force one’s virtuous wife to marry

Script:
In the troubled times of warlords,
Miss Xu, who had returned from studying abroad,
by a twist of fate became the ‘fiancée’ of the cold-faced young marshal.
Facing this sudden ‘marriage’ and her frosty ‘fiancé’,
where should she go?
Should she flee or resign herself to her fate?

A time that is always lightly described,
with the old giving way to the new, change, chaos, and an unpredictable future,
but with heroes of iron and beautiful women like flowers.
Viewing an era through a love story,
and a nation through an era,
the spring flowers and autumn moon, the rise and fall of glory,
cannot change the true feelings in the heart and the great love for one’s country.

Chapter 1: Must I force her to submit?
“I don’t know what Miss Xu likes, so I took the liberty of having the room cleaned. If there’s anything Miss Xu doesn’t like, please let me know. Just make yourself at home and don’t be shy. Fourth Auntie smiled charmingly and spoke very sincerely.
Xu Liangchen quickly smiled and said, ’Thank you, Fourth Auntie, for your trouble. Liangchen is just filling a position, and I don’t deserve such attention from the family and Fourth Auntie.’
She was only the family tutor and interpreter for the women of the general’s household when they interacted with foreigners. This fourth wife was being too polite, wasn’t she?
She had agreed not to live in the general’s mansion, and her job at Qiming Girls’ School and National Geographic would continue. It could be said that she would not actually be in the Duan household for long, and she would probably only stay here occasionally at night. She had never expected that the general’s mansion would allocate such a separate courtyard for her to live in. This fourth wife was attentive and sincere, and her good attitude made her feel a little overwhelmed.
To be honest, she was just an ordinary staff member who had just started working at the general’s mansion, so why would she receive such treatment? She didn’t even know the graceful Fourth Mistress, but she felt like she had suddenly become a guest of honour at the general’s mansion.
‘Fourth Mistress, I’m just a regular servant in your household, and my home is not far away. I don’t deserve such a grand reception.‘ Xu Liangchen smiled modestly and gently, “Fourth Mistress, I appreciate your kindness and thoughtfulness. Look at this residence…” It’s better if you don’t, isn’t it?
’It’s just two rooms. Miss Xu, are you looking down on my family?’ The Fourth Mistress was still smiling when she heard someone speak coldly from outside the door.
Xu Liangchen’s heart skipped a beat at the sound, and the smile on his face froze a little. Fourth Mistress Wu Wenjuan, oblivious, turned back with a smile, ‘Eldest brother, has the flower that Fourth Aunt wanted been delivered? You can have someone pick the best ones. I feel like there are two pots of elm-leafed plum missing in this house.
While she was talking, Duan Yijie had already walked in with long strides.
Behind him, four maids carried several flower pots carefully and delivered them in. Duan Yijie’s face still did not show the slightest smile: ‘Auntie, do you think these are enough?’
Wu Wenjuan was used to his cold face and looked at Xu Liangchen and smiled: ‘Whether it’s enough or not is not up to you to decide, you have to ask the person who lives here.’ She said this and took Xu Liangchen’s hand and told her to look at the flowers: ‘Miss Xu, if you don’t like them or they’re not enough, just let us know. He invited the people here, if he’s not responsible, then who is?’ He said with a meaningful smile and glanced at Duan Yijie.
This eldest brother has never smiled since childhood, always with a cold face. This might be appropriate in front of the soldiers, but when faced with a beautiful woman like a flower, how come there is not even a hint of a smile on his face? Wu Wenxi glanced at Duan Yijie somewhat teasingly.
Xu Liangchen felt a little uncomfortable at what the Fourth Mistress said. It seemed to be correct, but it sounded awkward. He gave a faint smile, said nothing, and looked up at the annoying instigator.
However, he saw Duan Yijie in a neat stand-up collar military uniform, his military cap in place, wearing snow-white gloves, and his black riding boots gleaming in the light, exuding a touch of coldness, which was consistent with the impression he gave Xu Liangchen.
Duan Yijie is tall and straight, exceptionally handsome, with sharp and three-dimensional lines on his face like those carved by a knife. He exudes an air of aloofness that keeps people away, and his coldness seems to pierce to the bone. The riding crop in his hand taps his left hand inadvertently, and the sharp gaze in his slightly narrowed black eyes is like a sword, making Xu Liangchen unable to help but avert her eyes.
The early spring sun was already warm, and the light streaming in through the window was speckled, but Xu Liangchen could not feel the warmth. The sight of the man in front of her made her feel uneasy for no reason.
The woman in front of her was young and delicate, just like the gentle Jiangnan landscape, light as ink, but with a dignified and elegant air, a somewhat classical oval face, fair skin like jade, exuding a dreamy and pure like the misty rain in the Jiangnan region.
Her clear eyes rippled, reflecting her slightly indifferent face. Duan Yijie’s mouth twitched slightly, and a faint smile appeared on his lips. He had seen her smile before, and it was extremely moving. Her curved eyebrows and slightly upturned lips were like the spring flowers by the river in March, pure and beautiful.
So this mansion doesn’t even catch your eye? Duan Yijie’s slender eyes faintly held a hint of mockery as he walked into the study and glanced around. He said to the Fourth Mistress, ‘Fourth Aunt, these books are not enough. Miss Xu is a talented woman. She is proficient in more than six foreign languages, and she reads letters in foreign languages. How could she care about these vulgar magazines?’
The words were half serious and half teasing. The fourth wife looked at Xu Liangchen and laughed, ‘Of course, I can’t compare with you in terms of knowing Miss Xu. These are just fillers. The bookshelves are empty, waiting for you to bring them, young master.’
Xu Liangchen, who was bowing her head, did not see the teasing in Wu Wen’s eyes, but her heart could not help but jump. She had never met the young master of the general’s mansion before, but the way he sounded made her feel that… Could it be that he heard what I said that day?
That day, the sixth young master of the Sheng family, who had been pestering her since she returned to China, cornered her and her eldest sister in a restaurant, and there was no way to get away, so he deliberately posed a problem: ‘Sixth young master, it’s easy to get Liangchen to say yes. If you write a love letter in six languages – Chinese, English, French, German, Italian and Japanese – on the spot, Liangchen will do anything you want.”
Upon hearing this, Sheng Laoliu almost sat down on the floor. He looked really funny, and he had managed to avoid this predicament.
What did Duan Shao mean by this? Could it be that he knew about that trivial matter?
His gentle and beautiful mother died young, and his idle father only cared about marrying a second wife. He had the nerve to send his eldest sister, his third sister and himself to their maternal grandparents’ house. Although their grandmother was compassionate and their cousins and their wives were generous, they were not legitimate children after all, and they could not help feeling like they were living in someone else’s house.
Under the dead calm of the big house and deep courtyard, there is mostly intrigue and backstabbing. Even though the cousin is the head of the family, he married only his cousin Cai Fengqi, who was chosen for him by his grandparents back then, and his concubine Yang Ruolan, whom he took in when he was away from home on official business. There are a lot of trivial matters in the house during the week, not to mention the large marshal’s mansion with a large population?
Leaving the country to study, Xu Liangchen finally got a taste of freedom and independence. This mansion, which controls the sixteen provinces of southern China, is the last place she wants to be. Why did the cold-faced young master send someone to find her? She had no choice but to politely decline repeatedly. However, in the end, the situation was stronger than the person, and after her cousin also intervened, she had to agree.
Why did the young master insist that she bow? Was it just to save face for the General’s Mansion after her refusal?
Chapter 2: Can you walk?
After returning to China, Xu Liangchen was hired to teach French at Qiming Girls‘ School and English at St. Mary’s Girls’ College, as well as being a special contributor to National Geographic Magazine. Her days were full and meaningful. Coming to the General’s Mansion to do such a trivial task of entertaining the wives and daughters seemed like a waste of time to her.
Moreover, there were countless people in Yanzhou who knew several foreign languages, were good at socialising, and were willing to form connections with the powerful and influential Dashaifu Mansion. Why did she have to be Xu Liangchen?
Why was this cold-faced young master being so difficult, even going so far as to threaten and bribe his cousin Sun Menglin’s political future?
Xu Liangchen felt a headache coming on.
Today, as soon as he arrived, the concierge announced that his receptionist was none other than the fourth concubine of General Duan, who was the General’s favourite. Not only was she exceptionally welcoming, but she also seemed to be hiding something in her conversation with Xu Liangchen. He could not believe that the young master of the Duan family had suddenly appeared halfway through the meeting. A junior staff member like her had made them lower their heads and bow? Xu Liangchen had a feeling that there must be a reason for this.
Although she was smiling faintly, her eyebrows were slightly furrowed, looking quite troubled. Duan Yijie’s lips curled up. This girl really is quite different. It seems that I was right to look at her. The decision will fall on her!
Since Duan Yijie came in, Xu Liangchen has looked a little cold. Fourth Mistress looked at the two of them with some curiosity and interest and laughed, ‘Miss Xu is new here, there’s no need to rush things. It’s getting late, so why don’t you join us for lunch today, and when Qi Fang and Qi Yu get back in the afternoon, we can hold a banquet to introduce you to your husband?
‘Fourth Mistress, you are too kind. Liangchen doesn’t deserve it. Please don’t insist. I still have a class at St. Mary’s in the afternoon. If Fourth Mistress doesn’t mind, Liangchen will take her leave now.’ The more enthusiastic Wu Wenjuan was, the more uncomfortable and uneasy Xu Liangchen felt, so she simply excused herself. The residence of the warlord is full of talented people, so if there is really something, it may not necessarily be me. Why stay here and make yourself uncomfortable?
Seeing Xu Liangchen avoiding her like she was afraid of her, Fourth Mistress smiled and gave Duan Yijie a flirtatious wink. Before she could say anything, the cold-faced young master suddenly said, ‘Since Miss Xu still has things to do, Fourth Mistress, you don’t need to stay. Miss Xu, please.’ He leaned to one side and slightly raised his right hand, actually letting Xu Liangchen walk.
Not only was Fourth Mistress a little surprised by this, Xu Liangchen couldn’t help but look up at him. This time, the cold-faced young master was actually giving him face by looking at him like this? The sun coming up in the west? But since the young master had loosened his grip, Xu Liangchen naturally couldn’t ask for more, so he smiled gently and quickly bid farewell to Fourth Mistress.
Wu Wenjuan smiled with a leaky smile while feeling strange in her heart. How did the eldest brother change his temperament? Just let this Miss Xu leave? It’s also strange. Those who come to the door are ignored and cold as frost, and this Miss Xu is cold and indifferent and obviously unconcerned. The eldest brother is on the prowl, and he even asked me to take care of it. It seems that there must be a story.
They walked out of the courtyard together, and after politely bidding farewell to Wu Wenjuan, Xu Liangchen lifted his foot and started walking, but unexpectedly, the cold-faced young master followed him like a shadow, lingering unhurriedly behind him. The sight of a man and a woman walking out like this, and the young master, who had never been fawning towards women, even though people coming and going were afraid to look directly at him due to the cold-faced young master’s accumulated prestige, still made Xu Liangchen feel a little overwhelmed.
Looking ahead, he saw the tall gatehouse of the general’s mansion. Helpless, Xu Liangchen had to stop and casually draw a distance from someone, ‘Young master, there’s no need to see me off. Thank you.’
Duan Yijie raised his eyes, his gaze sharp as a sword, and said expressionlessly and coldly, ‘I’m not seeing you off. Let’s have lunch together.’
What? Xu Liangchen looked at him in shock, ‘Have lunch together?’ No need, not to mention that I can’t eat with your cold face, and I don’t know if I’ll get stomach problems if I do. Just the rumours and gossip about me going out with the cold-faced young master of the Da Shuai Mansion, who is known to be a womaniser, are more than I, a humble person, can bear.
‘Thank you for your kindness, but I have something to do, so I’ll be going first.’ Xu Liangchen finished speaking and, without waiting for Duan Yijie’s reply, turned around and left quickly.
Watching someone’s escape-like back disappearing at the gate, a wry smile appeared on Duan Yijie’s cold face. Girl, do you think I’ll let you go without my permission?
Sure enough, Xu Liangchen, who had already taken one foot out the door, was stopped in his tracks by an adjutant. The man was very polite, smiling and raising his hand in salute: ‘Miss Xu, please get in the car.’
Judging from the situation, no matter if she wanted to go or not, she had to go? Xu Liangchen was a little angry. Could the powerful Marshal’s Mansion do this kind of coercion?
He wanted to reason with him, but when he looked at Duan Yijie’s cold expression, the tall and imposing gatehouse of the mansion, and the long spear in the hands of the soldier on guard, he thought that this was not the first time that Duan had done something like forcing someone against their will. He was not the type to throw a tantrum in the street, and this was still the main entrance of the mansion, with an endless stream of people coming and going. The cold-faced young master was naturally the focus of attention. Helpless, he suppressed the fire in his heart and got into the car without saying a word.
Duan Yijie’s icy eyes thawed slightly, and he sat down next to Xu Liangchen in a big way. The adjutant Luo Hongyi closed the car door, got into the passenger seat, and the car started.
Although they had met a few times, he and Duan Yijie were not familiar with each other. He had heard that this young master was always cold-faced and rarely paid attention to the city’s celebrities, but these days he deliberately kept himself close to him. Although he didn’t know the reason, it was inappropriate to pretend to be ignorant anymore, so he quietly leaned over to the side. Xu Liangchen turned his head slightly and said, ‘I have already agreed to the request you made that day. If there is anything else you would like to advise me on, please let me know. Can we skip this meal? The young master has a million things to attend to every day, so there’s no need to be so polite.”
After a long while, she didn’t hear a reply, so Xu Liangchen lifted her eyes slightly, only to see Duan Yijie’s ice-like dark eyes staring at her coolly.
Xu Liangchen suddenly felt a chill in her heart. She had an inexplicable fear of this cold-faced young master from the bottom of her heart, so she forced herself to remain calm, looked away, and lowered her eyes to look at her clasped hands.
Chapter 3: Fiancee?
The soft, calm tone of her voice, no perfume, just a faint, indistinct fragrance of a woman, made Duan Yijie, who had never had a good impression of women and was extremely picky, unable to help but relax and lean back in his chair.
Seeing Xu Liangchen struggling even though she was at the end of her rope, Duan Yijie couldn’t help but feel a little amused. His thin lips curled up slightly, and he subconsciously glanced at her obliquely. The hands that were close at hand were pale white like jade, slender and soft, and there was a kind of desire that made people want to grasp them when they looked at them.
After a moment of silence, Duan Yijie’s cold, deep voice said faintly, ‘What? Is my food so unappetizing for Miss Xu?’
His words were blunt and unceremonious. Xu Liangchen didn’t want to flatter him or get into trouble, so he smiled faintly and didn’t respond, but he also knew he couldn’t refuse, so he resigned himself to keeping quiet.
The car stopped in front of the White Swan Hotel.
This was the most high-end hotel in Yanzhou, and the attached restaurant, Hongtufu, was so expensive that only the powerful and wealthy could afford to eat there.
What a snooty young master, eating in a place like this. Xu Liangchen inwardly scoffed, but had to lower his head and follow behind Duan Yijie.
Obviously, most of the wealthy and powerful people coming and going were familiar with Duan, and people greeted him respectfully and warmly along the way. Then their eyes would turn to Xu Liangchen, and the looks they gave him were mixed with scrutiny, envy, and various other meanings, but most of all they seemed to be curious about the woman that Duan the young master had brought here, wondering who she was.
Duan Yijie seemed to care nothing about this, and on two occasions even deliberately stopped to briefly introduce the two parties: ‘This is Chief of Staff Zheng; this is Minister Zhan of the Ministry of Agriculture, Industry and Commerce, and this is Xu Liangchen.’
They were all people of status and influence, and Xu Liangchen had to smile and bow her head in a dignified and gracious manner to say hello. The other party’s smiling and scrutinising gaze made her feel very strange.
After enduring countless stares and covert glances, she finally managed to enter the private room. Luo Hongyi left soon after, and the food and wine were quickly served. It was of course a feast of delicacies, with bird’s nests and shark’s fin, and the dishes were also inlaid with gold and jade, indescribably luxurious.
However, Xu Liangchen had no appetite at all.
After thinking for a while, she suppressed the depression and unease in her heart, looked up decisively, and said, ‘Mr. Duan, please tell me what you want to say.’ Now, are you going to tell me?
It seems that you won’t eat unless I say something, but I’m afraid it will be even more difficult for you to swallow if I do. Duan Yijie looked at her, her long black hair like a waterfall, framing a face of porcelain, her dark eyes full of unease and determination, pure as a fawn. He couldn’t help but feel a little flutter in his heart. If it was her, perhaps the days ahead would not be lacking in interest either?
He lifted his hand and took the bowl with the thin porcelain and gold thread inlay. He filled it with a bowl of chicken and shark’s fin soup himself and put it in front of Xu Liangchen: ‘Eat this first.’ I’ll tell you after you finish.
Xu Liangchen looked at him with some surprise, and instinctively wanted to ask if something bad had been put in it. Her expression made Duan Yijie can’t help but raise an eyebrow.
Xu Liangchen, with hindsight, shook off her inappropriate thoughts. This person is powerful and influential, so if he wants to do something, he can just do it with arrogance, so why bother? She was being overly artistic and thinking too much.
