Chapter 3: Returning Home
The streets of the capital are as lively as ever. After finishing a cup of roadside coffee that Grandma Maya once derisively referred to as mud soup, Lin Yilan tossed a few copper coins and stepped outside
"My little Yilan is still so adorable, let me take a closer look." Stepping back to survey, the old woman frowned. "You've lost weight again; is the army's food meant for feeding pigs? Poor child, you have no meat on you at all"
The administrative changes from two months ago. "" She turned her wrist and let out a sigh. "" Still so vigilant."
"Because the bed made by the nurse is too comfortable, I accidentally slipped off it," Lin Yilan said without changing her expression, appearing very innocent. "I will be more careful tonight"
I just returned, how could Grandma Maya have had time to prepare
My father said that I have been in a clerical position for too long and advised me to undergo retraining in Xinhua.
Since joining the military, the number of times I have returned home is few and far between. I have become unaccustomed to the soft bedding that is layered upon layers. Pulling off the quilt to wrap around my body, I peacefully fall asleep on the carpet
I took a hot shower to drive away the chill
Lin Yilan touched her face and said, "It is extremely unappetizing; I dream of grandmother's delicious dishes."
Gently touching the bruise on her neck, recalling the previous perilous situation, Lin Yilan felt a slight constriction in her breath
Despite being new to this place, Lin Yilan was well aware of the deep-seated animosity that the common people held towards the military and the nobility. The soldier she was unable to save had likely perished. It was truly a miracle that she, dressed in military uniform, managed to escape unscathed from the slums without having her throat slit.
Embracing her grandmother's waist and responding with a sound, Lin Yilan returned to her room to tidy herself up, changing into a long dress, and was soon overwhelmed by the array of exquisite dishes.
Xia Nai couldn't help but feel a bit proud. "What about you? I heard you are no longer in Del City, where are you now?"
The old woman laughed until she coughed, her wrinkled eyes filled with affection, and she kissed the tender cheek
The battlefield at the first line of Xiuwa is more dangerous than anticipated
Madeleine Flame Blueberry Cake is a pinnacle of imperial cuisine, and it is also quite challenging to make, testing both baking skills and the chef's patience. The flavor changes completely after being left overnight
Shanai shrugged. "His intellect is exceptional; he was admitted to the Imperial Research Institute, where his work is classified as top secret. I only learned by chance that the research center is located at the Xiwa Base. Unfortunately, once Kaixi entered, his family has not seen him since."
Ah?
"He is in Xiuwa? I have never heard of it." Lin Yilan said with slight surprise
"What fell?" Old Maya was momentarily taken aback, her anger slightly dissipating. "Even so, your sleeping posture still..."
Rest in peace
After nearly a decade of tranquility, the general temporarily left the base due to imperial tours and border rebellions, leading to an attack against the nobility in Xiuhua. The town hall was set ablaze by criminals, and in a fit of rage, the mayor of Xiuhua overstepped his authority in command, resulting in numerous casualties and no achievements. Excluding the poor commanders, the strength of the rebels is self-evident
How could you sleep on the ground! You are a lady! How could the child I raised single-handedly turn out like this? My goodness! The lady in heaven must be crying; her beloved child is actually sleeping on the ground like a homeless person... The old woman's complaints poured out like a torrential rain.
Do you still need training? Even the most rigorous instructors at the Royal Military Academy speak highly of this elite, yet Shana cannot comprehend why further training is necessary
"How could we end up in that cursed place?" Shana was astonished
The academy and the library army are two different matters. Lin Yilan said casually, not intending to discuss herself further. Which department are you returning to?
A passing man casually glanced over, and after staring for a while, he confirmed he had not made a mistake. He adjusted his hat and took a few steps closer from behind, just as he was about to grab her arm, he suddenly lost sight of his target. The woman had evaded the ambush, gripping the strap around her wrist, and with a swift movement of her foot, the man immediately lost his balance, feeling as though he was about to be thrown out, and he shouted in fright
When she first received the order to deploy troops to the border, Shana's reaction could be described as utterly despairing
"Mamma—" it was not a display of affection; she was genuinely powerless, her gaze lingering on the enticing desserts before her, momentarily entranced. "Madeleine Flame Blueberry Cake?"
Dear Ilan, you have finally returned
With such rich mineral resources, Xiuwa City should have been prosperous and thriving. However, the nobility monopolized the crystal industry, and the wages of the miners were meager, burdened with arduous labor while the enormous profits fell into the hands of the nobles and merchants. Over time, Xiuwa evolved into two distinct worlds: on one side, the extravagant upper class of noble families and energy mine owners who squandered wealth; on the other side, the populace, overwhelmed by excessive exploitation, struggled to survive. The slums continued to expand, with areas inhabited by the poor littered with garbage and in disarray, governed by rules that differed from the law, resembling another realm. Over time, Xiuwa evolved into two distinct worlds: on one side, the extravagant upper class of noble families and energy mine owners who squandered wealth; on the other side, the populace, overwhelmed by excessive exploitation, struggled to survive. The slums continued to expand, with areas inhabited by the poor littered with garbage and in disarray, governed by rules that differed from the law, resembling another realm
The military repeatedly suppressed the bloody and brutal uprisings, resulting in the complete hatred of the Shuwa people towards the military and the nobility, which gave rise to an endless cycle of rebels and the formation of underground resistance organizations. One mayor was even stripped naked and hung upside down in front of his residence, becoming a long-lasting joke, and the severity of the rebellion made it so that no noble dared to take office in Shuwa. Ultimately, the parliament passed a resolution to recall the most iron-fisted general from the northern border with the library to suppress the unrest.
