Chapter 166-170

Chapter 166: True Skill

"Why are Headmaster Zhou and Master Dai here at this hour?" Chef Wei greeted them warmly, setting down the kitchen knife he had been using. His sharp eyes glimmered with curiosity. "Don't tell me you've caught wind of the new tea leaves I got and came all the way here just to have tea with me?"

Headmaster Zhou chuckled and touched his nose, an old habit of his whenever he felt slightly awkward. "I was indeed thinking about having tea with Chef Wei."

"That's a fine feeling," Chef Wei said with a knowing smirk. "I've been looking for someone to share a good conversation with."

Without another word, he walked over to the stove, personally fetched the teapot, and began boiling water. The rhythmic clinking of porcelain cups echoed softly as he prepared the tea with practiced hands. Soon, the soothing aroma of fresh tea leaves filled the room. The golden tea soup shimmered in the light, its fragrance delicate yet lingering.

Headmaster Zhou took a sip and immediately praised, "Good tea."

Master Dai nodded in agreement. "The flavor is rich yet smooth, and the aftertaste lingers."

"Isn't it?" Chef Wei grinned with pride, pouring them each another cup.

The two men raised their cups and downed the tea again. Chef Wei poured again. Headmaster Zhou and Master Dai drank again.

And again. And again.

By the time three entire pots of tea had disappeared into their stomachs, Chef Wei narrowed his eyes suspiciously. He straightened up, setting the empty teapot aside. "Alright, enough," he said, his tone carrying a hint of exasperation. "Headmaster Zhou, Master Dai——do you have something to say?" He crossed his arms. "If you do, just say it outright. Don't keep pulling at my tea leaves to stall for time."

Headmaster Zhou hesitated, then discreetly elbowed Master Dai. "Why don’t you say it? If it turns out to be too unpleasant, I can step in to smooth things over."

Master Dai barely hesitated. "Alright."

Headmaster Zhou let out a quiet sigh of relief. "Just remember to soften your words. You know how Chef Wei can be."

"I understand." Master Dai nodded.

He took a final sip of tea, then looked up at Chef Wei and said plainly, "The food you’ve been making in the canteen lately..., isn’t very good. I wonder if it can be improved a little?"

Headmaster Zhou nearly choked on his tea. What happened to the promised 'softening'?!

Chef Wei’s reaction was immediate——his eyes widened in shock. He leaned forward and pressed a hand against Master Dai’s forehead.

“You don’t have a fever.”

Then, he tilted his head back, staring up at the ceiling, muttering, "The sun is still rising from the east."

Headmaster Zhou coughed awkwardly, trying to suppress a laugh.

Chef Wei squinted at Master Dai, still trying to process what he had just heard. Master Dai, of all people, commenting on food? The man who had always claimed to eat only for sustenance and never for pleasure?

A moment later, Chef Wei burst into loud, hearty laughter. He laughed so hard that he nearly fell backward, slapping his thigh as he pointed at Master Dai.

"I knew this day would come sooner or later!" He wiped a tear from the corner of his eye. "There's no one in this world who can escape the joys of good food forever!"

His gaze turned sharp as he narrowed his eyes at them. "I heard from the kitchen helpers that during the few days I was away, a certain Madam Xia was cooking in the canteen. Seems like Master Dai has had his taste buds awakened."

Master Dai remained expressionless, but Headmaster Zhou smirked knowingly.

"Well, well, well," Chef Wei mused. "Alright, since the two of you have finally come to your senses, I know exactly what needs to be done. No more idle talk——let’s just wait for lunch."

With that, Chef Wei stood up and strode towards the kitchen. After taking only two steps, he suddenly turned back and scooped up the teapot and cups from the table.

"This tea is freshly brewed. I’m keeping it for myself. You two have already had enough!"

Headmaster Zhou touched his nose again, suppressing a grin, before pulling Master Dai away.

*****

Once in the kitchen, Chef Wei called out, "Madam Niu! Get all the pork belly we bought today and cut it into one-inch cubes."

Madam Niu, who had been stirring a pot, looked over in surprise. "Aren’t we cooking a big pot of food for lunch today?"