So she took the spoon and slowly finished the shark’s fin soup. She put down the hot towel she used to dry her hands, sat up straight, looked up at Duan Yijie, and said, ‘Please go ahead.’
Duan Yijie looked at her with interest as she maintained a faint smile, her doe-like black eyes full of caution.
His dark eyes, like blades, fixed on her, and a barely perceptible glint flashed in his cold eyes. He raised the corners of his mouth slightly, and his voice carried a hint of justified calm, ‘Please, Miss Xu, be my fiancee.’
What? Xu Liangchen’s eyes widened in surprise, and she looked at him in utter surprise and confusion.
Mr Duan said, fiancee?
! Xu Liangchen’s throat was dry with disbelief and some shame and annoyance: ‘Please, Mr Duan…don’t joke like this. I am very grateful for the young master’s favour. But…the Shuai family is a noble family, and you should marry a celebrity or beauty. Liangchen knows that he is not a good match for her, so please, Mr Duan, withdraw your decision…I have a class this afternoon, so I’ll go first. Enjoy your meal, Mr Duan.’
Xu Liangchen’s heart was pounding, and although he really wanted to know why he had suddenly taken such a strange interest in her, he was too self-conscious to face the coldness of this powerful young man, and so he just wanted to escape.
She stood up and hurriedly took a few steps, when she heard Duan Yijie coldly say, ‘Stop, just leaving like that?’
He said this elegantly, slowly standing up, and stepping closer to Xu Liangchen, step by step: ‘I was talking about my fiancée, where did the marriage thing come in? Miss Xu has misunderstood.’
He stopped, and Xu Liangchen stood stiffly. Seeing him approaching step by step, his heart pounded like thunder, and he backed away in some fear. Until he felt a chill on his back, against the screen inlaid with wood-grain carvings, his heart pounding furiously, but then he heard Duan Yijie’s words behind him. Xu Liangchen was taken aback, and looked up at Duan Yijie suddenly, somewhat puzzled.
Chapter 4 Sudden ambiguity
What did he mean? Fiancee, but not involving marriage, does he want… Xu Liangchen suddenly felt a surge of anger. Are these powerful men all so heartless as to treat women like objects? Even this cold-faced young general, who has never had a reputation for being unfaithful, is such a filthy thing?
There are countless beautiful women in Yanzhou, some plump and some thin, and countless who are willing to have a passionate affair with him. Why does this man have to hold on to her?
Although she really wanted to push him away and walk away, the man standing in front of her was very close, tall and upright, and an invisible cold and hard aura pressed in on her, enveloping her tightly.
Xu Liangchen felt that the distance between the two was so close that even their breathing and heartbeat seemed audible. His gaze was like a sword sliding over her face, hair and body.
She had nowhere to retreat, her body leaning against the screen, as if there were fine droplets of sweat on her back, mingling with the glass that had no temperature, as cold as water.
Xu Liangchen blinked uneasily, his mind racing with various reasons and excuses to refuse, but then he saw Duan Yijie bow his head slightly, his eyes deep as the sea.
The light in those bright eyes shifted, expressing anger, confusion, embarrassment, distress, and disdain. For a moment, Duan Yijie was unable to look away.
Normally, in the eyes of the various women he had encountered, both beautiful and unattractive, fat and thin, he had seen almost nothing but envy, flattery, curiosity, and overt or covert displays of goodwill. Where had he ever seen such a complex yet clear mixture of hatred and anger?
However, he liked those vivid expressions.
As if bewitched, he couldn’t help but reach out his hand to support the screen behind her, lowered his eyes and looked at her intently. His hand brushed her hair, and Xu Liangchen’s stiff body couldn’t help but tremble slightly. Duan Yijie’s voice softened slightly with some reluctance, ‘Why don’t you want to?’
Xu Liangchen’s breathing quickened under the gaze in his dark eyes. She could feel the faint tobacco smell on the man’s body, along with a cold breath that locked her in like an invisible net. She could only bite her trembling lips hard and try to calm her unease and her heartbeat.
‘Tell me your reason.’ Duan Yijie slowly leaned closer to her ear, his low, cool voice carrying a hint of patience.
Feeling his hand shrink inch by inch, Xu Liangchen panicked and looked up at his face. ‘Please forgive me, I already have a lover, and you are not an ordinary person, so you must understand that a forced relationship will not be sweet. There are thousands of beauties in the world, so why make things difficult for me?’
Duan Yijie’s eyes narrowed slightly. At this point, he was still insisting on reasoning. Hmm, he’s calm enough. It seems I made the right choice. His voice was still low, but there was an unspoken pressure. ‘Miss Xu, my fiancee, feels aggrieved? Out of the thousands of girls, I just happen to like this one, is that not allowed? Besides, does Miss Xu think this melon must be forced? By your lover, do you mean the American journalist?’
This bastard actually suspects that I am playing hard to get?
Xu Liangchen was indignant and speechless. His eyelashes drooped as he shot a few hateful glares, his chest rising and falling with anger. He worried that he might not be able to hold back from shouting, and he also had a vague worry in his heart. How did he know about David? Could it be that he had already sent someone to secretly investigate him? This person seems very tricky.
The luscious red lips fell into Duan Yijie’s eyes, darkening his gaze. The girl’s face was pretty and charming, but pitiful, and there was stubbornness and persistence in the corners of her lips and eyes. He discovered for the first time that women were honey, and they also had an unspeakable temptation for him.
Thinking of doing it, Duan Shao Shuai, who had always put reason first, didn’t control himself this time. He lowered his head and pressed against the red lips.
Xu Liangchen was caught off guard and let out a low exclamation before pushing back hard, trying to break free from his embrace. Duan Yijie would not allow her to resist, and pressed his body forward to try to clasp her tighter. At that moment, there was a loud crash, and the poor screen could not withstand the weight of the two people and collapsed to the ground, and the two unprepared people also fell together.
One can imagine how awkward and ambiguous the posture was.
Duan Yijie was squarely on top of Xu Liangchen, their mouths touching, comparable to a hot kiss. Xu Liangchen was so ashamed and angry that her face was red as if it was bleeding: ‘Get up!’ He really couldn’t care about etiquette or anything else, because there was already a hurried knock on the door: ‘Young master, are you okay?’
The softness beneath him caused Duan Yijie to feel an unusual sensation in his heart. He looked up and stared at Xu Liangchen’s flushed face. Without getting up, he said in a deep voice, ‘I’m fine.’
There was a reply from outside the door, but then there was no more movement.
‘You, please…get up…’ Xu Liangchen turned her head in humiliation and anger, but she had to beg in a low voice. There was a dull pain in her back, and she didn’t know if she had hurt herself.
Duan Yijie felt something unusual about her furrowed brow and hurriedly stood up without making a sound, reaching out to help Xu Liangchen up. Xu Liangchen bowed her head to refuse and tried to get up on her own, but the stabbing pain in her back made her stiffen.
Duan Yijie noticed that something was really wrong and asked, ‘What’s wrong?’
Chapter 5: Gossip
‘I…think I may have hurt my back…’ Xu Liangchen mumbled, feeling truly frustrated and resentful. This cold-faced young master had used him as a cushion, and with such a big elephant-headed bear, it was lucky that he hadn’t been crushed to death.
‘Then don’t move!’ Duan Yijie said, crouching down and reaching out to pick Xu Liangchen up.
‘You…’ Xu Liangchen’s heart was pounding, and she blushed as she was about to protest, but Duan Yijie had already put her down on the sofa: ’Just try it.’
She frowned slightly when she moved, and Duan Yijie immediately understood the look on Xu Liangchen’s face. Looking at the almost untouched food on the table, his dark eyes sparkled, and he shouted, ‘Somebody!’
Luo Hongyi pushed open the door in response, and when he saw the fallen screen, he couldn’t help but be stunned. How did the young master and this Miss Xu manage to knock over the screen while eating?
‘Take Miss Xu to the hospital,’ Duan Yijie commanded in a deep voice, ‘she hurt her back.’
‘Yes!’ Luo Hongyi answered, hurriedly walking over to Xu Liangchen’s side. Duan Yijie stopped him, walked over himself, and reached out to pick Xu Liangchen up. Xu Liangchen blushed with embarrassment, “Mr. Duan, I can walk by myself…”
Duan Yijie looked at her for a moment without saying a word, and then strode out of the room.
Seeing the young master’s figure hugging the beauty, Luo Hongyi was stunned, and it took him a while to quickly follow him out.
What’s wrong with this guy? Xu Liangchen’s back ached, his heart seethed with anger, and his face flushed with embarrassment. In broad daylight in a public place, he had lost face. He tried to break free, but he was helpless, so he carefully lowered his face into Duan Yijie’s arms. All he heard along the way was the sound of gasps of surprise.
Carefully placing her in the car, Duan Yijie gave the order, and the driver, stepping on the accelerator, sped off towards the military government hospital.
It was indeed a sprain, and it was quite serious. Apart from traditional Chinese medicine treatments such as massage and acupuncture, and Western medicine injections, Xu Liangchen was ordered to stay in the hospital for a week.
The troubled Xu Liangchen was not only uncomfortable with the special treatment she received from the time she arrived at the hospital, and the different meanings behind the stares, but she was also worried about delaying her students’ studies. Helpless and unable to move around, she had to ask Lieutenant Luo to call back and ask for leave.
Duan Yijie stayed by Xu Liangchen’s bedside throughout her treatment. Although he didn’t say a word, anyone could see that the young Duan’s deep eyes were fixed on the sprained woman.
The rumour that the cold-faced young marshal, who was said to be uninterested in women, had a girlfriend was explosive news. So when Xu Liangchen was taken to the VIP ward to rest, the news spread quickly and secretly.
After a night, not only the military junta, the news media, and even the general public started talking about it the next day. Reporters waiting outside the hospital even took photos of Duan Yijie visiting him. Then the paparazzi traced details such as the young general taking his beautiful companion to the White Swan Hongtu Mansion the day before for dinner. Speculation about the young general’s girlfriend flew around, and of course some media soon wrote Xu Liangchen’s name without surprise.
As a result, Sun Jiaya, Sun Menglin, the deputy mayor of Yanzhou City Government, Xu Liangchen’s eldest sister Xu Meichen, her brother-in-law Liu Yizhang, who works as a staff officer at the General Headquarters of the Army, Xu Liangchen’s employer Qiming, and Sheng Mary Girls’ Middle School also became the targets of interviews and tracking.
In less than a day, the whole of Yanzhou knew about it. Of course, the only person who was kept in the dark was Xu Liangchen, who was lying in bed with remorse in her heart but had to be patient.
On the morning of the third day, just after treatment, the nurse walked in with a smile on her face: ‘Miss Xu, a Miss Xu Meichen is here to visit. Do you want to see her?’
From the afternoon of the day she arrived, at Duan Yijie’s behest, the hospital had taken special security measures in Xu Liangchen’s area. Needless to say, the paparazzi were kept out, as were the relatives of important government figures who came to visit under the guise of a visit. They were all turned away on the grounds that ‘Miss Xu needs to rest in bed.’ Xu Meichen was let in because she shared her sister’s name and the young master had specifically instructed that she be let in.
Xu Liangchen was of course happy to hear that her sister was coming and hurriedly asked the nurse to let her in.
Xu Meichen hurriedly walked in and, seeing that it was indeed her younger sister, rushed to the bed and asked repeatedly, ‘Liangchen, what on earth happened? I thought you were going to teach? Why are you like this? And, you and Duan…’ Xu Meichen stopped when she noticed the nurse’s ears pricking up.
The nurse, noticing that the two sisters had noticed her, walked out a little embarrassed and closed the door behind her. After seeing her figure disappear, Xu Meichen then asked in a low voice, ‘What’s going on between you and the young master of the Duan family?’
Me and… Xu Liangchen was taken aback upon hearing this: ‘Big sister, what are you talking about? I sprained my ankle, and he…brought me here.’
“How could someone your age not be more careful? How did you sprain your ankle? And you had to trouble the young master to bring you here?’ Xu Meichen sighed as she looked at her sister, sat down next to her, picked up an apple and began to peel it while grumbling, ‘This is great, do you know what gossip is flying around the Bund right now?’
Xu Liangchen couldn’t bring herself to say why she had sprained her ankle, so she should have been justified in saying that Duan Yijie was the culprit, who else would have sent her if not him? There was no way to explain this, and she was feeling depressed. Xu Meichen’s next words made her heart rise with a very bad feeling, so she hurriedly asked, ‘What gossip?…’
Could it be that it was a scandal about herself and Duan Yijie…?!
Chapter 6: Fuelling the flames
‘This cold-faced young general has never given any of the famous beauties the time of day, and now suddenly he’s running to the hospital with you in his arms. What do you think people are saying? You, on the other hand, don’t even think about it. These young masters don’t get involved easily.’ Xu Meichen felt both pain for her sister and worry about the huge destructive power of such a scandal.
‘…’ Unexpectedly, things had become such a huge scandal. Xu Liangchen could not say a word in his own defence. He felt depressed and resentful. If he had not witnessed it himself, he would have been unable to resist the temptation to suspect that even the incident in which he was injured had been deliberately caused by Duan Yijie.
Could it be that he had just let the gossip go to hear about it in order to force him to agree to his demands?
After thinking for a long time and letting out a sigh, Xu Liangchen said helplessly, ‘Big sister, what do those rumours say?’
Xu Meichen cut the apple into small slices, picked them up with a toothpick and handed them to her sister, saying indistinctly, ‘What else can they say? The cold-faced young marshal’s confidante has been exposed, and it is said to be his fiancee or something like that. Some of the rumours are even more outrageous… Liangchen, if you get involved in these rumours, what will you and David do in the future?’
Things have become a bit serious. And it sounds like Duan Yijie is clearly to blame for fanning the flames. If he or the people around him don’t say anything, how would the media know about some inexplicable ‘fiancée’?
Thinking about the frosty-faced man, Xu Liangchen had a headache. She sighed, ‘Big sister, it’s not what you think…’ and told her most of the story about herself and Duan Yijie, of course not mentioning the reason for the sprain. She felt that it was really a bit beneath the table and couldn’t tell her own big sister Xu Liangchen.
After listening to her sister, Xu Meichen was dumbfounded, ‘What? He said…fiancée? ! And he said it had nothing to do with marriage, so what’s going on? What are you going to do in the future?…’
Xu Liangchen was a little helpless: ‘It happened so suddenly. I don’t know what this young master is thinking, and he has been scheming for a long time… But I didn’t agree.’
Since it’s something the Duan family wants to do, is it up to us ordinary people to say whether we agree or not? Xu Meichen looked at her sister with a mixture of sadness and worry. Her husband was in the government, so she knew a lot more about the Duan family than Xu Liangchen, who had just returned to China, could possibly know.
‘If the young general really has his eye on your sister, why wouldn’t he agree to it? Our family, the Xu family, from which the three of us come, was once a family of officials, but unfortunately it has long since fallen into decline. My cousin is considered young and capable, and the extended family is very lively, but compared to the general’s mansion, which is currently one of the top families in China, it is not up to par. Although marrying into such a family is hard work, it is finally a way to rise in the world… David is a nice person, but he is a foreigner after all…’ After thinking about it, Xu Meichen whispered.
But from what she had heard, it seemed that this was not the case at all. What did the young general really want to do? Could it be that Liangchen was just going to follow him without a name or a title? If it wasn’t legitimate, how would it turn out in the future… What was strange was that if she was not the ‘fiancée’ of someone, why did the general’s mansion tolerate the uproar in the news media and the marketplace?
‘Big sister, how can you say that? Isn’t love and marriage about mutual affection? Just because he likes me, does that mean I have to say yes?…’ Xu Liangchen looked at his big sister and frowned. He had come back this time and found that his big sister had changed a lot. The innocence of the past had become worldly-wise, and the dreams of the past had long since turned to dust. She had also become skilled at playing mahjong with the wife next door, and had taken on a more worldly air… The only thing that hadn’t changed was her care and concern for him.
Xu Liangchen feels a pang of tenderness in his heart for this sister who is both familiar and somewhat strange. Just because she is a few years older, she has taken on the role of ‘older sister like a mother’ and has borne numerous storms for herself and her younger sister. It seems that her marriage life over the past two years has not been too happy either. Not wanting to worry his sister, Xu Liangchen speaks in a coquettish voice, ‘I haven’t set my sights on him yet…’
Although David is a foreigner, he and I were classmates and understand each other very well. And because I returned to China after completing my studies, he took the initiative to apply to National Geographic to come to China… Knowing that my eldest sister, who did not study abroad, always has some reservations about foreigners, Xu Liangchen thought to himself but did not say anything in explanation.
Meichen could see that his sister did not agree with him, and for the moment, he did not know what to say. Love and marriage were really something he could not control. His sister was right to say that it was mutual love. Just like himself, at the time, had he not also felt in love and got married? But then, after the initial excitement had worn off, the man had often complained about the lack of support from his family, and this had made him and his wife feel frustrated. Although he could understand, it was not easy for a man to be away from home, but alas…
There was a moment of silence in the ward. After Liangchen finished eating the apple, she saw her eldest sister in a daze, so she smiled, took Meichen’s hand, and tried to flirt to lighten the mood. However, she heard someone outside the door say, ‘I heard we have a guest. Is this the young lady?’
It was the cold-faced young general Duan Yijie.
