Chen Lan saw that Er Zhuang was coughing quite badly, so she ladled out half a bowl of lamb soup for him to soothe his throat.
At this moment, the door was pushed open. Chen Lan looked up and saw Xu Mingxuan leading Battalion Commander Liu in, followed by three of Xu Mingxuan's comrades. Each of them was carrying a long bench. As soon as they entered, a spicy aroma filled the room. Battalion Commander Liu sniffed the air deeply and asked with surprise, "It smells so good! That's the smell of mala hot pot. Sister-in-law, are you making Sichuan-style mala hot pot? We're in for a treat today."
Chen Lan and her brother Xiang Xi, along with Er Zhuang, hurried to take the benches from the comrades and greeted Battalion Commander Liu and Xu Mingxuan's comrades separately, inviting everyone inside.
Chen Lan replied humbly, "Yes! Battalion Commander Liu, you are absolutely right! It's Sichuan-style mala hot pot. You see, my brother and I went to the border market today, and we were quite lucky! We managed to trade for a lot of good ingredients like big fish and sausages. On the way back to the camp, we also managed to hunt a wild goat. I noticed the weather was a bit cold today, so hot pot seemed like the best option. With these ingredients, we can make a decent hot pot to entertain everyone. Our conditions here are a bit simple now, so Battalion Commander Liu and the comrades should not mind if our hospitality is not up to par!"
Battalion Commander Liu chuckled and replied, "Sister-in-law, you are too polite. With meat and fish, this is better than our meals during the New Year! How can this be considered not well-hosted? It's actually too extravagant. You're using up all the good things you brought from home to treat us today!" Su Dan Novel Network.
At this moment, Xu Mingxuan called out, "Come on, Old Liu, Wang Dachuan, and Guo Qiang, Xiang Yang, all of you brothers, don't be shy. Make yourselves at home and sit around the table quickly."
Chen Lan, Xiang Xi, and Er Zhuang also quickly got ready. Xiang Xi and Er Zhuang helped with the bowls and chopsticks and brought out the side dishes, while Chen Lan scooped out lamb bones and soup from the large iron pot.
When Er Zhuang brought out a twenty-jin jar of sorghum wine, it immediately drew gasps of surprise. Battalion Commander Liu, chewing his food, mumbled, "I say, Old Xu, you're too polite. Bringing out such a large jar of sorghum wine, it's really too extravagant. You said it was just a casual meal, and look what you've prepared! It's too grand."
Xu Mingxuan poured wine for his comrades and chuckled, "Battalion Commander Liu, I didn't arrange this feast at home. It's all thanks to my wife and brother-in-law. Come, everyone, don't be shy. Eat to your heart's content! My wife knows what she's doing; she won't use up all the good things at once!"
Chen Lan did not drink and therefore did not sit at the table with the men. She simply ladled a bowl of lamb soup for herself from the large pot and sat in the kitchen with a cornbread bun to eat.
Before long, Xu Mingxuan came to the kitchen with a bowl of cooked ingredients and whispered with a smile, "Lan'er, here, I've cooked some of your favorite dishes for you. Bring your bowl over, and I'll pour them in for you. Eat them while they're hot."
Chen Lan looked into the bowl and saw her favorite ingredients: kelp, vermicelli, cabbage, potatoes, and slices of fish. Chen Lan happily accepted them all. She smiled and asked, "Brother Mingxuan, are there enough meat and vegetables inside? Here are some more sliced lamb and fish. Why don't you take them in with you?"
Xu Mingxuan nodded and said "Mm," then took the items inside.
A short while later, Xiang Xi also came out, ladled a bowl of lamb soup for himself like Chen Lan, and began to eat.
Chen Lan curiously whispered, "Little Watermelon, why are you out here too?"
Xiang Xi whispered with lingering fear, "I'm afraid they'll make me drink. They're too hearty when they drink; they finish a bowl in one gulp. I have to admit defeat."
Chen Lan found it amusing. For Xiang Xi to voluntarily admit defeat, he must have been truly intimidated by their drinking prowess.
Needless to say, with meat and wine, the meal was lively, with the comrades chatting and laughing. The sound of clinking wine bowls echoed.
Battalion Commander Liu and Xu Mingxuan's comrades had a very lively meal. However, they were moderate in their drinking. After finishing the wine in their bowls, they stopped drinking and focused on eating and chatting. They talked about soldier training and team building, about this year's harvest and the weather, discussing everything, and the atmosphere was very harmonious.
As they talked, they eventually brought up their family situations. At this point, Battalion Commander Liu suddenly lowered his voice and said softly, "Ah! I say, Mingxuan! You've been subsidizing comrades with financial difficulties with your allowance for so many years. Don't your wife and family have any objections?"
Although Battalion Commander Liu's voice was quite low, Chen Lan's keen senses picked up his words clearly.
Chen Lan wanted to know how Xu Mingxuan would reply. So, she couldn't help but soften her breathing and listen intently.
She heard Xu Mingxuan say with a smile, "Battalion Commander Liu, to tell you the truth, I had almost forgotten about the allowance until you brought it up! Oh! Right, Er Zhuang, how much is my monthly allowance?"
Battalion Commander Liu exclaimed, "No way? Old Xu, you still don't know how much you earn as an allowance? You're really something! It seems you're a hands-off manager. You don't handle any of your family affairs, do you? I'm guessing you haven't told your family about your allowance, have you?"
Xu Mingxuan nodded indifferently, "Probably not. I don't remember. However, you're right about one thing. I am hands-off at home, but not the manager. My wife runs the household. She is the boss in our home and the valley where we live. She has never asked me for my allowance. Instead, she always asks me to bring back many things to the military."
Xu Mingxuan's words amused Battalion Commander Liu, who said with a laugh, "Mingxuan! I can see it now. Both of you are carefree and kind-hearted. Your wife is very capable! You, my boy, are a lucky man!"
After sighing, Battalion Commander Liu continued, "Let me calculate your monthly allowance for you. You are currently at the deputy regimental level, which is Level Sixteen. Your allowance at Level Sixteen is 113 yuan per month."
At this moment, Xu Mingxuan exclaimed, "So much! Er Zhuang, remember to send a few more yuan to the family next month when you get paid. Don't forget!"
Er Zhuang's voice was heard, "Understood, Political Commissar."