"Not anymore." Chef Wei fastened his apron. "We’re making braised pork. And stew the cabbage with vinegar. Also, steam the rice a little firmer. If it’s too soft, the broth won’t coat it properly."

As he spoke, he rummaged through the kitchen shelf and pulled out a wooden box.

Inside were an array of precious spices, neatly arranged.

Madam Niu’s eyes widened slightly. The others in the kitchen exchanged glances. They had seen this box before——Chef Wei frequently checked and replaced the spices, but he almost never used them.

Yet today, he was carefully selecting from it. The realization dawned on them at the same time.

"Is Chef Wei planning to show off his special cooking skills?" Someone whispered excitedly.

Chef Wei smirked, raising an eyebrow. "Of course. Otherwise, people might think I have no ability!"

He straightened his posture, eyes sharp and determined. He had spent his entire life mastering the art of cooking, running the canteen with just a kitchen knife, an iron pot, and a spatula. If there was one thing he would not tolerate——it was being underestimated.

Master Dai and Headmaster Zhou wanted good food? No problem.

It was time to remind everyone of what he was truly capable of. His expression turned serious, as if preparing for battle.

Seeing this, Madam Niu and the others couldn't help but smile. It looked like they were in for a treat.

*****

After more than ten days of dedicated training under Xia Mingyue, Yang Daya and Yang Erya had finally mastered the art of frying dough sticks and making spicy soup.

To confirm they were ready, Xia Mingyue had them cook one last practice batch, letting the central kitchen staff taste-test everything. Once she was satisfied, she gave them the final green light.

"The stall opens tomorrow," she announced.

The four Yang sisters had been looking forward to this day for weeks. They cheered excitedly.

But as night fell, excitement turned into nervousness.

Lying in bed, Yang Daya stared at the ceiling, feeling her heart pound. This would be their first time making a living in the county town——their first real business venture. What if they failed?

Her sisters felt the same. None of them slept well.

By morning, they had dark circles under their eyes. They hurriedly soaked hot towels in warm water, pressing them against their faces to freshen up.

After tidying themselves up, they pushed their cart to Xia Mingyue’s house to pick up ingredients. Then, they headed to their stall, set up their stand, and lit the stove.

Xia Mingyue and Sister Lu came along to help, ensuring that their first day went smoothly.

Even with their presence, nerves got the better of Yang Daya. Her hands trembled slightly as she dropped the dough sticks into the hot oil, misjudging the heat. The first few pieces came out overcooked.

This made Yang Daya a little depressed, even a little embarrassed, and she didn't even dare to look at Xia Mingyue.

"Everything is difficult at the beginning, take your time and don't rush."

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Chapter 167: Well-informed

"Yeah." Yang Daya nodded, her voice firm with newfound resolve. "I understand."

She took a deep breath, pushing aside the lingering panic. Her hands, which had trembled slightly before, now moved with renewed steadiness.

Xia Mingyue watched quietly, her expression warm and encouraging.

Yang Daya had always been a diligent learner. Now that she had regained her composure, her hands moved skillfully, each movement precise and efficient. One by one, she placed the fried dough sticks, sweet fruits, and cloth bags into the sizzling oil. This time, the golden crust that formed was flawless——light, crisp, and irresistibly fragrant.

"See? It can be done," Xia Mingyue said with a smile that was as comforting as the morning sun.

With the success just now, her confidence surged, and her hands moved even faster. She immersed herself in the rhythm of her work, each action smoother than the last.

Meanwhile, Yang Erya was stirring a pot of spicy soup, the rich aroma filling the crisp morning air.

Xia Mingyue took a careful sip, savoring the flavors before giving an approving nod. "It’s very good," she said. "Just remember to add the vinegar and sesame oil at the right moment for the best balance."

Yang Erya listened intently, absorbing every word. With Xia Mingyue’s guidance, she perfected the seasoning and prepared to start selling.

By now, the eastern sky had begun to brighten, and the first customers of the day approached the stall.

Many of them were familiar faces——loyal patrons of Xia Ji stalls. When they noticed the four unfamiliar girls running the stall, they hesitated for a moment. But the presence of Xia Mingyue and Sister Lu quickly reassured them.

