Chapter 182: Remarriage

The police officer bowed his head in solemn respect.

He stood at attention and saluted the superior.

Then he thought of the commander's health, his brow furrowing so deeply he could crush a mosquito—"But there are so many people in the military district; it doesn't have to be you going."

Commander Ning waved his hand.

"I'm tired of staying in the district. Going out for a change of pace."

He didn't voice his true thoughts: ever since hearing about that place, his headaches had grown more frequent; fleeting figures flashed through his mind, familiar in a way that made him feel an instinctive closeness—closeness tinged with an undeniable guilt and sorrow.

This emotion came suddenly.

Commander Ning believed no emotion in this world arose without cause.

Perhaps this trip would help him recover his memories and find his family.

The police officer had gradually learned the commander's nature: stubborn, domineering, once a decision was made, no one could change it.

His dark face showed no surprise, only: "Dr. Sun says he wants to accompany you—everything for the commander's safety."

"You've barely returned from enemy territory; you can't be lost on our own ground. That's a loss to the army, a loss to the people," the police officer said solemnly.

Commander Ning lightly pointed at him. "You're trying to elevate this…."

If the organization said so, what could he say?

"Fine. As long as you don't block me, do whatever you want."

The guard brightened. "Yes, I'll tell Dr. Sun right away, and get the tickets too. Commander, please rest well."

With that, he strode off with firm steps.

Commander Ning adjusted his mood, sat properly before his desk, and continued reading the reports.

Only when busy could he avoid idle thoughts.

That noon.

Lin Zhao received an express letter, sent from the capital.

"A letter from the capital…" She looked at Gu Gu Chenghuai. "It must be from your comrade—I don't know anyone in the capital."

Gu Gu Chenghuai tore open the envelope, pulled out the letter with his slender fingers, and skimmed it quickly; his refined, gentle face wore a peculiar expression.

"What's wrong?" Lin Zhao's voice asked in confusion.

He handed her the letter.

It was indeed from Xiang Yunjian; its contents made Gu Gu Chenghuai frown.

After reading it, Lin Zhao paused for two seconds. "... Yuan Qin remarried?"

She sneered.

"She lost her son and still has the heart to remarry—what a heart she has."

Gu Gu Chenghuai said fairly: "The Yuan family pressured her."

"She agreed," Lin Zhao said calmly, her lips tight.

She looked toward the road: "In this new country, with its new system, everyone stands tall and proud. If she didn't want to marry, no one would force her—she simply couldn't stand on her own."

Comrade Xiang Yunjian was good at storytelling; reading the letter felt like being there, as if the clash between the Yuan family and Yuan Qin unfolded before her eyes.

Lin Zhao shook her head. "Let her do as she pleases. She and Fourth Brother are already divorced—men marry, women wed, each lives their own life. What she does has nothing to do with us."

"But luckily Comrade Xiang Yunjian sent Mo Mo and Bai Bai over—otherwise, they'd have suffered terribly."

Gu Gu Chenghuai's dark eyes flickered with amusement.

"Xiang Yunjian thanked you in the letter—he said the meat paste was delicious, and the dried goods were loved by his family."

Lin Zhao smiled. "I saw. I'll send more next time."

Knowing Gu Camp Commander was a jealous man, she added: "If I send anything, I'll let you know first."

Hearing this, the knot in Gu Gu Chenghuai's heart was untied by a tiny, adorable figure using hands and feet.

"No need to be special—just add a couple lines when you write to me."

Lin Zhao reached out and pinched the man's mouth. "Let me see how hard your mouth really is, Camp Commander Gu."

Camp Commander Gu merely smiled indulgently at his wife's teasing.

"Should we tell Fourth Brother?" he asked.

Lin Zhao pondered, then nodded. "Yes. If it's over, let it be over completely."

She looked at Gu Gu Chenghuai—his deep, dark eyes reflected her image, filled with a charming, teasing smile.

Lin Zhao fidgeted with her finger. "Do you think the Meng family can shed their stigma?"

"Not a problem," Gu Gu Chenghuai said calmly. "The Meng family's issue isn't serious—they were dragged down. Fourth Brother's great achievements are enough to clear the entire Meng family's name."

Lin Zhao's eyes softened with amusement. "Good. The Meng family raised Fourth Brother and taught him how to survive and thrive. If they can be vindicated, it's a good thing."

The Meng family certainly wasn't all good—of course not; every family has flawed people.

But.

The Meng family truly had great kindness toward Meng Jiu—life-saving kindness, teaching kindness.

This debt was heavier than mountains.

"Zhaozhao is truly magnanimous," Gu Gu Chenghuai said sincerely.

Lin Zhao's lips curved, her brows brimming with joy.

Yes, she was magnanimous.

"Father says people must distinguish right from wrong. Nothing in this world is purely black or white, and no one is perfect. Everyone has selfishness—those without it are saints, and such people don't exist. If you ever meet one, be wary—they must have grand schemes."

Gu Gu Chenghuai smiled, as if hearing his father-in-law speak.

"I've learned."

…

Lin Zhao planned to slip out to the foot of the mountain and was heading out.

