Chapter 20 The fragrance confused the fastest pig.

“Dinner is ready!”

The sergeant from the kitchen battalion took out a gong and struck it twice, producing a deep, resounding sound. Guizhier found it somewhat amusing; it was clearly a military camp serving food, yet it sounded like a village raising pigs.

When I looked closely, I found that the fastest pig was the major general.

Luan Shuangbai's eyes sparkled, and even his steps became light and powerful. He first reported to Gui Zhier, "Miss, the food and fodder we were transporting has been stored. Please thank the prefect for me."

Guizhier nodded and breathed a sigh of relief.

At this time, there was already a long line at the dining area.

The sergeant led his deputy to pick up the meals. In addition to the fixed rations, each row of soldiers was also provided with a large bowl of white radish and mutton soup, half a tray of steamed dumplings and pan-fried dumplings.

"I can't stand mutton filling. The mutton noodles made by the cooking camp last time had a weird smell."

"Hey, you're dreaming! We might not even get a share of this little bit."

The soldiers looked eagerly at their squad leader, who strode back with his lunch bucket.

Although I didn't expect to have a snack, I was starving after training for a whole morning, so even a big steamed bun would be a great treat.

The squad leader of the fourth line took a quick look and found that the mutton soup was thick and attractive in color, and the radish pieces in it were plump, white and crystal clear. He was immediately attracted by it.

He took a deep breath, and the aroma of stewed radish filled his nose.

"Tsk tsk tsk." He took a sip, pursed his lips and said nothing.

"How's it going, boss? Does it smell fishy?"

"Is it delicious?"

The fourth-rank sergeant frowned and shook his head. He pondered for a moment and then said, "I'm afraid the soldiers might not like it. How about leaving it all for me?"

I understand. It tastes bad. I'm afraid the soldiers won't give me face and it will spoil the general's wife's mood.

But the sergeant who didn't know the situation well also served himself a small bowl.

The mutton was plump and the radish was stewed soft and delicious. As soon as he tasted it, his eyes lit up instantly.

"It smells good!" Sergeant gobbled it down. "It smells so good!"

"Really? Give me some." The crowd was immediately excited, and everyone was drooling like wolves.

Only the leader of the fourth line clapped his hands in frustration.

The plan to keep it all to myself has been scrapped. I will make them run an extra five kilometers during the afternoon training.

A soldier carefully picked up a steamed dumpling and took a bite of the edge. The skin cracked instantly and rich soup flowed out.

The refreshing effect of carrots and the tenderness of the meat filling are intertwined in an intoxicating way.

Another soldier aimed at the pan-fried buns which looked more crispy.

"Is this... fried dumplings? I've never seen them before."

Guo Lao is similar in shape to dumplings.

When making cassia twigs, first heat them over high heat, wait until the bottom is slightly golden, then add a little water and switch to low heat to fry until cooked.

Take a bite and you will find that the meat filling marinated in pepper water not only has no fishy smell, but also has a unique flavor.

What’s even more amazing is the thin crispy crust at the edge, which is crispy and delicious.

"Ms. Gui, you're amazing! Would you like to come to Linghe County and open a branch of our braised food shop?"

Luan Shuangbai did not mingle with the crowd, but contentedly enjoyed the meal that Guizhier had reserved for him.

He ate one steamed dumpling at a time, quickly and elegantly.

The boy has passed the age of rapid growth like mushrooms after rain, but he is still a little thin compared to the old soldiers in the military camp who are like iron towers.

"If you like it, eat more." Guizhier had already finished her meal, and her mind was not on Luan Shuangbai.

She was trying hard to talk to the system in her head.

—These are just ordinary soldiers. I cooked meats they're not used to and dishes they've never seen before. Everyone's been very positive about the progress of this mission.

There was still no response from the system.

If it weren't for the stimulation from the soldier Ding Yong last time, Gui Zhier would even suspect that the system was completely broken.

Guizhier felt a little disappointed.

Just at this moment, several servants from the county government office, dressed in uniform, came jogging under the supervision of soldiers.

"Miss Gui, we finally found you!" One of them was the man who had accompanied County Magistrate Luo last night. He bowed anxiously.

"The surviving married-out daughter of the deceased in the serious crime is causing trouble again at the gate of the county government office. Please help our lord."

"What dead person?" Luan Shuangbai suddenly turned his head and looked at Gui Zhier with a worried look on his face.

It sounded like the person came with bad intentions, and he was afraid that Guizhier would be implicated for no reason.

Guizhier sighed helplessly. She didn't expect that this incompetent County Magistrate Luo actually treated her as a life-saving straw.

"Major General," the subordinate reported clearly, "It was at the Lu Family Tavern, not far from our barracks, that a family of six was murdered late at night a few days ago."

Luan Shuangbai raised his eyebrows in surprise.

Alcohol is prohibited in the army except in special circumstances, but on days off, a few soldiers would go to this tavern, order a pot of wine and a few plates of peanuts or edamame, and while away the time.

He keenly felt that something was wrong.

"I'll go with you." Luan Shuangbai swallowed the remaining half bowl of mutton soup in one breath.

Then he stood up quickly and briefly explained the afternoon training matters to the deputy general.

To chop off a horse's legs, one needs a quick and easy blow. The long axes, knives and maces in the military camp's armory are now put to use.

Seeing Gui Zhi'er about to leave, the captain, who had just received a beating as punishment, asked rashly, "Madam General, will you come tomorrow?"

General's wife?

Guizhier was so startled by this name that came out of nowhere that her lips parted and she opened her mouth to take a slight breath.

"What nonsense!" Luan Shuangbai shouted, his ears turned red and he was at a loss.

Although Daliang is an open-minded society that doesn't emphasize strict separation between men and women or so-called integrity, Miss Gui is, after all, married...

Oh, how did you get married?

Luan Shuangbai stopped his wild thoughts and dispersed the soldiers who were watching and making a fuss.

"I, I never said that." Luan Shuangbai didn't dare to look up at Gui Zhier, like a child who had made a mistake and was punished to stand.

Guizhi smiled slightly. It was human nature to eat melons and gossip, and she didn't feel offended.

Now it was Luan Shuangbai who was embarrassed alone.

When Gui Zhi'er left, the soldiers were reluctant to let her go.

"It's better not to come." Only the sergeant in the kitchen battalion clutched his chest in pain and muttered, "Madam's cooking is delicious, but it wastes a lot of oil!"

Only those who don’t manage the household know how expensive firewood and rice are.

The group went straight to the county government office. It was a sunny day today, and the snow gradually melted into soft streams under the sun, moistening everything silently.

But the road surface in the county town was not smooth. When the snow melted, the uneven potholes were filled with black mud, making it even dirtier.

The North also revealed its poor and dilapidated nature beyond the world of ice and snow.

"Our Lu family has been honest people for generations! Who have we offended by selling wine?" Not far away, the sound of a woman crying and shouting was heard.

It was high-pitched and piercing, as if to release all the pain in his heart.

"Officials don't serve the people. People are dead, the murderer can't be caught, and they won't even allow burial. They're completely devoid of conscience!"

The woman sobbed softly at first, and then burst into tears.

The sharp accusations were like a sharp knife, striking at the hearts of those around him, and the onlookers occasionally chimed in.

"Mr. County Magistrate, please open the door and speak a word."

The servant who led the way didn't care and just snorted coldly: "Out of the remote countryside come unruly people."

He was one of the people who came from the south of the Yangtze River with Master Luo. Faced with the fierce customs of the people in the north of the town, he was both helpless and dared not offend them.

"Let's go into the county government office through the back door. Please follow me."