His face still had no expression, but his eyes were no longer cold as ice skates, but slightly warmed by the melting warmth of spring, as he looked at the Xu sisters.
According to the information, both sisters have inherited their mother’s beauty. Compared to Xu Liangchen’s youthful charm and elegant scholarly air, this eldest sister has more of the charm of a young woman. However, as for temperament, it seems that this second Miss Xu is indeed a rare figure with backbone who is not afraid to stand tall and not afraid to step down, and who is not afraid to choose her own path.
Xu Meichen saw the legendary cold-faced young master face-to-face for the first time. She stood up, nodded, and smiled. Her concern for her younger sister’s emotions prevailed, and she could not bring herself to say anything polite or complimentary, so she had to remain silent.
‘Please sit, Miss. You don’t need to be polite,’ said Duan Yijie with a slight smile on his lips. He walked over to the bed and looked down at Xu Liangchen with a slight bend in his back. ‘The doctor said that the recovery is going well. Is the food sent by the family to your liking? Just tell them what you want to eat.’ It was a tone of voice that was quite rare and quite caring.
Chapter 7 Why me?
Xu Meichen watched this scene and her resolve began to waver.
This young master has never paid any attention to women. She had gone to a few Army General Headquarters balls with her husband and had seen him from afar on a few occasions. He really did not care about those famous beauties and was always cold and aloof. Seeing his attitude towards his sister, perhaps…
Xu Liangchen turned her head and didn’t want to pay any attention. She had become like this on her own, and yet gossip about her had spread all over the place, thanks to this young master. Now what is he doing pretending to be concerned?
Seeing that Xu Liangchen ignored him, Duan Yijie didn’t say much, and he simply took a chair and sat down, raising his eyebrows coldly and saying, ‘It’s just that the eldest young lady is also here, doesn’t the second young lady have anything to ask me?’ He waved his hand, and Luo Hongyi brought in two maidservants, carrying a large box and placing it on the table. After placing it, they quickly retreated and closed the door behind them.
Xu Meichen raised her eyes and saw that the box contained some newspapers and magazines. The large headlines on the top, which were faintly visible, were exactly the gossipy scandals that had been spreading everywhere these past few days. She looked at Duan Yijie silently.
After a moment of silence, Xu Liangchen did not turn her head, but spoke with some reluctance, ‘Mr. Duan, I already refused what you said the other day. May I ask what these rumours of the past few days are about? The great marshal’s mansion, the young marshal, why are you making things so difficult for a woman like me?’
‘What happened these past few days was indeed beyond my expectations…’ Although he had intended to go to the Hongtu Mansion that day, what happened afterwards was an accident, and this accident happened to be in his favour, so of course Duan Yijie was happy to see it happen.
‘The young marshal, who keeps his word, is actually using such despicable tricks? This is truly despicable!’ Xu Liangchen’s voice was low but cold, and she was really angry. I think, with the power of the general’s mansion and Duan Yijie’s abilities, this kind of gossip can be nipped in the bud, but now they are allowed to grow up with the wind, which is really hateful.
‘Young master, I am a little confused about this matter. Can you please enlighten me?‘ Seeing that her sister was being rude, Xu Meichen quickly took over the conversation. If her sister could get out of this unscathed, even if she had to suffer a little, after all, these sixteen provinces in the south were in someone else’s sphere of influence. The people did not fight against the officials, it was just like striking a stone with an egg, the power disparity was too great.
’Please go ahead, young lady.’ Duan Yijie raised his eyebrows coldly, without saying a word of nonsense.
‘I don’t know why you made that request to my sister that day.’ This was Xu Meichen’s main concern. In her opinion, this was the crux of the matter, and only after understanding the reason could one consider anything else.
This young lady was quite astute. Duan Yijie looked at her with a sharp gaze, a faint sneer at the corner of his lips. Looking at the woman on the bed who had always looked down on him, he said lightly, ’Have you heard that my grandmother is seriously ill?’
Duan Zhengxun came from a humble background. In his early years, he was forced by life to work as a street vendor and even a bandit. During the process of becoming a major warlord who dominated the south, Duan’s widowed mother suffered a lot for the family and children. It is said that Duan Zhengxun and the general’s mansion both respect this elderly person very much.
Xu Meichen nodded with a puzzled expression, ‘I heard my husband say that the old lady’s health was poor, but that has nothing to do with…’ She glanced at Xu Liangchen, ‘What does this have to do with my younger sister?’
Duan Yijie’s thin lips curled up slightly. Even though he had already gathered the coldness in the corners of his eyes and eyebrows, Xu Meichen still felt a vague sense of oppression and could not help but shift her gaze.
Duan Yijie, however, answered, ‘When I was young, my parents were away, and I lived with my grandmother in our hometown in the north. One winter, the snow closed the door, and I was in critical condition due to poor health. It was my grandmother who bundled a pole around her waist and braved the snow to beg for medicine and only then did he survive. Perhaps it was because he was talking about the past, but Duan Yijie’s low voice was cold but also a little hoarse. Xu Liangchen was a little surprised. Neither of the two sisters said a word, and there was silence in the room.
Duan Zhengxun had one wife and three concubines, and had two sons and four daughters. The son born to the fourth concubine, Duan Yishen, was still young. Grandmother, father, and mother all pinned their hopes for the Duan family’s prosperity on Duan Yijie, the eldest son, and wished that he would marry and have children as soon as possible.
Unfortunately, Duan Yijie had always taken Huo Qubing’s motto ‘How can you think of home when the Xiongnu are still at large?’ as his own. Seeing the country in disarray, warlords rising up, and foreign powers surrounding it, how could the young and talented commander of the Southern Army dwell in the rich and gentle world? Besides, perhaps it was because his horizons were high or his vision unusual, he really disliked women who applied makeup and powder and clung to big trees like vines. In particular, he avoided the beautiful ladies who had the goal of marrying into the general’s mansion.
‘…Duan Yijie was unfilial, and he could not rest easy even though his grandmother was bedridden, so he resorted to this desperate measure and asked Miss Xu to understand.’ After Duan Yijie had finished explaining the situation, he looked at Xu Liangchen with burning eyes.
It turns out that they were pretending to be an unmarried couple. Xu Meichen let out a sigh, secretly thinking that the cold-faced young master’s cunning reputation was well-deserved, and that he really could come up with ideas like this. While this was understandable, and would not have a bad impact on Duan, it would be very detrimental to his younger sister.
Once this is over, the two of them will part ways, and how will my sister get by? Just words can drown a person, not to mention that Liangchen is going to get married. Sigh… Looking at the heroic, cold-faced man in front of her and her sister, who is as beautiful as a flower in the hospital bed, Xu Meichen suddenly thought of another possibility. Parting ways is only a 50-50 chance, and the other half…
Of course Xu Liangchen didn’t have the slightest idea of her sister’s thoughts. The story and good intentions of Duan Daxiao were sympathetic, but she couldn’t just sacrifice herself like this, could she? An innocent little civilian like herself? Xu Liangchen muttered to herself, but then she remembered another question: ‘Why…me?’
Chapter 8: Who told you to come to me?
Why is it you? Duan Yijie frowned lightly. It was rare for him to have the patience to say so much, to explain the reasons in detail, and yet the girl still wouldn’t stop? Why was she such a nuisance?
Anyway, how did she get chosen? Duan Yijie looked at Xu Liangchen with a slight sideways glance.
He remembered that day at Yizhichun Restaurant, he had an appointment. As soon as he entered, he heard Wu Zhenzhong laughing loudly, saying that Sheng Laoliu was such a loser that he almost sat on the floor in embarrassment because of a woman. He casually asked, and it turned out to be the story of the six love letters in foreign languages.
Later, when they talked about Xu Liangchen, Duan Yijie suddenly remembered what his eldest and second eldest sisters had said about wanting to study abroad after graduation, and how they had repeatedly said that they wanted to hire a tutor, preferably someone who had returned from the United States.
So after dinner, he had someone ask about it. He had expected that with the reputation of the General’s Mansion and his own status as the young general, the other party would be happy to oblige, but he was surprised when he was rebuffed with the words, ‘Liangchen feels that there is greater value in teaching at a girls’ school.’
Duan Yijie was surprised. The general’s mansion controlled the sixteen southern provinces and was powerful and influential. Usually, even if you found a way to get through to the right person, you might not get a response. How could a little girl be so arrogant? Didn’t she know that her cousin, who had raised her, was expected to be promoted to mayor of Yanzhou City? How could she not give the general’s mansion face and not be afraid that he, the young general, would use public office for personal gain and settle personal scores?
Curiosity got the better of him, and he sent someone to hint at this. The little girl’s reply was even more decisive: ‘If my cousin became mayor by pulling strings and using backdoor channels, it’s better if he doesn’t become mayor.’
Duan Yijie was really interested.
After his grandmother fell ill and was bedridden, his father and mother repeatedly reminded him to fulfil the old lady’s wish as soon as possible, saying that it would be good luck. But without a suitable woman, how could he, a man, do it himself? The young wife of the general’s mansion could not be solved by temporary conscription, and if you don’t like it, you don’t want to touch it.
So Wu Zhenzhong came up with a bad idea, saying that a fake would first make the old lady happy, and the rest would be discussed at the time.
But someone has to cooperate in order to fake it. Wu Boyi suggested a few famous women, but they were directly rejected by Duan Yijie with a glare. These women can’t hide themselves enough, and it will be trouble if they use this as a threat to marry in. Even if you can handle it yourself, once it gets out, can you bear the gossip? The general’s mansion and I still have face.
Even if this is something that can be done, one must find a safe one, at least not a gold-digging woman who hates to marry into a wealthy family in one step. Of course, as long as it is done well, she will never be treated badly.
Just then, you, Xu Liangchen, popped up. Didn’t you just walk right into my hands? Duan Yijie gave a smile.
It was as if they had seen something that they had never thought possible. The Xu sisters looked at Duan Yijie’s smile, which had disappeared in an instant, as if they had been dreaming. They looked at each other, confused. This person… can smile?
Noticing their expressions, Duan Yijie’s face suddenly turned cold. His voice was flat as he said, ‘If you do a good job, I won’t mistreat Miss Xu. Since you understand, get ready. Once you’re well, we’ll hold the engagement ceremony.’
Xu Liangchen’s eyes widened in shock. What? Engaged?
I haven’t agreed to it yet!
It seems that this Miss Xu Er is the perfect candidate, but her indifference to the General’s Mansion and her avoidance of him gave Duan Yijie a real headache. Why is this girl so stubborn? Obviously, all those other women would kill to have his attention, but she’s fine with it. For the first time, she’s wasted so much effort and still won’t give in!
She is only his nominal fiancée, and she finds it so hard to accept? Is she just unable to see anything good in me? Duan Yijie frowned, gave Xu Liangchen a cold glare, and then turned back to Xu Meichen and said, ‘I have something I want to say to Miss, please come with me for a moment.’
He said, turned around and strode towards the door. Xu Meichen looked at her second sister, who was unhappy and glancing at the cold-faced young master’s back, and turned around to follow him silently. It seems that young master Duan is determined to make Liangchen agree, and can he still persuade him to give up?
Seeing her sister go out, Xu Liangchen let out a hateful sigh. He was anxiously thinking about the cold-faced young general’s flippant ‘engagement’ when he heard someone outside the window clearly say something even more hateful: ‘…I hope that Miss Er can agree to this, and I would also like to ask Miss Da for her help…Brother Yizhang is at the Army Headquarters headquarters is a rising star, and Vice Mayor Sun has been a colleague for many years. Everyone is no stranger. Even if you do Yi Jie a favour… The old man is bedridden. Please understand that Yi Jie is desperate and will try anything. After this is done, Yi Jie is willing to thank you, Miss, Miss, and the Xu family…’
Xu Liangchen’s eyebrows furrowed as she listened. She didn’t need an explanation to understand these words. The cold-faced young master was using both threats and enticements to persuade her. How despicable! He even named her husband and cousin, making it clear that if she refused, he would target not just her, but also her sister and her cousin’s family!
The more Xu Liangchen thought about it, the angrier he became. He wanted to smash the teacup in front of him onto that cold face. Hearing someone else still acting with impunity and shamelessly, he couldn’t help but feel his anger rising. He reached over and grabbed a book off the bedside table, swung his hand and smashed it onto the window.
The book fell to the ground with a crash. The sound from outside stopped, and then the footsteps faded away. Soon after, Xu Meichen, who looked worried, hurriedly walked in, ‘Liangchen, what’s wrong?’
In an instant, she saw the book under the window. Xu Meichen understood immediately. She walked over, bent down, picked up the book, ran her hand over the crumpled pages, and looked at her sister with a complex expression in her eyes: ‘… Liangchen, I understand what you’re thinking… This is no trivial matter. I won’t joke with your life. You can do whatever you want… I think your cousin and Yizhang will understand.’
She gently placed the book under Xu Liangchen’s pillow. Mei Chen looked at her younger sister and smiled to lighten the mood: ‘It seems that my sister-in-law is right. Of the three of us sisters, the one who is most attractive is my younger sister… No matter where she goes, she is a graceful lady who is sought after by gentlemen.’
‘Eldest sister…’ Xu Liangchen felt mixed emotions as he looked at his sister’s smiling face. He could easily say the words “a man of valour does not bend” and he was confident that he could do the right thing and not be tempted by wealth and power. But at the cost of his brother-in-law’s and cousin’s prospects, as well as the prospects of the Liu and Sun families, could he bring himself to do such a thing?
This ‘cut off a piece’ is really a villain. I’m afraid he is just counting on this to feel justified and confident, isn’t he? How truly hateful and detestable!
Seeing her sister’s furrowed brow, Xu Meichen worriedly took Liangchen’s hand and whispered, ‘If it really doesn’t work out, let David send you to the United States first, and come back after the storm has passed…’
Chapter 9 What exactly do you want to do?
Xu Liangchen looked at her sister with a raised eyebrow and a heartache. No matter how things change, no matter how worldly, the one who always cares for her is still her eldest sister. In this situation, if she just leaves, she can’t rest assured of what the cold-faced young master will do to her brother-in-law, eldest sister and cousin when he loses his temper. Moreover, this person is so domineering, even if she makes up her mind, she is afraid that she may not be able to leave peacefully from his control.
But just resigning to fate and obediently fulfilling his despicable intentions, Xu Liangchen knew she could not do it.
Unable to think of anything for the moment, Xu Liangchen felt torn between two stances and was troubled.
Xu Meichen looked at her sister and sighed quietly in consolation, ‘Forget everything else for now. The most important thing is for you to get better quickly so that you can move around more easily and then we can talk about everything else…’
Xu Liangchen didn’t want her sister to worry any more, so she smiled and nodded in agreement. The two of them were facing each other speechlessly when suddenly there was a soft knock on the door outside, followed by the entrance of a young woman in military uniform. She was tall and had a pretty face, with a smiling crescent moon eyebrow. ‘Miss Xu, I am Peng Mingxia, the younger brother’s secretary. It’s time for the second young lady’s routine treatment.’
Two nurses walked in behind her. Xu Meichen understood what they meant, so she signalled to Liangchen and stood up with a slight smile, ‘Second sister, you take care of your injuries, I’ll come again some other day.’
Xu Liangchen nodded, and Secretary Peng politely saw Xu Meichen out. Xu Liangchen understood that this was probably the person the cold-faced young master had sent to keep a close eye on her.
It seems that Peng Mingxia understands her identity. Xu Liangchen is cold and indifferent, but she is attentive and respectful. Her eyes show a hint of curiosity and admiration when she looks at him. Occasionally, she also talks about things at the Duan residence, such as the hard work of Madam Duan over the decades and Duan Yijie’s respect for the elderly.
She even acts as a lobbyist. Xu Liangchen smiles faintly and turns a deaf ear to her.
Peng Mingxia had been following Duan Yijie for many years. She had seen many beautiful women from the north and the south. Looking at the young woman in front of her with bright eyes like water, a pretty face with teeth like jade, and an unforgettable gentle and scholarly air that was beautiful and refined, it was no wonder that she had caught the young master’s eye.
‘Miss Xu, you must have heard of her,’ said Peng Mingxia, passing Xu Liangchen a teacup after the nurse had finished treating her that morning and continuing the conversation. ’There are countless love affairs going on in Yanzhou all the time. The young master is asking you to help him, so why are you making things so difficult for yourself…’
Xu Liangchen still did not take her words, lowered his eyes and held the teacup speechless.
The world is going downhill and people’s hearts are not ancient. With the power of the general’s mansion and the character of Lengmian Dashao, there will be no shortage of women coveting him. It is said that many famous women and young ladies are in love with Junlang, and having a relationship or even occasionally meeting with these famous men is called a love affair. It has even formed a certain social atmosphere of public opinion, the so-called heroes and beauties. It was obvious that everyone was rushing to get close to him, and Xu Liangchen couldn’t understand why Duan Yijie would use such tactics on her.
Perhaps because she was young, or because of the attentive care of the medical staff, her health gradually improved, and she was already allowed to sit half-reclined for a while occasionally. Looking at the newspapers at hand, Xu Liangchen was both anxious and shocked. The speed and scope of the spread of the scandal exceeded her imagination.
Judging from the current situation, there is no way she can clear her name if the rumours are true. She needs to decide what to do as soon as possible. However, her sister hasn’t come back in the past few days, and Xu Liangchen is worried that the cold-faced young master might have done something.
