Chapter 298: “which Side Are You On?”
That afternoon.
The Gu Family welcomed its first visitor.
It was Zhang Saozi.
She came with a bunch of leeks and a bok choy.
As soon as she entered the yard, Zhang Saozi said in a hearty voice, “Yu Bao’s mother, I didn’t disturb you, did I?”
Lin Zhao was slightly stunned, then came to her senses and said, “No disturbance. Yu Bao, pour some water and put a spoonful of honey in the cup.”
“Okay.” Yu Bao responded and ran to the kitchen with pattering footsteps to pour water.
“Oh no, no need to trouble yourself.” Zhang Saozi quickly waved her hands, her face full of smiles. “You just arrived, and there’s no vegetables at home yet, right? I brought some for you.”
In fact, the reason she came was because she heard her own Hei Dan say that the twins gave him date cake and peanut candy.
Date cake wasn’t cheap, and peanut candy was even more so. Zhang Saozi wasn’t the type to take advantage of people, so she immediately came to give a gift of gratitude.
Lin Zhao didn’t know the background but didn’t refuse either. It was someone from the military region; this favor could be returned sooner or later.
“Thank you, Zhang Saozi.”
“No need to be polite.” Zhang Saozi smiled heartily. “If you’re short of anything, just tell me. Everyone in the entire family courtyard knows I’m the best at growing vegetables.”
Just as she finished speaking, Yu Bao came over carrying the honey water.
“Aunt, have some water.”
Zhang Saozi took it with both hands and praised, “Good boy.”
“My Hei Dan said you shared date cake and peanut candy with him. Thank you, aunt.”
Seeing that Lin Zhao’s expression showed no displeasure and she was still smiling warmly, Zhang Saozi knew she was genuinely magnanimous, not pretending. Her favorable impression rose steadily.
Yu Bao said, “It’s nothing. Hei Dan played with us.”
After saying that, he sat next to his younger brother to read a comic book.
Zhang Saozi took a sip of the honey water, and even her slightly weathered brows and eyes relaxed. It was really sweet.
“How do your two manage to sit still like this? How do you teach them? Teach sister-in-law.” Looking at the Gu Family’s well-behaved and sensible children, envy overflowed in her eyes.
“Mine is too naughty; he can’t sit still at all… Just thinking about it makes me worry.”
Lin Zhao smiled and comforted her. “Children each have their own personalities. Quiet ones have their good qualities, and naughty ones have theirs too. Naughty children have lively minds.”
In her eyes, both twins and dragon-phoenix twins were easy-to-manage cubs.
The smile on Zhang Saozi’s face deepened. She felt Lin Zhao spoke so pleasantly, unlike some people who, because they came from the city, looked down on those from the countryside like them, often looking at people with eyes like they were trash. So annoying.
“You’re right.” Zhang Saozi took another sip of the sweet water before saying, “My Hei Dan is naughty, but his mind is indeed lively…”
In a mother’s eyes, her own child was the best, even if he was mischievous, didn’t study well, or had an ordinary appearance… he was still her little treasure.
Lin Zhao smiled without interrupting, giving Zhang Saozi plenty of time to speak.
After Zhang Saozi was fully satisfied, she asked, “Yu Bao’s mother, have you heard about what happened at the staff dormitory?”
It was amusing; the military wives in the family courtyard called Lin Zhao the same as those in Fengshou Brigade—Yu Bao’s mother.
Lin Zhao shook her head. “No, what happened?”
“It’s the Lu Family again.” Zhang Saozi said. “Ever since that family came to accompany the army, there’s never been a shortage of drama at the staff dormitory.”
“What happened with the Lu Family?” Lin Zhao asked with great interest.