After all, any food associated with Xia Ji carried an unspoken guarantee of quality. Even if it was run as a franchise, the taste would never disappoint.

With the solid foundation Xia Mingyue had built over the past twenty days, the breakfast stall’s business thrived as usual.

On the first day, thanks to Xia Mingyue and Sister Lu’s support, the Yang sisters managed to get through the rush without any major mistakes.

By the second day, with their experience growing and the lessons from the previous day fresh in their minds, they handled the work with greater efficiency.

By the third and fourth days, the stall was running smoothly on its own. Even without Xia Mingyue and Sister Lu’s assistance, the Yang sisters managed everything with practiced ease.

Seeing this, Xia Mingyue finally felt at ease. She and Sister Lu gradually stepped back, letting the Yang sisters take full control of their business.

*****

Winter was beginning to settle in. The north wind grew stronger each day, and the air carried a biting chill.

Xia Mingyue had already taken out her cotton-padded clothing. Over the past two days, she and Sister Lu had visited the cloth shop, selecting fabric for new winter outfits.

Everyone was busy preparing for the cold months ahead, buying warm clothes for themselves and their families.

Xia Mingyue and Sister Lu also had two sets of thick cotton jackets made for Lu Qiyan and Zhao Youcai.

As they walked home, wrapped in conversation about whether to send the jackets to the military camp, they were interrupted by a familiar voice.

"Brother Hong!" Sister Lu greeted him with a smile.

Butcher Hong, a stout man with a hearty laugh, grinned at them. "Ah, Madam Xia, Madam Lu! Just the people I wanted to see!" His gaze landed on the bundles they carried, and his grin widened. "I always thought I was the most well-informed person on West Street, but it seems you two know even more than I do."

Xia Mingyue and Sister Lu exchanged confused glances. "What do you mean?"

Butcher Hong chuckled. "Aren't you heading to Xiaohe Village with those winter clothes?"

"Xiaohe Village?" Xia Mingyue frowned. "Why would we be going there?"

"You don’t know?" Butcher Hong scratched his head in surprise. "I just heard the news myself. Even though there’s no war right now, the army is still busy building city walls, roads, and bridges. They don’t have enough workers, so soldiers are being sent to help."

His voice lowered slightly as he continued, "The bridges between Xiaohe Village and Dahe Village were destroyed in the war. They’re being rebuilt now, and Commander Lu is in charge of the project. Commander Zhao is with him."

Xia Mingyue’s steps slowed.

Sister Lu’s expression changed slightly. "Qiyan... is in Xiaohe Village?"

"That’s right." Butcher Hong nodded. "I figured you already knew and were planning to bring them supplies. But since you didn’t, well..., now you do."

The military followed strict rules, and it wasn’t easy to send personal goods to soldiers. But in this case, Lu Qiyan was the Commander——a high-ranking officer. Bringing them food and clothing wouldn’t be difficult.

Moreover, once the bridge construction was completed, the next mission could take them anywhere. Even if there was no war in the next six months or a year, the army would remain busy. Who knew when they’d be able to meet again?

Xia Mingyue thought for a long while before finally making a decision.

Although Dahe Village is far away, it is only half a day's journey from Jinqiu County.

"We’ll go."

*****

Back home, Xia Mingyue gave clear instructions to Jiang Zhuguo, Sister Zhou, and Sister Song, ensuring that the central kitchen would run smoothly in her absence. She also assigned housework to Zhao Dahu and Zhao Erhu, making sure everything was in order.

Then, she and Sister Lu headed to the carriage shop to hire transportation.

The shop owner, upon hearing that this was their first solo trip, arranged for an experienced coachman, Su Yongfu, to accompany them.

"You’ll want to bring water bags and snacks," Su Yongfu advised them. "A soft pillow and a small quilt will also make the journey more comfortable."

Xia Mingyue and Sister Lu took his advice seriously.

That night, they prepared everything they would need——extra blankets, food, and, of course, the cotton-padded clothes for Lu Qiyan and Zhao Youcai.

In addition, Xia Mingyue decided to bring food. Army rations were often simple and lacked variety. Now that the war was over, supplies would likely be even more limited.