In fact, Duan Yijie no longer needs to fuel the gossip. Amidst the rumours, the owner of the Duan residence finally made a move.
Duan Yijie, who had always placed his career first, suddenly had a close girlfriend. Some reports even speculated that she was his fiancée. Duan Zhengxun and Madam Lu, who were busy with work, could no longer sit still and asked their son, who had never been interested in women, about the authenticity of the news.
After getting a non-committal reply from Duan Yijie, the surprised and delighted Duan marshal and his wife immediately sent someone to find out more about Xu Liangchen’s family background and other information. They then sent the third and fourth wives to visit him in hospital and secretly ordered their personal aide Wu Dawei to arrange a meeting with Sun Menglin.
Fourth wife Wu Wenjuan was the first person in the general’s household to meet Xu Liangchen, and she had also seen her indifferent attitude towards Duan Yijie. She was wondering about the two people’s strange relationship, but she couldn’t help but hear the rumours swirling outside. Mrs Lu instructed her and Third wife to go to the hospital, and the clever and astute Wu Wenjuan went to Duan Yijie’s residence in Xiaobailou early in the morning.
‘Tell me the truth, Eldest Brother. What is going on with Miss Xu?’ Wu Wenjuan asked with a smile as she leisurely passed the teacup.
Duan Yijie stood in front of the dressing mirror, buttoning his shirt, and lightly curled his lips without saying a word. ’Is that why you came so early, Fourth Aunt? You’ve been reading the newspapers a lot these days.’
‘You can pretend to be ignorant with Fourth Aunt,’ Wu Wenxuan smiled and gave him a sideways glance: ’Big Sister told me and Third Sister to go to the hospital to visit Miss Xu. You should understand what that means, right? What do you want me to tell the General when I return? Fourth Aunt is not very educated, so if I accidentally ruin your plans, don’t blame me, young master.’
As soon as she set down the teacup, Wu Wenxian stood up and made to leave. Duan Yijie did not say a word to stop her, but just looked at a pot of asparagus in the mirror on the coffee table. The graceful figure of Xu Liangchen, with her bright eyes like jet, had captivated him at first sight.
In the past few days, Peng Mingxia has reported to him twice a day on the situation at the hospital. Miss Xu is as stubborn as ever, and he of course understands that she won’t be swayed by anything. He knows exactly what treatment she will receive and what she will hear when the fourth aunt and the others go.
He really is calm. Just as Wu Wenjuan looked at him with a resentful heart and was about to step out the door, Duan Yijie suddenly said, ‘Fourth Aunt, when are you and Third Aunt going?’
This guy didn’t explain his relationship with the second Miss Xu, but asked this question instead. Wu Wenjuan raised an eyebrow with interest: ‘What time does the young master think is good for Fourth Aunt to go?’
Duan Yijie glanced at the clock on the wall, and his eyes flashed: ‘How about Fourth Aunt goes at eleven o’clock?’
The cold-faced young master actually set a time limit? Wu Wenjuan’s heart stirred, and she immediately burst out laughing: ‘Okay, Fourth Aunt will be there on time.’
Let’s see what you really want to do.
Chapter 10: A dark secret
Xu Liangchen was a little late for treatment today. It was almost eleven o’clock when he came out of the treatment room. When he returned to the ward, he saw Luo Hongyi’s smiling face at the door. Xu Liangchen’s heart sank, and when he looked up, he saw Duan Yijie staring at him intently.
Peng Mingxia smiled and greeted the young master. The nurse wheeled the cart over and was about to help Xu Liangchen back to bed when she heard Duan Yijie say sternly, ‘You can go first.’
The nurse left, and Xu Liangchen became a little anxious. What should she do? Just as she was thinking, Duan Yijie had already come over, bent down, and reached out to pick her up. Xu Liangchen was startled, blushed, and whispered angrily, ‘You…let go…’
Peng Mingxia looked on in a daze as the two moved. At that moment, she heard a soft laugh outside the door: ‘I never thought the young master could be so gentle and attentive. Third sister, this time you didn’t come for nothing.’ It was the soft Wu dialect of Wu Wenxuan.
Xu Liangchen looked up at the sound, but saw the fourth wife of the general’s mansion and a pretty and gentle female guest, standing in the doorway, smiling and looking at him and Duan Yijie.
‘Third and fourth wives,’ Peng Mingxia smiled and greeted them.
Xu Liangchen’s heart stopped for a moment, and she felt a little panicked. The posture she and Duan Yijie were in was so ambiguous, but they were seen by the third and fourth wives of the general’s mansion with their own eyes. Wouldn’t they be unable to explain themselves? Her face flamed with embarrassment, and she whispered once again, ’…let go of me!’
Duan Yijie pretended not to hear her, carefully put her on the ground, wrapped his right arm around Xu Liangchen’s waist to help her stand up, and looked up and said, ‘Third Aunt, Fourth Aunt, you’re here.
Third wife Cai Shuyang is naturally quiet and reserved, so she just smiled and nodded. Fourth wife Wu Wenjuan, however, looked at the two with interest. Her smile had a deeper meaning: ‘I heard that Miss Xu isn’t feeling well, so Fourth Auntie has been wanting to come for a long time. It was the eldest brother who said that Miss Xu needs to rest in peace, so we came today. Second Miss doesn’t blame Fourth Auntie, does she?’
The words were unusually affectionate, and the term ‘Fourth Aunt’ was completely the tone of a family member. Xu Liangchen felt awkward listening to it. His body was held tightly by Duan Yijie, his heart was pounding, and his thoughts were a little slow. He didn’t know how to reply to avoid suspicion. Out of politeness, he had to smile awkwardly and said politely, ‘Thank you, Third and Fourth Madam, Liangchen doesn’t deserve it.’
‘How is Miss Xu feeling? Big brother, quickly ask Miss Xu to sit down. We’re family, so don’t be polite,’ Third Auntie said, noticing that Xu Liangchen was a little stiff in her posture.
‘Third and fourth aunts, please sit down.’ Duan Yijie agreed, bent down, picked up Xu Liangchen and walked over to the sofa. Not only was Xu Liangchen caught off guard and let out a low exclamation, her pretty face flushed red like a cooked shrimp, the third and fourth aunts also unexpectedly paused, then looked at each other in surprise and smiled. It seems that the rumours are true, the cold-faced young master really likes this Miss Xu? There is no need to be suspicious in front of others.
The two sat down and looked at Duan Yijie and Xu Liangchen together.
On the sofa opposite, Miss Xu blushed, biting her lips in embarrassment, and awkwardly turned her body sideways. Duan Yijie, however, paid no attention, and as if he had no one else in the world, he put his arm around the beauty’s waist, supporting her very unnatural body. He took two pillows and stuffed them behind Xu Liangchen’s waist: ‘Lean on me. Although it’s better, you still have to be careful with your waist.’ His words were cold, but his concern was undeniable.
Xu Liangchen was embarrassed, angry, and awkward, with countless emotions intertwined, and his mind was in a panic. With the pillows covering him, his hand was on the side of his waist. She struggled secretly, and that hand was doing evil things to her waist, looking as if he could do without this piece of flesh if he was capable, or else he would behave.
The two sat on the sofa in an intimate position. The faint smell of tobacco on the man lingered in her nostrils, bringing an incredible sense of palpitation and embarrassment.
Xu Liangchen could only lower his head and eyes, suppressing his pounding heart, and secretly cursing the cold-faced young master for making such a face at him in front of his family, with ulterior motives.
Third Mistress Cai Shuyang looked at Wu Wenjuan with a puzzled and surprised smile. She never imagined that the eldest brother, who was usually cold as ice and never pretended with women, had such a side.
Wu Wenxian’s thoughts raced. The other day at the general’s mansion, the two of them clearly didn’t know each other well, but today they were like a couple in love. Duan Yijie, in particular, looked like the natural protector of his lady, but how could she not see the embarrassment, awkwardness, and stiffness of this Miss Xu?
I’m afraid it’s a good show led by the boss. Wu Wenjuan looked at the two of them meaningfully and smiled: ‘Miss Xu, it’s rare for the cold-faced young master to care about someone. Since there is a connection, you should just accept it with a clear conscience. If a woman has back problems, it could be troublesome in the future.’
Xu Liangchen was anxious and wanted to make things clear, to make it clear that he had nothing to do with the cold-faced young master. He looked up a little unnaturally and said, ‘Fourth Mistress misunderstands, I and Duan…’
Before he could finish, Duan Yijie squeezed her waist. Xu Liangchen couldn’t help but stop and look sideways. In her clear eyes, the cold face of someone else was reflected, her thin lips slightly raised, a little careless. Xu Liangchen saw a full warning, and couldn’t help but look away awkwardly.
Her pretty face was flushed, and her fair skin was translucent, looking as if it could burst into pieces. Her eyes, like dark jade, were like ripples in spring water, their fleeting charm difficult to describe. Wu Wenjuan, who was watching, was also taken aback, and couldn’t help but sigh: ‘No wonder the boss is attracted to her. She really is no ordinary beauty. Just one look is enough to move the heart.’
Xu Liangchen, who was inexperienced in matters of the heart, could not bear to take such a blatant warning from Duan Dashao. The words to draw a clear line were on the tip of his tongue, but he could no longer speak them out loud. This time, Xu Liangchen had a deep and lasting understanding of Duan Dashao’s dark, domineering and overbearing nature.
There was something unnatural about the situation between the two of them. The Third Mistress was originally suspicious, but now, looking at Xu Liangchen’s rosy face, with her bright eyes full of confusion and a hint of panic, she could not help but believe that the two of them had an extraordinary relationship.
Cai Shuyang and Wu Wenjuan had different thoughts, but they both approved of Duan Yijie’s liking for this Miss Xu. So they looked at each other, and Wu Wenjuan put down her teacup and laughed, ‘Since Miss Xu is not yet fully recovered, my sister and I will not intrude anymore. Boss, take good care of Liangchen. My sister and I will report the good news to the old lady. We hope that when she is happy, she will get better.’
Third Mistress also nodded in agreement with a smile. Xu Liangchen, who had been helped to his feet by Duan Yijie, heard this and became anxious. He blurted out earnestly and sincerely, ‘The two Mistresses really have misunderstood. The Duan family is a noble family, and Mr Duan is an important military and political figure. Liangchen is just a teacher. They are not a good match. Please, Mistresses, persuade Mr Duan…’
Chapter 11: Run away?
Duan Yijie was not prepared for her to suddenly say these words at this time, so he glanced at her sideways and squeezed his hands around her waist, causing Xu Liangchen to gasp. Wu Wenjuan and Third Mistress looked at each other in some shock, while Duan Yijie gave a faint smile: ‘Thank you, Third and Fourth Aunts. Liangchen has been thinking too much and is very stubborn. Once she is well, I will take her back to see Grandma and Father. Please take care of the rest. Secretary Peng, show our guests out.’
Peng Mingxia heard the sound and pushed the door open, smiling as she saw the doubtful expressions on Third and Fourth Aunts’ faces as she saw them out.
Xu Liangchen broke free from his grip and angrily sat back on the sofa, glaring fiercely at Duan Yijie. ‘You are truly despicable!’
Duan Yijie bent down, placing his hands on either side of her body, and leaned closer to her pretty face, his thin lips curling up slightly as his dark eyes narrowed. ‘Why didn’t Miss Xu expose me just now?’ His gaze was sharp as a blade, staring at her.
‘You!…’ Xu Liangchen was so angry that he could not speak, and his anger was rising uncontrollably. He raised his hand and slapped Duan Yijie in the face. This extremely thick-skinned black-hearted bandit, what evil have you done that you don’t know yourself? ! You still have the nerve to say it!
Time seemed to have come to a standstill. The unprepared Duan Yijie took a solid slap in the face. He tilted his face slightly, squinting at Xu Liangchen. After a moment of silence, instead of getting angry, he laughed. He leaned closer and said coldly, word by word, ‘You don’t have the right to refuse this. Be a good girl and be my fiancée, or I’ll find a way to make you look bad.’
A faint smile appeared on his thin lips, thinking about how someone had just reluctantly but unwillingly given in, shocked but stubborn. The stiffness, greenishness and untamed nature of the person in his grasp were so contradictory that he couldn’t help but react. In his interactions with women, Duan Yijie felt a sense of pleasure and longing that he had never felt before.
He didn’t want to let go.
Angrily watching the bandit’s back, Xu Liangchen understood that if he didn’t find a way to stop it, once Duan Yijie got better, he would make it official, and then she would be like a fly in a spider’s web, at his mercy.
No, I must think of a way as soon as possible.
After two days of anxiety, Xu Liangchen’s back pain had improved significantly. She pretended that it was still painful, which at least kept Peng Mingxia and the doctor from prying. Duan Yijie came a few more times, and the two ladies from the Shuai Mansion, Qi Fang and Qi Yu, also came together.
They heard that their future sister-in-law was the beautiful young lady who had returned from the United States and was studying at St. Mary’s Girls’ College. Qi Fang and Qi Yu, who were eager to study abroad, were very happy and hurried to the hospital by car.
The twins were born to Mrs. Lu and looked like their mother, who was pretty and charming, but their personalities were poles apart. Qi Fang was quiet and gentle, while Qi Yu was like a tomboy, lively and boisterous. At the age of fourteen, they were just blossoming, light as water, and respectful in their affection for Xu Liangchen, so it was easy to get along with them.
Because of Duan Yijie’s threatening words, and because Peng Mingxia had been by their sides the whole time, Xu Liangchen had only received the two sisters with dignity and grace, anxiously waiting for his eldest sister to arrive.
Another day passed before Xu Meichen reappeared.
Peng Mingxia served tea and water and never left her side. The two sisters exchanged some trivial gossip, and Xu Liangchen, feeling listless, took out a book from under the pillow: ‘Big sister, my back still hurts a bit, so I may have to stay here for a few days. Would you mind getting some more books from the bookshelf in my room?’ As he spoke, he casually flipped through the Book of Songs in his hands.
Xu Meichen looked over and saw that Liangchen’s fingers were pointing to the first line of ‘Zhou Nan – Tao Yao’: ‘Tao Zhi Yao Yao, Zhuo Zhuo Qi Hua’.
Xu Meichen’s heart stirred, and she glanced at her younger sister, smiling and nodding in agreement, while seemingly happily talking about recent family matters: ‘…these days the government is holding a council meeting, and it is said that cousin is highly regarded for the position of mayor. The general’s mansion is meritocratic, so even if there aren’t enough votes, he can still hold a position in the government…Yizhang has been in the staff office for a few years, and things are going well…’
Xu Liangchen’s eyes flickered slightly. Her eldest sister was telling her that even if she left, although the cold-faced young master would be angry, the general’s mansion would not go so far as to do anything to her cousin and brother-in-law. At most, they would not be promoted again and their prospects would be hopeless?
Seeing that her younger sister understood what she meant, Xu Meichen continued, ‘Second sister, the general’s mansion is a prestigious family, and young master Duan is a worthy man. My sister and cousin both feel that you should give this marriage proposal some serious consideration. A woman has to get married at some point, so what’s wrong with agreeing to young master Duan?…’
Seeing her sister quietly looking at Secretary Peng while she spoke, Xu Liangchen understood her intentions and said, quite embarrassed, ‘Big sister, what are you talking about?…’ Then, as if pondering, she asked in a low voice, ‘Did cousin really say that?’
Xu Meichen took her sister’s hand and nodded with a smile, ‘Yes. Oh, my sister-in-law asked me to bring you your favourite shepherd’s purse wontons.’ She took the thermos and handed it to Xu Liangchen, then stood up, ‘Eat well, I’ll bring you some more tomorrow.’
There seemed to be a piece of paper in the hand under the cup. Xu Liangchen kept his composure and put it away. He asked Secretary Peng to see his sister out and looked for an opportunity to read the line of words on the paper. At least his heart, which had been hanging in the balance, was put at ease.
The newspaper reported that the Generalissimo’s Mansion had already acknowledged publicly that the young marshal Duan Yijie had found a suitable bride and that an official engagement was expected to be announced soon.
Since his sister left that day, Xu Liangchen has often been lost in thought and is quiet. However, his attitude towards Peng Mingxia has softened a lot compared to before. When Peng Mingxia tries to talk about trivial matters at the general’s mansion, he will listen quietly, making Peng Mingxia feel that she has to resign herself to her fate. She can’t help but think that her cousin is on the verge of being promoted to mayor, the general’s mansion is full of power, and the young marshal is handsome and elegant. Miss Xu may not insist if she understands.
So when she called Duan Yijie with this good news, he frowned slightly and said nothing else, only giving a curt order: ‘Step up security.’
Peng Mingxia agreed, feeling a little strange and a little disapproving. The young marshal was being overly cautious. Xu’s waist was still hurting, and her attitude had softened a little. Why bother?
Because Xu Liangchen had been complaining of back pain, the hospital had invited the famous American doctor Carl, who had a clinic in Yanzhou, to come for a consultation. After the consultation, Carl gave Xu Liangchen an injection while chatting about her condition in English.
Since two other doctors from the hospital were also present, Peng Mingxia didn’t pay attention, but Xu Liangchen carefully noticed that Karl’s English was interspersed with two sentences of French. After Karl arrived, Xu Liangchen’s condition improved, so the injection was repeated the next day.