Hang Bao spotted her and called out, "Mom, where are you going? I want to come too."

It had rained last night; the ground was wet. The four kids, like little hammers, squatted in the corner playing with mud, while the Lin sisters watched nearby.

Hearing Erzai's shout stopped Lin Zhao, and all the kids, the two dogs, and the monkey turned to look at her.

Lin Zhao: "…"

"I'm going to the old house to see your Ah Lan."

She walked back toward the kitchen. "If you hadn't reminded me, I'd have forgotten the moose meat."

She took the meat and eggs and headed for the door.

Yu Bao stood up, asking: "Mom, can I carry something for you?"

"No, it's just a short walk." Afraid of alerting Hearing Erzai and the twins, Lin Zhao subtly signaled him.

Da Zai, the most considerate child, understood his mother's meaning at once and turned back. "Mom, go ahead. I'll take care of the younger ones with Hang Bao."

Hang Bao, wanting to follow, changed his mind upon hearing his brother. "Right."

Gu Gu Chenghuai watched his wife easily convince the twins to stay and smiled.

Noticing her husband's gaze, Lin Zhao winked at him, then picked up her things and headed for the old house.

On the way, she inevitably met gossipy elders and aunts.

"Gu Chenghuai's wife is going to deliver meat to her in-laws again—so filial."

"Why don't I see the four kids today?"

…

Lin Zhao smiled and nodded, choosing her words carefully: "The kids are playing at home. I'm going to the old house for something—I'll be off now."

After she left, the elders and aunts' gossip centered on her and her family.

"How could Gu Chenghuai's wife ever seem like a country person? She's more like a city dweller than any sent-down youth."

"She's the only daughter of the Lin family, with three elder brothers and a powerful uncle—heard he's a high-ranking official in the city. She grew up with her uncle, practically a city girl!"

"... What a lucky life."

The passing Sent-Down Youth, Su Yi and Guan Yi, nodded in full agreement.

They didn't have it this comfortable in the city.

Wang Wang Chunhua saw Su Yi and smiled. "Su Sent-Down Youth, when are you planning to move?"

The two women lived in rammed-earth houses—easy to build. With a few extra hands, they could finish in two days.

Because of their promise, the team leader assigned more laborers; the houses were nearly done, just needed a few days to dry, and then they could move in.

The land was within the village, safe and secure—the two sent-down youths were satisfied.

Thinking of soon moving out of the sent-down youth dormitory, Su Yi's face lit up. "Soon."

Wang Wang Chunhua beamed. "Congratulations! If you need help, just say the word."

"Thank you, Auntie," Guan Yi replied, her eyes soft with praise. "Coming to our team and being helped by such warm-hearted villagers—we sent-down youths are truly lucky."

Everyone loved to hear compliments; Wang Wang Chunhua's smile couldn't be suppressed.

Lin Zhao arrived at the old house.

"Third Auntie!"

The children called out warmly.

"Here's moose meat, and some red dates and brown sugar—put them in the kitchen for Grandma to make something this afternoon," Lin Zhao handed the items to Gu Xingye.

The boy grinned.

"For my sister's recovery, right? Fine, I'll take them without hesitation."

Saying that, he carried the items into the kitchen.

Alán smiled shyly and said, "Thank you, Third Auntie."

She looked up at Lin Zhao, "My wound is fine now; Third Auntie doesn't need to keep worrying about me. Save the meat and red dates for Xiang Yubao and Hengbao."

Gu Lan was the eldest child in the Gu family; no one asked her to give up things for her younger siblings, yet the little girl deeply understood gratitude, feeling lucky to be born into the Gu family and always thinking of the younger ones when she had something good.

Lin Zhao's eyes softened, and she whispered, "They all have some. But you—you lost a lot of blood. You must nourish yourself properly, or you might develop chronic problems."

"Won't happen." Gu Lan's smile was sweet, "I drink chicken soup every day."

She knew the chickens were all sent by Third Auntie, and Third Auntie had ordered Nai to prepare them for her.

"Take good care of yourself," Lin Zhao said.

"Still have headaches?" Her gaze settled on Gu Lan's head.

Gu Lan shook her head. "No pain anymore. The wound's almost scabbed over."

She just didn't know if it would leave a scar.

A scar didn't matter; she didn't care. If it did, she'd just grow bangs. A scar for Seeing Song Qian Bao's well-being? Totally worth it.

Lin Zhao couldn't bear the thought of a scar on such a sweet girl. "Don't worry about scars—I have scar-removing ointment. Once the wound heals, apply it for a while, and it'll return to normal."

Gu Lan's face was filled with emotion.

Before she could respond, Huang Huang Xiulan exclaimed happily, "You have scar-removing ointment? That must be expensive! Thank you, Third Sister-in-Law!"

"What's there to thank for? She's our own child, and Alán did it for her brother," Lin Zhao said dismissively.

After finishing the matter, she didn't stay long, left the old homestead, and headed straight for the foot of the mountain.

She wasn't flustered when she met villagers; everyone knew Lin Zhao loved strolling at the mountain's base—to pick flowers, catch fish, whatever suited her mood.

