Chapter 66: Chapter 66

Sheng Zexi let out a soft snort. “That just means the man isn’t capable enough.”

Quickly, she tried to explain herself. “It’s just that the mountain pass will be closed by heavy snow soon, and supplies will be scarce. I thought I’d better stock up now. Plus, it’s winter, so things keep longer. And since Xi-ge and I just arrived, there’s a lot we’re missing at home.”

Zhang Shuwan and Sister Yu both nodded. With the heavy snow coming, it made sense to buy more than usual—they themselves had stocked up more than normal.

Besides, as newcomers, there really were a lot of things they needed to buy for the house.

“What’s in all these bags? Why do I smell herbs?”

“Sister Yu, you’ve got a sharp nose! These are medicinal herbs. I plan to make some ointments and pills.” As for exactly what she’d make, since she hadn’t started yet, Gu Jianing didn’t elaborate.

“What? You know how to make ointments and pills? You know medicine?”

Gu Jianing nodded.

“That’s impressive!”

The three of them chatted as they walked toward the military compound, but along the way, the cartload of goods Gu Jianing was pushing drew quite a bit of attention and sparked plenty of gossip.

Sister Yu only parted ways with them when they reached the family quarters, since she lived in the dormitory building there.

“…I’ll come help out with the housewarming tomorrow, too.”

“Great, thanks for your help, you and Sister Shuwan.”

Sister Yu knew Gu Jianing was having a housewarming the next day, and since Gu Jianing couldn’t cook, she’d asked Zhang Shuwan for help. Sister Yu volunteered to pitch in as well.

Gu Jianing gladly accepted—one more person meant less work for Sister Shuwan.

Outsiders weren’t allowed into the military compound, so the man pushing the cart couldn’t come in. In the end, a young soldier under Sheng Zexi’s command saw them and offered to help, pushing the cart into Gu Jianing’s house.

Before he left, Gu Jianing stuffed two big meat buns she’d just bought at the market into his hands.

The young soldier tried to refuse, but Gu Jianing insisted, so he had no choice but to accept.

“Sister-in-law, if you ever need help, just call me. My name’s Xie Ze. I just enlisted this year and was assigned to Captain Sheng’s unit.”

“Alright, Xie Ze, I’ll remember that.”

Sixteen-year-old Xie Ze walked back, clutching the meat buns. He took a big bite, and the warm, juicy meat flooded his mouth with flavor.

He couldn’t even remember the last time he’d eaten meat. His father had died in service, his mother had remarried, and he’d been taken in by his uncle and aunt, who didn’t treat him well. More than once, he’d nearly starved or died of illness.

Luckily, fate was on his side. This year, he met one of his father’s old comrades, who kindly helped him enlist.

By chance, he’d been assigned to Sheng Zexi’s unit.

Xie Ze admired Sheng Zexi—strong, bold, and free-spirited—and took him as his role model.

Although Captain Sheng probably didn’t remember him among all the new recruits, that was fine. Xie Ze was determined to work hard and one day stand before him.

He’d heard about Captain Sheng’s marriage.

A few days ago, people were saying Captain Sheng had been tricked into marrying an ugly country girl. Others were angry on his behalf, but Xie Ze had seen Captain Sheng helping his wife out of the car, his eyes full of tenderness—anyone could see there was love there.

So he didn’t believe the rumors. He’d learned early on not to trust gossip.

Just like people used to say his uncle and aunt treated him well—only he knew the truth.

Today, the rumors had changed again: Captain Sheng’s wife wasn’t ugly at all, but a great beauty.

Xie Ze thought, not only is she beautiful, she’s also a truly good person. Otherwise, why would she give him two big meat buns just for helping push a cart?

Since joining the army, he’d finally been able to eat his fill most days, but in the resource-scarce northwest, as a low-ranking soldier, he rarely got to eat meat. Now, savoring the meaty buns, Xie Ze’s impression of Gu Jianing couldn’t have been better.

So when he heard people gossiping that Captain Sheng’s wife had bought a cartload of things and mocking Captain Sheng for marrying a spendthrift, Xie Ze immediately shot back, “She’s got money and ration tickets, and she’s new here. With the mountain pass closing soon, what’s wrong with stocking up? It’s not like she’s using your stuff. If you’re so bothered, go complain to Captain Sheng yourself. Don’t just stand here gossiping like cowards.”

The person he confronted was left speechless and stormed off in anger.

At noon, after finishing training, Sheng Zexi picked up his lunch and also heard the rumors about his wife buying a cartload of things.