The next day, Karl arrived in the evening, just after Duan Yijie had left. Xu Liangchen was walking in the garden with Peng Mingxia. Karl, with his white hair, walked over with a smile and took the wheelchair from Peng Mingxia: ‘Catherine, how are you feeling today? There is a Chinese saying, “The sunset is infinitely beautiful”. Are you admiring the sunset?’
Xu Liangchen greeted Karl politely: ‘Dr. Karl, I’m feeling much better, thank you. Let’s sit down together.’
Then she turned to Peng Mingxia and smiled, ‘Secretary Peng, would you be so kind as to bring a pot of tea? I want to chat with Dr. Karl.’
This is the garden in the VIP area. There are not many people walking around, and there is no nurse around, so she walks on her own… Peng Mingxia suddenly thinks that just now, Miss Xu’s attitude towards the young master was much gentler than before, and she has also agreed to go to the handsome mansion some other day. The person arranged by Lieutenant Luo should be nearby, so there shouldn’t be any problems. So she smiled and agreed, turned around and called for refreshments.
After someone fetched the refreshments and she looked at the empty garden, the teacup in Peng Mingxia’s hand fell to the ground with a clang!
Chapter 12: What happened to the young master who chased after her?
With a sudden panic and fear, Peng Mingxia hurriedly ran to make a phone call.
Xu Liangchen, led by Karl, hurriedly and quietly made his way through the flowers. In a remote area, Karl took out a white coat, hat and mask from the medical kit, Xu Liangchen put them on, and the two of them strutted out and hurriedly got into the car.
It was evening, the sun was gradually gathering its last rays, the street lamps had not yet been lit, the pedestrians on the street were hurrying, the car left the hospital and sped through the streets and alleys out of the city.
‘Mr. Carr, will you be in danger if you do this?‘ Xu Liangchen asked in a low voice, a little worried.
’Katherine, I am an American citizen, and the Da Shuai Mansion will give the Stars and Stripes face, so don’t worry,‘ Carl said with a smile. “David is my friend, and the Chinese say that a friend is someone you would stick your neck out for, isn’t that right?” He held the steering wheel as he stared at the road in the thick twilight ahead.
’Where are we going now?’ Xu Liangchen asked softly as he looked at the unfamiliar scenery on either side of the headlights.
‘East of the city, there is a friend of mine who is a sailing enthusiast. He has a small yacht. David is waiting for you there. He will take you directly to the cruise ship, which sets sail for the United States at 8 o’clock tonight.”
Looking at the clock in the car, which had already pointed to 7 o’clock, Xu Liangchen nodded, her thoughts a little confused. She had just returned to Yanzhou more than two months ago, and she never expected to have to leave in such a hurry under such circumstances. She suppressed the complex emotions in her heart and turned to Karl: ’Thank you, Mr. Karl.’
‘You’re welcome. Miss Xu, having returned from the United States, naturally understands that we believe freedom is one of the natural human rights. Even powerful politicians cannot force a person to choose against their own conscience. I applaud your choice.’ Karl accelerated, and the car slid into the night as if flying.
The yacht was docked on the shore. David, a tall and handsome man, was pacing back and forth with a worried look on his handsome face. He hurriedly came up to the car when he saw it approaching and opened the door. ‘Katherine.’
The joy in his eyes made Xu Liangchen suddenly feel a twinge of guilt.
David came from a famous family in the American South. He was passionate and handsome, and was an active figure in the School of Education when Xu Liangchen entered Harvard University.
After enrolling, the professor discovered Xu Liangchen’s talent for languages and insisted that she join the editorial team of The Harvard Crimson, the university’s daily newspaper. One day, Xu Liangchen went to the National Geographic Society to submit a manuscript and met a young and handsome editor. It was only after chatting that she realised that he was the famous senior student David.
The encounter was fleeting, but the dignified and beautiful woman from the ancient and mysterious country of the East left an indelible impression on David. After that, not only did he take good care of Xu Liangchen, but he also invited her to the south several times during the holidays. Xu Liangchen understood David’s intentions, but she couldn’t help but miss Yanzhou. Her heart was attached to it. In addition, Xu Meichen didn’t think much of cross-border relationships, so she also found it difficult to let go. The relationship between the two was always on the verge of breaking up, and it was never certain.
When Xu Liangchen returned home after graduating, David, who was desperate to win her heart, did not hesitate for a moment. He gave up his comfortable life as a famous journalist and volunteered to be transferred to the Far East, following in the footsteps of Xu Liangchen to the cosmopolitan city of Yanzhou.
This not only surprised and moved Xu Liangchen, who had been doubtful, but also made Xu Meichen, who had always been negative about interracial marriage, change her opinion of David. As a result, the relationship between the two has improved a lot in the past month or so.
David’s work in the Far East had just started to take off, but now he had to break the magazine’s rules and accompany her back to the United States, and Xu Liangchen felt deeply guilty.
‘Katherine, are you okay?’ David gave Xu Liangchen a gentle hug: ‘I’ve been very worried these past few days.’
‘I’m sorry, David,’ Xu Liangchen smiled apologetically, looking at the smiling blond man next to her and nodding to say hello.
‘This is Daniel, the counsellor at the US Consulate in Yanzhou, and my cousin. He’s driving us to the cruise ship,’ David said, shaking Xu Liangchen’s hand.
Daniel, who spoke fluent Chinese, shook Xu Liangchen’s hand in greeting according to Chinese etiquette, and the three of them said goodbye to Dr. Karl and boarded the yacht.
The engine roared lowly, and the yacht gradually left the riverbank, cutting through the rippling water in the night, trailing a long white spray. The moon became broken on the dark and light river surface, with the distant fishing boats dotted with lights, and the waterbirds occasionally chirping. Xu Liangchen stood on the ship’s rail, looking at the distant Yanzhou City with its flickering lights, his expression gloomy.
‘Katherine…’ David looked at her profile in the moonlight and whispered her name. Liangchen loved his country, and David understood that. But the situation in this ancient country was chaotic. The warlords, backed by guns and cannons, trampled on human rights with impunity. David was both happy and sad for her.
Xu Liangchen noticed David’s concerned gaze and turned to him, smiling slightly to indicate that he need not worry. David saw that she was crossing her arms, realising that the night wind on the river was chilly, and hurriedly signalled for her to go inside.
After standing for a long time, Xu Liangchen felt a vague ache in her lower back, so she didn’t insist. In the cabin, Daniel was already preparing the afternoon tea. The two of them had a brief chat before they put down their teacups. They heard what sounded like a sudden commotion not far away.
Xu Liangchen’s heart trembled, and he looked up at David and listened intently.
The yacht slowly stopped.
Xu Liangchen walked to the window, and David followed her with a worried glance.
In the hazy moonlight, several dark and shadowy speedboats suddenly came up from all around. The yacht stopped, and the searchlights on the speedboats turned on at the same time, instantly illuminating the yacht and the nearby river surface, so that the heavily armed soldiers on the speedboats could see clearly.
Xu Liangchen’s heart sank. She looked at David and whispered, ‘I’m sorry, David, they’re coming after us.’
David smiled and shook his head: ‘I didn’t expect them to come so quickly. Catherine, don’t worry, no one can stop us from leaving. Daniel can ask for help from our allies.’
Not only were there Chinese warships in these waters, but also Japanese and German ones. As an American, how could he possibly let go of the woman he loved?
Xu Liangchen’s heart skipped a beat. Japanese and German warships? Because he had provoked an international dispute? She let out a slow sigh of relief and looked at the fishing fires on the river in the vast night sky in the distance.
This land has already seen too much smoke and disaster. Xu Liangchen was silent for a long time. After a while, she looked up at David and said seriously, ‘No, David, I am a Chinese. Causing a dispute in Chinese territorial waters is not what I want to see.’
She was used to reading a large number of foreign news reports and newspapers every day, and understood the current situation of the Southern military government better than anyone else. The Japanese were looking for opportunities to provoke and control Southern China everywhere they looked. Even if they resented Duan Yijie for his high-handedness, they were unwilling to make the political situation in the South even more chaotic and complicated because of themselves.
David looked at her in surprise. How could they refuse Daniel’s request for allied assistance? The military speedboats that had gathered around must be there because that person had arrived. Didn’t Katherine want to leave?
Luring foreign invaders into one’s home is an act that has always been deeply resented by the Chinese people, and Xu Liangchen would never do such a thing. On the one hand was her home country, and on the other was the freedom she had always dreamed of. Xu Liangchen never imagined that she would have to face such a choice tonight, and she felt a little heavy-hearted and troubled.
In the shadows of the lamp, time passed by minute by minute. There was silence on the yacht, and the soldiers on the speedboat stood straight, their guns trained on the yacht, but they were just waiting.
‘David, Miss Katherine, what do you want to do?’ Daniel walked into the cabin and asked with concern.
‘I’m sorry, Daniel, for causing you trouble,’ David said helplessly with his hands spread out. ‘Katherine, she doesn’t want to see a dispute.’
“But they have Karl…’
‘What?’ Xu Liangchen was shocked and quickly walked out of the cabin. On the speedboat, Karl was being pushed and shoved by the guards and stood on the deck of the speedboat.
This broken one is really watertight. Xu Liangchen closed his eyes and whispered to David and Daniel, who had walked out behind him, ’I’m sorry, I won’t get Mr. Karl into trouble…’
‘Katherine, let’s just go. The young admiral won’t let you go if you stay. In the United States, you can realise your ideals freely and live a good life, I promise.’ Looking at Xu Liangchen’s expression, David was a little anxious. Could he just give up so easily?
On the speedboat, Luo Hongyi looked at his eldest son with some concern. He had been frowning since the afternoon, when he had no idea what the third wife had said to the eldest son. He had intercepted the yacht, but instead of acting with his usual swiftness to order the boarding and arrest, he had just been silently watching the slender figure on the side of the boat, deep in thought. What was wrong with the eldest son?
Chapter 13: A blockhead in love
Duan Yijie was surprised when he got a call from home while rushing from the hospital to the office for a meeting.
Third Mistress Cai Shuyang came from a poor family. When she was ten years old, her family fled to the outskirts of Mengzhou due to a major flood, and her father, a blacksmith, made a living by doing manual labour for other people. However, a golden phoenix flew out of the poor family: the beautiful, pretty, charming and lovely eighteen-year-old daughter of the poor family was born.
Proposals of marriage came one after the other, and her parents, who loved their daughter, did not want to give her away lightly. However, one winter morning, the young girl, like a flower, went to the village entrance to fetch water and accidentally bumped into an army officer in uniform with a long sword at his waist.
Two days later, the matchmaker came to the door, and Cai Shuyang was shocked to learn that the man she had met by the river that day was the famous local warlord Duan Zhengxun. Cai Shuyang and her parents had naturally heard long ago that Duan Zhengxun not only had a wife, but also a concubine, and the idea of letting a young girl become the third concubine of a warlord who was quite a bit older than her was something the Cai family was not prepared for.
Father and mother Cai also had no intention of currying favour with the powerful, so they politely refused.
However, Duan Zhengxun was already a powerful warlord in Mengzhou, and the local officials were worried that they would not be able to curry favour with him. After hearing about this matter, they repeatedly used threats and inducements. The Cai family could not stand the harassment and, with no other choice, finally in the early spring when flowers were blooming, 19-year-old Cai Shuyang entered the Duan family in a bridal sedan chair.
Cai Shuyang was a hardworking woman. When she married Duan Zhengxun, it was during the period when the Southern Army was expanding its influence most fiercely. At that time, both Mrs. Lu and Second Wife Shao Yizhen were staying in Mengzhou and Leian due to poor health caused by the unfamiliar climate. Only Cai Shuyang and the subsequent Fourth Wife Wu Wenjuan followed Duan Zhengxun on his campaigns, never leaving his side even during the most difficult moments of the battles. She could be described as Duan Zhengxun’s military wife.
Although she was forced to marry him out of fear of his power, after several years of war, Cai Shuyang’s relationship with Duan Zhengxun gradually improved. During this period, Cai Shuyang gave birth to Duan’s second daughter, Qining.
Cai Shuyang was born into a humble family, but she admired educated people. After Qining was born, she repeatedly begged and was allowed by Madam Lu to go to the First Normal School for Girls in Mengzhou to study. She made rapid progress thanks to her intelligence and diligence. However, when Duan Zhengxun found out, he felt that it damaged the dignity of his house and resolutely ordered Cai Shuyang to end her studies.
Cai Shuyang was heartbroken by the end of her studies, and subsequently, her gentle but firm personality led to increasing disagreements with her husband over Qi Ning’s upbringing and marriage. She married into the Duan family against her will, and felt that this was the only thing she would regret for the rest of her life. She deeply resented Duan Zhengxun’s use of their daughter’s marriage to curry favour with the powerful. In order to resist Duan Zhengxun’s arranged marriage, she once took their daughter and returned to their hometown in Mengzhou in a huff. It was only after Madam Lu mediated and persuaded them to call off the marriage that the strong-willed Cai Shuyang returned to the Shuai Mansion.
However, from then on, her relationship with Duan Zhengxun became extremely hostile. After her daughter got married and Duan’s mother moved to Yanzhou, this third wife simply moved to Duan’s mother’s residence under the pretext of serving her mother-in-law, followed her mother-in-law in observing vegetarianism and Buddhism, separated from her husband, and never bothered with the affairs of the house.
Today, Duan Yijie was both surprised and puzzled when someone suddenly asked for him on the phone.
He hurried back to the general’s mansion, where the maid said that Third Mistress Cai Shuyang was waiting for him in the Xiaobailou Building. When he entered, he saw Third Mistress Cai Shuyang sitting on the sofa in the living room, flipping through a newspaper. Duan Yijie hurriedly said hello, ‘Third Aunt, you were looking for me?’
Cai Shuyang was wearing a plain cheongsam, and her still charming and pretty face gave a slight smile: ‘Eldest brother, I have something to ask you.’
Duan Yijie raised his eyebrows, and Cai Shuyang looked at him as he sat down. He asked the question that Fourth Aunt had asked in the morning: ‘Eldest brother, what is going on between you and Miss Xu?’
Duan Yijie was momentarily taken aback. Fourth Aunt had met Xu Liangchen before, so it would be hard to deceive her. However, thinking about Fourth Aunt’s tactfulness, as long as he explained things clearly, it was unlikely that she would try to stop him. Third Aunt, on the other hand, was straightforward and had always hated the behaviour of those who took by force and aided the tyrants. Therefore, in Duan Yijie’s opinion, the morning’s performance had been put on for her. Why did she suddenly ask such a question? Had she noticed something?
Before Duan Yijie could reply, Cai Shuyang let out a long, wistful sigh and said rather self-deprecatingly, ‘This is not something that Third Aunt should be involved in, but after meeting that Miss Xu, I just can’t help but ask you, Boss, do you really like this Second Miss, or are you just putting on an act?’
She could tell even that was an act? Duan Yijie couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow at Cai Shuyang, and said with some discomfort, ‘Third Aunt, I…’
Cai Shuyang gave him a faint look: ‘Third Aunt may not have much education, but she has at least lived a long life. Other young ladies would have been more than embarrassed and blushing, so it’s not you who has done wrong? Your Fourth Aunt and I still have our eyesight.’
Third Aunt rarely spoke so sharply, and Duan Yijie frowned slightly.
Cai Shuyang then earnestly advised, ‘Eldest brother, Fourth Aunt and I both think that Miss Xu is very nice, dignified and unassuming, a talented woman who has studied abroad, and righteous. She has no intention of climbing the social ladder. If you don’t really like her, you could be wrong about her…’ Watching Duan Yijie’s face, Third Mistress suddenly laughed flirtatiously, ‘Fourth Aunt and I both think that you have feelings for her…’ How often had he seen the cold-faced young master treat a woman with such care?
Duan Yijie froze slightly upon hearing this, and then raised an eyebrow and looked at Cai Shuyang, who was smiling faintly but very seriously. He pondered for a moment without speaking. Third Mistress smiled and then said with a serious expression, ‘Eldest brother, if you really like her, do you want her or her heart?’ After a pause, Cai Shuyang put down the newspaper in her hands and said, ‘If you want her, your method is correct. But if you want her heart…’ She shook her head and said, ‘That would be a big mistake.’
‘People have feelings and hearts. A woman’s heart is even more delicate and sensitive. If you keep pressuring her and take things by force, what will Miss Xu think? She is such a beautiful woman, educated abroad, and has a gentle but firm personality. Do you think she will easily bow to force? Besides,’ Cai Shuyang looked at Duan Yijie with some frustration, ’Do you think all women in the world are eager to marry into the general’s mansion? Chasing after girls is not like fighting a war, where the one with the strongest weapon wins.
Seeing that Duan Yijie did not refute what she said, but his brows were furrowed even more, Cai Shuyang understood that this cold-faced young master, who had never treated girls with false politeness and had no experience in love and relationships, had taken her words to heart and was beginning to worry. It seemed that the boss might indeed have feelings for Miss Xu.
Cai Shuyang felt both relieved and amused. She was relieved because Duan Yijie was different from his father, and unlike his father, he was not a womaniser who was unfaithful and uninhibited. He might really be a serious person in a relationship. What was amusing was that, despite being such a big man, he was very good at leading troops into battle, but he was at a loss when it came to wooing girls. He also came on too strong with women he had a crush on.
