Chapter 8, New Year's Eve

Suddenly, a faint smell of blood wafted in. Han Dong stood still and asked carefully, is it the smell of blood! Could it be that the barbarian bandits have launched an attack?! Is that even possible?! In such heavy snowfall, how could the bandits disregard the snow and attack? Are they not afraid of being hindered by this weather?

Listening to Sima Ping seemingly praising the series of measures he implemented, one couldn't help but doubt the speed at which this news spread; even the military department was aware of it. Thus, he quickly responded politely, "Sima Xietong is joking; these are merely trivial skills, hardly worthy of mention."

After Han Dong made up his mind, he hurriedly ran back towards the camp through the heavy wind and snow

In recent days, the superiors have expressed their stance regarding their training plans. A few days ago, Wang Hai, the commander of the Fifth Battalion, came to assess the situation here. Observing that the team, which he had not seen for several days, had changed somewhat, he even praised Han Dong, which made Han Dong, whose vanity was extremely heightened, feel elated.

In the camp of the Five Alliances, a figure arrived at a corner of the camp, glanced at the sky, and released the carrier pigeon in hand. The pigeon flapped its wings and soared into the sky, quickly disappearing amidst the heavy snowfall. The person looked at the snowy New Year's Eve, sighed softly, said nothing, and vanished back into the camp.

Listening to Sima Ping's words, Han Dong couldn't help but feel a bit puzzled. Isn't this a patriarchal society? Is it really that difficult to marry? "My lord, what is this?"

Watching Sima Ping's carriage disappear down the road, Han Dong wiped his face with both hands and walked towards the outskirts of the city

At last, Sima Ping stood up to prepare to return, inviting Han Dong to accompany him to his home for a visit, but Han Dong declined the invitation under the pretext of an excuse

Listening to Sima Ping, it seems that Lord Zhen Tong is already aware of his matters, and it appears that he has done quite well. Unconsciously, a smile spread across his heart, "Actually, it's nothing much."

Han Dong looked at Sima Ping asking him to get into the carriage, and hurriedly declined, saying, "How could I, as a subordinate, dare to share a carriage with the esteemed commander?"

As the year-end approaches, the number of travelers on the road has gradually increased, showing no concern for an impending enemy attack, for this is the New Year

Moreover, this is the New Year's Eve in the Central Plains. On this day, people's vigilance is certainly lacking, and the soldiers are likely to be relaxed as well. The barbarian bandits really know how to choose their time for an attack. Han Dong became increasingly furious as he thought about it; given the timing of this barbarian assault, it is hard to say whether the situation in Liaoxi will turn out to be fortunate or unfortunate.

"Are you still learning those flattery tricks?" Sima Ping responded to Han Dong's words, saying, "Come on, come up, it's cold outside"

Snowflakes have been falling all day long. Han Dong stood at the door, watching the snowflakes blanket the courtyard. He vaguely remembered that it was also a winter, with heavy snowfall. Upon arriving in this unfamiliar world, he spent his initial days during that cold winter. It was only after the New Year that he unexpectedly entered the Far East Military Academy for his studies. In the blink of an eye, four years have passed. Time flies by, like flowing water, yet everything feels as fleeting as smoke. It seems like just yesterday that he spent those initial days in this cold winter.

The carriage is not very large, but compared to the biting cold outside, it is indeed several times better.

In recent days, there has been a significant amount of snowfall, and today is New Year's Eve, marking the arrival of the Spring Festival. The soldiers have all gone out to celebrate, and it is a rare opportunity for them to have some time off. However, given the special circumstances, no one can guarantee when the demoralized troops might launch an attack here. Therefore, the soldiers were still encouraged to remain vigilant and were not allowed to indulge excessively in festivities.

The wind remains as biting as ever, and the snowflakes gradually grow larger, obscuring the entire view in the raging cold wind. In an instant, the whole day and the entire land have turned into a vast expanse of white, making it impossible to see the surroundings

Han Dong looked at the snow that had fallen all day, turned around to go back inside, put on a coat, took out a bamboo hat and then walked outside

"It's nothing much, just that we, these individuals, really have nothing to do, so we thought we would come here for a drink." Sima Ping signaled the bartender to order some dishes, and after two pots of wine were served, he continued, "Originally, I intended to drink alone, but unexpectedly ran into you, so I thought we could drink together."

"Forget it, let's not mention those matters anymore," Sima Ping raised his wine cup and said to Han Dong, "Come, let's have a toast."

Seeing Sima Ping's enthusiastic demeanor, I did not decline much and promptly got onto the carriage

Seeing Han Dong's puzzled expression, Sima Ping said, "I invite you to drink. It's the middle of winter, let's have some wine to warm ourselves up"

Sima Ping looked at Han Dong in this manner, feeling quite angry, and said with a smile, "You were told to come up, so why are you wasting words?"