Sure enough, people were talking about him.

“Captain Sheng, isn’t your wife a bit too good at spending money? That’s not good—she’s too wasteful. If it were my family, I’d never let my son marry such a daughter-in-law.”

The speaker was Old Lady Shen, the mother of Commander Shen. She always threw her weight around, relying on her son’s position and her own seniority, and took pride in having her daughter-in-law completely under her thumb.

Sheng Zexi frowned, turned around, and looked at her coolly. “Old Lady Shen, I can earn money, and I have money and ration tickets. My wife can spend however she likes. If she spends it all, I’ll just earn more.”

Old Lady Shen was immediately displeased. Normally, people just agreed with her, but now Sheng Zexi dared to talk back. She snapped, “Sheng boy, you can’t say that. If you think like that, no matter how much you earn, it’ll never be enough for her to spend!”

Sheng Zexi gave a soft snort. “That just means the man isn’t capable enough.”

“You!”

“Old Lady Shen, do you live by the sea?”

Huh?

“Otherwise, why are you so nosy? My wife and I don’t eat your rice. Our family’s business is none of your concern.”

“And besides, when people get older, they should watch their mouths and stop badmouthing others. That’s how you do good deeds for your descendants.”

With that, Sheng Zexi walked away.

Old Lady Shen was left fuming on the spot, but the people around felt secretly delighted.

They’d never dared talk back to her because of her son’s position.

Now, finally, someone had put her in her place—what a relief!

Captain Sheng really was a good guy.

Old Lady Shen, still angry, went home and complained to her son, Commander Shen, hinting that Sheng Zexi was disrespectful and asking him to make things difficult for Sheng Zexi.

Commander Shen was at his wits’ end.

“Oh, Mother, Sheng Zexi is a tough one—even his father, the commander, can’t control him. Your son may outrank him, but that’s all.”

Besides, Sheng Zexi wasn’t even under his command. He had no idea where his mother got the confidence that he could make things hard for Sheng Zexi.

Besides, he’d only just become a commander in his forties. If Sheng Zexi’s father hadn’t held him back, Sheng Zexi would’ve been his equal by now.

Sheng Zexi had a bright future ahead, while his own path was already nearing its end.

He’d have to be crazy to go up against Sheng Zexi.

In the end, Commander Shen left, and Old Lady Shen was so angry she couldn’t even eat."

"**Chapter 67: There’s No Moment More Wonderful Than This One**

Shen’s wife watched her mother-in-law, who was so angry she couldn’t eat, and felt an immense sense of satisfaction. Her goodwill toward Sheng Zexi and his wife skyrocketed.

Finally, someone could put that wretched old woman in her place.

Meanwhile, after putting the old lady in her place, Sheng Zexi returned to his own little home.

As soon as he walked in, his young wife took the food from his hands, pulled him to sit down, and pushed a bowl of lamb soup in front of him. “I bought this lamb soup at the morning market. It’s delicious. I packed a portion just for you—try it.”

“Okay. What about you? Should we eat together?”

“No need, I already had a bowl. I’m not hungry now, you go ahead.”

“Alright.”

The lamb soup had been kept warm on the stove since Gu Jianing brought it back, so it was still steaming hot.

Sheng Zexi took a sip and immediately felt warmth spread through his whole body.

He picked up a piece of lamb—tender, flavorful, and indeed delicious.

As he ate, his little wife sat beside him, chattering away about her morning at the market.

“…You have no idea. People outside are actually saying I cover up so much because I’m ugly.”

“Hmph! I, Gu Jianing, am a beauty. I even met two little kids today who called me ‘fairy sister.’ So today I didn’t cover my face with a scarf when I went out, and sure enough, everyone was stunned by how pretty I am.”

As she spoke, Gu Jianing lifted her chin in pride, looking like a haughty Persian cat. Sheng Zexi nodded repeatedly. “Of course, my wife is definitely beautiful.”

“Of course! Oh, and I met Sister Yu today. She’s really nice and will come help us tomorrow.”

“I also bought some cordyceps. I didn’t expect they’d have it here in the northwest—it’s great for your health. I bought a lot, planning to keep some for us, send some to my family, and give some to my grandparents…”

“Oh, and I bought a bunch of herbs from the Qin siblings who were selling the cordyceps. Their prices were really fair.”

“It looks like their family isn’t doing too well, so I agreed to a long-term partnership with them.”