After passing her a glass of water, Cai Shuyang finally said, ‘Third Aunt is just being nosy. Third Aunt just feels that it’s rare to find a woman who is both talented and beautiful, educated, has backbone, and is also that young. It’s not easy to find someone you truly like in your whole life; it’s a blessing that comes from many lifetimes of cultivation…’
Duan Yijie gazed at Cai Shuyang. He was surprised by what his third aunt had said. Cai Shuyang, who came from a poor family and had never cared about worldly matters, had spoken these heartfelt words for himself and Xu Liangchen. He couldn’t help but feel a little strange in his heart, so he smiled slightly and said, ‘Thank you, third aunt, for your teachings. I…will think about it carefully.’
Cai Shuyang stood up and said, ‘Then I won’t take up any more of your time, third aunt. I’ll go now.’ After taking a few steps, he suddenly stopped and turned back, remembering something. ‘I will deal with the old lady with your fourth aunt first. After handling the matter with Miss Xu, I will talk to the old lady again—you can’t use the same tactics on the old lady as you did today to force the young lady to submit, can you?’
Cai Shuyang teased Duan Yijie with a smile, and Duan Yijie, whose face had just become a little less tense, looked suspiciously embarrassed. He turned his head and pretended to sort out the documents on the coffee table, not saying a word.
The cold-faced young master, who is outstanding in both literary and military talents and is the backbone of the Southern army in leading troops into battle, is actually so at a loss in the face of love. Cai Shuyang looked at Duan Yijie with some tenderness, and suddenly asked as if she had thought of something: ‘Oh, Fourth Sister asked me to ask you, did Xiaowuzi say whether he likes Wenqing?’
Duan Yijie looked up in surprise. Wu Zhenzhong…likes Wen Qing? Seeing his expression, Third Mistress smiled helplessly. This guy is really slow. If Wen Jiu had asked him instead of asking the south wall, it’s no wonder Wen Qing’s smile has become less and less over the years. Who would be able to do anything when they encounter such a blockhead? ‘Forget it, don’t worry about it,’ Third Mistress waved her hand and turned away.
That afternoon, the words of the third aunt kept playing back in Duan Yijie’s mind.
Chapter 14: I don’t like the way you look at me
A real man dares to take responsibility. He didn’t want to deny it, but the impression this second Miss Xu gave him was very special, even a little attractive, giving him an urge to explore and not let go. But was this like?
Duan Yijie stood straight, his hand clenching and unclenching. He frowned. This second young lady obviously didn’t like him, did she? What was love? How did a woman show that she truly liked someone? In the past, he had met many beautiful women, and they had all come on to him. Whenever he saw a flattering or false smile, he felt disgusted. Did they really like him? He had always believed that if you like something, you should fight for it, win it, and even possess it.
I started accompanying the army when I was nine years old, and my father hired a private tutor for me so that I could finish school while in the army. The army is certainly not a place for romance. Apart from marching, it’s all about fighting. Everything is decided by the gun, and everything is conquered by force. It’s impossible to make the other person willingly admit defeat. Who would willingly give up the power they have? So, I got used to acting on my feelings.
Third Aunt may be right. Over this period of time, even though I threatened and lured her, I never actually harmed the girl. And I unconsciously tried to be as good to her as possible: the other day, when she was so anxious, I was afraid that I might have neglected her, so I gave her a bowl of chicken and shark’s fin soup first. I was afraid that she would be bored in the hospital, so I had someone send her some books; I even sent someone to find Xu Meichen to keep her company. I even held back from slapping her… I thought I had been good to her, but the girl still ran away.
If it weren’t for Peng Mingxia’s unintentional words on the phone that day, which had prepared me for it, she might have really gotten away… This second young lady actually disregarded the safety of the Sun and Liu families and made a quick decision to take the road less travelled. It can be seen that she is not a weak-willed and docile character, and she cannot be forced. But how can a woman be coaxed into liking you? Duan Yijie just felt that it was more of a headache than fighting a tough battle.
Luo Hongyi looked at Duan Yijie. They had been surrounded for so long, but the young master still hadn’t made a move. Could it be that they were just going to stand there like this?
Of course, Duan Yijie understood that the matter had to be resolved. After thinking for a moment, he ordered the speedboat he was on to approach the yacht, and then told his soldiers to order the yacht to lower the gangplank. Duan Yijie then walked up with Luo Hongyi and a few of his personal bodyguards.
Xu Liangchen stood at the bow of the boat, with David and Daniel standing behind her, looking at her with concern.
Xu Liangchen’s heart trembled when Duan Yijie’s upright figure appeared on the yacht. In the shadows of the lights, his eyebrows were furrowed and his face was cold, as if he was suppressing something, causing her heart to race several times and making her feel a little fear.
Dai Wei walked forward, wanting to stand in front of Xu Liangchen to protect her. Duan Yijie gave him a cold look, ignoring him completely, and walked directly up to Xu Liangchen, staring at her and saying in a deep voice, ‘Go into the cabin, I want to ask you something.’
Xu Liangchen hadn’t thought that someone would stop her, but she hadn’t expected him to act so quickly. She sighed inwardly, not sure if she was sad or just relieved that it was over. She calmed her breathing and looked Duan Yijie straight in the eye, ‘Can’t we talk here?’
Duan Yijie’s pupils contracted, his dark eyes narrowed, and his voice was cold and detached: ‘Come in.’
After saying this, he strode towards the cabin. Xu Liangchen glanced at David and Daniel, who were being stopped by the guards, and nodded slightly with a slightly raised lip, indicating that they could rest assured, and then turned to go in.
David was worried and anxious, and said loudly in broken Chinese, ‘You can’t hurt her! I’m an American citizen, and she’s my lover…’
A crisp gunshot whizzed past his ear. Duan Yijie turned around and blew on the smoking muzzle, saying coldly, ‘This is Chinese territorial waters, so it’s not up to you to talk.’ It was surprisingly fluent English, and Xu Liangchen couldn’t help but look up at him.
‘You…’ David didn’t expect Duan Yijie to raise his hand and shoot. Daniel patted him on the shoulder and walked over, saying, ‘Mr. Duan, I’m Daniel, the counsellor at the US consulate. Can I have a word with you?’
Duan Yijie looked at him and said, ‘Talk? I’m afraid Mr. Daniel has come to the wrong place. Please wait a moment, Miss Xu and I have something to discuss. Guards, please ask the two American friends to sit at the bow of the ship for a while and take good care of them.’
The guards came over, and Duan Yijie no longer cared about David and Daniel. His dark eyes fixed on Xu Liangchen and he said, ‘Please come in.’
Xu Liangchen glanced at David and Daniel again, then calmly walked into the cabin.
Duan Yijie had already sat down in the chair, staring at Xu Liangchen with burning eyes. After a while, he whispered, ‘Please sit down.’
‘Please let David and Daniel go,’ Xu Liangchen looked at him with clear eyes.
‘Let them go?’ Duan Yijie’s thin lips curled up in a sneer, “Ms. Xu is willing to sacrifice yourself for this American?” There seemed to be a storm gathering in his eyes: ’I’ve already been very polite by helping you escape and not shooting them. Do you really think I care? It’s no big deal to drown two people in the river in the middle of the night. Ms. Xu hasn’t heard that there are robbers on the river?’
‘Duan Yijie’ is really sinister, and he even framed David and Daniel for the crime? Looking at Xu Liangchen’s surprised expression, Duan Yijie’s face broke into a smile. “Don’t worry, I don’t want to do evil… But that depends on what Miss Xu thinks…”
Xu Liangchen was momentarily stunned, but then she quickly understood. She gave a faint smile and said, ’Mr. Duan is the mastermind, so why does my opinion matter? You, Duan Shao, are the one in control here.’
The contempt and disdain in her eyes made Duan Yijie’s heart stop for a moment, and he couldn’t help but stare at Xu Liangchen. This girl is getting more and more bold. At first, I was a little afraid when we met, but tonight, when I tried to escape, not only was she not afraid, she was even more calm? Could it be that she really likes that David outside, and she no longer fears him?
Duan Yijie stood up. In the light of the lamp and the moon, the light in his dark eyes flickered slightly, and Xu Liangchen was momentarily startled. In the strong and domineering Duan Yijie, she seemed to see a touch of melancholy? It was very strange.
The strange feeling was fleeting. Xu Liangchen frowned lightly and sat down sideways, coldly saying, ‘Please say what you have to say, young master.’
Her calmness made Duan Yijie pause, and he slowly sat down across from her, his voice low as he said, ‘You must go?’
What? Not go? Let you bully and take advantage of me? Xu Liangchen didn’t quite understand the meaning of his question, and frowned, saying, ‘I sympathise with and understand Mr Duan’s situation and intentions, but I don’t want to deceive the world with you as if we were unmarried husband and wife…’
‘That was in the past, but not anymore.‘ Duan Yijie’s dark eyes were full of emotion, and he almost sounded like he was disappointed in Xu Liangchen.
’What?’ Xu Liangchen was confused. Why was this domineering young master speaking so strangely tonight? She couldn’t understand what he meant.
Duan Yijie stared intently at Xu Liangchen’s confused but indifferent eyes. The more he looked at this woman, the more pleasing she looked. Just this expression, looking a little strange in the lights, made him unable to take his eyes off her. This woman was definitely going to be his.
Staring at Xu Liangchen’s puzzled bright eyes, Duan Yijie said without blushing, ‘I like the way you look, so be my girlfriend. Understand?’
Xu Liangchen frowned upon hearing this. What was wrong with Duan Yijie tonight? He stopped himself from hitting or scolding him, but suddenly said these inexplicable things. Even if you want to make an old man happy, you don’t need to make such a ‘sacrifice,’ do you?
As far as he knew, Duan Yijie was not really the kind of dashing young master. Apart from the two times he went crazy and put on a show when Hongtufu and the third and fourth wives came, during the days they had spent together, Xu Liangchen felt that this cold-faced young master had a series of bad habits, such as arrogance, haughtiness, despotism, strength and cold-bloodedness, but he was not indecent. Although he did not treat women with false politeness, he did not look down on them either.
There are countless beautiful women who covet the position of the young mistress of the general’s mansion, so why did he have to pick on her? It’s really inexplicable.
Looking at Duan Yijie helplessly, Xu Liangchen simply told the truth: ‘I appreciate the young master’s admiration, but I’m sorry, I don’t want to.’ I don’t like the way you look, and I don’t want to participate in this crazy game.
Chapter 15 I don’t believe I can’t win you over
Duan Yijie’s face fell at these words, and his burning gaze locked onto Xu Liangchen: ‘Why?’
Why do you even need to ask why? Xu Liangchen returned his gaze without flinching, feeling very strange inside. The two of them hated each other’s company, and there was no love at first sight. They had only known each other for a short time, and neither her taking a part-time job at the general’s mansion nor getting to know the young master had been of her own volition.
Does this person not even understand this? Xu Liangchen was a little speechless. After a moment of silence, she suddenly thought of a reason that even she found unbelievable, so she asked out loud, ‘Young Master…you like me?’
Between a man and a woman, love can be born from liking, and they can fall in love and stay together because of it. How could the cold-faced young master, who has never been fawning over women, like her? Xu Liangchen found this funny and impossible.
It’s more unrealistic than the sun rising in the west. What madness has Duan Yijie let loose today?
Duan Yijie was momentarily stunned by the words. He is no doubt a straight shooter after studying abroad, daring to ask her outright if he likes her. He looked at Xu Liangchen and said lightly, ‘It’s possible in the future.’
What kind of answer is that? If it weren’t for the inappropriate circumstances, Xu Liangchen almost laughed. Was the cold-faced young master being silly or just trying to cope? She nodded and seriously agreed, ‘Well, that’s in the future, but Mr. Duan will meet other people, better and more suitable people.’
Duan Yijie’s brows furrowed. Where did this girl get all this nonsense? You’re the one I like, so who cares about the future or other people?
‘Stay by my side and never leave.’ Duan Yijie didn’t want to think about it at all, and he was overbearing and decisive.
Xu Liangchen didn’t know how to answer him now. How did this person’s thinking differ from that of a normal person? She lowered her eyes in silence for a long while, and then she said in a calm tone, “Young master is very persistent. Even if it means death, you still want her?”
Duan Yijie was shocked on hearing this, and he narrowed his eyes and stared at Xu Liangchen intently. ’What do you mean?’
Xu Liangchen sighed, his expression indifferent: ‘Mr. Duan will not fail to understand the true meaning of love. If two people do not like each other and do not love each other deeply, how can they be together forever? If they do so against their will, they will only be a couple of grudging lovers who share the same bed but different dreams. With the power of the general’s mansion, if the young master insists on doing it against his will, Liangchen will find it hard to resist. Do you think I have any other choice?’
Although the words were cold, Duan Yijie felt the weight of them. His eyes darkened: ‘Are you threatening me?’
‘Life is precious, love is even more so; if it’s for freedom, both can be given up.’ Looking up at the hazy moonlight outside the cabin, Xu Liangchen’s voice was indifferent, and his expression was dignified.
Duan Yijie never thought that tonight, contrary to his usual behaviour, the little white rabbit would brazenly show his claws and confront him. His expression turned cold: ’Xu Liangchen, do you know what you’re saying?’
Xu Liangchen did not look at him, but looked out the window at the clouds covering the moon. He said lightly, ‘The Dashaifu controls the sixteen provinces in the south and holds the fate of the Liu and Sun clans. I, a teacher, cannot afford to provoke them. What does Mr. Duan want to do, and who dares to stop him?’ Besides, it’s just a woman he wants.
Duan Yijie gave her a sideways glance, understanding that was fine.
‘Forcing your way in is Mr. Duan’s business, but freedom regardless of everything else is my business.’ Xu Liangchen turned her head and looked at Duan Yijie, speaking as if it were only natural.
Duan Yijie’s eyes were dark, and he stared straight at Xu Liangchen, ‘Following me is such a hardship for you?’
Xu Liangchen smiled faintly, ‘If Mr. Duan was forced, would you be willing?’
‘…’ Duan Yijie didn’t expect the little white rabbit to be so quick-witted. He was both depressed and a little angry. Isn’t it your honour to be noticed by the young master? There are thousands of pretty girls in the ten-mile Bund, and I just happen to like you, so why don’t you want to be with me?
Xu Liangchen understood his thoughts and raised an eyebrow lightly, ‘I don’t think there is any honour or dishonour in love. It is only a good match when there is mutual affection. Mr. Duan looks at me with favour, and Liangchen is grateful, but that doesn’t mean I have to fancy you too, and yet I am forced to follow you and cannot leave. Am I supposed to be happy about that?’ Xu Liangchen looked straight at Duan Yijie, and there was a hint of mockery and disdain in her words.
In the city of ten miles of foreign concessions, there are countless celebrities and beautiful women. It may be an honour for most women to be noticed by the cold-faced young master of the general’s mansion, but she, Xu Liangchen, is not one of them.
Duan Yijie felt a burst of anger, but he had to admit that the stubborn girl seemed to have a point, at least it matched what Third Mistress had said. It seems that he really doesn’t understand women himself. What can he do? Is he going to let her go?
No, the young master Duan has never fought a losing battle. Even if he loses, he wants to lose with a clear conscience! Duan Yijie leaned back in his chair and asked with a smile, ‘You like that American, don’t you?’
Duan Yijie suddenly changed the subject, and Xu Liangchen looked at him in surprise. After a moment’s thought, she nodded, ‘Yes.’
Duan Yijie heard the hesitation in her tone, and he smiled lightly. ‘You’ve known this David for three years, and he’s been chasing you for three years, haven’t you?’
How does he know so much about himself? Xu Liangchen gave him a sideways glance, not surprised, and knew what to ask.
‘So this is the fortress,’ Duan Yijie said, giving Xu Liangchen a sideways glance with an implied teasing tone, ‘It hasn’t been taken down in three years, with this kind of fighting strength, hmph!’ He snorted in disdain and gave Xu Liangchen a sideways glance.
What a coward! Comparing this to war! Xu Liangchen was embarrassed by what he had shown him, and glared at him fiercely.
This glance made Duan Yijie’s heart flutter. He suddenly felt that he had missed something in the past. Women are not clingy. It is also a kind of enjoyment to sit and talk like this, trading verbal blows. That shyness, anger, furrowed brow, and squinted glare… no matter how you look at it, it is a kind of charm, a kind of beauty.
‘You’re not thinking of marrying this American right now, are you?’ Duan Yijie asked, raising his sword-like eyebrows. Seeing Xu Liangchen pause slightly without an immediate answer, he couldn’t help but feel a little pleased, but still said in a light-hearted manner, “If you like him, you can, right?”
The words were incoherent, but Xu Liangchen understood what he meant. After a while, she very decisively replied, ’Yes.’
It was straightforward, and Duan Yijie grunted in exasperation: ‘Women are really trouble! Fine, you want to like it, don’t you? I don’t believe it, your Miss Xu’s liking it is even more difficult than a Jedi counterattack!’
Duan Yijie leaned over, almost head to head, and stared intently at Xu Liangchen: ‘Listen carefully. For your sake, I’ll let these two guys go and give you time to fall in love, but don’t try to sneak away! I’ll send someone to keep an eye on these two guys. If you run away, I’ll shoot them right away! Hmph, I just don’t believe I can’t win you over!’
