Zhuang Zhuang was very proud of his book collection and he was very satisfied with Yang Jia’s reply. Once again, he was filled with gratitude for what Xiaoguo had set up for him.

The wall was filled with books that Xiaoguo had bought. The bookshelves were fixed onto the walls with nails and wooden planks. In the room where Qin Anming used to live, a built-in bookshelf occupied the space of one complete wall.

This would be Zhuang Zhuang’s house in the future, so Xiaoguo had decided to fix up the room earlier for him.

Yang Jia wanted to read every single one of the books, but he knew that it was impossible to read every book in a short period of time. With much difficulty, he picked out three books from the pile and said that he would return them soon. As he had to hurry back to read the books, he quickly said his farewell and left happily.

After Yang Jia left, Xiaoguo was filled with joy as she stood in front of the new bathroom. The more she looked at it, the more satisfied she was. It was really awesome!

The floor space was planned beforehand. She didn’t need a large area—as long as there was some extra space left after placing the bathtub.

There was a hinged door with a wooden latch. After entering, one just had to push to unlock the door and pull to unlock it.

Xiaoguo opened and closed the door several times before she felt satisfied.

She knew that she still had outstanding payment due for the wooden planks. With her purse in her pocket, she asked Zhuang Zhuang to guard the door while she headed out to the shop.

Xiaoguo walked halfway across the village before she found the shop. The front door was wide open. Xiaoguo called out a few times from the doorway. She only entered the house when someone came out.

When Xiaoguo told the boss about the purpose of her visit, the man paused to think for a while before telling her that the money had been paid. It was three taels of silver. Yang Jia had just paid for it.

This time, Xiaoguo was stunned. Yang Jia paid for it?

This Yang Jia! Xiaoguo was amused. What an honest man. In the end, he only got two taels of silver. He really didn’t take a single cent more.

After bidding farewell, Xiaoguo left the place.

Along the way, she thought to herself that Yang Jia was really a good child.

That’s right, a child. Although he was old enough to be a father in this era, in Xiaoguo’s eyes, he was similar to Zhuang Zhuang. They were both children. Yang Jia was also a little boy.

“Mother, I just cleaned the bookshelves and books for the second time!”

Zhuang Zhuang raised his eyebrows, looking like he was asking Xiaoguo for another kiss.

Xiaoguo was never stingy with her praise. She complimented the boy and leaned over to give him a kiss.

“Let’s go and cook!”

Xiaoguo led Zhuang Zhuang into the kitchen.

In the capital…

“Danhe, why are you here today?”

The current emperor, Shao Zhan, sat calmly on the dragon throne. He had a brush in one hand and was writing unhurriedly on the memorials.

Under the dim candlelight, Jiang Danhe was seated across from him and feeling a little melancholic. He looked at the man in front of him who was feigning ignorance. Jiang Danhe didn’t know what to say.

Left with no other choice, he could only repeat what he had submitted countless times in the memorial.

“Your Majesty, the palace is now secure. All the survivors of the previous dynasty have been killed and I have completed the mission. The injustice that my family went through also has been settled. I really miss my mother, my wife, and my young daughter, so…”

The emperor put down his brush and looked at Jiang Danhe. He sighed. “Speak human language!”

“Your Majesty, I want to go home.”

Jiang Danhe was actually not used to speaking formally. However, his status was different now. He should take care not to offend his superior.

The emperor looked into the distance, deep in thought. It had not been easy for him to get to where he is now. Most of the credit belonged to Jiang Danhe. Without him, how would he be able to sit in this position? As a subordinate, Jiang Danhe was his indispensable right-hand man and also his secret weapon.

As a friend, he was his closest friend. It was inevitable that he would feel a little lonely being in this position. The only person he could trust was Jiang Danhe. The only person he could talk to was also him.

It was his promise to him. As long as Jiang Danhe could help him become the emperor, the mission would be considered complete. He had also promised to seek justice for the Jiang family. It was now time for Jiang Danhe to return to his hometown and his family.

But… he really didn’t want to let the man go…

“Danhe, a bright future is right in front of you. Stay here. Everything else will come to you in the future.”

What he meant was for Jiang Danhe to let go of everything in Peach Blossom Village and continue his position in the palace. When he has the money and status, whatever he wants will come to him, be it women or children.

Jiang Danhe understood what the emperor was trying to say. He did not waver at the emperor’s slightly beguiling voice. He looked at him firmly and shook his head. He still wished to return to them.

The two of them stared at each other—neither had any intention of giving in. They didn’t speak for a long time. Eventually, Shao Zhan let out a sigh. “Forget it, forget it. What a mule!”

“Go back next spring. Help me on my last journey.”

The emperor looked at Jiang Danhe seriously and sincerely stated his last request.

Jiang Danhe was intending to refuse. The thought of returning home had been tormenting him for a long time. He missed his family day and night. How he wished he could grow wings at that instant and fly immediately to Peach Blossom Village. Without thinking, he rejected Shao Zhan’s request.

Shao Zhan could tell that he was going to reject him, so he spoke before Jiang Danhe opened his mouth, “You have to think about your brothers too.”

Jiang Danhe’s body froze. That was true. What would happen to the soldiers who had risked their lives with him? On one side was his family, and on the other side were his brothers who had risked their lives. Jiang Danhe was in a dilemma.

Thoughts and responsibilities tugged at Jiang Danhe. After a while, he exhaled and said, “Alright, next spring!”

In the end, his current responsibility was still a priority. Even though he missed his family very much, he could not abandon his brothers who had gone through thick and thin with him. He had to settle all unfinished business with them before he could go home in peace.

Feeling melancholic, Jiang Danhe walked out of the palace and rode his horse back to his temporary residence. He did not get off the horse immediately. Li Shouji had been waiting for him.

With a kick, Jiang Danhe got off his horse. Li Shouji held the reins and followed beside him. Li Shouji could tell that something was wrong. Why did he look like he had aged a few years after returning from the palace?

Faced with Li Shouji’s question, Jiang Danhe gave him a look, implying that he wouldn’t understand. Li Shouji rolled his eyes.

Li Shouji really didn’t understand. He had been an orphan since he was young and had grown up alone. If he hadn’t met Jiang Danhe, he would probably still be stealing at the city entrance.

Jiang Danhe was not an indecisive person, this was why he chose the army. He would definitely put all his attention and energy to settle the ownership of his army before going home. However, he would still feel sad occasionally and feel sorry for his family.

The thought of Xiaoguo alone at home, taking care of his mother and child, made him feel sad.

Jiang Danhe was pining for home so badly—every passing day was like an ordeal for him. If only he could be split in two, then he could deal with the troops and also go home.

One day, Jiang Danhe was on his way home after leaving the palace. He was seated in the carriage with Li Shouji steering the horses. It was a rare chance for him to sit back and do nothing. He lifted the curtain with one hand to look at the bustling city outside.

As he looked around, he suddenly saw a small stall. Jiang Danhe’s eyes lit up and he stopped Li Shouji.

Li Shouji didn’t understand, but he still found a place to stop.