OFTLHFRO C121

Chapter 121: Joining Up

“Brother Xiao, are you serious?”

As he spoke, Luo Mingchen turned toward Hua-niang.

They had finally managed to settle into a peaceful life, with more than enough money to live carefree for the rest of their days.

But if they went to the frontier, it wasn’t only dangerous—it was also impoverished. Hardly an ideal place to be.

And what was more, once there, who knew when they would be able to return?

Xiao Lin glanced at Hua-niang, then grinned. “Of course. A true man in this world ought to leave behind something. Following a brother to make military achievements feels just right. Don’t worry—I won’t drag you down.”

Luo Mingchen’s tone was helpless. “…That’s not what I meant.”

Xiao Lin said: “I know. Hua-niang and I have already thought it through. The only question is whether you’ll take us.”

With that, he looked at Huo Yan.

“If you’re willing to come, then of course I’ll take you. From today onward, you’ll be my deputy general.”

At this, Xiao Lin frowned in puzzlement. “And what about Mingchen?”

Luo Mingchen blinked and said: “I’m strong enough on my own, but I can’t lead men. Strictly speaking, I suppose I’d be the general’s cook?”

Not having led men was one thing. But being deputy general wasn’t a role just anyone could fill. One had to gain the camp’s respect, otherwise no one would follow orders.

Hua-niang chuckled. “Isn’t he the general’s spouse?”

“…That works too.”

Whatever the title, it made little difference to Luo Mingchen. He wasn’t someone who cared much about gossip. As long as people didn’t say it to his face, he didn’t care what they whispered behind his back.

At dinner, when Huo Xiang saw Xiao Lin and Hua-niang, he was completely stunned.

Little Xinyue, however, took an instant liking to Hua-niang. Stretching out her small hands, she rushed toward her. “Auntie!”

“Yueyue.”

Hua-niang joyfully scooped her up, noting she was heavier than before—clearly she’d been eating well.

Huo Yuhui bowed politely. “Uncle Xiao, Aunt Hua, Happy New Year.”

Only then did Xiao Lin remember the Lantern Festival hadn’t passed yet. Chuckling, he pulled out a pouch and handed each child a banknote worth a hundred taels. “Here, study hard and behave.”

It was a lot of money. Huo Yuhui and Huo Xiang hesitated, looking toward their two fathers for guidance.

But Xinyue, the moment she saw the banknote, reached out with her plump little hand and grabbed it, piping sweetly, “Thank you, Uncle. Thank you, Auntie.”

Luo Mingchen laughed. “If they’re giving it, then take it.”

Only then did the two brothers accept theirs, offering thanks in unison.

“No need for thanks. Come on, let’s eat. We’re starving.”

Xiao Lin picked up his chopsticks. “It’s been ages since I’ve had Mingchen’s cooking. Hua-niang and I have missed it.”

Hua-niang: “…”

Was that really something to say aloud?

But Luo Mingchen was pleased that someone enjoyed his food. “Then eat as much as you want. We’re back on the road tomorrow, and who knows when we’ll get to eat stir-fried dishes again.”

On the road, others lived off dry rations. Even though they had soups and stews, eating them constantly could get boring—but they were still better than hard cakes.

Xiao Lin assumed they’d been surviving on dry rations all along and said sympathetically: “Traveling is tough. Back in the day, when your brother and I delivered goods through the desert—tsk, that was worse.”

Hearing this, Luo Mingchen turned curious eyes toward Huo Yan.

Huo Yan said: “A caravan hired us to deliver a batch of diamonds to Xing City.”

“Later, a sandstorm killed off most of the caravan and scattered the rest. I told Brother Huo to divide the goods among us, but he refused and insisted on delivering them intact. When we reached Xing City, the receivers were astonished and paid us extra.”

Remembering the past, Xiao Lin gave a wry smile.

Back then he thought Huo Yan’s way was stupid, and no amount of scolding changed it.

But later, once their reputation spread and more private jobs came their way, he realized Huo Yan wasn’t stupid—he was thinking long-term.

Compared to himself, Huo Yan always planned further ahead and kept to his principles, which brought them more work.

Luo Mingchen saw nothing wrong in that. “Business relies on trust. With trust, people believe in you.”

“That’s true.”

That night, finally lying on a real bed, Luo Mingchen stretched with satisfaction.

When Huo Yan finished his tasks and came over, Luo Mingchen asked: “The frontier is harsh and barren. What if Sister-in-law ends up pregnant?”

In this world there weren’t reliable methods of contraception, and who knew how skilled the frontier doctors were?

The thought struck him only when he’d seen Hua-niang holding their daughter. Both she and Xiao Lin clearly loved children. It was only natural they might want more.

Huo Yan lay down beside him, instinctively wrapping him in his arms. “She won’t get pregnant.”

Luo Mingchen was baffled. “How do you know?”

After a pause, Huo Yan said: “Women sold to brothels can’t conceive.”

At that, Luo Mingchen fell silent.

Truth be told, he had already forgotten that part of her past.

Thankfully he hadn’t asked at dinner—it would’ve been a painful question.

The next morning they were back on the road. The next place with actual beds would be the frontier city of Han.

With an extra carriage in their convoy, Xue Kang noticed Huo Yan gave no explanation and decided to ask directly: “General Huo, how long are these new people traveling with us?”

Huo Yan kept his gaze steady. “To Han City.”

“This is a military convoy. Bringing them along breaks regulations, doesn’t it?”

Xue Kang had heard of the couple’s connection to Huo Yan, but still wanted to know why they were tagging along.

“Xiao Lin is the deputy general I’ve appointed.”

“Deputy general?!”

Xue Kang thought he’d misheard. “A bodyguard from an escort agency as deputy general?”

At that, Huo Yan finally gave him a long, meaningful look. “It seems you’ve done quite a bit of digging.”

Realizing he’d slipped up, Xue Kang awkwardly dropped the subject. “General Huo, you’ve only just taken your post. The men don’t accept you yet. Appointing an unknown deputy general so rashly—this doesn’t benefit you.”

Huo Yan remained silent.

Thinking he was getting through, Xue Kang pressed on. “General, the Grand General gave me special instructions before you left. He told me to keep a close eye on things. This really is unwise.”

“Oh?”

Huo Yan sneered. “You’re not my father. Even if he himself came here, he’d have no say.”

Xue Kang was stunned. “General Huo…”

“If you keep running your mouth, then go straight back to the capital. I don’t need anyone spying on me.”

Xue Kang closed his mouth.

Then he heard Huo Yan continue: “I’d advise you to remember one thing, Deputy General Xue. Serving two masters is the quickest way to die.”

“…General, I don’t understand.”

“Is that so?”

Huo Yan’s gaze was sharp as blades, and he had no patience for riddles. “Then you’d better think carefully. Whose hand is your life in right now? Deputy General Xue, with all your years on the battlefield, you should know—on the front lines, killing a few men is the easiest thing in the world.”

Recalling Huo Yan’s martial skill, Xue Kang felt a chill run down his spine. “Understood, General.”

Whether he truly understood or not, whether he might scheme again later, it didn’t matter. For now, he was silent.

If need be, they could always find another deputy general. It wasn’t a difficult thing.