Xu Liangchen saw him closing in, so he couldn’t help but dodge backwards, but Duan Yijie grabbed his shoulder. ‘Don’t get too happy, I can’t wait that long. Let’s make a bet—whether you really like me or not, as long as I can make you say “I like you” on your own, you have to go back to my house with me first to comfort my old lady. That’s the premise for letting you escape this time. How about it, dare you agree?’
It seems that this girl is more susceptible to persuasion than coercion. To subdue her, I will have to use my wits and the ‘art of war’. I like her, but I don’t want to kill her. If I force her, she will only run away faster. Third Aunt may be right. Women are all emotional creatures. Well, if I like her, I’m sure I can make her mine!
I will make you willingly follow me for the rest of your life!
Chapter 16: A low-key solution
Xu Liangchen broke free from his grip, dodging the cool face that was close at hand, and blinked in disbelief. What was wrong with Duan Yijie today? How could such a domineering and strong guy actually be reasonable? Although the words were still rascal-like, and the conditions seemed strange, at least he was giving himself a choice and some room.
Looking at Duan Yijie critically, Xu Liangchen thought for a moment and asked tentatively, ‘Is there a time limit? For example, if I still don’t like you after a long time, will you let me go?’
The girl actually still wants to leave? Duan Yijie’s face fell, and he looked at her hard, coldly saying, ‘Just one year. Don’t you want to go to the United States? I’ll send you there.’ I just don’t believe it. Is it that hard for me to make you like me? Bitch!
Xu Liangchen looked at his darkening face and nodded indifferently. He never thought that tonight’s matter would be resolved like this. The cold-faced young master has really changed a lot. Is this considered a compromise? Why would such a domineering and strong person compromise? What actually happened?
Just as he was thinking, he saw Duan Yijie stand up. Without warning, he grabbed her wrist and brought her into his arms. Very depressed and unwilling, he lowered his head and kissed her straight on the petal-like red lips. How dare she run away? And she even held out her little paw and tried to bargain with me? Hmph, let’s talk about restitution with a kiss first!
His lips and tongue awkwardly traced her lips, giving her an unusual tingling and trembling. He seemed a little anxious, trying to pry her lips apart and force his way into her mouth.
Xu Liangchen struggled, feeling a tingling in his scalp, pushing her away and clenching his lips and teeth tightly. Duan Yijie was smart. He suddenly squeezed her waist lightly with one hand… Xu Liangchen let out a low exclamation, and someone’s tongue took the opportunity to poke in, tangling with a domineering attitude.
The tall and straight male body was pressed against her, bringing a faint tobacco scent that lingered over, and the rapid heartbeat under the military uniform radiated scorching heat that burned her. The domineering kiss that made some people tremble made Xu Liangchen unable to breathe.
After kissing her cherry lips until they were red and swollen, Duan Yijie let her go somewhat unsatisfied, breathing heavily, and staring at Xu Liangchen intently. ‘You must try to like him, do you hear me? Stay away from that American, and if I find out that you’re cheating on me with him, I won’t let him off lightly!’
Xu Liangchen glared at him fiercely. Could you force someone to like you? You idiot! What do you mean by ‘conceal one’s intentions while achieving one’s goals’? Do you think this is war? You’re being so rude.
After forcing himself to calm down, Xu Liangchen didn’t bother to deal with him anymore. He didn’t know how to offend him, and he didn’t know if he would go crazy again. Since the matter had been settled, he didn’t need to be on edge anymore. He wondered what had happened to David and Daniel, and he decided to go see them sooner rather than later, so as not to worry them. This is really inexplicable. Tonight, I’m leaving. Without further ado, he said, ‘I’m leaving,’ and turned to leave.
‘Have you remembered what I said?’ Duan Yijie repeated in a deep voice.
Xu Liangchen rolled her eyes secretly and said indifferently, ‘Mr Duan will not go back on his word, please let Mr David and Mr Daniel leave, if you don’t want to cause an international dispute.’ She glanced at Duan Yijie and looked into the distance at the dark river surface.
Duan Yijie’s eyes flashed with a sharp light, and the corner of his lips twitched slightly. This young lady seems to understand the current situation. It seems that this girl is hiding quite a few secrets from me that I don’t know about. Not bad, I like a good fight!
‘Young lady, are you doing this for my own good?’ Duan Yijie glanced at Xu Liangchen and asked lightly, walking out behind Xu Liangchen.
David and Daniel were being guarded in the back cabin by the guards. At the order of Duan Yijie, the two men were invited out. Duan Yijie stood to the side and watched Xu Liangchen walk over to the two men.
David asked with concern, ‘Catherine, are you okay?’
Xu Liangchen leaned slightly to the side, smiled, and shook his head: ‘I’m fine, David. You and Mr. Daniel can leave.’
‘What about you, Catherine?‘ David anxiously took two steps forward: “Aren’t you coming with us?”
’I will send someone to escort Miss Xu back.’ Duan Yijie raised his sword-like eyebrows and said coldly, “Mr. David need not worry. Mr. Daniel, we will meet again.” With that, he turned to Luo Hongyi and said, ’Lieutenant Luo, send a speedboat to escort Miss Xu back to the Sun residence.’
Luo Hongyi replied ‘yes’ and went below to make arrangements. David opened his mouth as if he wanted to say something, but Duan Yijie raised his hand and said, ‘Miss Xu, please.’ He led the way down to the yacht with Xu Liangchen.
Xu Liangchen gave a reassuring smile to David and Daniel, got into the speedboat next to him, and Duan Yijie is a man of his word. He said he would definitely not go back without sending her back, and Xu Liangchen believed him for no reason, but she couldn’t tell David that.
David watched the beautiful figure as she sailed away, shrugged helplessly, and felt lost, anxious, and worried.
Daniel watched the speedboat depart and sighed. He patted David on the shoulder. He was a little surprised that the young admiral had solved tonight’s problem so lightly and unobtrusively.
He had met many Chinese military officers, all of them arrogant and unreasonable, strutting around with their heads held high and acting like tyrants. But when he mentioned the name of the American Consulate, most of them would change from their previous barbarism and be exactly what the Chinese call ‘former arrogance and later respect’. This young general, whom he had rarely dealt with, was exceptional. He was always neither humble nor arrogant, cold but not rude. It was obvious that his soldiers also had strict military discipline. I would like to remind Minister Clinton that this person should not be underestimated.
The European War, which had almost swept the globe, had been going on for more than three years. The United States of America, which had maintained its ‘neutrality’ throughout, announced a change of position after the ‘coded cable incident’ in March and the resumption of unrestricted submarine warfare by Germany in April, and joined the Allies in their fight against the Central Powers.
Because the main battlefield was on the European continent, the impact of the European War on Asia and the Far East was not obvious, and, relatively speaking, it even weakened the influence of the Western countries on the Chinese economy. In the past two years, the development of China’s national industry has had a more relaxed environment, and light industries such as flour and textiles have developed rapidly. The West has no time to look east, which has suddenly increased Japan’s influence in the Far East in military and economic terms.
At present, although the war is still continuing, both major military blocs are exhausted. Washington sent President Wilson’s internal minutes on the United States’ involvement in the war, which read: The seed of war in the modern world is the opposition between industry and commerce. This war is actually a war between commerce and industry. Please do not simply think that it is only a political war…
This ancient country with the largest land area in Asia has a vast landmass and abundant resources. In the past, the influence of the United States here was weak, but now, the United States is not prepared to give up its share of power.
This young man, who should not be underestimated, is the future master of the southern military government, which controls half of China. Watching the speedboat disappear into the night, Daniel did not move. From the perspective of a professional diplomat, he thought more deeply and even began to consider finding opportunities in it.
Chapter 17: Unexpected
Xu Liangchen was sent directly back to the Sun family. Upon hearing from the servant, Sun Menglin personally came out to greet him: ‘I’m sorry to trouble you for personally escorting your cousin back. Would you like to come in for a cup of tea?’
Duan Yijie did not want to attract attention, so he only brought a small entourage with him. He did not get out of the car in front of Sun’s house, and only pushed the door open when he saw Sun Menglin come out. He said lightly, ‘It’s late at night, so I won’t disturb Brother Mingfu and your family. I will definitely come visit another day. Second young lady, you have just recovered from a waist injury, so you should still pay attention to resting.’
Sun Menglin thanked him with a smile, watched Xu Liangchen get out of the car and call out ‘cousin’ before walking straight into the door, and only gave the cold-faced young master, who was staring at her intently, a faint glance and didn’t say a word.
Duan Yijie frowned as he talked to Sun Menglin while staring at the slender figure of Xu Liangchen disappearing behind the gate. He had, unprecedentedly, been magnanimous and had not cared about her attempt to sneak away by colluding both internally and externally, but the girl didn’t even say a word of thanks?
Sun Menglin couldn’t understand why the cold-faced young master had suddenly offered to bring his cousin back, but Xu Liangchen’s attitude of ignoring Duan Yijie and Duan Yijie’s calm, unruffled eyes that hinted at an undercurrent made him feel that the situation between the two was quite hard to guess. Fortunately, having been in the officialdom for a long time, he was not surprised by changes and could read people’s expressions and intentions with ease, so it was only natural that he was chatting and laughing with ease.
When the beautiful woman’s figure had disappeared, Duan Yijie stopped talking, nodded to Sun Menglin to say goodbye, and the car turned around and entered the long street, disappearing in an instant.
Sun Menglin gave the servant at the door a few words of advice, and hurriedly walked into the living room.
Old Madam Sun was not feeling well and went to bed early, and Madam Cai had already gone to bed with her children, Zhen Zhi and Zhen He. Only Second Madam Yang Ruolan, who had been waiting in the living room, heard the news.
When Xu Liangchen walked in, she quickly put down the art book she was holding and asked with concern, ‘Liangchen, you’re back?’
The relationship between Second Madam Sun and Xu Liangchen was quite special. They were not only cousins, but also teacher and student. Xu Liangchen studied traditional Chinese painting under Yang Ruolan.
Yang Ruolan’s real name was Yang Su, and she was from Suzhou. Her father was a rickshaw puller and her mother a laundry woman, and the family was desperately poor. Yang Ruolan often said when she grew up that in her early childhood, she could already consider it a blessing to be able to eat every day, and that very often, they could not even afford to eat. Despite the difficulties, her mother still borrowed money to send her to school. She was intelligent and studious, and her talent in painting in particular won the favour of her schoolteachers.
When she was ten years old, in order to treat her father, the only working person in the family, she was forced to become a singing girl. Because she was pretty and intelligent, she quickly learned to play the pipa well. In her early years, she became very popular at Suzhou Tianxiang Pavilion and was known as ‘Yang Fei’ because of her plump figure.
She was courted by officials, gentry and wealthy merchants every night and was a very famous courtesan. After the establishment of the Southern Military Government, Sun Menglin returned home to pay homage to his ancestors. When he arrived in Suzhou, the two met again and fell in love at first sight. At that time, Zhang Guangyuan, the eldest son of the Zhang family of the Salt Industry Bank, was courting the beauty and keeping her under house arrest in her room at the Jiangnanchun Hotel, forbidding her to go out.
Sun Menglin asked his friend Wu Yaonan, who was the military governor of Suzhou at the time, for help. First, they arranged a boat on the canal outside the city. They drove into Jiangnanchun in the middle of the night, bribed Zhang Guangyuan’s men, and took Yang Ruolan away with them. Then the two of them fled to Yanzhou.
Afterwards, Yang Ruolan formally became a disciple of Sun Menglin, who not only helped her observe precious calligraphy and paintings, but also taught her the meticulous brushwork and heavy colouring techniques. During Sun Menglin’s travels, they visited famous mountains and rivers and sketched from nature. After all these years of hard work, she gradually emerged in the foreign settlement and became one of the more famous meticulous brushwork and heavy colouring landscape painters.
Xu Liangchen walked into the living room. She was standing next to a bottle of orchid. Her black cheongsam and long earrings set off her charm. She had a plump figure, fair skin and a smiling face.
Xu Liangchen saw that she had taken her hand, so she also smiled and said, ‘Younger cousin, I came back late and woke you and your cousin up.’
Yang Ruolan shook her hand and didn’t ask anything, just told the maid to prepare hot water, served the second young lady to rest, and sent Xu Liangchen back to the backyard before the couple could quietly discuss it as they walked back.
They returned late and had trouble sleeping. Xu Liangchen woke up after ten the next morning. After a quick breakfast, he wanted to go back to school to take a look. The maid, Xiaoyuan, saw him taking his notes and said with a smile, ‘Miss, when Master left, he said that your waist injury had not healed yet and that it would be best not to go to class for the time being. He already asked for your leave.’
Unexpectedly, cousin Xu Liangchen was slightly stunned when he heard that his cousin had specifically instructed him to do so. He quickly agreed, as he had been tossing and turning last night and his back was still uncomfortable. Since he had already taken the day off, he would go back in a couple of days.
He promised and put down his folder, preparing to go to his grandmother’s room to pay his respects, but he heard the maid Xiaofang greet someone outside the door: ‘Young Madam, Mrs. Liao.’
Xu Liangchen looked up, and his sister-in-law Cai Fengqi walked in with a middle-aged lady.
Liangchen hurriedly got up to greet her, and the petite Cai Fengqi looked at her and smiled, ‘Second sister, do you see who this is?’
Xu Liangchen looked over and called out hesitantly, ‘Aunt Liao?’ Before she could finish speaking, the anxious Liao Yufeng eagerly pulled Xu Liangchen over and looked him up and down, weeping with joy, ‘You’ve finally returned… A while ago, I was still telling Madam that I would go to the dock to meet the boat when you returned. Who knew that this time, the situation in Xiangnan was tense, and there were soldiers all along the way. I only returned to Yanzhou two days ago, and who knew that I would see you again with… Alas, you made your aunt so anxious… It’s good… I heard that you were injured, where do you feel unwell? Let your aunt take a look…’
After not seeing each other for a few years, Aunt Liao is still as hot-tempered as ever. Xu Liangchen smiles, and Cai Fengqi takes the teacup from Xiaoyuan and smiles, persuading her, ‘Aunt Liao, don’t worry. Liangchen hurt his back, but he’s much better now. Please sit…’
Liao Yufeng sat Xu Liangchen down on the sofa, took the teacup and thanked her. Xu Liangchen repeatedly assured her that the waist injury was not serious, and she was relieved. ‘I heard that your aunt was so happy to hear that you were back that she didn’t sleep well for several nights. She told your uncle that she could finally see Xiaochen again… Oh, Jingwu is also here. I’m afraid you’re still resting, so she’s waiting in the lobby…’
Jingwu? Xu Liangchen’s mind conjured up the image of the man’s heroic figure as the cruise ship set sail, his raised hand, his dark blue suit, his handsome brows and eyes filled with the concern of a long-distance traveller…
It had been several years since they had parted, and he wondered how Jingwu was doing.
Chapter 18: Qingquan
Liao Yufeng was Xu Liangchen’s biological mother Sun Yichen’s best friend. Both were born into wealthy families: the Sun family had been officials for generations, while the Liao family were wealthy merchants. They had been close friends since childhood, always together, and when they went to St. Mary’s College, Sun Yichen was betrothed to the Xu family by her parents, but Liao Yufeng had a crush on Jiang Zhengyu, a classmate of her brother Liao Yuntai at St. John’s University.
Liao’s mother disagreed with her daughter’s choice, saying, ‘Jiang Zhengyu is the son of a pastor and comes from a poor family. Liao Yufeng was very determined and resolute: “Origin is nothing, poverty is not something that cannot be changed, what matters is character and talent.” The matter was settled, and the Liao parents finally could not bear to see their daughter unhappy, and the marriage was consummated.
After their marriage, Liao Yufeng accompanied her husband, who had been awarded a scholarship, to study at Harvard. The newlyweds spent their honeymoon on a ship crossing the Pacific Ocean.
Jiang Zhengyu was a diligent student. Not only did he get an A in every subject at Harvard, but he also successfully completed a master’s degree in German comparative linguistics. The young couple studied and worked together, sharing both the good times and the bad, just like brother and sister. During hard times, Liao Yufeng even sold jewellery to make ends meet.
Jiang Zhengyu was young and handsome, with excellent academic results. Many women were attracted to him, but throughout his life, Jiang Zhengyu remained chaste. When presented with sexual opportunities, he would only occasionally enjoy them, never crossing the line. The young couple had a very good relationship despite the hardships in the United States.
It was only after six years of marriage that Liao Yufeng dared to get pregnant. Due to financial constraints, they had to decide to return to China to give birth.
At that time, Jiang Zhengyu was preparing to take his doctoral exam. For the final oral exam, Jiang Zhengyu had to run from one professor’s room to another to take turns answering questions. Liao Yufeng, with her big belly, insisted on waiting outside.
When her husband came out, Liao Yufeng asked, ‘How did it go?’ Jiang Zhengyu smiled and said, ‘PASS!’
The wife excitedly hugged her husband and gave him a kiss on the street, and the two set off back to Yanzhou.
Six years had passed, and everything had changed. When Liao Yufeng returned to Yanzhou, she learned that her best friend Sun Yichen had given birth to two daughters after her marriage. Her husband was a playboy who did nothing but gamble and drink, and Sun Yichen was heartbroken and helpless, bedridden with illness.