Meat would be the best choice——filling, nutritious, and easy to store.

With that in mind, she paid a visit to Butcher Hong and purchased a generous amount of pork belly and tenderloin.

Butcher Hong, curious, asked, "Why so much tenderloin? It’s lean and doesn’t have much fat——it won’t be as flavorful."

Xia Mingyue only smiled. "You’ll see."

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Chapter 168: Braised Pork

But then again, since it was Madam Xia who chose the ingredients, even if it were just a stick of firewood, Butcher Hong had no doubt she could turn it into something delicious.

Butcher Hong licked his lips at the thought, a glimmer of anticipation in his eyes.

A sudden curiosity stirred within him——what kind of dish was Madam Xia preparing this time? But no matter how intrigued he was, he could only wonder....

After purchasing a generous amount of pork belly and pork tenderloin, Xia Mingyue hurried home with Sister Lu, ready to start cooking.

She carefully cut the pork belly into uniform one-inch square pieces, rinsing them thoroughly to remove any impurities. Then, in a deep pan, she melted sugar into a rich, golden caramel before tossing in the pork, stirring until each piece was coated in the glossy sweetness. Once the meat was perfectly caramelized, she transferred it to a casserole pot, adding hot water, star anise, cinnamon, and fragrant bay leaves. The pot was brought to a roaring boil over high heat before being left to simmer gently over a low flame.

To enhance the color and depth of flavor, Xia Mingyue mixed in fermented bean curd and soy sauce, allowing the pork to absorb the savory richness as it braised. As a final touch, she drizzled in a bit of honey, locking in a subtle sweetness that would balance the flavors.

When she finally lifted the lid, a wave of intoxicating aroma filled the air, the scent so mouthwatering that it could make anyone weak with hunger. The pork glistened in the thick, dark sauce, each piece tender and bursting with flavor. She had prepared three full casseroles of braised pork, each brimming with the essence of slow-cooked perfection.

Two of the casseroles were carefully transferred into earthenware jars. She secured their lids tightly with hemp rope, then placed them in small baskets woven from corn leaves. These were intended as gifts——one for Lu Qiyan and another for Zhao Youcai.

As for the final pot, Xia Mingyue set it aside for Jiang Zhuguo, Zhao Dahu, and Zhao Erhu to savor over the next two days.

The braised pork was incredibly versatile——whether served over steaming white rice, paired with stir-fried greens, mixed into wide, chewy noodles, or simply eaten with fluffy steamed buns, every variation was a feast in itself. Even the rich, savory broth had its uses——it could be spooned over rice, making for an irresistibly flavorful meal.

However, Zhao Dahu and Zhao Erhu had their own ideas about how to enjoy the dish. After some discussion with Jiang Zhuguo, they decided on a plan: in the mornings and evenings, they would heat up two pieces each, chop them finely, and tuck them into sesame cakes, pairing them with rice porridge and mixed vegetables.

The rest of the braised pork would be stretched further——mixed with soaked dried beans, cabbage, potatoes, bean curd sticks, vermicelli, and other ingredients to create a hearty one-pot meal.

Their reasoning was simple.

“To be honest, Aunt Zhuguo,” Zhao Dahu said seriously, “with our appetites, if we just eat meat as is, forget about this one pot——even if we had another half, it wouldn’t last us a full day.”

He gestured toward the casserole, his expression earnest. “If we mix it with other ingredients, we can stretch it for a couple more meals.”

They say that boys at this age eat like they have bottomless stomachs.

Jiang Zhuguo found some truth in his words and nodded in agreement.

But Zhao Erhu, standing to the side, wasn’t fully convinced. “Actually, that’s not necessary. If we just scoop out two spoonfuls at each meal and heat it up properly, it’ll last longer.”

To him, the original braised pork, rich and unadulterated, was the best way to enjoy it. Adding extra ingredients might not ruin the taste, but it would certainly dilute its essence.

Seeing his younger brother’s resistance, Zhao Dahu tilted his head. “You can actually eat the braised pork made by Aunt Mingyue slowly? Tsk, if it were me, I’d want to finish the whole pot just by looking at it.”