“I’m planning to make some ointment for rheumatism and spinal issues, and some stomach pills when I have time. Next time you go on a mission, I’ll pack some for you.”

“…”

Outside, the snow was still swirling, the water on the stove was boiling and steaming, and Sheng Zexi ate his hot lamb while listening to his wife, who was sitting cross-legged, her bright eyes shining and her red lips chattering away. Sheng Zexi’s expression unconsciously softened. In this moment, he felt that life was peaceful and good—there was no moment more wonderful than this.

—

“Jianing, I’m here!”

The next day, after lunch, Gu Jianing took a nap. As soon as she woke up, she heard Zhang Shuwan calling her from outside.

Gu Jianing hurried to open the door. “Shuwan, you’re here early!”

“I finished up at home, so I came over.”

“Sorry for troubling you, making you worry about all this.”

“It’s no trouble at all.”

Not long after Shuwan arrived, Sister Yu showed up too.

The housewarming banquet was set for the evening. After counting, Sheng Zexi’s comrades and their families would fill two adult tables and one children’s table.

Three tables’ worth of food was a lot, so they had to start preparing early.

Although Gu Jianing couldn’t cook, as the hostess she couldn’t just stand by and watch—she could at least help out.

But when it came time to wash the vegetables, the water was freezing cold. Luckily, Sheng Zexi had already gotten her a pair of gloves, which helped keep out the chill.

“Sis, what dishes are you planning to make?” Sister Yu asked, eyeing the kitchen full of ingredients and meat. Were all these going to be served at tonight’s banquet?

It was only then that Gu Jianing realized she hadn’t told Sister Yu what dishes she planned to make.

“Braised fish, chicken stew with vermicelli, pan-fried tofu, stir-fried greens, shredded potatoes with pork…”

Gu Jianing listed eight dishes.

Sister Yu gasped. Eight dishes—half meat, half vegetarian.

“That’s… a lot of meat dishes. I think two meat dishes would be enough.”

“It’s fine, I planned this out in advance. I bought all the ingredients at the market yesterday,” Gu Jianing said, unconcerned.

“I’m just worried you’ll run out of food once the heavy snow seals off the mountain and supplies get scarce.”

“I know about the snow. Brother Xi already told me. Don’t worry, I’ve stocked up. I won’t go hungry. Don’t forget, I bought a whole cart of stuff yesterday. Plus, there should be one or two more markets before the snow seals the mountain, so I can stock up again.”

Even if she couldn’t buy anything at the market, as long as she had points, she could get supplies from the system’s exchange shop, where everything for daily life was super cheap.

Since Gu Jianing was so confident, Sister Yu didn’t argue further. She just smiled, “Then everyone coming to the housewarming banquet today is in for a treat.”

“That’s right, we’re all in for a feast,” Zhang Shuwan agreed.

The snow had stopped today, but the temperature had dropped several degrees. At least it wasn’t a sea of white anymore.

Once all the ingredients were washed and cut, the three of them sat on the kang in the living room chatting while they waited for the right time.

When it was almost time, Shuwan and Sister Yu went to the kitchen to start cooking, while Gu Jianing tended the fire and helped plate the dishes.

As the last dishes were almost ready, Sheng Zexi arrived with his comrades, bringing borrowed tables and chairs.

At Sheng Zexi’s suggestion, everyone brought their spouses and children—though out of courtesy, each family only brought one or two kids, and everyone brought a gift.

Sheng Zexi helped his comrades and their families get settled, then went into the kitchen.

While the two sisters-in-law were busy, he placed his hands on Gu Jianing’s shoulders, gently tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear, and looked at her with pure tenderness. “You’ve worked hard.”

Gu Jianing knew the real hard work was done by the two sisters-in-law, but she’d always been pampered at home and rarely helped in the kitchen. Today, she really had been running around all afternoon.

She pouted playfully, “Of course I worked hard. You’d better reward me later.”

Sheng Zexi quickly promised, “Definitely!”

Seeing her acting like a spoiled kitten, Sheng Zexi was so smitten he wanted to scoop her up and cuddle her right then and there—but with the two sisters-in-law present, he restrained himself.

“Sisters, let me carry the dishes out.”

“Alright, go ahead.”

As Sheng Zexi carried the dishes out, the two sisters-in-law exchanged knowing glances with Gu Jianing. Sister Yu, in particular, teased, “I’ve never seen Captain Sheng so gentle before. It’s true—every tough guy meets his match. Our Jianing has him wrapped around her little finger.”"