Chapter 21 General Guo
Upon hearing Gu Xinyan's words, Guo Dali and Mu Ke finally realized what was happening and hurriedly scratched their heads in embarrassment.
I was having so much fun eating that I forgot I was making dinner, so I quickly said:
"Right, right, we almost forgot about food! Let's start now!"
After they finished speaking, the two got busy. Seeing this, Gu Xinyan quickly prepared some seasonings that would be needed later.
The training ground was bustling with activity until nightfall, when the work finally came to an end.
Because it was a communal meal with so many people helping out, Gu Xinyan mostly provided guidance.
Aside from cooking some of the more difficult dishes herself, she basically just guided Guo Dali and the others.
"I never expected that we could eat and drink so happily without having to worry about those upsetting things. It's so great!"
Looking at the table full of dishes, with a cornbread in one hand and an ear of corn in the other, Deputy General Zhang sighed.
His silly expression left Guo Xin speechless, and she quickly retorted.
"Alright, hurry up and eat. Don't come crying to me if they snatch it all up!"
Upon hearing this, Deputy General Zhang immediately shut his mouth, put the corn in his hand into the bowl, picked up the chopsticks beside him, and started showing off wildly.
His action made everyone present burst into laughter, and they all joined in the battle for food.
At this moment, there was no distinction between superiors and subordinates in the military camp; there was only brotherhood and laughter.
Seeing their childlike behavior, Gu Xinyan couldn't help but feel a warm current welling up in her heart.
In fact, they were all their parents' precious children, but they came to this remote frontier to protect the peace of the country, but in the end, they did not get a good ending.
But things are better now. Although her arrival may not necessarily change anything, at least it will ensure that they have enough to eat and wear and will no longer have to worry about food.
That night, the military camp was filled with laughter and joy, which continued until midnight, with everyone immersed in this rare happiness.
**
“Miss Gu, the city of Kucha is just ahead. The general asked me to bring you here first to settle in. He and the army will arrive shortly after,” Mu Ke said, driving the carriage.
Upon hearing this, Gu Xinyan looked up at the city of Kucha not far away. The city gate was somewhat dilapidated, covered with scratches, and the surrounding city walls were in the same condition, indicating that it had suffered many attacks.
However, the city gates were wide open at the moment. Although not many people were going in or out, the streets were still clean when viewed through the open gates, with a few scattered stalls and shops, making it look somewhat desolate.
Indeed, with the ongoing wars with the Western Regions, most of the people with some means have already fled.
Those who stayed behind were those whose families were truly broke; going outside might mean certain death anyway, so they figured it was better to stay and live here.
Even if they were to die in the end, it would be a return to their roots. Besides, they believed in General Guo and the Anxi army, and that they would not let the people from the Western Regions invade so easily.
"Okay! How many people are there here now?" Gu Xinyan asked.
Upon hearing this, Mu Ke was slightly taken aback, then quickly replied:
“Miss Gu, there are probably only a little over a hundred ordinary people in the city now. The rest are brothers and their families, probably only a few thousand people in total!”
"We've arrived, Miss Gu. This is the City Lord's Mansion. General Guo is also here! He's been waiting for you since he heard of your arrival."
As Mu Ke spoke, he steadily brought the carriage to a stop at the entrance of the City Lord's Mansion, then jumped off the carriage and lifted the curtain.
Seeing this, Gu Xinyan got off the carriage and looked up at the city lord's mansion in front of her. Although it was a bit old, it was not dilapidated. It was clear that it was well maintained.
"Miss Gu, this way please."
After handing the carriage over to the guards, Mu Ke spoke up and then led the way.
The city lord's mansion was not large. Gu Xinyan followed behind Mu Ke, looking around as she walked. Although there were servants in the mansion, there weren't many. Most of the servants were soldiers in armor.
Soon, the two arrived at the reception hall, which was already full of people.
At first glance, all that could be seen were soldiers in armor, while the one sitting at the head of the table was an old man also dressed in armor.
The old man's hair was completely white, and his face was covered with deep wrinkles, but his upright posture and dignified bearing were qualities that few people possessed.
Upon seeing Mu Ke and Gu Xinyan, the old man's eyes lit up, and a warm smile appeared on his face.
"This must be Miss Gu! I am Guo Ziyi, please have a seat. Young Mu, please invite Miss Gu to sit down!" Guo Ziyi stood up, holding onto the armrest, and said in a loud voice.
Upon seeing this, Gu Xinyan quickly bowed and said, "This humble woman, Gu Xinyan, greets General Guo!" After saying this, she took her seat in the direction Mu Ke indicated.
"Miss Gu, how has your journey been? That brat Xiao Xin already had someone inform me beforehand, and the shop is all ready for you, Miss Gu. It's open for business anytime."
"I never expected that at my age, I would be able to meet Miss Gu from the future. It is truly a blessing from heaven for our Great Tang Dynasty!" Guo Ziyi said after Gu Xinyan sat down.
Upon hearing this, Gu Xinyan quickly replied, "I've gotten used to the journey so far. Thank you for your help with the shop, General Guo."
"Miss Gu, you're too kind. It's our good fortune that you've come here, and it's an honor for this old man. Come, come, don't be shy, and try our unique tea from Kucha City."
Guo Ziyi laughed heartily and said that the more he looked at Gu Xinyan, the more he liked her. This girl had clear eyes and was a rare and wonderful girl.
If he hadn't known she wasn't from here, he would have found her a good marriage at all costs. Thinking this, he instructed the servant standing by to pour tea for Gu Xinyan.
Looking at the steaming tea on the table, Gu Xinyan picked it up and took a small sip.
A delicate fragrance instantly filled my mouth; it wasn't strong, but it was unforgettable. I couldn't help but nod and praise it:
"It's a good tea with a unique flavor and a wonderful aroma. It's truly a good tea."
Hearing this praise, Guo Ziyi's smile widened. "I knew my tea was good! It's a pity these rascals don't know how to appreciate it. Every time they drink my tea, they treat it like water. What a waste of my tea!"
If Miss Gu likes them, I'll have someone send some over later. As for the shop Miss Gu needs, I've already had it renovated.
This is a rough outline of the shop. Miss Gu can take a look first. If you're not satisfied, I can have someone make some changes later.
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