't sure if she would time travel, so she took leave from work instead of resigning, which is why the company didn't require her to deliver the wine immediately. Moreover, this batch was a custom-made Ru kiln moon-white glaze series, with a beautiful and high-class wooden box wrapped in black velvet.

Lu Yuan's father also likes wine, so let's give him two bottles as a New Year's gift this time.

The carriage traveled leisurely, finally arriving in the city. The northern part of the city seemed even more bustling than usual today, with crowds thronging the streets and a constant cacophony of noise. Looking at the vibrant scene before her, Qiao Jingjing's mood brightened.

She smiled and said to everyone, "I'm going to the shop. You are free to browse around." Then, she took out some silver from her pocket, handed it to Madam Lin, and gently instructed her:

"Mother, buy whatever you want, no need to be frugal. Tomorrow we'll go to Grandma's and Aunt's houses." Lin Cuicui took the money, happily agreed, and then scattered to enjoy this rare moment of leisure.

Qiao Jingjing then turned and went to the clothing store. The Spring Festival is the most important festival of the year. Before the Spring Festival, whether they are high-ranking officials or ordinary people, they will make good preparations to welcome the New Year.

Whether ordinary people or wealthy families, everyone has their own way of celebrating this important holiday.

For ordinary families, they would choose to buy some new clothes to give themselves and their families a fresh new look and to happily celebrate the New Year.

For wealthy and powerful families, in addition to buying new clothes for their family members, they also put a lot of effort into New Year's gifts. These wealthy families exchange gifts with each other during the New Year to express their respect and friendship.

In addition, they also take advantage of holidays to visit relatives, friends, superiors, and subordinates, fostering closer relationships and strengthening bonds. Therefore, new clothes are also essential for these people.

Feng Pianpian is a shrewd businesswoman. Using the patterns given by Qiao Jingjing, she created many exquisite fabric designs, which boosted the business on the second and third floors.

"You're here! Why didn't you tell me? Oh, hurry upstairs!"

Feng Pianpian waved to Qiao Jingjing from the corner on the second floor.

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