Zhang Saozi was extremely satisfied with her reaction and moved her stool closer. “Deputy Battalion Commander Lu took that Bao Zhen girl to the city and didn’t return until evening. Deputy Battalion Commander Lu’s mother was unhappy and cursed very harshly. Deputy Battalion Commander Lu’s father spoke up for his daughter-in-law. Somehow it poked Deputy Battalion Commander Lu’s mother’s sore spot, and she started going crazy, cursing with filthy words…”
“The adults were arguing fiercely. No one noticed, and somehow either the mother-in-law or daughter-in-law bumped into Bao Zhen. The little girl rolled down the stairs, blood gushing from her head. Even the director of the women’s committee was alarmed. Sigh, Deputy Battalion Commander Lu’s wife is going to be punished again.”
Poor Deputy Battalion Commander Lu and his daughter, stuck with such troublesome parents and a wife who always caused trouble.
Even before the Lu Family came to accompany the army, Lin Zhao had guessed that the Lu Family would be endlessly dramatic.
She wasn’t surprised by this.
Just…
“Again?” Lin Zhao raised her eyebrow, her tone puzzled. “Has Deputy Battalion Commander Lu’s wife been punished before?”
“You didn’t know?” Zhang Saozi was surprised. “Gu Commander didn’t mention it?”
Lin Zhao’s eyes flickered a few times, vaguely sensing there was something she didn’t know.
“…Maybe he did mention it. I was on the train for so long; my head was dizzy. I suddenly can’t remember!” she said vaguely.
Zhang Saozi didn’t think much of it and answered, “Deputy Battalion Commander Lu’s wife wrote a letter to Doctor Meng’s previous wife, luring her to the military region. That period… Doctor Meng and his two boys were really tormented.”
Lin Zhao’s mouth suddenly went flat, the smile in her eyes completely gone, revealing a faint chill.
“At first, no one knew how Doctor Meng’s previous wife suddenly came. Until the leader received a letter from the capital. It turned out that Deputy Battalion Commander Lu’s wife had mailed a letter to Doctor Meng’s former unit, detailing his and his two sons’ situation.”
“Doctor Meng’s previous wife had no job herself, and her maternal family were all difficult people. Knowing Doctor Meng had such good salary and benefits, how could she not be tempted? So she came over…”
Zhang Saozi wasn’t surprised how Su Yuxian knew; Doctor Meng’s former unit address wasn’t a secret. If someone really wanted to know, they would find out.
Lin Zhao’s eyes were calm.
“What punishment did Su Yuxian get?”
Zhang Saozi said, “The punishment was heavy—fined three hundred yuan!”
“…That’s it?” Lin Zhao said indifferently.
Zhang Saozi’s eyes widened. “That’s not heavy?! Three hundred yuan! Deputy Battalion Commander Lu’s wife was heartbroken and cried for days. She’s still doing odd jobs in the canteen to pay it back.”
“Hmm?” Lin Zhao was puzzled.
Zhang Saozi knew she was new and didn’t know the situation, so she continued, “The trouble was caused by Deputy Battalion Commander Lu’s wife. Deputy Battalion Commander Lu paid the money for his wife, but he was very unhappy about it. He went to the organization and got his wife a job in the canteen.”
“That job is in the canteen, but it’s exhausting. She works a month and doesn’t earn much. She has a long way to go to pay off that three hundred yuan.”
Lin Zhao felt much more comfortable inside.
“That’s how it should be punished!” she said. “If everyone followed her example, what would this place become? How to guarantee the safety of those men!”
Zhang Saozi slapped her thigh. “…Oh my, as expected of someone who’s been educated. The leader said the same thing!”
Since they hadn’t known each other long, Zhang Saozi didn’t stay long. She finished the honey water and left.
As soon as she left, Heng Bao went to wash the enamel mug, and after washing, he scalded it with boiling water.
This way it was clean and avoided cross-infection.
Zhang Saozi hadn’t been gone long when Gu Chenghuai came back with the meal.
Seeing the vegetables on the table, he asked, “Who came?”
Lin Zhao didn’t answer and just stared at him.
“Gu Chenghuai, are you hiding something from me?”