He suddenly narrowed his eyes playfully. “Erhu..., don’t tell me you don’t actually like Aunt Mingyue's braised pork?”

Zhao Erhu paused, quite stunned at the twist of words.

Why did his brother's rare moments of intelligence always seem to be used in the most inappropriate situations?

Watching the two bicker, Jiang Zhuguo chuckled to herself. After some thought, she decided on a compromise——half of the braised pork would be eaten as is, while the rest would be used for the one-pot dish.

But then...

This braised pork was truly something special. Earlier, when Xia Mingyue had asked her to taste it, she had taken a bite..., then another..., and another. Before she knew it, she had eaten several pieces, savoring the way the meat melted in her mouth——rich but not greasy, lean yet never dry, bursting with flavor and leaving a delicate sweetness on the tongue.

It had taken all her willpower to stop herself.

Since Xia Mingyue had specifically left this pot for them, Jiang Zhuguo decided she had the final say.

And with that, a thought struck her——why not boil some eggs and let them soak in the braised pork broth? Once they absorbed the deep flavors, she could slice them in half, drizzling them with more of that luscious sauce....

Yes, these next two days would be perfect for enjoying a bit of indulgence.

*****

Meanwhile, Xia Mingyue and Sister Lu were entirely unaware of the lively debate over their dish. They were busy processing the pork tenderloin, which looked exceptionally fresh.

She cut the meat into long, finger-thick strips, each about three inches in length, then mixed them with cumin powder, soy sauce, rice wine, minced ginger, bay leaves, salt, and a touch of chili powder. After ensuring every piece was evenly coated, she covered them and left them to marinate overnight.

The next morning, she carefully arranged the marinated strips in a bamboo basket and set them outside under the sun. The warmth of the morning rays gradually dried the surface of the meat, making it firmer and less sticky. Once they had reached the perfect consistency, she brought them inside and began the next step.

Using a thin bamboo skewer, she carefully pierced one end of each meat strip. She threaded four or five pieces onto each skewer, then arranged them on a rack set over a charcoal stove. The meat strips hung freely, suspended over the glowing embers as the heat slowly coaxed out their moisture.

As time passed, the color of the meat deepened from a golden brown to a rich, reddish hue. The scent of smoky, spiced pork filled the kitchen, promising an irresistible treat.

Three or four hours later, the first batch of dried meat was done. Just as Xia Mingyue began to prepare the second round, the sound of hooves approached from outside——it was Su Yongfu, the coachman, arriving to pick her up.

Looking at the small bundle of dried meat she had managed to finish, Xia Mingyue sighed. The limited number of charcoal stoves at home meant the process was slow. It seemed she would have to ask Liu Caisheng to come soon and build a proper oven——it would make things much easier in the future.

As for the dried meat she had prepared today.... With two large jars of braised pork in tow, this batch would merely serve as a small snack, something to nibble on during the journey.

With that thought, Xia Mingyue set about loading the carriage.

Jiang Zhuguo and the others helped, walking alongside as they escorted the carriage out of Xinghua Lane.

After giving a few last-minute instructions, Xia Mingyue and Sister Lu finally climbed into the carriage.

With a crack of Su Yongfu’s whip, the horses set off, carrying them westward.

As they watched the carriage disappear into the distance, Jiang Zhuguo and the others turned back toward home, ready to get back to their daily tasks.

Zhao Dahu and Zhao Erhu, eager to help, busied themselves with small chores——fetching water, picking vegetables, and tidying up the courtyard.

After putting away the broom, Zhao Erhu happened to notice an earthenware jar tucked in the corner.

Inside, Wu Jin’s breakfast was waiting——fresh white flour cakes, a bowl of rice porridge, and strips of tender pork skin.

Zhao Dahu grinned, rubbing Wu Jin’s forehead affectionately before tossing him a meaty bone.

Wu Jin, delighted, eagerly dug into his meal, happily wolfing it down.

__________________________

Chapter 169: Scared

According to Wu Jin's usual habit, he would always finish every last bit of food in his clay pot, licking it clean as if it had been scrubbed spotless. But now, there was still a small amount of food left in the earthenware pot.

