Chapter 173

When Meng Chengping was mentioned again, He Jinglan wore a calm smile on her face.

Hmm, I've decided—I'll go see him tomorrow morning.

I brought some top‑grade wound medicine when I left, perfect for giving him two bottles.

Gu Xixi smiled at her, without pressing further.

What He Jinglan had 'decided'—was it to understand Meng Chengping and reach a compromise, or to cut ties and never look back?

Gu Xixi vaguely guessed, actually leaning toward the latter.

Perhaps the outcome of their meeting tomorrow isn't what General Ho wants.

But as a mutual friend of the two, Gu Xixi decided to stay neutral, not to disturb or interfere.

The rest, she only needs to quietly accompany and offer support when appropriate.

Only then did Gu Xixi have a plan in mind.

He Jinglan rolled her eyes and said, 'When the time comes, I'll be weary from travel, passing by my close friend's home—you, as host, surely won't refuse to let me stay a few days, right?'

Gu Xixi couldn't help laughing, 'So you went out of your way to send me home just for this idea.'

He Jinglan clung to her arm, shaking it coquettishly, 'Just say whether you agree or not.'

'Agreed!' Gu Xixi nodded, 'As long as your family doesn't urge you, you can stay as long as you like.'

Anyway, Gu Xixi is now a small‑scale entrepreneur with some means; supporting her sisters is no problem.

After that she slept for two hours.

Gu Xixi felt movement beside her, turned over and asked, 'Is it time to get up already?'

While putting on her outer garment, He Jinglan said, 'The time we agreed with Mu Nan Zhao—go early, return early.'

She turned back to tuck Gu Xixi's blanket tightly, 'It's not dawn yet; your luggage is all packed, go back to sleep a bit.'

'When I return, we'll set off.'

Gu Xixi watched He Jinglan leave, eyes open staring at the canopy, but found she could no longer fall asleep.

Meng Chengping is both a good person and a good commander.

If he were to develop psychological problems from a broken heart……

Gu Xixi sighed worriedly.

In the Northwest Army camp, the sky was just lightening, night still lingering.

Mu Nan Zhao smoothly brought He Jinglan to the tent where Meng Chengping resided.

It was He Jinglan's first time approaching a place inhabited only by men; standing at the entrance, she inevitably hesitated.

Mu Nan Zhao said, 'Go in; at this moment he should be the only one inside.'

He Jinglan looked at Mu Nan Zhao in surprise, 'It's so early—hasn't it still not time for morning drill? Where did everyone else go?'

Mu Nan Zhao wouldn't let her dawdle, 'Time is limited; if you want to go in, I'll stand guard here for you.'

'If you don't want to go, just turn back now.'

'I'm going!' He Jinglan hurriedly said.

She looked at the tent entrance, gathered her courage, and resolutely lifted the flap to step inside.

Mu Nan Zhao's eyes were deep.

His ability to bring a woman into the camp unhindered was naturally arranged by General Ho upon hearing the news.

No need to think—Meng Chengping's tent must have been cleared out urgently.

After about the time it takes to finish a cup of tea, He Jinglan came out—indeed she hadn't been delayed long.

Inside the tent behind her, it remained just as quiet.

He Jinglan lowered the curtain, calmly said, 'Let's go.'

After leaving the camp, Mu Nan Zhao said, as a close friend of He Jinghui, he had the duty to personally escort He Jinglan away to ensure her safety.

Thus the two returned together to the Dependents Village.

He Jinglan suddenly spoke, 'Aren't you going to ask me what I said to him?'

Mu Nan Zhao replied, 'No interest.'

'If you want to say it, then say it.'

He Jinglan flushed with anger, 'You're still the same as before, completely disregarding others' thoughts! No wonder Gu…'

She realized it was improper and quickly cut herself off.

Mu Nan Zhao raised his brows, 'What's that supposed to mean?'

'Nothing!' He Jinglan said firmly, 'Anyway, I'm not in the mood to chat with you now—just shut up.'

She silently thought: 'No wonder you're living at someone else's place, yet Gu Xixi still hesitates to marry you!'

With such a temperament, would that girl really like you?

He Jinglan deeply felt that, in her youthful inexperience, she had indeed been blind.

In the Dependents Village, the He family's carriage, coachman, guards, and the Shadow Guards secretly accompanying them were all ready.

The women of the village, upon hearing the news, all came to see them off.

Gu Xixi said that when spring turns to summer, the oats and alfalfa will need the next stage of care, and the pomegranate trees are due for pruning their branches.

So she will surely return before long.

He Jinglan, lacking such reasons, could only smile lightly, 'I'm off—don't miss me too much; I might just show up again one day.'

The carriage is large, holding the two people's luggage, plus two grown adults, still spacious.

Mu Nan Zhao kept standing beside the carriage, watching the He family load their belongings.

He Jinglan briskly pulled Gu Xixi onto the carriage, then gave a perfunctory wave through the window to Mu Nan Zhao, counting it as a farewell.

The carriage sped away, and soon the people and village behind disappeared from sight.

He Jinglan was excited and overly noisy from the moment she got on the carriage.

Xixi, you're a big planter; when we get to your place, I'll go work the fields with you right away!

Your home must be warm and comfortable; I can't wait!

Hey, how delicious is Aunt Zhang's cooking?

Gu Xixi looked at He Jinglan and said, "They've already gone far away; if you don't want to laugh, you don't have to."

He Jinglan froze, her smile slowly fading.

The carriage swayed, making the interior's tranquility stand out even more.

After an unknown amount of time, He Jinglan finally spoke: "Xixi, I gave him the wound medicine, and he accepted it."

Gu Xixi: "Mm."

He Jinglan: "I told him I don't blame him anymore, I'm not angry."

But I just don't like being hesitant and timid in love, hurting others and myself.

Gu Xixi said gently, "So you're not going to see him to reconcile?"

He Jinglan thought for a moment, then said, "If we can talk calmly, that counts as reconciliation."

But he should also realize that I am no longer the same as before.

Still, I like him in my heart, so I want to leave him.

If he can figure it out himself, maybe we still have a future; if not...

Then let it be that way.

Gu Xixi asked, "Are you going to wait for him?"

He Jinglan lifted her chin and said proudly, "Who needs to wait? If I first meet a guy I like, it's none of his business."

Gu Xixi laughed, "Then I'll have to sweat for General Meng; I hope he gains insight quickly after this battle and satisfies Miss He."

Huachi Du Cun.

He Jinglan considered everything, fearing that bringing too many people into the village would disturb its peaceful life.

Only the coachman was left to drive the carriage to Gu Xixi's home.

As the carriage came to a stop, two people rushed out from the gate of Gu Xixi's home.

At the same time, several people came running from the other side of the road.

These people shouted as they ran.

Perhaps they were overly excited, and their voices came from too many directions.

He Jinglan momentarily didn't catch the content, turned her head, and asked Gu Xixi, "Are the people in your village always this enthusiastic?"