Hearing his wife call his name in a calm tone, Gu Chenghuai was almost scared to death.
He set down the lunchbox and sat in front of Lin Zhao.
“…What’s wrong?” he asked. Seeing Lin Zhao not answer, he quickly explained, “I’m not hiding anything from you.”
Lin Zhao wasn’t one to beat around the bush and got straight to the point. “What about Su Yuxian writing a letter to my youngest brother’s former unit?”
Gu Chenghuai suddenly understood. “Oh, you’re talking about that…”
He looked at his wife seriously. “The entire military region knows about it; it can’t be hidden. But Fourth Brother said… not to say too much.”
Meng Jiusi had said that. Better not to stir up trouble; the matter was in the past, and his family had received the due punishment, no need to bring it up again.
Lin Zhao smiled, but still said, “What’s the difference from deliberately hiding it from me?”
She softly expressed her dissatisfaction with the man. “Whose side are you really on?”
“Yours.” Gu Chenghuai said without hesitation.
“I just thought the matter was over and there was no need to upset you, so I didn’t mention it specifically. I’ll always be on your side.” He said it like a vow.
“Do you think I believe you?” Lin Zhao looked away.
“Of course. We’re husband and wife; if you don’t believe me, who do I believe?” Gu Chenghuai touched his wife’s hand, got it slapped away, then held it again until Lin Zhao helplessly looked over.
“Hungry? Time to eat now?” The man’s voice was low.
Lin Zhao didn’t answer when Yu Bao and Heng Bao ran over.
“Time to eat?” Heng Bao asked.
“Smiling so brightly—do you want to go out and play?” Lin Zhao pinched her son’s soft cheek, and the irritation in her heart gradually faded.
Heng Bao opened his clear bright big eyes. “Yeah, we agreed with Mao Dan’er and the others.”
“Then don’t keep them waiting too long. Hurry and eat.” Lin Zhao took the two cubs to wash their hands.
Gu Chenghuai saw the matter was over and breathed a sigh of relief.
Unfortunately…
He had sighed too soon!
The next day.
On her way to the canteen to pick up vegetables, Lin Zhao ran into Su Yuxian.
She was wearing a dirty smock, carrying vegetables from the procurement cart. Her short hair was oily and shiny, sweat dripping from her forehead, looking utterly disheveled.
The Gu Family also had a private plot, but no one had planted it before, so the vegetables for home had to be bought. Gu Chenghuai had asked the canteen’s procurement comrade to help bring some.
At this moment, Lin Zhao handed the note to the comrade in charge.
The man pointed to a large basket in the corner.
“Those are over there. They’re a bit heavy, sister-in-law. Don’t bother; wait till I’m done here, and I’ll deliver them to you.”
The lean and dark young man didn’t wait for Lin Zhao to refuse and hugged the basket of vegetables toward the canteen.
Su Yuxian said sourly, “Fox spirit!”
Lin Zhao heard it, walked straight toward her, grabbed her collar without a word, and yanked her up with one forceful pull.
“It’s not good to hit you here. Don’t force me to slap you.” Her free hand patted Su Yuxian’s face. “Don’t be ungrateful. You messed with my youngest brother… I haven’t settled the score with you yet. Don’t worry, you’ll get yours.”
Before the last word faded, she gave Su Yuxian a big slap across the face, then threw her aside.
Lin Zhao picked up her own vegetables and smiled at the soldier coming out of the canteen. “I can carry it. No need to trouble you, young comrade. Thanks, the vegetables are very fresh.”
The young soldier grinned. “As long as sister-in-law is satisfied. Next time you want anything, just tell me.”
Lin Zhao nodded.
See, what a cute person.
As soon as Lin Zhao left, Su Yuxian sat on the ground wailing, telling everyone who passed that she was bullied…
No evidence, no truth. And with a young soldier who had a good impression of Lin Zhao testifying, no one believed Su Yuxian. Instead, she got criticized by the leader again and had several days’ salary deducted. Her already mediocre reputation plummeted.
