Liu Sanbu was not from Liuzhou, but from the neighboring Wuzhou.

Liu Sanbu has four brothers, and his three older brothers are all married.

His disability stemmed from childhood, and he was not well-liked at home, so when the conscription order came, he came.

He always greeted everyone with a smile, as if that would make others look after him when he was on the battlefield.

No one paid any attention to him; perhaps they looked down on him, or perhaps they didn't want to bother.

Qin Yulin would occasionally respond with a few words, but even so, Liu Sanbu clung to him, no longer talking to anyone else but him.

I don't know where Liu Sanbu got this wine from.

"Brother Yulin keeps his word, I'm waiting."

Liu Sanbu chuckled and took a sip, then sat down next to Qin Yulin and began to eat heartily.

For many people, the food in the barracks is terrible, but for Liu Sanbu, the food in the barracks is very good; at least he can eat his fill.

Qin Yulin hummed in agreement and focused on eating.

Happy Chinese New Year!

Someone let out a howl.

At first, everyone looked around, then they all laughed and started saying "Happy New Year" to each other, regardless of whether they knew the people around them or not.

Liu Sanbu said to Qin Yulin with a smile, "Brother Yulin, Happy New Year! I wish you all the best, a successful career, and many great achievements."

Qin Yulin smiled and said, "I also wish you all your dreams come true and that everything goes smoothly."

Just as everyone was offering their New Year's greetings, a bugle call sounded.

Everyone quieted down.

"You sons of bitches, attacking the city during the New Year."

The horn was coming from the city gate, which meant that the barbarians were attacking the city.

Even during the Lunar New Year, no one can relax.

They were new recruits still in training, but the veterans who had fought countless battles and defended the city even when wounded had to brace themselves and prepare for battle.

The joy of the New Year was gone, and everyone started cursing and swearing.

Qin Yulin looked into the distance. The distant mountains were covered in white snow, and the cold wind was biting. They were cold, and the barbarians were cold too.

All the fighting is for survival.

They are all made of flesh and blood, and they are all doing this for their families.

At this time, families should be having their New Year's Eve dinner.

Qin Yulin smiled slightly, raised his hand to toast the distant view, and silently said in his heart: Father, Mother, Lan'er, Little Sister, Yu Bao, Happy New Year.

...

After eating his fill, Qin Jin'an went out to play with his friends until dark before returning to wash up and go to bed.

Qi Yuanyou was still awake when he drifted off to sleep.

This was the first time she had entered a dream.

Qin Jin'an felt a little bored.

Qi Yuanyou comes from a wealthy family and even knows about wars in the southern border region in advance; he must be a prince or nobleman.

What was he doing at that moment?

...

Qi Yuanyou sat below the main hall. The palace banquet was not yet over, and the court officials were spending this moment together.

On the eve of the Lunar New Year, amidst singing and dancing, the highest position is occupied by the supreme emperor.

The war in southern Xinjiang does not affect this area.

The capital city remains a paradise-like place.

Qi Yuanyou was surrounded by empty space, because of his special status, no one sat next to him.

He's no longer fat, and no one laughs at him anymore for looking like a fat pig.

Another song has come to an end.

"Thump—"

The heavy tolling of bells signaled the start of the new year.

The palace banquet has come to an end.

"I pray that in the new year the flames of war will cease, the harvests will be plentiful, and the country will be peaceful and prosperous."

The emperor rose and spoke these words with utmost sincerity.

The officials echoed his sentiments.

Qi Yuanyou was finally able to leave, and he greeted his grandmother with a "Happy New Year".

The kind old man smiled and gave him a New Year's gift bag: "Happy New Year, You'er. May you grow up healthy and free from illness and disaster in the new year."

Qi Yuanyou respectfully accepted it: "Thank you, Your Majesty."

"It's getting late, you should go back and rest."

The old man patted Qi Yuanyou's hand.

Qi Yuanyou was always the first to receive a New Year's gift. He bowed respectfully and then stepped back. Many people took a few steps back, afraid of being touched by him, but he didn't care about these actions.

He has his best friend now and won't be hurt by these actions. He needs to hurry back to his palace and drift off to sleep.

Qi Yuanyou returned to his palace and fell asleep as quickly as possible.

When he drifted off to sleep, Qin Jin'an was already asleep.

With her hair adorned with flowers, she lay down and fell asleep on the spot.

Qi Yuanyou still doesn't understand what this place is, but he comes here every time he falls asleep.

This is his and Qin Jin'an's secret place.

He didn't disturb Qin Jin'an, but just like before, he pulled him to his chest and lay down.

"Happy New Year, Yu Bao."

Qi Yuanyou said softly.

After meeting Qin Jin'an, his world was like a sun, illuminating his entire being. He stopped giving up on himself and began to grow freely.

Happy New Year! Wishing you all the best.

...

This was the quietest New Year the Su family had ever had since they became wealthy.

Qian Min didn't eat with them; she ate her New Year's Eve dinner alone in the main courtyard.

Old Man Su had a sullen face and was very dissatisfied with this.

Su Chang'an explained that Qian Min's status was different, and she was currently pregnant, so if she didn't want to have dinner together, that was fine.

Old Su led them to pay respects to their ancestors.

Su Jingui and Su Jinbao were crying.

In previous years, they had many things they wanted during the Lunar New Year, but this year they have nothing.

They don't understand the changes in their family. When they don't get what they want, they cry, and then they get beaten.

When Su Changshui got irritable, he didn't care whether they were his sons or not, and slapped each of them.

After finally finishing burning incense, Old Yang started to berate Zhao Caiju: "What are you standing there for? Serve the food!"

Qian Min dismissed all their maids, and now there are only two cleaning maids and one cook in the mansion.

Only two servants remained.

Zhao Caiju glared at Old Madam Yang. Unlike Madam Liu and Madam Lian, she retorted sarcastically, "Mother, I'm your daughter-in-law, not a maid. Why should I serve you dishes? If you like being waited on, go find your sister-in-law."

They're all daughters-in-law, why should she be treated like this?

"How dare you defy me!"

Old Mrs. Yang was furious.

Zhao Caiju scoffed, "Mother, you must be joking. How could I dare?"

She looks meek and obedient, but her bottom seems to be glued to the seat; she's not good at serving people.

She went to great lengths to get into this family so that she could be waited on.

She finally gave birth to a son and endured so much hardship; how could she possibly be afraid of not being able to handle an old woman?

She verbally agreed to everything, but she just wouldn't do anything.

Zhao Caiju isn't even afraid of Su Changsheng, so it's no wonder she's afraid of Old Madam Yang.

"Second brother, are you just going to stand by and watch?"

Old Madam Yang looked at Su Changsheng and asked.

Su Changsheng frowned. Before he could speak, Zhao Caiju laughed. She spat at Old Madam Yang and said, "You old hag, you've been stirring up trouble and instigating others. You've ruined the family. You want your son to hit me? Let him try! If he touches me, Qian Min will know what kind of people you are tomorrow."

Old Mrs. Yang felt a tightness in her chest.

Su Changsheng glanced at Old Madam Yang with a hint of resentment: "Mother, the family can't take any more trouble. Please calm down. I'm tired. I just want to have a proper New Year's Eve dinner."