Seeing the atmosphere was a bit heavy, Chun Ning quickly changed the subject, "Brother, we've been away for several years now, and we haven't had time to go back and visit... Why don't we take advantage of our time off to go back to the village and take a look?"

Upon hearing this, Erniu's eyes lit up, and he said urgently, "I've wanted to go back to the village for a long time. I don't know how the village head is doing. My parents have been waiting for me for a long time."

Unlike the wicked husband, who was raised by many families, Erniu and Chun Ning's parents were still alive. In recent years, they had been away fighting, and they only sent one letter home each year to let their parents know that they were still alive.

Especially Erniu, who was one of the naughtiest kids in the village back then. Now that he holds a high position and has become successful, how could he not go back to show off?

Hearing Erniu and Chun Ning's words, the wicked man couldn't help but nod slightly, feeling a warmth in his heart.

But when he transmigrated to this world, he had no relatives or friends. Logically speaking, he didn't have much of a feeling for home. However, he had received a lot of help from the villagers back then. It would be more accurate to say that the entire Kaoshan Village was his home.

“I was planning to let you rest for a few days during the New Year. Now that I hear you want to go back to your hometown to visit your relatives, then go back during this festive time.” The wicked husband spoke calmly, but with a hint of warmth. “You have followed me around, fighting for the country and working hard for the people. It is indeed time for your elders to see that we are doing well.”

Erniu eagerly clasped his hands in thanks, saying repeatedly, "Really? That's great! My mother will definitely cook a delicious meal to reward us."

“I also need to take a good look after my parents.” Chun Ning smiled, his eyes lighting up when he mentioned his family, even though he was usually calm and collected. “Over the years, writing letters to let them know I’m safe has never been as effective as seeing them in person.”

Seeing their excited expressions and noticing the cold wind blowing a few snowflakes in from outside the courtyard, the wicked man pulled his cloak tighter and instructed Zhang Erhe, "Prepare some gifts for me as a token of my appreciation. I received a lot of help from the villagers back then."

Erniu and Chun Ning exchanged a glance, feeling touched, and quickly said, "Then we'll go and get ready too."

The wicked man waved his hand lightly: "Just don't get too cocky when you go back. Don't let the elders and villagers think that we're arrogant just because we've made something of ourselves."

"Remember to tell them about the benefits of the laws and new policies of my Great Qin Dynasty, and do your best to help if the village is in trouble."

Erniu laughed heartily: "Don't worry, sir. I just wanted to show off in front of my parents, brothers, and sisters-in-law. As for the villagers, I'll help them however I can."

Chun Ning smiled gently, "We are where we are today thanks to your guidance and support, elder brother. Besides, you are our elders who have watched us grow up, how could we..."

The two of them were discussing the details of returning to their hometown.

The wicked man listened quietly, and suddenly felt that the atmosphere in the room was exceptionally warm. The previous gloom vanished at this moment, replaced by the thought of family reunion.

"Alright, you all go and pack your things. We'll set off this afternoon!" he whispered. "The journey isn't too far, but be careful of the wind and snow. Go on your way."

Erniu and Chunning bowed and took their leave, then happily went back to pack their bags.

Only when their footsteps faded into the distance did the wicked man turn his gaze away, looking at the gray sky outside the window, a sense of indescribable melancholy washing over him.

"Going back to my hometown for the Spring Festival..." he murmured to himself, as if addressing others, or perhaps answering his own question.

The lonely scenes from their first arrival resurfaced in their minds. At least Erniu and his companion had a village to return to, even if it was just an old house and a worn table, where they could be greeted by the smiling faces of their parents and elders and enjoy hot soup. How happy that would be!

He took a deep breath, gathered his thoughts, and looked at Wang Li, "Has the General returned?"

Upon hearing this, Wang Li's expression suddenly brightened: "My father just returned to the city this morning and is currently at the manor managing military affairs. If you wish to pay him a visit, I will lead the way."

The wicked man nodded slightly, casually straightened his cloak, and gestured for Wang Li and Meng Tian to go first. The three of them walked out of the hall one after the other. The cold wind outside the courtyard, carrying falling snow, rushed towards them, which only made the wicked man more invigorated.

Leaving the Grand Commandant's mansion and stepping onto the streets of Xianyang, one sees a vast expanse of snow.

People were still immersed in the afterglow of the New Year, and the occasional sound of firecrackers could be heard from street corners, or children running and playing happily.

The wicked man casually flagged down a carriage. Wang Li first invited him into the carriage, and then he and Meng Tian drove the carriage themselves, quietly instructing the driver to head towards the Wang residence.

The carriage traveled slowly through the city streets, and in the time it takes to burn an incense stick, it arrived at the gate of a magnificent mansion.

The gates were tightly shut, but the "Wang" character plaque hanging high above the eaves was still visible, indicating that this was Wang Li's residence. Two military guards outside the gate quickly bowed respectfully and opened the gate to let him in.

Stepping through the courtyard gate, the wicked man looked up and saw a lamp lit under the eaves, casting a soft glow. Wang Li led the way through a corridor to the main hall and softly called out, "Grandfather, Father, my elder brother has arrived."

In the hall, a strong, resonant voice rang out: "Come quickly."

As Wang Li pushed open the door and stepped inside, the wicked man saw a rather burly general with slightly graying temples sitting in the hall. He was dressed in ordinary clothes, but could not hide his iron-blooded aura. It was Wang Jian.

The wicked man immediately clasped his hands in a respectful greeting: "I heard you just returned this morning, so I came to pay my respects and wish you a peaceful and healthy New Year."

Wang Jian laughed heartily and stood up to greet him: "Why are you being so polite, lad? This New Year's celebration is really well done, the atmosphere is wonderful!!"

The wicked man smiled and said, "It's the New Year, so as a junior, I should extend my greetings first."

After saying that, he turned around and cupped his hands in greeting to Wang Ben, "General Wang Ben, Happy New Year!"

"Grand Commandant, Happy New Year!" Wang Ben quickly returned the greeting with a cupped hand. His father could accept such a grand gesture from his wicked husband, but he dared not.

Wang Jian gestured for his wicked husband to sit down and instructed the servants to serve tea. "The journey has been quite cold with wind and snow; warm yourself up first." After saying this, he looked the wicked husband up and down a few times, seemingly with appreciation. "This proposal for the new policy is quite good."

The wicked man took a sip of hot tea and smiled slightly: "General, this new policy is only for the future. Only when the internal situation is stable can we military generals go out and fight to our hearts' content."

Wang Jian laughed heartily: "My lord, there's no need for modesty. Those who dare to defy the old order and implement new policies are already outstanding individuals. I, for one, don't understand these things; I'd rather go out and lead troops into battle..."

The two looked at each other and found they got along very well.

In the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, the atmosphere in the hall was no longer awkward. Wang Ben brought over a few dishes that he had prepared earlier and invited his wicked husband to have a simple lunch.

The wicked husband readily accepted and discussed the border and the garrisoning of the coming year with Wang Jian. The two talked amicably, and even Wang Li occasionally chimed in, creating a relaxed atmosphere.

As the sun began to set, the wicked husband rose to take his leave. Wang Jian watched him until he reached the courtyard gate, saying goodbye with reluctance, "Young man, hurry up next year. This time I went out with ambitions, and I can't sit still at home."

"Of course, General, rest assured." The wicked man returned the greeting with a cupped hand, and then walked out of the Wang family mansion with Meng Tian, ​​and took a carriage to the Ming Meng family.