Even the meat bones beside it remained untouched....

Half of Wu Jin's shack was covered with a tarpaulin to protect it from the wind and rain. Peering inside, all one could see was a dark, shadowy mass.

Was Wu Jin sleeping inside? At this time of day?

Zhao Dahu, who had been walking past, noticed Zhao Erhu tilting his head in curiosity. He walked over and asked, "What are you looking at?"

"I think Wu Jin doesn’t seem very happy," Zhao Erhu replied, frowning. "He didn’t even finish his breakfast."

Zhao Dahu thought for a moment and shrugged. "Maybe Wu Jin is upset because Aunt Mingyue is away. You know how much he adores her——it’s normal for him to sulk when she’s not around."

Was that really the reason? Zhao Erhu scratched his head, unsure.

Seeing his doubtful expression, Zhao Dahu raised his chin smugly. "What? You don’t believe Aunt Mingyue is that popular with Wu Jin?"

Zhao Erhu fell silent. Did he really need to argue about this?

*****

Meanwhile, outside the city gate, the carriage continued westward along the official road.

Su Yongfu was an experienced driver, and despite the uneven terrain, he managed to keep the carriage steady, minimizing any bumps along the way.

Inside, Xia Mingyue and Sister Lu, lulled by the gentle swaying, soon found themselves getting drowsy. With a soft pillow behind them and a small quilt covering their laps, they decided to close their eyes for a brief nap.

As the sun rose higher, the carriage moved farther and farther away from Jinqiu County.

The crisp winter air carried a dry chill, and as the wheels turned, small clouds of dust kicked up in their wake.

Amid the swirling dust, a shadow emerged——moving swiftly, yet steadily——until it drew closer to the carriage.

At first, the figure kept a slight distance, following quietly. But soon, it moved alongside the horses, keeping pace effortlessly.

Su Yongfu, glancing to the side, was startled to see a large black dog. It was nearly all black, except for a small tuft of golden fur at the tip of its tail.

For a moment, his heart jumped. A stray dog? A mad dog, perhaps? Instinctively, he pulled his legs up onto the driver’s seat, just in case.

But as he studied the animal more closely, he realized it wasn’t aggressive. Though its mouth was slightly open, panting, the corners of its lips curved upward as if it were smiling.

Moreover, the dog was well-fed, with a thick, glossy coat. Clearly, it belonged to someone.

Maybe it was a guard dog from a nearby village, simply curious about the passing carriage? Su Yongfu dismissed his initial fears.

However, as they passed through several villages, the dog continued to follow closely, never falling behind.

Su Yongfu frowned.

Was this dog planning to follow them all the way to Xiaohe Village?

That was an absurd distance for a dog to run. Even if it had the stamina to keep up, it might never find its way home again.

And considering how well-cared-for it looked, its owner would surely be devastated if it got lost.

Su Yongfu sighed, recalling a painful memory from his childhood——losing a beloved black kitten that never found its way back home. He remembered how he had cried for days, his heart aching with loss.

Understanding the deep bond between people and their pets, he felt compelled to stop this dog from making the same mistake.

Slowing the carriage down, he rolled up most of his whip and waved it toward the dog. "Go back! Stop following us! Go home!"

The dog, however, merely glanced at him before maintaining its steady pace.

Annoyed, Su Yongfu flicked the whip lightly in the air, attempting to startle it away.

To his surprise, the dog simply adjusted its speed slightly——just enough to stay outside the range of the whip, keeping a careful balance between itself and the carriage.

Su Yongfu narrowed his eyes. This dog... was surprisingly intelligent. Fine. If persuasion didn’t work, he had other methods.

Pulling the reins, he gradually brought the carriage to a full stop, intending to properly chase the dog away.

But before he could do so, the sudden halt caused movement inside the carriage. The curtain lifted, and Xia Mingyue’s drowsy face appeared.

She blinked at the sight of the black dog sitting obediently on the ground, panting lightly.

"Wu Jin?" She looked surprised.

The moment the dog heard her voice, its ears perked up. It barked twice in excitement, then rose onto its hind legs, placing its front paws on the edge of the carriage. Its tail wagged furiously, almost like a propeller.

