Northern Qiang was gearing up for the coming war; even the military camps outside Yuanyang City were becoming tense.2

Xue Qiming learned this in the village from a farmer's chatty wife.0

Xue Qiming naturally knew that Northern Qiang would send troops to the border every year to fight for food and land, so he didn’t take it too seriously.0

However, some snippets he heard from the Qihuang Society recently felt like a thorn in his side.0

But entering the city was too difficult at the moment, not to mention discovering the whereabouts of the Qihuang Society’s Cheqianzi.0

Since there was nothing he could do, Xue Qiming didn't plan on overthinking things and settled comfortably in this small village outside the capital of Northern Qiang. What worried him the most now was where he could satisfy his craving for alcohol.0

Xue Qiming leaned against the threshold, and Xue Niang came out of the house and sat beside him.0

Xue Niang looked up at the brooding Xue Qiming. "Are we not going back?"0

"Eh?" Xue Qiming looked down at the girl. "Going back to where?"0

Xue Niang propped her chin and gazed at the distant field ridge. "There is going to be a war… Are we not going back? After all, we are from the Ruen Dynasty, right? Is it safe to stay here?"0

"What are we going back to do? We aren't soldiers. Can we go back and help fight? Eh… that's right!" Xue Qiming slapped his thigh and suddenly stood up.0

Xue Niang was startled by him and stared at him with wide eyes. "What now?"0

"Hehe…" Xue Qiming ruffled her hair, messing up her short locks. "Nothing."0

Xue Niang shook her...0