r father's suffering, but she was even more curious about what was happening in the south. She didn't make a fuss about wanting a hug, instead, she snuggled on her grandmother's shoulder, being obedie...After dinner, they chatted for a while. Jia Yin then excused herself, saying she was tired, and went back to her side hall early.

Suiling and Shuicun knew the inside story and quickly sent away the palace maids serving them.

Jia Yin pushed open the inner hall door, walked around four carved floor screens, and as soon as she turned, she saw Mu Xu sleeping on a yellow rosewood low stool by the window.

Over the past few days, he certainly couldn't afford to eat or sleep. He had lost a lot of weight, his hands and face were pale, and his clothes were dull grey.

He lay on his side, legs curled up uncomfortably, due to the small table in the middle of the divan.

Jiayin hurried forward and moved the small things away.

Mu Xu frowned and moved slightly.

Jia Yin hesitated for a moment, but still took his hand and whispered, "Just sleep for a while, don't worry about anything."

Perhaps catching a whiff of the familiar warmth, Mu Xu's brow slowly relaxed and he fell into a deep, peaceful sleep.

As night fell, it swallowed up the noise of the day, finally giving humanity a moment of peace.

The bustling streets, once teeming with people, now stood deserted.

After a day of being cooped up, the crickets and all kinds of bugs come out to find their sense of existence.

Even the imperial palace, the most oppressive place in the world, was rarely so lively.

In the small garden behind Zhi Lan Palace, an unknown insect was straining its neck and screeching with all its might. Perhaps it was planning to become a singer.

In the side hall, Shuiling had already fallen asleep in a big letter shape, snoring softly.

Shui Yun rubbed her heavy eyelids and listened carefully to the faint sounds coming from the next room. Then she picked up the needle and thread in her hand again.

On the other side of the wall, Jia Yin yawned and put down the ledger in her hand.

The dim candlelight cast upon Mu Xu's face, casting a small shadow from his eyelashes below his eyes.

After being together for so long, Jiayin treats him more like a friend. She doesn't need to be restrained or guarded around him.

But at this moment, she rested her chin in her hands and looked at him intently, her heart beating a little faster.

In his past life, Mu Xu would have been at most a freshman in college at this age.

But in this timeline, he has already experienced the loss of his family and home, seeking revenge, learning martial arts for a living, and even now, he is doing everything he can to help protect the rear of the Northern Expeditionary Army and also take care of her safety...

It's really tough on him!

Jia Yin had never thought about whether the rest of her life would truly be spent with him, hand in hand for a lifetime.

But for now, she also has some favorites.

As long as he stays the same, like this, maybe they could fall for each other and live happily as a free couple. It wouldn't be so bad...

Lost in thought, she absentmindedly wandered. When she came back to herself, she was suddenly met with a pair of bright eyes.

"Oh, when did you wake up!" Jia Yin was a little embarrassed.

Mu Xu rolled over and sat up, a hint of triumph in his smile. "I woke up long ago," he replied, "but someone was admiring my peerless beauty, so I didn't want to disturb you."

Jia Yin gave him a big, rolling eye and snapped, "Hurry up and wash your hands and face. I'm keeping dinner warm for you."

She then went to lift the small stove in the corner of the house.

I have to say, this fireplace has become a dedicated cover-up prop.

Of course, it's best to store food in a space that preserves it well, so it doesn't spoil or go bad, and it won't get cold.

Mu Xu was so hungry that he didn't even care where the food came from. After hastily washing up, he picked up his rice bowl.

A large bowl of white rice, topped with glistening red-braised pork, was devoured by Mu Xu in the blink of an eye.

Jia Yin quickly handed him a cup of warm water. "Eat slowly, don't choke."

Mu Xu finished the warm water in one gulp and continued to finish the next bowl.

Finally, when he was half-full, he slowed down and said while eating, "The matter of the destroyed military rations has some leads."

"I never expected that, the seemingly gentle Big Yong Uncle, would also have such a ruthless and iron-blooded side. He actually pried open the mouths of two key witnesses and obtained some clues and evidence."

Jiayin's eyes darkened, followed by a sigh.

"Even Big Yong was furious. He had been fighting alongside his adoptive father for several years and knew all too well the dangers of the battlefield ahead."

"Not only did Xindu not do his part, but he actually held everyone back! It's no wonder he's angry!"

Although Second Uncle and his men only took three or four days to raise the second batch of military rations, no one could have predicted how many soldiers would be sacrificed on Father's side during those missing three or four days.

"Yeah!" Mu Xu nodded and extended the bowl in his hand. Jia Yin tacitly added a spoonful of red braised pork for him.

Mu Xu continued, "This time we still haven't caught the mastermind behind it all, but several involved generals have been caught by the wrist. They won't be able to cause any more trouble from now on."

Besides, I've had the key evidence sent out for a spin, and a few more people have been sent to Dali Temple.

"These are all related to the incident at the palace gate the other night. Including the five hundred guards who were on duty, they won't escape punishment. I estimate that next month they will all be sent to guard the southwest border."

Jia Yin was stunned for a moment before she finally reacted.

Mu Xu's meaning was that he used the evidence of the destroyed military rations to avenge her for being stopped at the palace gate

"You... you're too quick! I haven't even told my family about this, how did you know" Jia Yin felt a flush of heat inside her, trying her best to appear calm as she asked.

Mu Xu filled his bowl with rice again, piling it directly onto the plate of braised pork. He also mixed in the other plate of refreshing cold dish and continued eating.

Finding a moment of respite amidst his busy schedule, he simply replied, "I promised the lord to keep you safe, so naturally, you are my top priority. Others may not know, but I cannot overlook even the smallest detail."

"Besides… I won't allow you to suffer even a little bit of injustice!"

Perhaps it was the first time he had said such romantic words, Mu Xu also blushed a little, coughed dryly, and continued in a low voice, "Fortunately, this time I helped investigate the matter of military rations being destroyed, otherwise there would be no way to do it so quickly. Clean up those despicable things."

Jia Yin's face flushed even redder, and she asked smoothly, "Who is behind those people at the palace gate"

You might be surprised to hear this, although the people involved were generals who tried to test the emperor's intentions, the one who put in the most effort was actually bought off by a wealthy merchant for a hefty sum.

"Merchants" Jia Yin frowned, "Has my family's business offended someone"

"Yes, the master of Jiulian Zhai," Mu Xu nodded.

"Jiulian Zhai" Jia Yin was even more surprised, "Didn't this shop close a few years ago"

"That's right, Bai Yun Guan's competition drove us out of business," Mu Xu smiled. "Though it's been a long time, you still haven't let go of the grudge."

"Jia Yin sighed, "This is really an unjust calamity. It's just normal competition, why shouldn't my snack shop be thriving!"

Mu Xu put down his bowl, let out a satisfied burp. He had eaten his fill.

“Don't worry about it, this matter is already resolved. Those who were bought off are unlucky, with nowhere to vent their frustrations. They will definitely push all the blame onto the head of Jiulian Zhai's owner. In the end, they will only end up fighting amongst themselves and facing a bleak future in the southwest.”

Seeing his appearance, Jia Yin couldn't help but smile.

"In that case, this county mistress doesn't need to interfere, and the matter will be resolved"

Mu Xu smirked, raising an eyebrow with a roguish grin. "Of course, with me here, you won't need to lift a finger."

Both of them looked at each other, smiling brightly…….Then Li Laotai instructed Juan'er, "Take Yueyager to the room and have some fruit."Wan'er quickly got up and called her maid, Chunxiu, to carry Yueya'er into the room.Joan stood behind Old Mrs. Li, o...