"It really is Wu Jin!" Sister Lu gasped. "Did he follow us all the way from home?"

"Woof!" Wu Jin’s tail wagged even harder.

Xia Mingyue rubbed her forehead, exasperated. "You’re quite bold, aren’t you? Running off like this...."

Not only had he snuck out, but he had also managed to track them all the way here.

She turned her head and estimated the distance back to Jinqiu County. "Wu Jin, we’re not that far from home yet. If you run back now, you’ll make it before nightfall. Go home, okay?"

Hearing this, Wu Jin’s ears drooped. His tail, which had been wagging so enthusiastically moments ago, slowed to a limp sway. He even turned his head slightly to the side, as if pretending not to hear her.

Xia Mingyue sighed. Clearly, there was no way he was going back on his own.

"Looks like we’ll have to take him with us," she finally said.

"Woof woof!" Wu Jin instantly perked up, his tail wagging so vigorously that his entire body wiggled along with it. He even jumped up and down a few times to express his excitement.

"But...," Xia Mingyue warned, "you need to behave yourself along the way. No running off once we get there. Understood?"

"Woof! Woof! Woof!" Wu Jin barked enthusiastically in agreement.

Watching this exchange, Su Yongfu couldn’t help but laugh. "The dog you raised is incredibly smart."

Xia Mingyue smiled. "Wu Jin is special. They say some big dogs have the intelligence of a four-year-old child, but Wu Jin? He’s more like a five-year-old."

Wu Jin paused.

Was this really a compliment? Still, since it meant he got to stay with her, he wouldn’t argue.

With that settled, they decided to let Wu Jin ride in the carriage.

Rather than letting him exhaust himself by running the whole way, he was lifted onto the driver's seat to sit beside Su Yongfu.

As the carriage resumed its journey, the cold winter wind rushed past. Wu Jin, now seated proudly at the front, lifted his head high, letting the wind ruffle his fur as he gazed at the road ahead.

He looked just like a little general, marching toward adventure.

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Chapter 170: Invisible

The dog sat up straight in front of the carriage, its posture proud and regal. Its glossy black fur gleamed in the afternoon light, the small golden tuft at the tip of its tail swaying slightly in the breeze.

This striking sight caught the attention of a group of children playing near the official road. They froze in place, their wide eyes locked onto the unusual scene before them.

"A big black dog... driving a carriage?" One boy whispered in disbelief.

"Is it a spirit beast?" Another child muttered.

For a long moment, none of them moved, their mouths hanging open in astonishment. Only after the carriage had disappeared into the distance did they finally snap out of their daze and take off running toward home, their shrill voices carrying through the village.

"Dad! Mom! Guess what I saw!" A little boy shouted breathlessly as he burst through the doorway. "I saw a big black dog driving a carriage!"

His parents exchanged amused glances, shaking their heads at their child's wild imagination. But the boy insisted, jumping up and down. "Really! It was sitting right at the front like a noble lord!"

*****

By noon, Xia Mingyue and her group reached a small town, where they stopped for a quick meal at a modest eatery. The food——meat-filled pancakes and shredded chicken noodles——was nothing extraordinary, but it was cheap and filling, perfect for travelers.

Wu Jin, unable to eat oily food, had to settle for a simpler meal. Xia Mingyue thoughtfully bought him two plain white buns and, knowing he would need something to keep him occupied on the road, stopped by a butcher’s shop to get him a large bone.

As the journey continued, Wu Jin chewed on the bone with great enthusiasm, his sharp teeth scraping against it with audible crunches.

Su Yongfu, guiding the carriage steadily along the uneven path, couldn't help but glance at the dog now and then. The deep bite marks forming on the sturdy bone sent a shiver down his spine. His grip on the reins tightened, and he even found himself instinctively lowering his head, as though afraid the dog might turn its attention toward him next.

'The strength in that jaw..., I wouldn't want to be on the receiving end,' he thought.

The journey stretched on, the winter sun casting long shadows as it began its descent. As dusk approached, they finally arrived at Xiaohe Village, a quiet village nestled between rolling hills and a gently flowing river.

