Chapter Forty-One: Arrival at the Military Camp

As someone born and raised in the modern era, Lin Miaomiao’s family was always bustling around during the New Year, with her mother busy from dawn to dusk, while Lin Miaomiao would simply lend a hand. A genuine northern girl, Lin Miaomiao came from a place where customs were simple, lacking the complexities that so often burdened the groom’s family.

She directed Ruoyu, Lanzhi, and Cuiliu to start stir-frying dishes—a New Year's Eve dinner was never complete without an abundance of fish and meat. Every year, there would be a fish displayed on the table. Lin Miaomiao had a particular fondness for sweet and sour fish, so she rolled up her sleeves and made one herself.

By the time Lin Miaomiao and her group had finished cleaning up, it was already past five in the evening and darkness had settled over the sky. Gazing at the table brimming with food, Lin Miaomiao’s thoughts drifted to Li Yanhe, who, even during the grand festival, couldn't enjoy a proper meal and had to head towards Daankou. It seemed that even princes of the old days did not have it easy.

As Lin Miaomiao’s mind wandered, night fell without her noticing. Outside, the Third Prince, Li Taian, stood shivering as the biting wind stung his cheeks. He was wrapped in a blue cloak, bracing himself against the cold. When Li Yanhe arrived on horseback, their eyes met in the air—each man staring coldly at the other, their thoughts unreadable.

It’s often said that enemies’ eyes blaze with fury upon meeting, and it was clear that Li Yanhe knew well of the Third Prince’s actions, just as the Third Prince harbored his own dislike for Li Yanhe. Inside the tent, Li Yanhe, several generals, Yuan Sihan, and the Third Prince discussed the intelligence brought by their scouts.

That winter was not particularly harsh, so the northern tribes had not suffered any great natural disasters. Some cattle and sheep had frozen to death, but not many. After reviewing the reports, Li Yanhe addressed everyone, “We must not grow complacent. The nomads will surely attempt to seize grain from the nearby villages.”

Their stores were insufficient to get them through the winter. Now, new policies had been issued to the fifteen towns along the border. Their most urgent task was to observe how these new policies played out, identify any flaws that emerged during clashes between the people and the raiders, and mend the fences before it was too late.

As soon as Li Yanhe finished, everyone nodded in agreement. The Third Prince’s disdain for Li Yanhe only deepened, but he could do nothing except maintain the facade of brotherly unity before outsiders.

Meanwhile, Lin Miaomiao saw the townsfolk lighting fireworks at the stalls, and she sighed heavily. Looking up at Dark Seven, she asked, “Brother Seven, can we go see Brother Li?” After hearing Dark Seven’s reply, Lin Miaomiao nodded but then had a sudden idea. She asked, “Can we bring them some food?”

Dark Seven was silent for a moment before replying, “There are too many soldiers there. If we bring food, it will be difficult to make sure everyone gets a share.” Lin Miaomiao understood and nodded. Her factory had halted production for the festival, so all the flour had been stored away. Suddenly, inspiration struck. She called for Dark Seven and the others to fetch the flour, and soon they had baked a batch of simple little cakes.

On New Year’s Eve, when most people would stay up late, Lin Miaomiao and her group spent half the night baking. The next day, Dark Seven carried the cakes to the barracks. Lin Miaomiao rode in a carriage, gazing curiously at the distant Daankou camp—her first time visiting a military encampment.

When Li Yanhe saw her, his heart warmed. Lin Miaomiao handed him the cakes, which he distributed in an orderly fashion among the soldiers. There weren’t many cakes; if divided, each man would receive only a small piece. Yet those who did receive one smiled with genuine delight. Hardened soldiers unaccustomed to such delicate treats found themselves savoring the soft, sweet morsels that melted in their mouths.

The soldiers’ grateful smiles made Lin Miaomiao’s heart ache. In her previous life, she had always admired those who served. She had even joked with friends, “If I could, I’d want my future boyfriend to be a soldier.”

Li Yanhe looked at her, lost in thought, then gently placed his hand on her head. “What’s on your mind?” he asked. Lin Miaomiao looked up and gave him a wide smile. “I just wanted to visit you. I hope I’m not causing you any trouble?”