Ilan, it is me
"The Constitutional Affairs Office has taken quite a bit of my effort to manage; those old fellows in the parliament are simply vampires," Shana candidly admitted, suddenly recalling, "By the way, have you seen Kaisi in Xihua?"
Shanai sighed. "What bad luck? Indeed, when I think of him, I feel that my luck is actually quite good."
The incessant complaints seemed never-ending, and she could no longer hold back. "I apologize, Grandmother. The ride back yesterday was extremely crowded, so I was a bit tired and didn't even notice when I fell out of bed."
Her nose gradually felt a bit sour
It must have been that she ate too much yesterday and forgot to climb back into bed early, Lin Yilan secretly regretted
After tossing and turning for a long time under the comfortable silk quilt, Lin Yilan finally sat up
It was a warm and gentle voice, yet it carried a harsh undertone, startling Lin Yilan awake from her dream, her mind still somewhat hazy. "Maya Grandma?"
The elderly lady was greatly distressed, saying, "I will prepare something delicious for you right away. How many days can you stay this time? You can only leave after I have fattened you up."
Gazing at the mountain of food piled on the dining table and then glancing at the smiling old lady beside her, Lin Yilan took a deep breath and buried herself in eating. By the time the final dessert was served, she was nearly unable to stand up.
The order in Shiwa has collapsed, and the security situation is dire; even severe punishments and strict laws are unable to contain it
The green eyes darkened for a moment, recalling the various tales once heard about the city of Xiuwa.
The woman shook her head, halting her words
Embraced in a wide and warm hug, the young woman instinctively buried her head in the old woman's chest. "Maya Grandma, I’m sorry, I should have returned a week ago, I even bought the gifts, but the vacation was canceled. It’s all that damned Mayor of Shihua’s fault; may heaven make that balding forehead shine a little brighter"
Old Maya is quite proud. "This is the blueberry cake that little Ilan loves the most."
Lin Yilan smiled, and before her stood Shana in a crisp uniform, radiating vitality, a stark contrast to the languid demeanor she had during her time at the academy. Clearly, years of military service had left an indelible mark. "You’ve been reassigned? Congratulations on finally achieving your wish"
"Xiang Nai." Lin Yilan was pleasantly surprised to meet her classmates from the Royal Military Academy. "When did you return to the capital?"
At all times, thefts occur; criminals wielding guns rob in dark alleys, bandits openly plunder carriages, and merchants and nobles in the forests of the outskirts are completely ransacked, while the garrison is powerless. Despite judges continuously sentencing to death, and executioners being overwhelmed with work, crime continues to escalate. However, what truly terrifies the nobility is not the thieves, but the insurrection that is difficult to eradicate.
Seventy percent of the energy crystals required by the nation come from here. Officials appointed by the parliament oversee the collection and transportation, which are then sold by merchants recognized by the nobility. The continuous output of these crystals supports the entire energy consumption of the Kingdom of Xier.
Xiuwacheng is one of the most important mineral regions of the Xier Empire
There are many types of crystals; some can be made into expensive ornaments and jewelry, while others are worthless. Additionally, there is a type of natural energy-storing crystal that can be used for lighting and heating. However, these crystals vary greatly in quality, and those of unstable quality are prone to explosion. High-quality deposits are quite costly and are typically reserved for the upper nobility and wealthy households; inferior crystals are mostly used by the general populace, while the lower class can only rely on the most primitive oil lamps and firewood. However, these crystals vary greatly in quality, and those of unstable quality are prone to explosion. High-quality deposits are quite costly and are typically reserved for the upper nobility and wealthy households; inferior crystals are mostly used by the general populace, while the lower class can only rely on the most primitive oil lamps and firewood.
Such a terrifying enemy, she absolutely does not want to face again
The imperial decree for crystal mining is exceedingly harsh, with instances of corporal punishment during forced labor occurring frequently, often inciting unrest
The resolution has achieved excellent results, and there have been no significant disturbances in Xiuwa since then
Lin Yilan could not help but smile; the sunlight in the imperial capital was bright, reflecting in her green eyes like a spring stream.
I heard that Yilan will be back in the next few days, so I make one every day. The old woman was as proud as a child. Fortunately, you arrived home before the treasured blueberries ran out
As the sole survivor of the team, Lin Yilan devised a set of explanations sufficient to satisfy her superiors. After detailing the entire process, she was finally granted permission to return to the assigned soldiers' dormitory. In the lower ranks of the military in Xier, male and female soldiers share the same sleeping quarters; apart from the bathing and toilet facilities, all arrangements are not differentiated by gender.
Cutting off a piece and placing it in my mouth, just as sweet as I remembered
The steam train let out a long whistle as it arrived at the platform, with a bustling crowd hurriedly boarding and disembarking.
The green-eyed lady stepped off the train and climbed into a light carriage, driving through half the city before stopping in front of a luxurious and grand mansion. A sharply dressed servant approached to take her suitcase, and she walked into the inner hall, where a plump old woman came forward, displaying a hopeful smile.
If that is the case—" with her hands on her hips, the old woman fixed a stern gaze on her, as if confronting a disobedient little girl. "That was my oversight; I should have allowed the young lady to reacquaint herself with the proper demeanor of a lady. Tonight, I will keep watch to correct the young lady's sleeping posture at any time"
Miss Ilan
Wiping away the thin mist on the mirror and gazing at the person reflected, Lin Yilan felt a sense of relief. The first day at Xiuwa was not particularly good, but at least she was alive. Compared to the fallen teammates and the severely compromised mission, losing a weapon in the crossfire was insignificant.