Lu Yang was overjoyed after putting on the down jacket. In all his years, he had never worn such a comfortable and warm garment, so light and thin yet warmer than the thermal clothing the ancestor had previously given. He took his wife’s jacket and draped it over her, urging her to wear it quickly.

Mrs. Xu was initially reluctant, wanting to wait until the next snowfall to wash herself with snow before putting it on. However, unable to resist her husband’s persistence, she put it on.

Moments later, she exclaimed in surprise, “This jacket is so warm!”

Seeing her reaction, Mrs. Song, who had also been reluctant to wear hers, couldn’t resist. She carefully picked up the jacket, hesitating as she tried to figure out how to put it on.

Her husband, Lu Zhou, hadn’t put on his own jacket yet. Noticing her struggle, he stepped in, helping her by lifting the jacket from behind so she could easily slip her arms in.

Mrs. Song was a bit taken aback, turning to look at her husband. He had never been particularly attentive or as affectionate as Lu Yang. His sudden gesture made her feel strangely nervous.

Lu Zhou, feeling somewhat awkward under her gaze, cleared his throat. “Why are you staring? Hurry up and put it on.”

Blushing, Mrs. Song quickly slipped into the jacket.

Sitting nearby, Gu Xingzhao watched the scene unfold with a smile. She hadn’t expected Lu Zhou, always lost in his books, to finally show some affection. It seemed that hardship truly did reveal the depth of feelings.

Lu Qing had also donned the new jacket by now. He was both amazed and delighted, rubbing his hands over the fabric but worrying that his hands might dirty it. He didn’t know where to place his hands, until he discovered the jacket had pockets. Delighted, he slipped his hands into them, shielding them from the cold wind.

The old man was more pleased than even the eleven-year-old Lu Youtang.

The Lu family, now wrapped in their new clothes, was full of joy.

Meanwhile, the Liu family looked on with envy. There was no doubt that these jackets had been sent by Lu’s ancestor.

Oh, how they wished their family had such a miraculous ancestor looking after them too!
Seeing his clan’s envious gazes, Liu Xiangbai lowered his head in guilt. They could have lived a good life in the capital, but now, because of him, they were suffering in the cold wilderness.

The Liu family hid their envy, not wanting to upset their young master, knowing he already carried enough guilt.

At that moment, several down jackets appeared before them!

“???”

The Liu family thought they were seeing things. They blinked, even rubbed their eyes.

“!!!” Realizing what they saw was real, they nearly jumped for joy.

Heavens, could it be that these are the same jackets the Lu family is wearing?

Gu Xingzhao chuckled as she watched their reactions. It was fortunate she had bought extras, just in case. Now they were coming in handy.

Compared to the troublemakers from earlier, the Liu family was certainly more deserving.

One of them, unable to contain his excitement, handed the jacket to Liu Xiangbai. “Young master, you should wear this.”

Liu Xiangbai, feeling the cold, wanted to take it but stopped himself. “You all wear them. I’m on night watch; being too warm might make me drowsy.”

Without hesitation, the others followed his example, putting on the jackets. Even before feeling the warmth, they were already smiling in satisfaction.

“This jacket is incredible. I’ve never worn anything like it in my life.”

“Of course, it’s a divine gift! We’re really lucky to benefit from the Lu family’s connection.”

“We must find a way to properly thank them when we get the chance.”

Liu Xiangbai’s jacket was placed to the side. Standing tall against the biting wind, he held himself with dignity and determination.

Gu Xingzhao crouched down in front of him, unable to resist studying him again.

Was it just her imagination, or did Liu Xiangbai seem uninterested in these comforts? He didn’t eat the food sent by the Lu family, didn’t use the heating packs, and now refused to wear the jacket.

Was he rejecting the Lu family’s help? But if so, why didn’t he stop his clan members from accepting it?

Gu Xingzhao was deeply curious. Liu Xiangbai was a man of deep thoughts, and even she couldn’t quite figure out what was going on in his head.

She rubbed her chin, thinking for a moment before suddenly clapping her hands in realization. She got it!

Liu Xiangbai liked to endure hardships!
Though she didn’t advocate unnecessary suffering, she admired this quality in him.

Gu Xingzhao gave him a thumbs up. “Young man, enduring hardships makes you stronger.”

Liu Xiangbai, meanwhile, glanced at his clan members, who now looked much healthier in their new clothes. Several times, his gaze drifted toward his own jacket. His hand nearly reached out to take it, but he ultimately held back.

Lu Qing, following Gu Xingzhao’s instructions, sent a new jacket and some food to Du Hangwu, who had killed the troublemaker Li Si that night. This was the Lu family’s way of showing their gratitude.

Lu Xingyao, wearing his down jacket, walked through the crowd, drawing envious stares as he made his way to the officers’ resting area.

Among the convicts, there was muttering. “See, they really do have good stuff!”

“That Lu family is so stingy. No wonder the old man ended up in prison and got exiled. Serves them right!”

Unable to do anything but complain, they vented their frustrations with words.

Gu Xingzhao, unwilling to tolerate their disrespect, raised her hand and summoned thunder. Lightning struck the offenders, sending several of them collapsing to the ground with a loud crack.

The sudden celestial phenomenon terrified those nearby. Faces pale, their hearts pounded in fear!

Those standing nearby jumped back, horrified as their companions fell before them, thinking they were dead.

Even the boldest among them now kept silent, no longer daring to speak ill of the Lu family. They knew better than to anger the gods who watched over them.

An officer approached to check the collapsed men and snorted, “They’re not dead. Stop overreacting.”

“Bunch of cowards.”

With that, the officers walked away.

Gu Xingzhao dusted off her hands, her lips curling into a smirk. She was getting quite good at controlling the lightning, knowing just how much force to apply without causing fatal harm.

Meanwhile, Lu Xingyao reached Du Hangwu’s resting spot and handed over the jacket and food. “Master Du, our family greatly admires your fairness and justice. Tonight is cold, so my grandfather sent me to offer you this jacket and some food as a token of appreciation.”

The surrounding officers eyed Lu Xingyao curiously, their eyes drawn to the unfamiliar clothing he wore. Could this be the divine item bestowed by the gods?