Ye Chen, having obtained the Candied Chestnuts, instantly cast aside thoughts of the New Year’s goods.
He eagerly pulled out a chestnut, skillfully peeled it, and popped it into his mouth, savoring the familiar taste that felt like a long-lost friend.
After eating a few, Ye Chen suddenly remembered Pei Guanjing beside him. He carefully peeled a few more and gently placed them in a bowl, extending both hands with a warm smile that resembled the gentle sun of spring. “Master, you should try some too.”
That simple yet radiant smile was infectious, bringing an involuntary sense of joy to those around him.
Pei Guanjing responded with a soft “Hmm,” his voice carrying an almost imperceptible warmth as he accepted the chestnuts and lowered his head to eat.
On cold days, Ye Chen loved to make a clay pot dish, tossing in whatever ingredients he had on hand. It was convenient and ensured that every bite was steaming hot, providing immense satisfaction.
At this moment, with the fragrant steam rising from the pot between them, the master and disciple sat across from each other, quietly enjoying their meal.
Though they exchanged no words, the tranquil atmosphere was filled with warmth.
After dinner, Ye Chen did not rush to leave as he usually did. He swiftly cleared the table of bowls and chopsticks, meticulously wiped it down with a cloth, and then opened an Oiled Paper Bag on the table.
He loved to linger after meals, cracking sunflower seeds or peeling walnuts and chestnuts; for him, this was pure bliss.
Since arriving in this strange world, he hadn’t experienced such leisurely moments in quite some time. So today, he decided to indulge himself as a reward for his hard work during this period.
Seeing Pei Guanjing sitting nearby, engrossed in flipping through a Medical Book, Ye Chen’s eyes sparkled with delight as he quietly approached. After peeling a Candied Chestnut, instead of eating it himself as usual, he gently offered it to Pei Guanjing, his eyes bright and playful. “Master, here, have some more.”
When Ye Chen smiled, his eyes squinted into crescent shapes. His delicate fingers holding the chestnut were pale and tender, making him resemble a young willow sprouting by a lakeside in early spring—full of vibrant life.
Pei Guanjing’s gaze slowly shifted from the Candied Chestnut to the back of Ye Chen’s hand.
He noticed that the frostbite on his hand had significantly improved compared to before; it seemed that Ye Chen had been diligent in applying the ointment he had given him.
Pei Guanjing’s gaze then traveled along Ye Chen’s hand up to his figure.
As the two sat facing each other, Ye Chen, still young and with short arms, leaned forward to pass the chestnuts to Pei Guanjing, propping himself up on the table, looking quite adorable.
Observing the boy's slender waist and thin frame, Pei Guanjing furrowed his brows slightly; he was still too thin. He would need to ensure that Ye Chen received more nourishment in the future.
Meanwhile, Ye Chen continued to hold up the chestnuts, urging with a bright smile, "Master."
Pei Guanjing reached out to take the chestnut, inadvertently brushing against his fingers.
Those fingers were icy cold, almost devoid of warmth.
Pei Guanjing's frown deepened. "Why are your hands so cold?"
Ye Chen, however, nonchalantly withdrew his hand and resumed peeling the Candied Chestnuts, not lifting his head as he replied, "It's fine. I'm just sensitive to the cold; my hands and feet get icy every winter. It'll be better when it warms up." With that, he eagerly tossed a freshly peeled Candied Chestnut into his mouth.
The sweet and soft taste made Ye Chen squint his eyes in satisfaction, his face radiating happiness.
From then on, Ye Chen was completely absorbed in the joy of peeling and eating chestnuts, no longer glancing up at Pei Guanjing. He simply kept his head down, repeatedly peeling the chestnuts and stuffing them into his mouth.
Watching him in such contentment made Pei Guanjing's lips unconsciously curl into a slight smile.
Yet behind that smile, Pei Guanjing pondered privately about needing to prescribe something to treat Ye Chen's cold hands and feet. Starting tomorrow, he would have him begin taking medicine; it was essential to improve his health.
Recalling the secret message from his adoptive father received earlier at their base, Pei Guanjing glanced back at Ye Chen, a hint of complexity in his gaze.
He truly wondered how much longer they could stay at the Medical Camp.
Once Xiao Feng's matter was completely resolved, he would send Ye Chen home.
Now that King Huai'an Liu Jin had collaborated with his adoptive father, it was time for Ye Chen to return to where he belonged. As soon as Xiao Feng appeared, there would be no reason for Ye Chen to remain here; it would be best for Kun Ze to leave this dangerous place as soon as possible.
The New Year had passed, and Ye Chen had grown another year older, now truly fourteen. Compared to when he first arrived at the Military Camp, he had grown about two centimeters taller.
Looking at the notches on the wooden frame of the tent that recorded his height, Ye Chen felt a sense of accomplishment; he had indeed grown taller. However, in Pei Guanjing's eyes, Ye Chen still resembled a stunted bean sprout.
Recently, for reasons unknown, Pei Guanjing initially forbade Ye Chen from using his own bathwater, claiming that he needed medicinal baths due to internal injuries that required regular treatment each year.
As a result, in the following days, Pei Guanjing began using the bathwater that Ye Chen had used.
But just a few days later, Pei Guanjing remarked that the medicinal herbs were precious and it would be a waste to let them go unused. He instructed Ye Chen to bathe first, and then he would use the water afterward.
Ye Chen was puzzled but complied. Lately, he only needed to focus on taking care of Muer, so he returned to the tent earlier than Pei Guanjing. His schedule was well managed, and this arrangement didn’t seem to pose any major issues.
However, as he watched the pills in his small jade bottle dwindle down to just three, Ye Chen grew increasingly anxious. With only three pills left, he could only last for another three months at most.
He considered asking He Mu Ming about whether the general had found the Crown Prince yet, but when the thought crossed his mind, he hesitated. If the Crown Prince was found, wouldn’t He Mu Ming have no reason to spare his life any longer?
He pondered endlessly, nearly driving himself mad without coming up with a good solution.
At that moment, Muer had already been pregnant for over two months.
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