When Lin Zhao found Meng Jiu, he was gathering pigweed; MoMo and Meng Guangbai were helping him.

The two little ones worked slowly, but their energy was clear.

Both children were darker and a bit taller, looking healthier than when they first arrived.

"Fourth Brother."

Meng Jiu paused his work and turned toward the voice. "Zhaozhao, why are you here now?"

"I have something to say," Lin Zhao said.

Hearing this, Meng Jiu sent his son away and asked, "What is it?"

"Gu Chenghuai's comrade in the capital sent a letter…" Lin Zhao paused slightly, then continued, "It says Yuan Comrade has remarried."

Meng Jiu froze in place.

He hadn't expected it.

Not that he didn't expect Yuan Qin to remarry—but that it would happen so soon.

How much time had passed?

Less than half a year since his accident.

Less than a month since their son's death.

How laughable.

Meng Jiu pulled his lips upward, forcing a grim smile.

He closed his eyes, then opened them again—his gaze clear and calm.

"She's a frail woman, too trusting of the Yuan family. It was inevitable they'd manipulate her."

Meng Jiu's tone was detached. "I'm already divorced from her. We have no connection left. From now on, Yuan Comrade is only the biological mother of MoMo and Meng Xiaobai—nothing more than a distant stranger to me."

Lin Zhao watched her fourth brother, satisfied with his clarity, and nodded.

Good. Very much a Lin family member.

"When the news of the Meng family's restoration spreads, and she comes looking for you—what will you do?" she asked.

Meng Jiu's gaze was cold and clear. "She may see the children. But I have nothing to say to her."

He pressed his slightly dry lips together, serious—clearly thought through.

"She's a married woman. I'm a lone man. I must avoid suspicion."

Lin Zhao corrected him. "Fourth Brother has a family. Count them—there are over ten blood relatives. How can you call yourself a lone man? Nonsense."

Meng Jiu smiled. "Right. I spoke nonsense."

He reached to pat his sister's head, saw his dirty hands, and pulled back. "Go home now."

"There's another thing—Second Brother divorced," Lin Zhao said.

Meng Jiu froze.

After several seconds, he spoke: "How?"

"Incompatible," Lin Zhao summed up in four characters.

"... I understand. I'll be careful when speaking with Second Brother," Meng Jiu thought his family was truly ahead of its time—shock after shock.

"Mm." Lin Zhao hummed, walked over to MoMo and Meng Xiaobai, slipped them each a strip of meat as a snack, then left.

The two children washed their hands before eating.

"Auntie is so nice. I love Auntie," Meng Xiaobai said, his voice young and sincere.

MoMo nodded seriously. "I love her too."

He disliked Uncle's family the most.

Soon, it was time for Gu Gu Chenghuai to return to his unit.

Learning their father was leaving, all four children were heartbroken.

Seeing Yaobao, barely understanding, clung to her father's neck, her voice soft and sweet: "Don't go, Papa, don't go."

She stared at him with clear, wide eyes.

Xiang Yubao gripped his sister's small hand and explained seriously, "Papa is a soldier. Soldiers must obey orders..."

Seeing Yaobao shook her head, her braids swinging. "No listen. Bao won't listen."

She buried her face in her father's neck, closed her eyes—as if not seeing or hearing meant it wouldn't happen.

Lin Zhao hugged Xiang Yubao. "Don't try to reason with your sister. She's too young to understand."

Seeing Yaobao heard this and immediately opened her eyes, babbling, "Bao understands! Bao understands!"

The little schemer refused to lose.

"Alright, alright, you understand," Lin Zhao said gently.

She let Gu Gu Chenghuai stay with the children and went to the kitchen to prepare food.

As she worked, Gu Mu arrived, carrying her own pickled vegetables and handmade insoles and socks for her son.

"Third daughter-in-law, Gu Chenghuai loves my pickled vegetables—take them for the road. And here are a few pairs of insoles and socks..."

Lin Zhao didn't refuse. "Good. He's inside with the children. Go talk to him."

"No need to talk. Let him stay with the children," Gu Mu declined to disturb him.

Seeing her daughter-in-law kneading dough, she asked, "What are you doing?"

"Baking pancakes for Gu Chenghuai to take on the road," Lin Zhao replied.

Gu Mu was delighted. "Let me help."

She quickly washed her hands and entered the kitchen to assist.

Her daughter-in-law treating her son well made the old woman overjoyed.

The mother-in-law and daughter-in-law worked for over an hour, preparing plenty of durable rations.

When Gu Gu Chenghuai learned his wife had prepared food for him, his heart warmed like soaking in lukewarm water, and a smile curled at his eyes.

He'd never received such treatment before. This was how it felt.

That night, he poured all his strength into Lin Zhao.

Lin Zhao: "..." Not sure if she'd lost or gained.

Before falling asleep, she propped open her eyelids, voice slightly hoarse: "... Don't forget to wake me tomorrow. I'm coming to see you off."

Don't wake me, and you're done for.

The threat remained unfinished as she slipped into deep sleep.

Watching his wife's drowsy face, Gu Gu Chenghuai's handsome expression was full of tender satisfaction, his smile impossible to suppress.

His wife was truly good to him.