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Chapter 43: Forty-Three Treasures ?

Xu Zhen still didn't understand what the princess was talking about.

However, the princess's comment about "being perfect in every way" resonated with her thoughts. She nodded in agreement, saying, "Indeed, she is quite remarkable."

The princess then displayed a smile that was uncertain in its sincerity, lifting the hem of her robe as she departed.

In the following two days, a handwritten booklet began circulating among the refugees in Chang'an.

It contained four and a half short stories.

There were those who hated the Hu people to the core, taking the opportunity to say: "I see that Assistant Minister and the Hu person aren't anything special; this book is what's truly impressive! If it weren't for the methods written in this book about self-rescue during a flood, how would my neighbors know such detailed ways to save themselves and others and rescue so many people?!"

This person was quickly met with a group assault, "Either way, my life was saved by the Assistant Minister! If you don't like it, just shut up! Don't talk nonsense!"

"......"

Xu Zhen leaned against Xu Qianchun's shoulder, and at this moment, their heights were similar, allowing them to lean comfortably against each other.

Though Xun Qianchun was thin and bony, she carried a pleasant and lovely fragrance.

Nearby, someone offered noodles to Xu Zhen as a gesture of thanks. After expressing her gratitude, Xu Zhen shared the noodles with Xun Qianchun, saying, "Eat up; it'll help keep you warm."

Xun Qianchun smiled and began to eat. Her table manners weren't refined; despite growing up in Chang'an, the Hu blood that longed for battle still ran strong in her veins.

She drank the noodles rather than chewing them, taking a few slurps before wiping her mouth with a handkerchief. After washing and wringing out the handkerchief outside, she returned to snuggle up against Xu Zhen and continued sleeping.

Xu Zhen was half-asleep but could still hear voices nearby. It was unclear if Xun Qianchun was awake or asleep; she could only detect her gentle breathing.

At first, Xu Zhen counted the length of Xun Qianchun's eyelashes with her eyes. Gradually feeling drowsy, she was about to close her eyes when she suddenly remembered the system!!!

She quickly opened the system interface to check.

First, she looked at her merit points.

The number displayed was-

Xu Zhen counted several times, genuinely shocked.

What was this?!

She nearly called Xun Qianchun over to count with her, but thankfully reason prevailed. She realized Xu Qianchun couldn't see the figures and would definitely think she was acting strange.

Taking a deep breath to suppress her excitement, she processed the information.

Hearing the movement, Xun Qianchun opened her eyes and covered Xu Zhen's hand, her cool voice mingling with the chilly wind as she asked, "Teacher, are you cold?"

Xu Zhen replied slowly, "I'm burning up."

Xun Qianchun touched Xu Zhen's hand, puzzled by her words.

Xu Zhen was indeed feeling warm.

She felt like diving into the Weishui River to cool her burning heart.

What had she just seen?

Five-digit merit points!!!