Xu Jingjing is a decisive person; when she says "immediately," she means it.

She left for a while and then returned, with four soldiers carrying a screen, two soldiers carrying a couch, and two soldiers carrying bedding and pillows.

Under Ye Jingchen's watchful eye, the couch and screen were quickly set up, with the two screens separating only the couch and a gap large enough for an adult to turn around.

After the soldiers left, Xu Jingjing quickly made up the bedding for Xie Chang'an.

The bed isn't very big; it's just big enough for Xie Chang'an to lie down, and the length is probably just right, without any extra space.

“Since Brother Chang’an is going to sleep here, why not make this small room more spacious? At least enough room to fit a desk and a cabinet. That would be more convenient for Brother Chang’an,” Ye Jingchen suggested, forcing himself to speak.

If outsiders saw this cramped space, wouldn't they think he was mistreating the young master of the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion?

"No need, I think this is fine," Xie Chang'an said meaningfully.

Anyway, this couch is just for decoration. The bed is so big that it can easily sleep two people. Why would he want to sleep on the couch?

“I think this is a good idea too! You guys rest for a while, I’ll go check on the banquet preparations.” Xu Jingjing said and left in a hurry, leaving only Ye Jingchen and Xie Chang’an in the room.

"Young Master Xie, are you trying to create an opportunity for your parents to find out sooner than expected?" Ye Jingchen patted Xie Chang'an on the shoulder and said irritably.

"Why don't you call me Brother Chang'an anymore?" Xie Chang'an asked with some regret.

He now thinks the nickname 'Chang'an Brother' sounds quite nice, especially when the two of them are alone.

When Ye Jingchen called him "little brother," it gave him a tender and affectionate feeling.

"Chang'an—brother, don't change the subject!" Ye Jingchen leaned close to Xie Chang'an's ear and readily changed the way he addressed him, deliberately dragging out the word 'An' and calling him 'brother' very softly, almost as if he were breathing.

Xie Chang'an's ears were already very sensitive, and Ye Jingchen had deliberately provoked him; just a simple form of address was enough to almost arouse him.

He couldn't resist wanting to do something, but the deliberately flirtatious little fox was prepared. She had already moved three steps away from him warily when he reached out, causing his hand to miss its mark.

“I really hope they find out sooner!” Xie Chang’an said, his hand, which was tucked into his sleeve, clenched into a fist.

He felt he was too passive in this relationship. Ye Jingchen was like a gentle breeze or a cloud; he couldn't grasp him or hold onto him tightly.

Even though Ye Jingchen acknowledged his feelings, Ye Jingchen's calm and unhurried attitude still made him feel uneasy.

Given his parents' personalities, it might be difficult for them to accept at first, but if they can be persuaded, they will become his support.

"Don't be impulsive. Two years from now, we'll face both sets of parents together, and all the obstacles together. Before that, let's deal with the external threat from the Northern Barbarians and eliminate the internal troubles that threaten the aristocratic families," Ye Jingchen said to Xie Chang'an with a hint of helplessness.

With a major battle looming, now is really not a good time to be honest about their relationship.

“I have a way to persuade them to support us, and it won’t delay important matters.” In that instant, Xie Chang’an changed his mind.

He didn't want to wait two years; who knew what might happen in those two years?

Ye Jingchen looked at Xie Chang'an with a probing gaze.

He could sense that Xie Chang'an was uneasy.

But he couldn't understand.

He has already responded to Xie Chang'an, so why is Xie Chang'an still uneasy?

Before long, soldiers came to invite them to a welcoming banquet.

The welcoming banquet was very lively. In addition to the main tent, Xu Jingjing ordered that all soldiers have an extra meal for dinner.

In fact, the army has always had the tradition of providing extra meals after military supplies arrive. However, Xu Jingjing deliberately scheduled the extra meal for the day Ye Jingchen arrived at the Shenwei Army's garrison, in order to use this event to increase Ye Jingchen's favorability with the Shenwei Army soldiers.

If the emperor were to appoint someone else to take command of the Divine Might Army, they would certainly examine the newcomer's character and abilities, because they would be responsible for the soldiers who trusted them.

But the person sent by the emperor was Ye Jingchen.

Regardless of Ye Jingchen's attitude towards the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion, his character and abilities are recognized by everyone in the mansion, and they are very reassured to entrust the Divine Might Army to Ye Jingchen.

Therefore, long ago, after reaching a consensus, they had been quietly building momentum for Ye Jingchen.

That's why the entire Shenwei Army was so friendly to Ye Jingchen.

Of course, there were always dissenting voices, but they only questioned Ye Jingchen's abilities. As long as Ye Jingchen could prove himself to them, it was only a matter of time before he took command of the Divine Might Army.

The feast prepared by Xu Jingjing was very ordinary, and could be considered the most ordinary feast Ye Jingchen had ever eaten in his life. There were not even many meat dishes, but the people accompanying him were all generals from the Shenwei Army.

To keep the conversation flowing, she took the lead in sharing many interesting stories she encountered during her daily patrols.

Ye Jingchen naturally wouldn't miss such a good opportunity. He asked questions when he didn't understand and pretended not to understand when he did, and soon he started talking to everyone.

He has always had a good temper and doesn't like to put on airs. He is approachable and cheerful, and his slightly youthful face quickly won the favor of this group of middle-aged men whose average age is in their thirties or forties.

The generals gradually became less reserved and spoke freely, creating a harmonious atmosphere.

In situations like this, having a few drinks might make the atmosphere even better.

Unfortunately, military camps have their own rules; drinking alcohol is strictly prohibited except for victory celebrations and before a campaign.

After the welcoming banquet, many generals subconsciously ignored Ye Jingchen's identity and addressed him as uncle or elder brother.

Back in his room, Ye Jingchen saw the two bottles of strong liquor that Xie Chang'an had brought from Beiping County.

"Xie Chang'an, isn't drinking alcohol forbidden in the military? Why are you buying alcohol?" Ye Jingchen asked curiously.

Xie Chang'an should be very clear about military regulations, and given his feelings for the Shenwei Army, he would not voluntarily do anything to violate them.

"If you like it, I'll buy it to drink at the celebration banquet," Xie Chang'an said.

Ye Jingchen found it somewhat amusing, "You're really thinking ahead. The battle hasn't even started yet, and you're already thinking about the victory celebration banquet."

"Now that I'm here, I'm sure I'll win!" Xie Chang'an said confidently.

After saying that, she went to fetch water for Ye Jingchen to wash his feet, and then massaged his legs.

Ye Jingchen felt that he was switching between identities more and more freely. One second he was a king, the next he was a maidservant.

"What do we need to do tomorrow? When is Uncle Xie coming back?" Ye Jingchen asked as Xie Chang'an massaged his legs.

"We'll talk about it when my mother arrives," Xie Chang'an said.