Li Yanhe shook his head. “How could you be any trouble? I couldn’t be happier to see you.” Lin Miaomiao smiled and nodded, feeling suddenly very sleepy. Li Yanhe held her as she sat perched on his bed, her head nodding drowsily like a little chick.

“If you’re tired, just lie down and rest for a while,” Li Yanhe said with a gentle curve to his lips. Lin Miaomiao waved her hand. “It’s just a late night, no big deal. I’m not tired, and I don’t want to sleep.” Yet as she spoke, her head drooped lower and lower, betraying her exhaustion. Li Yanhe only smiled and shook his head.

Finally, unable to resist, Lin Miaomiao said, “I’ll just nap for a little while, and then I’ll have Brother Seven take me back.” Li Yanhe quietly agreed, and Lin Miaomiao crawled under the covers. The moment she closed her eyes, she drifted off. When she awoke, the sky outside was already dark.

Sighing at the gloomy sky, she murmured, “This kind of weather is perfect for sleeping.” Discovering that Li Yanhe was gone, Lin Miaomiao wrapped herself in a cloak, grabbed her cup, and left the tent, making sure her hair wasn’t messy before stepping out.

She wasn’t sure how long she walked, but as her sleepiness faded, she grew tired from wandering and found a clean spot to sit and rest.

The Third Prince, Li Taian, had suffered setbacks lately. With Li Yanhe’s return, all military matters naturally fell to him, leaving Li Taian in an awkward position. The soldiers here were rough and straightforward; aside from a few clever strategists, most were blunt and direct. With the General back, they saw no need to report to the Third Prince.

As Lin Miaomiao sat on the steps, she saw a handsome young man in a pale moon-white cloak pass by. She couldn’t help but think how attractive he looked.

Li Taian also noticed the young girl sitting there, staring blankly at the sky. He recalled, if his guess was right, that this must be the legendary child bride of his second brother, Li Yanhe.

“It’s so cold out here. Why are you sitting alone? If you catch a chill, I’m afraid the army doctors here won’t know how to care for a young lady like you,” he said.

Lin Miaomiao waved his concern away with a smile. “It’s not such a big deal. Besides, I’m bundled up well—I shouldn’t get sick.”

She sized him up carefully, then grinned. “You know, you’re actually quite handsome, young man. There’s a gentle, scholarly air about you.”

Li Taian raised an eyebrow. “I think most girls would prefer this refined, cultured look, don’t you?”

Lin Miaomiao shook her head. “Not really. Most girls prefer sincerity.”

“Oh? And what is sincerity?” he asked.

She looked at him for a long moment. “You’re clearly angry, yet you still put on a gentle front. My intuition tells me you’re not really gentle at all.”

He was taken aback, then smiled. “Little one, sometimes my circumstances are difficult. If I don’t smile, wouldn’t that look even more pitiful?”

She nodded. “That’s true, but sometimes it’s better to let it out. If you hold it in, you’ll just end up depressed.”

“Depressed?” he echoed, unfamiliar with the term.

She sighed. “It just means you’ll get sick.”

“Have you ever heard the saying ‘sorrow pent up in the heart’? I suppose someone as learned as you knows what that means.”

He nodded. “Of course, I understand.”

She smiled. “See, it’s easy to talk with a cultured person.”

Li Taian was caught between amusement and exasperation. Was this little girl actually trying to comfort him?

Poetry drifted through Lin Miaomiao’s mind; she couldn’t help but recite lines that felt so fitting for the moment and the young man before her.

Looking out toward the banks of the Qi, the green bamboo stands lush and tall. Such a noble gentleman—polished and refined, carved and honed. With dignity and brilliance, radiant and bright, such a noble gentleman, never to be forgotten.

Looking out toward the banks of the Qi, the green bamboo is verdant. Such a noble gentleman, with ears adorned in jade, his cap shining like stars. With dignity and brilliance, radiant and bright, such a noble gentleman, never to be forgotten.

Looking out toward the banks of the Qi, the green bamboo lays in mats. Such a noble gentleman, pure as gold and tin, as precious as jade and jasper. Magnanimous and gracious, steady and poised, playful yet never cruel.