“Today you stood up for Fourth Brother?” Gu Chenghuai, back from training, asked with a smile as soon as he got home.
“Mm-hmm, just a little warning. That’s hardly standing up for him,” Lin Zhao said.
Gu Chenghuai smiled.
…
Wei Xiangdong got his wife’s agreement and didn’t delay. He seized the opportunity and called Da Li from the same village. The two arrived at his secret base one after the other.
“This…” Da Li stared blankly at the hidden valley before him, frozen in place. “How did you find this place? It’s too concealed.”
“Found it by chance. Back then it was to find food,” Wei Xiangdong said briefly.
Da Li understood.
During the famine, when hunger was extreme, everyone scoured the mountains for food. This was in the deep mountains; villagers didn’t dare come. But his Wei bro had a hunter master, and his master had a hunting rifle, so they dared to enter.
Reasonable.
“Bro Wei, what now?”
Wei Xiangdong probed around with a long stick. A flower snake slithered away in the grass.
He cautiously continued probing and said, “Clear the grass first, then enclose this place and build a pigsty.”
“Got it!” Da Li responded, stepped into the grass pile, and swiftly started pulling up the grass.
“Take it slow; be careful of snakes,” Wei Xiangdong reminded.
“Mm.” Da Li grunted, paying more attention in his actions.
The two strong men cleared a patch of ground in just one evening, and also cleared a small path. The path led to the valley entrance, where dense vegetation outside hid the valley under lush, thick weeds.
Wei Xiangdong and Da Li were both capable. In just half a day, they built a simple pigsty.
After finishing, they went down the mountain and each picked up a bundle of firewood along the way.
It didn’t attract any attention.
Gu Chan waited at home, glancing outside from time to time. Any movement made her as nervous as mistaking a bow’s reflection for a snake, her body tensing.
“A-Chan, I’m back.” Wei Xiangdong’s voice came before he appeared.
Gu Chan set down her things and went forward to meet him.
She reached to take the firewood from the man.
Wei Xiangdong dodged aside. “It’s so heavy; how can I let you carry it.”
Gu Chan’s gaze was full of worry. “Does your body feel okay?”
“No problem!” Wei Xiangdong laughed. “You were there at my check-up. The doctor said recovery is good and it won’t affect heavy work. I know my limits.”
Gu Chan pulled him inside the door and asked, “Did it go smoothly?”
“After you went into the mountains, my heart was pounding. I was afraid you’d run into a wild beast. Otherwise…”
Before she finished, Wei Xiangdong guessed what she meant, his expression changing slightly. He quickly interrupted, “I’ll be careful.”
He set down the firewood and shared the valley situation with his wife. “Haven’t been there for months; the grass at the valley entrance is thicker and denser. Da Li and I spent a lot of effort clearing it. The pigsty is built too…”
Hearing that the pigsty was already built, Gu Chan couldn’t say anything about backing out. She only asked, “Where to get the piglets?”
“I’ve arranged it. Just waiting to pick them up tonight.” Wei Xiangdong didn’t say more.
Snakes have their paths, rats have theirs; of course he had some connections no one else knew about.
Gu Chan frowned and said, “We need to buy a flashlight.”
“No need. I could walk the village roads with my eyes closed.” Wei Xiangdong didn’t want to spend that money.
He hadn’t earned money for months; all the household expenses were from his wife’s earnings. How could he ask for a flashlight? It cost several yuan, not to mention the coupon.
Gu Chan glared at him. “I want to buy it. Don’t argue.”
Wei Xiangdong looked at A-Chan’s face and grinned roguishly. “Fine, buy it if you want. My wife cares about me; I’m overjoyed.”
“Get lost.” Gu Chan pushed him away and went inside to count the money.
A few days later, the Wei Family had an extra flashlight. From then on, Wei Xiangdong and Da Li found it even more convenient to go into the mountains.
