Chapter 99: Childhood Sweethearts

The fu tea cake was simmered to a strong concentration, and enough sugar was added.

It warms the body and refreshes the mind, while replenishing the energy expended by the body.

Meng Chengping took a sip and habitually praised, "Gu Qingye's tea‑making skill keeps improving, soon catching up to my Mu brother."

As soon as he said that, he realized something, turned his head to look at the two people inside the room, and his expression turned somewhat strange.

He Jinghui cupped the tea bowl in both hands and exhaled a warm breath comfortably, "Loose‑leaf tea has been trendy in the capital lately."

But according to my taste, I actually prefer this boiled‑down strong tea.

He smiled at Gu Xixi and said, "Mu Nan Zhao has a odd temper and a cold disposition; he's surely been causing you trouble these days, right?"

"A little," Gu Xixi admitted honestly, "but I haven't been exactly easy on him either."

For example, repeatedly forcing a woman of poor character on him, trying to make them an official couple.

For example, making him work as a cart driver, a household servant chopping wood and hauling water.

For example, urging him to become a village schoolteacher.

……

Gu Xixi paused, a faint smile on her lips, "Overall, nobody really lost out."

He Jinghui naturally didn't know what had happened to Mu Nan Zhao in Huachi Du Cun, and simply took Gu Xixi's words as polite talk.

"That kid is lucky to have met this benefactor, Gu Qingye."

"First she took him in and looked after him; this time she braved the heavy snow and rushed a thousand miles to his aid."

"If Gu Qingye hadn't gone to report the news, and General Meng Chengping hadn't timely brought troops to rescue, we three would probably…"

As he spoke of the moving part, his sharp, calculating fox‑like eyes filled with sincerity.

"I, He Jinghui, offer tea in place of wine to thank you both again."

Gu Xixi nodded slightly, took a light sip, to return the courtesy.

Meng Chengping, however, held his tea bowl aloft with a careless grin and said, "Substituting tea for wine—isn't that a bit perfunctory?"

He Jinghui laughed aloud, "Indeed, it's hardly enough to express one's feelings."

"Otherwise, once things settle in a couple of days, I'll prepare fine wine and invite General Meng Chengping to drink his fill—how does that sound?"

Meng Chengping bumped palms with him, "Alright, it's settled then!"

At that moment, He Jinglan turned over, somewhat displeased, and said, "Mu Nan Zhao is still resting—could you please keep it down?"

He Jinghui spread his hands, made a hushing gesture, then leaned close to Meng Chengping and whispered:

"There's nothing I can do; my sister has been spoiled rotten by the family since childhood, she has a big temper and is hard to provoke."

Meng Chengping nodded, "I see," but glanced at Gu Xixi with a playful look in the corner of his eye.

One is the person who bought Mu Nan Zhao, who today added the grace of saving his life.

The other is his childhood sweetheart, whom he's known since youth; sharing hardship together is moving.

When these two women meet, who knows whether Mu Nan Zhao, upon waking, will face blessing or disaster?

Gu Xixi didn't need to guess to know Meng Chengping wasn't thinking anything good, so she simply buried her head in her tea and ignored him altogether.

First, she had been riding horseback nonstop for two days, so exhausted she could barely move her fingers.

Second…… she was trying hard to recall the plot of the original book.

Although she hadn't heard the whole book, she knew He Jinglan was also a relatively important female supporting character.

The He and Mu families are both great clans.

The elders of the He family had even intended to promote a match between He Jinglan and Mu Nan Zhao.

The elders of the He family had even intended to promote a match between He Jinglan and Mu Nan Zhao.

But the two children were still young, and Mu Nan Zhao had entered official service early, busy all day, so he had no thought of marrying and starting a family for the time being.

He Jinglan's family also wanted to wait until the girl grew up and understood things, to ask her opinion before deciding.

Who would have thought that this delay would bring about a change?

The palace underwent a sudden upheaval, and Mu Nan Zhao was overnight branded a rebellious traitor, his life or death unknown.

The book says that before meeting Gu Qingye, Mu Nan Zhao still didn't understand true love between a man and a woman.

He Jinglan was the only young woman he was close to, and the elders of both families had tacitly approved.

Thus, before fleeing the capital, Mu Nan Zhao also tacitly accepted that he would one day marry He Jinglan.

Until he fell in love with Gu Qingye, his feelings naturally changed.

Gu Xixi hid her face behind her tea cup and stole a glance at the inner room.

This Miss He seems deeply devoted to Mu Nan Zhao.

If the fate between Mu Nan Zhao and Gu Qingye has already been severed.

Would He Jinglan naturally step in to take her place and become Mu Nan Zhao's true destined partner?

Gu Xixi was lost in thought when He Jinglan suddenly rose and walked toward the outer room.

Gu Xixi withdrew her gaze, poured a bowl of sweet tea as a matter of course, and said, "Miss He, please sit down and have something warm."

He Jinglan, dressed in crisp men's attire, sat down openly beside Gu Xixi and said, "Thank you."

"We've shared life and death together; calling you Miss He feels too formal—just call me Jing Lan, Miss Gu."

He Jinglan's delicate, doll‑like face was originally very soft, but combined with her dignified bearing it added a touch of heroism, making her look all the more lively and likable.

Gu Xixi's first impression of her was good, and she replied, "Jing Lan."

He Jinglan laughed happily, a stark contrast to her earlier cold‑faced self when she had slain the County Magistrate.

"Since we'll be on night watch tonight, Gu Xixi, could you tell us how Mu Nan Zhao has been getting along in the village? Is he finding it hard to adapt?"

He Jinghui interjected, "Just say it straight—you want to hear what embarrassing things have happened to the lofty, fastidious, picky, immortal‑like Lord Mu Nan Zhao, who's been like a fairy since childhood."

Gu Xixi and Meng Chengping both laughed at that.

Since it's leisure chat time, Gu Xixi also doesn't mind saying a few more harmless bits.

He Jinglan listened, startled: "What? He can chop firewood and carry water?"

"He loves cleanliness the most, since childhood he hated the smell of animals, yet he actually drives a mule cart himself?"

"He has the least patience with children, the village schoolteacher? Xixi, you're not joking, are you?"

……

Even He Jinghui was quite shocked, exclaimed admiringly, "High, this move is really high!"

"If I hadn't heard it with my own ears, I wouldn't believe he would be babysitting in the village, let alone others."

Gu Xixi, from the He siblings' words, her impression of Mu Nan Zhao grew firmer.

Such a powerful minister and noble young master, everyone understands he doesn't belong here.

Even if he temporarily falls, Flower Pool Ford village and its farming life for him can only remain a past memory.

However...

Gu Xixi smiled, resting her chin on her hand as she gazed at He Jinglan.

This girl is much better than Gu Qingye; not only is she pretty, but she also has a refreshingly straightforward personality. Moreover, she knows Mu Nan Zhao's background inside out, they are childhood sweethearts, a perfect match.

Gu Xixi unconsciously thought of so many advantages, then suddenly despised herself for possibly thinking too much.

At most she's just a temporary partner for Mu Nan Zhao, not his mother!

At this moment, He Jinglan faced Gu Xixi, "Xixi, do you like Ah Zhao?"

The matter happened suddenly; Gu Xixi couldn't hold back and spat out her tea.

She looked at He Jinglan as if startled, "Ha?"

He Jinglan smiled, eyes narrowed, moved closer to Xixi, "What's with the 'ha'? You've been buying him for half a year, hasn't anything happened?"

"No." Gu Xixi denied it without hesitation.

Like Mu Nan Zhao? How could that be, unless she's stupid to the point of courting death!