The old woman complained, "These people are really strange. If they want to drink and eat, they should go to a restaurant in the city. What are they doing gathering in our valley?"

Li Lao Er served some food to Mao Ge'er and replied, "Mother, I also find it strange. After these busy days are over, I'll go to the city to take a look and see if there's anything we don't know."

"Alright, don't overwork yourself. If you see Mr. Wen, ask him to find you another tutor. Otherwise, you'll be burning the candle at both ends, and you'll wear yourself out."

Grandma Li gave her son some instructions, and the family ate and talked quietly.

Jiayin felt sorry for her mother and slept with her at night.

Although her husband wasn't around, Tao Hongying felt much better with her daughter playing and making a fuss with her.

The mother and daughter bathed together, dried their hair together, and hid under the covers together telling mythological stories.

When we fall asleep, our heads are close together, and our dreams are filled with sweetness and happiness.

In the middle of the night, Dongmei quietly knocked on the window frame. Jiayin tiptoed out, climbed onto Dongmei's back, and quickly ran out of the village...

At this very moment, in the military camp at the dock less than a hundred miles away, it was Li Laosi and Li Yong's squad's turn to be on night duty tonight.

As everyone walked through every corner of the camp, when they finally had a chance to rest, they gathered around the campfire to warm their feet and chat.

The early spring nights were still chilly, and when you spoke, you could faintly see your breath in the air.

Someone mentioned home, and a man said in a deep voice, "We'll be crossing the river in a few days. Once I kill a few more barbarians and get my military merits and rewards, I'll go home and marry Xiao Cui."

Xiao Cui was his betrothed. She was said to be big and strong, quite fierce, but in his description, she was a gentle and shy young woman, which made everyone joke about her from time to time.

But Li Yong said, "Okay, Wei Daniu, when you go back to your hometown to build a new house, be sure to call me. I'm the best at building houses. I guarantee I'll build you the most beautiful courtyard so you can get married in style!"

Wei Daniu laughed heartily and poked Li Yong with his fist, which was as big as a ceramic bowl. "Good brother, you're loyal enough."

Li Yong was so badly poked that he almost fell backward, but Li Laosi caught him.

Wei Daniu scratched the back of his head and chuckled, "Oh dear, I forgot to hold back again. Li Yong, you should eat more too, you're as skinny as a chick."

Everyone grinned and laughed, saying, "You idiot, are your eyes just for show? Li Yong eats just as much as we do at every meal!"

"Really? How come I didn't know that?" Wei Daniu shrugged. "My mother said that being able to eat is a blessing."

Everyone sighed helplessly, "Your mother is right, your silly appearance is a blessing! Haven't you noticed that Li Yong practices swinging a knife in his dreams? We're all afraid of getting slashed, so we stay far away. Only you and Li Laosi are willing to sleep next to him!"

"Really?" Wei Daniu didn't care at all. "It's okay, I'm thick-skinned and not afraid of this."

Everyone was so angry they almost vomited blood. Was he showing off his thick skin and tough flesh?

At this moment, Jiang Cheng walked over, and everyone quickly stood up and bowed.

Jiang Cheng waved his hand and said with a smile to Li Laosi and Li Yong, "The Marquis has left a few letters at the manor. You two should ride over there quickly and retrieve them for him. Report back before dinner tomorrow."

"Yes!" Li Laosi and Li Yong quickly agreed, and then took their weapons to collect their horses.

Before leaving, seeing his brothers looking at him expectantly, they smiled and said, "Don't worry, we'll bring you some good food when we come back."

"Haha, that's more like it. I've been waiting for you to say that."

"That's right, that's right. Didn't Brother Li say that your wife's cooking is delicious? We want to try it!"

"Yes, yes!"

After finally getting rid of these gluttonous brothers, Li Laosi and Li Yong mounted their horses and galloped towards Suijintan.

Others may not know, but they know all too well.

The Marquis either asked them to retrieve letters or made excuses to let them go home and visit before crossing the river.

Li Yong, in particular, was extremely eager to return home.

His pregnant wife was alone in the village. Although he knew the Li family would help take care of her, he still worried about her terribly.

The two rode swiftly all the way, and by the time they arrived at the village, it was just beginning to get light.

The village chief, who was up early, was leading a few villagers, laughing and joking, as they turned the corner from the path behind the mountain. A half-dead fat pig was tied to the wooden sled in his hand.

They were even happier to see Li Laosi and Li Yong return.

"Oh, Fourth Brother! Yan... no, Dayong, you're back! This is wonderful! The Marquis sent over quite a few white pigs last night, but one of them was probably injured and won't make it. Our village is going to slaughter a pig for meat today!"

The village chief grabbed Li Laosi and Li Yong, one in each arm, and exclaimed, "You two are so lucky to have such a delicious meal!"

Li Laosi and Li Yong were also happy and went into the village with everyone.

The big fat pig was placed in front of the Li family's door, squealing every now and then, attracting villagers of all ages to come and watch the excitement. Some children were even rubbing their eyes and slipping on one shoe.

I heard they're going to slaughter a pig for meat again. Everyone is saying it's a pity to kill this fat pig, while their mouths are watering.

Li Laosi and Li Yong had already entered the courtyard. The Li family was overjoyed to see them return.

Grandma Li looked her son up and down, secretly wiping away tears.

Tao Hongying, disregarding her shyness, grabbed her husband's arm.

The boys surrounded their fourth uncle, bombarding him with questions and jumping around.

As for Jiayin, she secretly got up once last night, and when she got home she was already sleepy. By the time she finally fell asleep, it was almost dawn.

She was snoring away, completely unaware that her momentary craving had inadvertently improved her father's life.

Li Yong looked around but couldn't see Hui Niang, so he started to get anxious.

"Auntie, how is Huiniang? Are she and the child alright?"

Grandma Li then realized she had forgotten about him and quickly said, "Hui Niang has moved to the back to keep the village elders company. She lives alone in a room and is quite comfortable. Go and see her, and come over for dinner later!"

"Okay!" Li Yong replied, and then ran off in a flash.

Grandma Li pushed her son back into the house, letting him have a private chat with his wife, and then she went out.

When she saw the half-dead fat pig at the door and heard that there were more than a dozen pigs in the pigpen, she understood everything. It must have been her granddaughter's doing again!

She quickly said, "I was wondering when these white pigs would arrive, but it's such a coincidence that they arrived just as the pigsty was finished. It just so happens that Lao Si and Li Yong are back, so let's quickly prepare this pig. We can all have a good meal and make some food for Lao Si and Li Yong to take back to the Marquis."

“Okay, that’s what we should do.” The villagers all agreed with smiles.

Some people also asked, "When are the fourth brother and the others going back?"

The old lady sighed, "I have to leave after lunch and get back to the dock before dinner."

"So soon? I thought they could stay for one night!"

"Being in the army is not as comfortable as staying at home."

"That's for sure, there are strict rules in the military."

Everyone was busy slaughtering the pig and dividing the meat, chatting and laughing all the while, creating a lively atmosphere.

Horse-drawn carriages carrying guests to the hot springs passed through the village one after another, and naturally, we saw them.

So, before the sun had even reached its zenith, Sister Liu returned from the valley looking pale.

Serving you at midnight~ Wishing you all a happy and healthy Dragon Boat Festival!