At the village entrance, they spotted an elderly man herding sheep. His weathered face, lined with deep creases, brightened with curiosity as he saw the carriage pull up beside him.

Xia Mingyue leaned forward. "Excuse me, sir. Could you tell me where I might find Commander Lu and his men?"

The old man chuckled, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Oh, you're looking for those foolish soldiers? They're easy to find! They’re staying in the houses at the northern end of the village, but I doubt you’ll find them there right now. They're busy working by the river."

"Foolish soldiers?" Xia Mingyue repeated, puzzled.

The old man nodded. "They’re trying to rebuild the bridge over the Yongfeng River. The last one was destroyed during the war. Now, I don’t mind them fixing it, but why do it in the dead of winter? Freezing winds, icy waters..., wouldn’t it make more sense to wait until spring?" He shook his head with a sigh. "And from what I hear, they don’t even know what they’re doing——can't tell a good log from a bad one, don’t know how to split stones properly. A bunch of headstrong fools, if you ask me."

Xia Mingyue pressed her lips together thoughtfully. The old man’s words suggested that Lu Qiyan and his soldiers were struggling. She knew Lu Qiyan was a capable leader, so why were his men fumbling with basic construction tasks? Was there a lack of proper guidance?

Bowing politely, she thanked the old man. "I appreciate your help, Uncle."

"You're a well-mannered young lady," he said approvingly. Then, with a flick of his whip, he guided his sheep toward the last patches of grazing grass.

Xia Mingyue and Sister Lu climbed back into the carriage, and Su Yongfu steered them toward the north of the village as instructed.

As they neared their destination, the sight of soldiers bustling around several courtyards came into view. Military garments hung neatly on clotheslines, and smoke curled from chimneys, carrying the scent of simple soldier's fare.

A young soldier, noticing the approaching carriage, hurried forward and raised a hand to stop them. His posture was alert but not hostile. "State your business."

Xia Mingyue leaned out slightly and spoke in a calm, composed voice. "I’m here to see Commander Lu Qiyan."

The soldier scrutinized her for a moment before asking, "Who are you, and what is your relationship with our Commander?"

"I am a relative of Commander Lu," Xia Mingyue replied. "My surname is Xia."

The young soldier’s serious expression melted into a grin. "Ah, so you're our Commander's wife! Welcome!"

His demeanor changed completely, and before Xia Mingyue could respond, he turned and called out to his comrades. "Our Commander’s wife has come to visit!"

The shout rang through the air, catching the attention of soldiers at the cooking area, those in the courtyards, and even villagers passing by.

Xia Mingyue, who had casually lifted the curtain to observe her surroundings, immediately lowered it, feeling the weight of dozens of curious eyes.

Beside her, Sister Lu chuckled and nudged her lightly. "You’d better get used to this. When Qiyan rises in rank, there will be even more eyes on you."

Xia Mingyue exhaled, shaking her head with a wry smile. "I just didn’t expect such a loud welcome."

"If the carriage were bigger," Sister Lu teased, "I bet you’d be hiding in a secret compartment right now."

Xia Mingyue playfully shot back, "You say that, but look who’s squeezing into the corner beside me."

Sister Lu’s face turned pink.

She had always been the one waiting at home for Zhao Youcai to return from the army. This was the first time she had made the journey to see him. A small, anxious thought crept into her mind——would Zhao Youcai feel embarrassed? Would he think she was meddling in military affairs?

The idea made her hesitate, shrinking back slightly.

Noticing her expression, Wu Jin let out a friendly bark, his tail wagging as he playfully nudged her leg.

Su Yongfu, still guiding the carriage, decided to chime in. "Wu Jin, you might want to be careful. I hear the people in these parts like to eat dog meat."

Wu Jin froze. His ears twitched, and his tail immediately stopped wagging. His mouth, which had been slightly open, snapped shut as if he had just bitten into something bitter. Without hesitation, he turned and stuck his entire head inside the carriage, as if disappearing would make him invisible to potential dog-eaters.

Laughter erupted inside the carriage.

Meanwhile, the young soldier who had greeted them had already dashed toward the riverside, his voice carrying over the clatter of construction work.

"Commander! Your wife is here to see you!"