Chapter 117: A Pleasant Surprise or a Fright?

At the start of spring, Xi Bei was still cold in the morning.

Just as the sky grew faintly light, the mule cart quietly left the gate, but the seating order inside was reversed compared to before.

Gu Xixi was driving the cart up front, while Mu Nan Zhao sat on the cart bed.

Mu Nan Zhao said with a sour face, 'Do we really have to make it like this?'

He wore two layers of cotton clothing underneath, a black velvet-faced gray squirrel fur cloak on top, all bundled up into a ball—already enough.

What's more ridiculous, he even had a small floral-patterned cotton blanket draped over his legs!

Gu Xixi laughed and said, 'It's cold; sitting still on the cart makes the wind feel even colder, especially since people's legs fear the cold most—if you don't cover up a bit, you'll freeze stiff before we even get there.'

Mu Nan Zhao gazed up at the sky, speechless.

What could he do? If he didn't agree to this arrangement today, Gu Xixi wouldn't let him leave the house.

Gu Xixi cheerfully gave the reins a light tug and turned a corner.

She could imagine how dark Mu Nan Zhao's face was without even looking back.

'Once I earn money this year, I'll be able to afford an enclosed carriage.'

'By then, I won't have to bake in the summer sun, nor fear the winter wind.'

Thinking of the future, Mu Nan Zhao's eyes dimmed slightly.

He drew a silent breath, his tone as usual: 'Gu Xixi, besides farming and making money, do you have any other hobbies?'

Gu Xixi replied, 'Food is heaven to the people; a single penny can stymie a hero. Are these two hobbies not big enough? If I could achieve them in this lifetime, I'd already be content.'

Mu Nan Zhao actually found it quite reasonable and couldn't refute it.

From the moment he met her, she had steadfastly and clearly pursued what she wanted, never hesitating because of passing worldly distractions.

Mu Nan Zhao suddenly felt a hint of anticipation, wondering what kind of farming domain Gu Xixi ultimately wanted to achieve.

Too bad…

Before Mu Nan Zhao could continue thinking, the mule cart suddenly came to a halt.

Up ahead, the sky light gradually brightened, spreading out along the village entrance's large locust tree.

In the light, tiny figures appeared one by one.

Gu Xixi stared intently and exclaimed, 'What are you all doing here?!'

They were the children from the village school, including Gouwa and Shitou.

Gu Xixi silently cursed her bad luck; she had originally sworn to leave before dawn, certain she wouldn't run into acquaintances on the road, which was why she had persuaded Mu Nan Zhao to agree to cover up with a blanket.

Now things were really awkward.

Gu Xixi dared not look at Mu Nan Zhao's expression; she put on a stern face and singled out Shitou, saying, 'When I left home, you weren't even up yet, were you?'

Shitou hadn't even answered when Gouwa blurted out, 'I taught him that! Since you adults aren't going to school today, you rush out early, busy and hurried, with no time to look after the kids. As long as you wrap a pillow in the blankets and pretend he's still asleep, he usually won't be discovered.'

Gouwa put an arm around Shitou's shoulders and grinned smugly.

'Fine.' Gu Xixi nodded and said, 'You're using tricks, huh? When I get back I'll tell your parents—this trick of yours won't work anymore!'

The little ones glanced at each other, none taking offense.

What's there to fear? Which child hasn't matched wits with their parents? Old tricks may be gone, but new ones will appear.

Shitou spoke for everyone, 'Everyone knows the teacher is going away for a few days; we planned ahead to see you off this morning and give you a surprise!'

The little ones all nodded in unison, their smiling faces brighter than the morning light.

Ever since Mu Nan Zhao requested leave to go out for four days, the news spread quickly through the whole village.

The students were given an unexpected four-day break, each feeling elated and energized, so they discussed doing something.

And that is today's 'surprise'.

On the cart bed, Mu Nan Zhao didn't take the opportunity to pull off the small blanket on his legs; instead, he calmly looked at the group of little rascals.

'One can get up before dawn.'

'Looks like you all have taken to heart the anecdote of rising at the cock's crow to practice swordplay.'

Gouwa was the first to sense trouble, shouting loudly, 'We've already seen you off—don't delay Mr. Chen and Aunt Gu Xixi's schedule; hurry back!'

But it was already too late.

'Hold it.' Mu Nan Zhao said in a low voice.

But the little ones seemed to have been hit with a paralysis spell, standing frozen and afraid to move.

Mu Nan Zhao said coolly, 'The plan for a day lies in the morning; it's rare that you are so diligent.'

'For these four days, add two more passages to the texts you need to memorize; since there aren't many new characters to write, copy each one fifty extra times.'

Gasps of cold air rose and fell one after another.

Gu Xixi gave the children a sympathetic look, sensibly tugged the reins, and the mule cart sped up as it left the village.

Once they were on the main road, Gu Xixi turned and said, 'They kindly saw you off—aren't you being too harsh on them?'

Mu Nan Zhao replied in an even tone, 'Only by keeping them preoccupied will their eyes not wander to what they shouldn't see.'

Gu Xixi couldn't help but shake her head and sigh.

These poor children!

How could they have imagined that their misfortune stemmed from nothing more than a small blanket?

A village near the Northwest Army camp.

Meng Chengping had long ordered someone to prepare a compound.

He himself waited at the village entrance, and upon seeing the mule cart, he waved from afar.

'Boss Gu! Brother Mu! Lai Fu!!'

Even the mule Lai Fu was not overlooked.

Gu Xixi also laughed and waved, greeting Meng Chengping.

When the carriage stopped, Meng Chengping immediately saw the small floral blanket on the carriage.

Why bring a blanket? And such a small one?

Didn't I say? As long as you come, there will always be someone to receive you; no need to prepare these things.

Gu Xixi gave a light cough and said, "Maybe Zhang Shen helped me get it."

When I sleep, having my own things nearby lets me sleep more soundly.

Meng Chengping had no suspicion: "Oh, is that so?"

Come on, I'll first settle you in; that courtyard is still the one where Mu Nan Zhao stayed to recuperate last time.

I think you're used to living there, so let's not change places.

Gu Xixi said, "Thank you, I remember that place was quite comfortable to live in."

As they were about to arrive, Meng Chengping slapped his forehead and said, "I see you're so happy you've forgotten everything."

There's a guest who arrived a day before you, and he's currently waiting at home!

Gu Xixi followed up asking, "Who?"

Meng Chengping glanced at Mu Nan Zhao, revealing a meaningful smile.

The He family's eldest daughter.

Gu Xixi startled, and unconsciously also looked toward Mu Nan Zhao.

Mu Nan Zhao raised his eyes, "Why are you all staring at me? You all know each other, don't you?"

Gu Xixi said, "I hadn't heard that Jing Lan was coming; it's just a bit unexpected."

Exactly, exactly. Meng Chengping nodded happily in agreement.

Who would have thought that the He family's esteemed eldest daughter would actually lower herself to come to our godforsaken place—what do you think she's after?

Or rather... who exactly is she doing this for?

Mu Nan Zhao shot an icy glare, "General Meng, you care so much about the He family's eldest daughter, but unfortunately my current position leaves me unable to help."

However, I can help you inform the Grand General, have him act as guarantor and matchmaker; I believe you still have a chance.

Meng Chengping's face instantly turned purple, "You-you-you, I-I-I didn't! You! You stop talking nonsense!"