Chapter 39: A Nice And Hot Warmer.

After surviving a desperate situation, fortunately, Gu Heyan and Mu Zhiming were able to successfully return to the Military Camp.

That day, the wind carried the chill of the approaching winter, causing the border to become icy cold. Mu Zhiming, who had to rush back to the military camp overnight after experiencing such a calamity, and was extremely worried about such matters, became ill.

Fortunately, the illness wasn’t serious, only chills and coughing. But from then on, Mu Zhiming’s ears weren’t able to catch a break.

After all, Wen Heyin had been constantly at Mu Zhiming’s side, spending every single day chanting: “The border has become so cold. When will we return to the Capital? Even if you are sick, why don’t we go back now? Didn’t you say that you got favorable results? Since you already figured it out, let’s go back!”

With a burning charcoal brazier beside him, Mu Zhiming, as he ate the plum blossom cake that came with the food, said to Wen Heyin: “The wind and snow are howling outside. We have to wait until the snow ceases to fall before we can leave.”

“The snow hasn’t stopped falling for three whole days!” Wen Heyin pursed his lips.

“It’s going to stop-cough, cough.” Mu Zhiming coughed twice after speaking. When he saw that Wen Heyin was about to nag at him again, Mu Zhiming hurried to change the subject: “Hmm? What’s inside that cloth bag close to the door of the tent?”

When Wen Heying looked at the cloth bag, he replied: “It’s charcoal.”

“Charcoal?” Mu Zhiming asked, puzzled. “But, the distribution of charcoal in the barracks should be consistent. Why do we have an extra bag?”

“Huh? Really?” Wen Heyin, naturally, didn’t understand. “But it was the young soldier, who always sends the charcoal to us, who gave me the extra bag. He said that because the night is so cold and windy at the border right now, it’s hard to endure, so the fire must be strong. We must burn more coal.”

“Next time, ask if he sent it by mistake.” Mu Zhiming said.

”
”
“Mm.” Wen Heyin nodded his head.

—

At the same time, Xu Zhiwei walked into the Commander-in-Chief’s tent to look for Gu Heyan, and report about the things he had been in charge of while Gu Heyan was away. As soon as Xu Zhiwei stepped in, he was confused. After all, why was the Commander-in-Chief’s tent so cold?

Gu Heyan sat in front of the low desk, reading paperwork. When Gu Heyan heard the sound of someone walking in, he looked up: “Military Advisor Xu.”

“General.” Xu Zhiwei came forward and saluted. “On such a cold day, why is the General’s brazier not burning charcoal?”

Gu Heyan shook his head and ambiguously said: “Talk about the building of the wall.”

Xu Zhiwei didn’t dare to ask any more questions, and instead, talked about military affairs.

After Xu Zhiwei finished his report, he left the tent. As for Gu Heyan, he simply put down the documents he was reading, stood up, and walked out of the tent to look up at the sky.

The wind and snow had diminished, the snow should stop falling tomorrow. However, the ice and snow will freeze together in the evening, so this night will be even colder than before.

Gu Heyan frowned, went to the stables to get his horse, as he galloped all the way to White City against the wind and snow.

—

In the icy cold night, the wind made the banners and flags flutter. At the military camp, Wen Heyin and Mu Zhiming were already getting ready to sleep. But before going to bed, and blowing out the candles, Wen Heyin couldn’t help but complain: “It’s so cold! If it stops snowing tomorrow, we’ll immediately return to the Capital!”

“Isn’t there a brazier?” Mu Zhiming said.

“What’s the use of it?!” Wen Heyin’s voice was quite loud. “The wind is leaking everywhere in this big tent! It’s only warm for a while, but as soon as the wind blows in, that warmth disappears!”

“Alright, go to sleep.” Mu Zhiming wasn’t in the mood to continue chatting.

However, before Mu Zhiming could fall asleep, he heard the voice of a soldier coming from outside the tent: “Lord Mu, are you asleep?”

Mu Zhiming and Wen Heyin hastily got up and put on their clothes. Once he was more presentable, Mu Zhiming said: “I’m not asleep yet. Please come in.”

The young soldier then lifted the curtain and walked in. After respectfully handing something wrapped in thick cotton cloth to Mu Zhiming, he said: “Lord Mu, sorry to disturb you. I have brought you something.”

“Something?” Mu Zhiming was puzzled as he took the object handed to him.

“Yes. I’ll leave first.” After making the delivery, the soldier could finally retire. After cupping his fist as a salute, he got up and left.

“What is it?” Wen Heyin leaned over to have a look, his face was full of doubt.

Holding the object wrapped in thick cotton cloth, Mu Zhiming could only feel that it was something warm. When he unwrapped the cotton cloth, Mu Zhiming was both confused and surprised.

Wrapped inside the cotton cloth, there was a pot with hot water1.