Zhang Xiaoniu was a bit bewildered, raising a hand to touch the back of his head. "Do we still need to worry about these things with our connection to Zhenzhen?"
While they hadn't grown up together, their bond was forged in shared struggles. His second brother was now Zhenzhen's uncle-in-law, and with such close ties, was it really necessary to be so calculating?
Song Mingyue poked his forehead. "Our relationship is good, and if there's ever anything we need help with, the Young Lord will surely not refuse. But if you openly eat the meals prepared by his wife, would he be happy about it? Let me put it this way: if someone were to come to our home every day to freeload meals, and I had to work hard every day, would you be willing?"
"Of course not. But the problem is, you don't cook. Houses in the capital are very expensive. If the Young Lord hadn't gifted us ours, I wouldn't have been able to afford it with the few dozen taels of silver I've saved," Zhang Xiaoniu grumbled.
"So, what are you trying to say? How did this get onto the topic of houses?" Song Mingyue was a little confused.
Zhang Xiaoniu cleared his throat. "My mother-in-law said that if you cook, you could burn down a house. I'm afraid that if that happens, we'll have nowhere to live and end up on the streets. I'm tough and don't mind, but if you had to suffer, I would be heartbroken."
Song Mingyue, understanding now, put her hands on her hips. "You good-for-nothing Zhang Xiaoniu, slandering me like that, are your skin itching? Stop rambling and come home with me for dinner tonight."
"Got it, got it. My mother-in-law's cooking is also good. Besides, I can cook too. At the training grounds, everyone says my cooking is delicious," Zhang Xiaoniu said with a grin. "I'll show off my skills tonight, but for now, I need to go back and clear the dishes. We ate their food, so it wouldn't be right to have them clean up the dishes too, would it?"
Song Mingyue pursed her lips and smiled. "You work hard."
Zhang Xiaoniu went back and diligently cleared the dishes. After washing them clean, he said to Gu Sinian, "Young Lord, I plan to go into the mountains this afternoon to get some game. Would you like to come?"
Gu Sinian turned his head to look at Qi Zhenzhen. "Is there anything you'd like to eat?"
"Rabbit," Qi Zhenzhen said after a moment's thought.
Gu Sinian turned back. "Did you hear that?"
Zhang Xiaoniu nodded. "So you're not going into the mountains?"
Gu Sinian nodded. "I'm a bit tired and want to rest."
He hadn't done anything this morning, so why was he tired? However, Zhang Xiaoniu dared not ask this question. Gu Sinian was his master, and if he said he wasn't going, he wasn't going, no reason needed. Besides, it was just a matter of catching a few rabbits, a simple task, nothing that could stump him.
Song Mingyue left with Zhang Xiaoniu. Qi Zhenzhen went out to see them off. Song Mingyue winked at her, her expression clearly conveying unspoken understanding.
Qi Zhenzhen gave her a reproachful glance. "Stop it, don't think about such things. Go home and stay put. What a disreputable way for a girl about to be married to act!"
Song Mingyue made a face. "If you hadn't returned, I would have stayed home obediently every day. You can ask my mother if you don't believe me."
Gu Sinian sat in the main hall, slowly sipping his tea. Qi Yi had returned to his own room. In his opinion, his sister and the Young Lord were already engaged, making them family. There was no need to avoid each other. He felt more at ease staying there! Moreover, when he left, the Young Lord had given him an affirmative glance, clearly approving of his departure.
What to do, she felt a bit uneasy. Qi Zhenzhen also wanted to retreat to her room and hide, but it wouldn't be polite to leave him hanging like this.
"We're out of snacks, I'll go get some. Where are Feixu and Erxi? Why aren't they here to serve? Young Lord, please forgive me, those maids are usually spoiled by me and lack proper etiquette," Qi Zhenzhen said casually.
Gu Sinian nodded. "Lack of etiquette is quite good."
"What?" Qi Zhenzhen was puzzled.
"I mean, they might be busy with something. Didn't we cook for quite a few people at noon? They're probably cleaning up now," Gu Sinian said with a straight face.
Qi Zhenzhen glanced towards the kitchen. The two maids were indeed busy, not slacking off. However, had she just heard things? Probably!
After fetching the snacks, she saw that Gu Sinian's teacup was empty, so Qi Zhenzhen went to get water to brew more tea.
"Sit down, let's talk," Gu Sinian said softly.
Qi Zhenzhen was still pondering if she could come up with an excuse to maintain some distance. Upon hearing his words, she had no choice but to sit down. Since he had spoken, it would be impolite to continue to evade him.
"After I go back this time, I will have to go to the border," Gu Sinian began. "I won't be able to come back for the New Year. Don't worry, I will definitely return before the third day of the third month."
The third day of the third month? Qi Zhenzhen's face immediately turned red. Even if she was slow to react, she knew this was the date they were to be married. Was this a promise to her?
Ignoring this matter, Qi Zhenzhen asked, "Is it that the border is unstable?"
"As the New Year approaches, the surrounding small countries are all restless, and the court always dispatches people at this time," Gu Sinian explained. "If there are problems at the border, it's like opening the gates of Da Feng, and then the border residents and nearby cities will suffer."
Seeing the confusion on Qi Zhenzhen's face, Gu Sinian continued, "After winter sets in, those border small countries and the grassland people who live by herding find their lives too difficult. The prosperous Da Feng becomes a piece of fat meat in their eyes. A few bites, and their winter days will be a little easier."
This was like snatching some things to get through the winter?
"If you leave, will Little Niu also go with you?" Qi Zhenzhen asked.
"He is now under my command, but without military achievements, it is difficult to seek an official position," Gu Sinian said.
Qi Zhenzhen understood his meaning: going to the border to earn merit, and upon return, he would likely have some official title.
"So, Little Niu will leave after getting married? Mingyue will surely be upset when she finds out," Qi Zhenzhen said, frowning slightly, worrying for Song Mingyue.
Gu Sinian remained silent. Whether they were willing or not had nothing to do with him; he only cared about whether Qi Zhenzhen was willing. However, after a long while, Qi Zhenzhen didn't speak again, let alone express any worry.
"Fighting will be very dangerous," Gu Sinian said.
Qi Zhenzhen agreed. "I know. Life and death struggles on the battlefield, swords and blades are blind, a nine-death, one-life situation."
"If that's the case, why aren't you worried about me at all?" Gu Sinian unconsciously let out a hint of grievance.
The sudden appearance of such a vivid expression on a person who was always so aloof was a stark contrast, leaving one somewhat stunned.
Qi Zhenzhen's heart skipped a beat. Her phoenix eyes, carrying a hint of grievance, were slightly misty. It was too damn alluring, her girlish heart almost couldn't resist, wanting to embrace him and comfort him.
Fortunately, she wasn't completely swayed by his good looks. She swallowed a few times and said dryly, "Your skills are excellent, and you are familiar with the battlefield. How can those invaders be your match? I have confidence in you."
Gu Sinian continued to look at Qi Zhenzhen without changing his expression, making her feel a little uneasy. "I, I naturally worry too. You must take good care of yourself."