Seeing Han Xiao'e's ashamed expression, Xu Nian felt uncomfortable and quickly reached out to pull her closer.

"Look at yourself, what are you saying?"

Xu Nian tapped her on the head and said seriously, "What do you mean by 'you' and 'us'? We're all family. I have my own plans for staying here, and you've definitely not dragged me down. Don't think about all that nonsense, understand?"

As she finished speaking, Xu Nian's tone became particularly serious, and she stared intently into Han Xiao'e's eyes.

Encouraged by that determined look, Han Xiao'e nodded, but in her heart she vowed: from now on, she would do her work even better and never make things difficult for the adults!

Xu Nian explained a few more times, then gave the order, "You should also talk to the people who left the city, and tell them not to get stuck on some trivial matters and ruin their lives."

Upon hearing this, Han Xiao'e nodded like a chick pecking at rice, and hurried down to relay Xu Nian's words.

In fact, those who left the city today felt somewhat uncomfortable after seeing what happened and hearing what Wang Jinmei said.

They might wonder if their very existence was slowing down Xu Nian and the villagers' progress.

But before they could belittle themselves, Han Xiao'e arrived with Xu Nian's words, constantly encouraging them.

The simple and honest people who had left the city were immediately moved and expressed that they would work even harder in their fields.

"Let's go see Xiaobai."

Having some free time, Xu Nian thought of Xiao Bai again and followed Gu Zhan to the military camp.

Xu Nian and Gu Zhan were familiar with each other, a fact known throughout the entire military camp. So when they saw the two walking over intimately, they didn't say anything extra, but instead greeted them warmly.

"Miss Xu!"

Xu Nian responded to each question, her smile unwavering.

"Hey, Miss Xu is truly the most perfect person in my eyes."

"That's right, she's beautiful, kind-hearted, and capable. She's amazing."

With nothing else to do, the soldiers started chatting, and everyone expressed their admiration and respect for Xu Nian.

As Xu Nian walked, she naturally heard these words, but she didn't think much of it. After all, everyone admires outstanding people, and sometimes she also admires people who are stronger than herself.

But Gu Zhan's face darkened.

"Everyone has it."

He suddenly called out, and the soldiers who were chatting immediately panicked, grabbed their weapons, stood in formation, and fell silent.

"Physical training: run a lap around the mountain. Let's begin."

Gu Zhan's voice was cold, and his eyes were sharp, like a huge iceberg that could freeze people to death, radiating coldness.

The soldiers immediately complained bitterly, wondering what they had done to offend this powerful figure, and they all ran away.

What's wrong with you?

Xu Nian glanced at him curiously, completely unaware of what Gu Zhan was doing.

He was perfectly fine just a moment ago, how come he's become so moody in such a short time?

"It's nothing, they just need to get more exercise."

Hearing Xu Nian's surprised question, Gu Zhan didn't say much, keeping his words brief and to the point.

Xu Nian didn't believe it, but didn't ask any more questions. She couldn't wait to enter the tent and immediately saw Xiao Bai lying on the ground rolling around.

"noob!"

She whispered a name, and Little White immediately became excited, wagging its fluffy tail and rushing over, humming happily.

"It still remembers you."

Watching Xu Nian and Xiao Bai playfully fighting, Gu Zhan rarely showed a smile for a moment.

Feeling Xiaobai's unusually affectionate touch, Xu Nian's heart softened considerably, and the fatigue of the past few days vanished.

[If you didn't know better, you'd think it was a kitten; it's so well-behaved.]

See? I told you that as long as you raise them from a young age, tigers will be fine!

[They're not grown up yet; let's talk about it when they're older.]

"By the way, is the capital also your final destination?"

While playing around with Xiaobai, Xu Nian suddenly remembered this matter and asked a question.

Upon hearing this, Gu Zhan paused for a moment before speaking, "The imperial court sent us to send troops to relieve refugees and suppress bandits. If the famine that plagues the whole country cannot be eliminated, we will not be able to return."

Hearing this, Xu Nian frowned. "You can't just keep wandering around like this forever!"

Wow, the general is so pitiful! The famine had nothing to do with him.

It feels like the emperor was using him as a pawn to die for his cause.

Hey, streamer, please help the general out more.

Seeing the pity and sympathy in the comments, Xu Nian felt the same way.

He was a fine young man, and although it was great and glorious for him to sacrifice himself for his country, if he spent his whole life in endless famine, his mind would probably be completely worn away.

"Anyway, I will help you, don't worry."

After learning about Gu Zhan's actual situation, Xu Nian felt a sense of kinship with him.

Seeing the girl's serious expression, Gu Zhan felt a strange, inexplicable emotion welling up inside him.

"Awoo!"

Seeing the two staring at each other, Xiaobai became unhappy and quickly rolled around in Xu Nian's arms, barking a few times, which successfully drew Xu Nian's attention back.

Seeing this, Xiaobai even looked at Gu Zhan, her eyes seemingly filled with provocation.

Gu Zhan's eyes gradually darkened.

It seems I'll have to train Xiaobai a bit when the time comes.

The little white cat, being very perceptive, immediately noticed the ill intent in Gu Zhan's eyes. It shivered and quickly nestled into Xu Nian's arms, refusing to come out.

After chatting for a while, Xu Nian went back.

On her way back, she was still thinking about how to proceed, but as soon as she entered the city, she suddenly heard a slightly mournful sound.

"Oh dear, Wang Jinmei has hanged herself!"

Suddenly, Xu Nian's heart skipped a beat, and she followed the person who had spoken.

A small crowd had already gathered there, craning their necks to peer inside.

Wang Jinmei had a rope tied around her neck, which had now been untied, revealing a striking blue ligature mark.

The village chief stood to the side, his eyes filled with complex emotions.

"What happened?"

Although Xu Nian wanted to teach Wang Jinmei a lesson, she didn't actually want to kill her, since they were from the same village.

Upon seeing that it was Xu Nian, the man quickly recounted everything, "The village chief and she argued all day long, from trivial matters to old grievances, they argued endlessly."

"We thought they would be done talking. But we didn't know what the village chief said that touched her, and she suddenly hanged herself, screaming terribly!"

Having learned the reason, Xu Nian stepped forward, stared at Wang Jinmei with her eyes closed, raised her hand and waved the yellow talisman down.

"puff!"

Wang Jinmei coughed up a mouthful of blood, opened her eyes again, and her voice was different, "Who are you? Where am I? Who are you!"

Her eyes widened, her face turned deathly pale, and her voice was filled with anguish.

Xu Nian was startled when she saw this.

These are symptoms of epilepsy!