The tavern is merely a place for drinking and casual conversation, yet the snow continues to fall in a flurry.

The cold wind continued to blow, swirling flakes of snow that danced in the air, with a few flakes landing on Han Dong's neck. Han Dong tightened his collar and continued walking along the road

Han Dong looked at the carriage; it was Sima Ping. He still remembered that he had registered there when he first arrived, and it was also the place where he had his first experience of a bribery attempt failing. Of course, Han Dong would not forget. "Commander Sima, ah, no, I mean, Chief Sima," Han Dong said, noticing that Sima Ping's shoulder insignia had changed to Chief. It suddenly reminded him of what Xiao Liuzi had told him back then: Sima Ping had been in that position long enough and was about to be promoted. It seemed that it had indeed come true. "Congratulations, congratulations, Chief Sima on your promotion."

Han Dong knew that what was meant to come had indeed arrived; everything was inescapable. No, he must return to report to the coordination unit. If they were caught off guard, it would be the end of everything.

When I first came here to take office, I was somewhat worried about whether I had the ability to fulfill my responsibilities. Now, seeing the results of the plans I have formulated and receiving the favor of the leadership, who wouldn't be excited about that?

As he watched the pedestrians on the street, Han Dong pulled his hat down to cover his entire face, tightened his collar, and continued walking along the avenue

Listening to Sima Ping, it seems that drinking here is indeed the case. It appears that Sima Ping is quite frugal, as only such small taverns are relatively inexpensive. In other words, it does not exceed Sima Ping's spending range. However, for Han Dong, this is not a concern; it is the same no matter where one is. "No, I was just wondering why you would invite me to drink, my lord"

"Han Dong, is that really you?" A head emerged from the carriage.

The cold wind howls, and snowflakes dance; the entire world is immersed in snow, enveloping everything in a profound silence. Walking along the road, it seems as if Han Dong is the only person left in the world. Han Dong turns to gaze at the city of Liaoxi under the night sky. The Spring Festival has arrived, and bright fireworks illuminate half the sky, their splendid beauty creating a unique charm in the world.

Sima Ping glanced at Han Dong, raised his wine glass, took a sip, and said, "Actually, I have never married."

This morning, Coordinator Zhao Qingfeng summoned himself and specifically instructed that the implementation must continue. If it goes well, it should gradually be implemented across all five associations. This left Han Dong in a daze for quite some time. Over the past few days, with the praise from Liu Yuan, Wang Hai, and Zhao Qingfeng, Han Dong finally realized that it is indeed possible for him to survive well in this world, and that he still possesses some abilities.

Sima Ping looked at Han Dong and said with satisfaction, "You are doing well, I have heard about some of your actions, and they are commendable"

The carriage swayed along the road, making Han Dong feel somewhat uneasy in front of Sima Ping.

Sima Ping glanced out the window, instructed the driver to stop the carriage, and then got out with Han Dong. This was a small tavern, simply furnished, surrounded by a chaotic crowd, resembling a melting pot where all sorts of people mingled. Han Dong couldn't help but look at Sima Ping with a hint of surprise.

The cold wind swirls with snowflakes, blowing them about in a flurry. Countless snowflakes are swept up into the high sky, only to be blown back down to the ground, ultimately crushed beneath the wheels of a horse-drawn carriage, thus ending the dream of soaring into the sky.

Han Dong did not decline either, and directly had a drink with Sima Ping, finishing it off.

A voice suddenly called out to Han Dong, and he looked up to observe his surroundings

"You are mistaken about that," Sima Ping replied with a smile as he looked at Han Dong. "To be honest, I have been promoted to the position of Deputy Coordinator of the Military Training Department, which manages all military training affairs in the town and also participates in the military committee meetings. This time, I am discussing your training plan with the town leader."

Han Dong listened to what Sima Ping said, and it seemed that he had some concerns or something else on his mind, giving off a somewhat strange feeling. "My lord, why are you not at home accompanying your wife"

Han Dong turned to look at the fireworks filling the sky, feeling no attachment, and turned back to continue his way. He knew that no matter how prosperous and lively this world seemed, it was merely a moment of tranquility before the enemy's arrival. Perhaps people were caught in a frenzy of joy now, but maybe tomorrow the enemy would appear at the gates of Liaoxi City. Who can truly clarify all of this? Who knows? Perhaps people are caught in a frenzy of joy now, but maybe tomorrow the enemy would appear at the gates of Liaoxi City. Who can truly clarify all of this? Who knows?

Sima Ping also did not say much; it seemed that after Han Dong asked that one question, it reminded Sima Ping of some sad event. He ended up drinking without saying much, and the only topic he discussed was about training, to which Han Dong also agreed.