During dinner, Shen Xingmian specifically asked about the magistrate's purpose in coming.

There was no restraint among the Shen family members; they said whatever came to mind. So Shen Zhiheng said directly, "That opportunist of his was only interested in currying favor because he heard the rumors about the 'goddess' in the army and knew that someone had been saved from the brink of death."

"Here, the mountains are high and the emperor is far away. Although he is only a county magistrate, he is the highest-ranking official in Quanhe County. He used to come and give gifts, but he was never as enthusiastic as he was this time."

Because he had a health problem and had consulted many doctors without success, he was eager to come and see you.

Shen Xingmian had thought it was for some political reason, but it turned out to be because of her health. So she decided to let bygones be bygones for her maid’s offense and said magnanimously, “If Grandfather needs this person’s help, then I can help him without holding a grudge.”

Shen Zhiheng immediately waved his hand and said, "No need. It's one thing that he has no achievements as an official, but his character is also bad. His problems... are not something a young girl like you should see. You'll only dirty your eyes. Just let him be."

If Grandpa still had to be subservient to others in the North, he wouldn't have brought you all back. It's better to find a secluded mountain forest and live a comfortable, idyllic life as a family.

Shen Zhiheng's words were very domineering, a side of him that he had never shown in front of her before, which made Shen Xingmian feel a little excited.

She then realized that "general" was not just a title, but also an aura that had been forged through long-term struggle and battles, which could be very intimidating once it was released.

For example, right now, this little "country bumpkin" is quite shocked.

"Daughter, you don't need to worry so much. We adults will take care of everything."

Oh, and by the way, there was that maid today. When she left, her mouth was swollen from slapping herself, but that wasn't your fault. She had a sharp tongue, so she can't blame anyone else.

Judging from her arrogant attitude, she must bully people a lot. If Mom had come back sooner, I would have beaten her up before she even had to do it herself.

Shen Yunting sounded quite regretful.

"That's right, that's right. If it weren't for my mother always telling me to be a lady and a well-bred young lady, I would have gone up and slapped her long ago."

"What kind of person dares to talk about my sister like that? Do they really think the Shen family is easy to bully!"

Shen Xingyan was also very agitated, her face full of indignation.

She really liked her cousin. Even though she had bought the tiger cub, she gave it to her because she liked it.

Now every night when she goes to sleep, Xue Tuan lies on the blanket to warm her bed, so she no longer has to rely on her own body heat to keep warm.

She practically thanks her lovely cousin every night before bed, and she can't stand anyone saying a bad word about her.

Shen Xingmian was deeply moved. As the hostess today, she didn't dare to say anything harsh, nor did she want to go too far, for fear of causing trouble for her grandfather.

Surprisingly, everyone in the family was so consistent in their attitude, protecting and cherishing her, which warmed her heart immensely.

*

Time flies, and soon it was time for Shen Xingmian to go to the military camp.

The auspicious attire has been prepared, and my aunt even stayed up several nights for it, which made me feel very guilty.

However, Mu Zhizhi was quite happy with it, and looked at her after she put it on with a very gratified expression.

"This outfit really suits Mianmian, it looks great! If her expression were a little colder and more arrogant, she would look just like the legendary 'goddess' who looks down on all living beings."

Mu Zhizhi nodded in satisfaction.

Shen Yun chuckled and shook his head, saying, "Then Mianmian will have a tough time. She's good at acting cute, but acting aloof and arrogant is a real challenge."

No one knows a daughter better than her mother. When she said this, even Mu Zhizhi couldn't find a reason to refute it. Mianmian seemed to really be like that.

The two adults immediately burst into laughter.

Without lingering, they quickly helped Shen Xingmian get dressed and then saw her and Shen Zhiheng out the door.

The "auspicious attire" is not complicated; it just looks a bit more luxurious. After all, it's for going to the military camp to treat patients and modify weapons, so something too complicated would be very inconvenient.

Fearing she would get cold, Shen Xingmian specially wore her most expensive thermal underwear underneath, which made her feel that she could withstand the severe cold.

The snow had been cleared on the way to the military camp, and the carriage could still travel at a reasonable speed, but even so, it took almost half an hour.

In the middle, Shen Xingmian hid in the carriage, hugging a hand warmer to keep warm while lamenting the inconveniences of life in ancient times.

If it weren't for the fact that she was short on gasoline and needed to save it for long trips, she would have loved to just take out the SUV.

Even with thick cushions, she still felt uncomfortable from the constant bouncing. Not only did her bottom suffer, but after a while, she also started to feel dizzy.

My maternal grandfather travels back and forth every day, which is really exhausting. No wonder my eldest uncle sometimes stays at the military camp; traveling every day is unbearable.

Shen Xingmian looked at her grandfather, who was still handling military affairs, and felt immense admiration. Strong people never complain about their circumstances; instead, they simply don't take them seriously.

Only she, this weakling, is so easily tormented, boohoo.

When they finally arrived at the military camp, Shen Xingmian lifted the carriage curtain and immediately saw the imperial envoy's corpse still hanging at the entrance...

Ah, it's been hanging there for so long! Luckily it's winter, or it would have rotted by now.

Following her gaze, Shen Zhiheng noticed the corpse and said apologetically, "Oh, I see it every day, I've gotten used to it, and forgot to throw it away. I'll arrange for someone to throw it into the ravine in a bit."

Shen Xingmian immediately nodded, saying it was better to throw it in the mountains so that wild animals could eat and digest it, thus avoiding polluting the environment.

The two got off the carriage and went directly to the tent where they were arranged to receive medical treatment.

As soon as she entered, Shen Xingmian was greeted by a wave of heat, but unlike what she had imagined, it was not crowded at all. Apart from a soldier tending the charcoal fire, there was no one else around.

Shen Zhiheng smiled and said, "I told them to come over one by one later, otherwise the smell in the tents will bother my precious baby."

The soldiers tending the charcoal fire were so surprised by their general's gentle attitude that they couldn't keep their expressions in check. When had their usually stern general ever been so good-tempered?

All these arrangements were made just to avoid offending the girl's breath, which shows how much importance they placed on the matter.

That's true. Any family that has such a miraculous doctor would treasure him like this.

No, they would definitely value it more, and there would be people serving them from all sides. It wouldn't be like now, with only the general accompanying them; they certainly wouldn't be able to take good care of them.

The soldier grew anxious, feeling that it was not safe for him to take care of the charcoal brazier by himself. What if he accidentally extinguished one and the "Goddess" got cold?

He immediately felt a sense of panic.

They were afraid that if they failed to take care of anyone, they would be punished by the General and the "Goddess".