After Liao Yufeng returned to Yanzhou, she gave birth to her only son Jiang Jingwu. The following year, Sun Yichen gave birth to her youngest daughter Jiachen, who passed away. Before she died, she took her friend’s hand, unable to cry, deeply regretting marrying the wrong person. Liao Yufeng wept bitterly, and from then on, she treated her sister’s orphaned child as her own, always watching over her.
By this time, Dr Jiang Zhengyu, who had studied in the USA, was already a famous figure in the literary world of the foreign settlement. Not only did he teach at the university, he was also sought after by many magazines and research institutes, and he had bought a house on Meilimei Road.
In the Jiang residence, the grass and trees were evergreen in all seasons, with more than 30 large trees. The open space was planted with tomatoes, celery, pumpkins and the like, and Jiang Zhengyu hired a cook, a nanny and a maid, so Liao Yufeng became the wealthy wife of a doctor. Xu Liangchen was not much more than two years younger than Jiang Jingwu. Since she was weak and sickly as a child, Liao Yufeng often took her in to live with her family, and the two children grew up close.
Because her mother died early, Xu Liangchen and her older sister and younger sister were sent to live with their maternal grandmother. She didn’t have a strong impression of her biological parents, but she saw the Jiang couple, and in her young heart, she envied the Jiang family for being so happy and warm.
Aunt Liao likes to talk about family matters and reminisce about the past. Dr. Jiang’s most endearing behaviour to his wife is to sit in a chair, not reading newspapers or magazines, smoking a pipe, and quietly listening to his wife without making a sound. If his wife is angry, he will remain silent without saying a word. If they have a fight, they will just let it go. Dr. Jiang says his secret is: being a good husband is to like what your wife likes, and when she is angry, not to get angry with her.
After giving birth, Aunt Liao’s body became plump, and she was very jealous of others saying she was fat. She liked it best when people praised her sharp and straight nose. So whenever Dr. Jiang’s wife was unhappy, he would joke around and pinch her nose, and his wife would turn her anger into joy.
Dr. Jiang was very considerate of his wife and was not stingy when it came to women’s love and dressing up. He knew that Liao Yufeng was particular about shoes, so every time they passed a shoe store, he would always encourage his wife to go in and shop, while he kept the children occupied.
Liangchen remembers when he was a child, he used to sit on his auntie Jiang’s lap and listen to her and his uncle chat. ‘The sweetest memories are the ones made in the midst of hardship,’ they would say. Even if they were too poor to go to the movies, they could go to the library and borrow a stack of books. The two of them would share a single lamp and read together at night, finding endless joy in the experience. Being poor does not mean being miserable. Liangchen has never felt miserable in his marriage to his auntie Liao. The common saying ‘all is sad in poor and humble couples’ depends entirely on how one interprets it.
As he grew up and became more mature, Xu Liangchen envied Aunt Liao and Uncle for their marriage, which was plain but enduring and full of affection. His mother had married into a wealthy family, but she had died young, and he therefore found it hard to accept and reject from the heart the idea of marrying into a wealthy family like the Marshal’s Mansion and a young master like Duan Yijie.
Cai Fengqi asked Xiaoyuan to invite Jiang Jingwu upstairs. Xu Liangchen looked up and was ‘stunned’ at first glance. The man who walked in was tall and straight, handsome and elegant, like a graceful and elegant young man.
‘No wonder you are the famous ‘handsome young gentleman’ of the foreign settlement. Master Jiang’s reputation precedes him. Cai Fengqi praised with a smile, ‘I heard that Master Jiang is not only well-versed in academics, but also loves horseback riding, is good at calligraphy, and is good at poetry and prose. Second sister, this is one of the three most famous young masters in Yanzhou these days.’
Whether it was due to family education or genetic factors, Jiang Jingwu was intelligent from an early age. He skipped grades repeatedly while studying. Soon after Xu Liangchen started studying at St. Mary’s College, he was exceptionally admitted to the University of Cambridge with outstanding results. After obtaining a master’s degree in physics, he went to the Dresden University of Technology. He worked at Germany’s most famous Krupp military factory and was already a well-known ordnance expert despite his young age. After the establishment of the Southern Military Government, someone was sent to Germany to invite him back, and he became the young and capable Director of the Military Industry Department.
‘Mrs Sun, mother,’ Jiang Jingwu greeted Cai Fengqi politely, then turned to look at Xu Liangchen.
Some time ago, he had accompanied his mother to her hometown in Xiangnan during the holidays, but due to the military unrest, he had not been able to return in time. His plan to take delivery of the ship had fallen through, and when he returned to Yanzhou, he heard about her scandal with Duan the younger. He was both worried and uneasy, and now he was finally standing in front of her!
Jiang Jingwu felt a surge of emotion in his heart, and he was momentarily dazed.
That face was even more beautiful and outstanding, especially those eyes, shining with light, just like the clear spring that had been engraved in his heart and never forgotten…
Chapter 19: A wonderful son and daughter-in-law
Jiang Jingwu’s eyes made Xu Liangchen’s heart warm. They hadn’t seen each other for several years, but the man in front of him had grown taller and straighter. When they had gone to Cambridge, he had been a little taller than him, but now he was more than half an inch taller than him… He had heard many people say that he was an expert in his field, had studied hard and achieved success, and was a person that the warlords from all sides competed to hire with large sums of money, but his eyes were still as pure and clear as ever, and his smile was still so bright, just as he had been back then…
Seeing the two of them just looking at each other with happy expressions, Liao Yufeng couldn’t help but smile and tease, ‘What, you don’t recognise each other after being apart for a few years? Jingwu, you didn’t have time to pick up Xiaochen, and when you met, you didn’t even say sorry? Xiaochen, it’s auntie’s fault that Jingwu didn’t go to pick you up… Today, come back with me, and let Jingwu personally cook your favourite dish of steamed eggs to apologise, okay? After being abroad for a few years, apart from other things, Jingwu’s cooking skills have improved a lot…’
Seeing a pair of young girls with talent and good looks, Liao Yufeng was overjoyed. This was a wonderful couple that she had longed for many years ago. Now that they have grown up, they are a perfect match in terms of talent and knowledge. She is happy from the bottom of her heart to see another good match.
As for the scandals at the General’s Mansion, Liao Yufeng, who is straightforward in character, simply ignores them. She knows very well what kind of temperament Xiaochen has. She has also met the young general of the General’s Mansion, but she doesn’t think that cold and hard-hearted person is the type that Xiaochen would like. She is indifferent to fame and fortune, and has no desire for wealth and luxury. The possibility of her choosing the cold-faced young marshal for power and influence is almost non-existent. Besides, she has only been back from the United States for a few dozen days, and she simply doesn’t believe that they are already at the point of discussing marriage.
Furthermore, when she spoke with Meichen on the phone in the morning and asked about the scandal, she stammered, so Liao Yufeng directly concluded that there was something else going on.
Cai Fengqi had long known Liao Yufeng’s expectations of Xu Liangchen. When she saw Jiang Jingwu smiling at Xu Liangchen without saying a word but with great affection, she couldn’t help but sigh in her heart. Miss Xu is indeed blessed with good fortune and is very popular, and this young master Jiang is already an outstanding talent, one in a million. Who would have thought that among the many beauties in the general’s mansion, he would single out this one and pursue her assiduously.
Liao Yufeng saw that the two had sat down, and although she clearly had something on her mind, she just greeted them lightly. It seemed that her presence and that of Mrs. Sun were getting in the way of their conversation. She gently patted Xu Liangchen’s waist and then laughed, ‘Has Xiaochen’s waist injury recovered a bit? These past few days, the famous Beiping doctor Mr. Shi Zhong’an has been in Yanzhou. This morning, I asked Zhengyu to invite him. Although many people now have different views on traditional Chinese medicine, Mr. Shi cured Hu Shizhi’s diabetes with ten taels of astragalus and six taels of codonopsis, which has been confirmed by Peking Union Medical College. It is probably true that his medical skills are high. Xiaochen might as well go back with your aunt to have a look. What does Mrs. Sun think?’
The question was not directed at Xu Liangchen, but at Cai Fengqi, the hostess of the house.
This was Liao Yufeng’s courtesy and respect, and Cai Fengqi certainly understood it. She laughed and said, ‘Second sister is fortunate to have Mrs. Liao’s care and affection. Second sister, since Mrs. Liao has already invited Mr. Shi, you should go quickly and not let Mrs. Liao and Dr. Jiang down.’ Not only did she not stop her, she even persuaded her.
After not seeing it for several years, Xu Liangchen also missed the Jiang Mansion, which was surrounded by lush greenery. It held fond memories of his girlhood, and it had given him the warmth of a family. What had become of the small guest room where he had lived? Was the Yu Tang Chun plant in the backyard still there, which he had planted with his own hands when he left Yanzhou for the United States?
So she smiled broadly and nodded: ‘Even if Auntie doesn’t invite me, I’m going anyway. I haven’t met your husband yet, but his Harvard classmates have been very kind to me, and they asked me to bring a gift to him. Besides, Auntie’s place has been like a second home to me since I was a child.’
Her words spoke directly to Liao Yufeng’s heart, and her smile grew more comfortable. Looking at the wall clock, she anxiously said, ‘Since Xiaochen also said so, Mrs. Sun, we won’t bother you anymore. We’ll come visit you again some other day. Please give my regards to Madam and Mayor Sun…’
Cai Fengqi smiled and agreed, seeing them to the car. Turning around, she happened to see Yang Ruolan returning from outside with a roll of drawing paper. Her face involuntarily grew cold, and she turned around and entered the second gate. Yang Ruolan looked at her back, her face slightly darkening, and she sighed softly to herself.
In Suzhou, she was forced into marriage, but Sun Menglin came to her rescue. A man who is loyal, righteous and compassionate will always make a woman want to do anything for him. So they sympathised with each other and she willingly became his concubine.
Before coming to Yanzhou, she had already expected to be rebuked by the wife of the house, but she never imagined it would be so embarrassing. Cai Fengqi was not a bad person, but she was an old-fashioned woman. She could never forgive herself for suddenly intruding between her and her husband. She firmly believed in the principle of respecting the older generation. If she did not give in a little, she would embarrass Sun Menglin, which would make Yang Ruolan feel distressed and helpless.
Not wanting to be depressed by the hidden struggles in the big mansion, she went to the Art College to study at her insistence. With her talent for painting and hard work, she grew up to become a well-known meticulous painter.
Liu Haisu, the president of the Art College, who had discerning eyes, hired Yang Ruolan as the director and tutor of the painting research laboratory against popular opinion. The joy she felt for her achievements had not yet surfaced when Cai Fengqi’s sneer killed it in her heart: ‘The country has its laws, there are rules in the family, the big are superior to the small, an eternal truth, even if you become a professor, you can’t imagine being on an equal footing with me…’ Yang Ruolan’s tears welled up, she just wanted to live like a human being, but this humble wish was just a wish in the face of reality…
The car drove out of Sun’s mansion and came face to face with two military vehicles. Jiang Jingwu frowned slightly as he looked at the clear “Duan” on the bronze plate on the radiator. The car stopped, and Peng, dressed in military uniform, got out of the military vehicle with a smile on his face: ‘Miss, your waist injury has not yet healed, and there is still a lot of talk about catching shadows. I have been ordered by the regiment commander to take care of you when you go out…’ Seeing that there were other people present, Peng Mingxia used Duan Yijie’s ‘official title’—Commander of the First Group Army of the Southern Army.
What is Duan Yijie doing? Seeing Liao Yufeng and Jiang Jingwu frowning in confusion at the scene in front of them, Xu Liangchen couldn’t help but feel irritated, but his face remained expressionless. ‘Thank you, Secretary Peng, for your concern. Please go back and tell your superior that I understand his “kindness”, but I’m just visiting friends and relatives, so Secretary Peng doesn’t need to “take care” of me.’ What kind of care is this? It’s stalking, isn’t it? Xu Liangchen thought mockingly, is this really necessary?
As he said this, he waved at the driver and was about to leave. Secretary Peng hurriedly smiled and said, ‘Please understand, Miss, I am on official business…’ It looked like he really had to follow her.
Chapter 20: Country or beauty?
‘Secretary Peng, you’re too polite. I’m not your superior, and you’re not my subordinate. Goodbye.’ As the car drove off, Peng Mingxia waved at the driver with a wry smile, asking him to follow. How did this thankless task fall on her? Luo Hongyi really wasn’t playing fair…
When Duan Yijie left the military department, it was close to midnight. The Northern Military Government, in a vain attempt to unify the north and the south, secretly provoked incidents in Xiangnan, at the junction of the northern and southern borders. As the situation in Xiangnan grew more and more tense by the day, his own workload also increased. He wondered if the girl had been good today.
After getting into the car, Luo Hongyi carefully handed over a file in a kraft paper bag, and glanced at Duan Yijie’s face, ‘Young master, this is today’s report.’
Duan Yijie took it and opened it with a ‘hmm,’ and glanced at it under the faint light from the car’s roof. His dark eyes narrowed slightly. He went to Jiang Gongguan today, and didn’t go back to the Sun family, but stayed the night?…”
Just as he was thinking, Luo Hongyi whispered, ’Young master, Jiang Jingwu is Jiang Chuan…’
What? Duan Yijie was slightly startled on hearing this. Jiang Chuan, currently the youngest and most famous military equipment expert in the country? Xu Liangchen actually had a deep connection with him?
Since joining the army, Duan Yijie has become increasingly aware of the importance of new equipment in warfare. In particular, the appearance of classic weapons such as the Mauser, Browning M1918 automatic rifle, and M1911 pistol in the European war, and their passing of the first large-scale practical tests, will become the main equipment of the armies of many countries; heavily armoured tanks have appeared, and were recently used in actual combat for the first time; aircraft have also been used in warfare, and air forces have emerged; the Allied Powers have even developed drones; and the research and development and manufacturing technology of long-range artillery has made rapid progress…
This information hit his brain, making Duan Yijie more clearly realise that the goal of future military development is not the human wave tactic, but the competition in science and technology.
Talents like Jiang Chuan are priceless, which is why the Southern Military Government paid a high price to invite him. Not only did they set up a special military industry agency for the young armaments expert and appoint him as the director, they also built the director’s residence for him in the best part of town, and arranged for a garrison company, secretary and civil servants just like the general’s mansion.
The woman he had his eye on had a connection with him? Duan Yijie frowned with a headache, as the ancient dilemma of choosing between country and beauty still remained. Who should he give up and take? He closed the file in his hands and looked out the window at the dim moonlight, lost in thought.
At the Sun Mansion intersection, a group of military police were patrolling back and forth. Xu Liangchen was used to it and didn’t pay attention after taking a glance. Jiang Jingwu, however, saw a lot of news reporters being blocked at the alley entrance in the distance. He turned his head to look at the car following him, glanced at Xu Liangchen without saying a word, and wondered if the cold-faced young master was going to get serious this time?
The car turned around the Bund and saw Xu Liangchen watching with interest the changes that had taken place in the foreign settlement over the past few years. Jiang Jingwu pointed to a building in front of them and said, ‘That’s the famous Dai Lai foreign trading company. Now its roof has been rented by an American, Osborn, who has set up the first radio station in China. Every evening from 8:15 to 9:15, it broadcasts for an hour. Because of its cooperation with the Mainland Daily, the advertisements in the newspaper are included in the broadcast time, and the news content is also produced by the Mainland Daily…’
Xu Liangchen nodded with a smile: ‘It was very advanced, but I heard that it has already been shut down?’
Jiang Jingwu nodded: ‘The use of radio was mostly related to military institutions, and the relevant machinery and equipment were all under control and prohibited. Therefore, as early as the early years of the Republic of China, the Northern Military Government promulgated China’s first “Telecommunications Regulations,” which stipulated that wired and wireless telecommunications would be operated by the state.’
‘Did the Southern Military Government not have regulations in this area? Why were Osborne’s radio station and company not restricted?’ Xu Liangchen asked somewhat puzzled.
‘It may have something to do with the current situation in Yanzhou,’ Jiang Jingwu said with a bitter smile. ’Isn’t there a concession in the foreign settlement? China is now like a meat pie, and all the foreigners here want to carve out a concession and make it bigger. The construction of all the concessions is to make more money to take back. The more chaotic China becomes, the greater the opportunity for foreigners to make money. Before the establishment of the military government, the trading of land in the concession could be done without notifying the Chinese government. Osbon was located in the concession, and the radio station and the receivers used by the public were considered a new invention.
‘If that’s the case, why was it closed?‘ Xu Liangchen asked softly as he watched the sign for Dailai Yanghang fade away behind him.
’The problem was with the headphones for listening to the radio. According to the customs regulations of the military government, headphones were considered military equipment and were prohibited from being imported. The original intention of Osbon in opening a radio station was to sell radio equipment, but in the end there was nothing to sell, so why didn’t it close?’ Jiang Jingwu smiled and glanced at Xu Liangchen and said.
I see. Xu Liangchen was about to ask him his opinion on this new thing, but when he saw the car had already turned onto Tianyaoqiao Road, he looked anxiously out the window.
Heading to the Jiang residence, if they weren’t intentionally taking a detour, they would have to pass by Qiming Girls‘ School. She had been worried about the students’ studies during her leave of absence.
Seeing her eyes fixed on the side of Qiming, Jiang Jingwu quickly understood what she meant, and without saying a word, he signalled the driver to slow down.
When the main building of Qiming, a fake four-storey brick-and-wood structure built by the Catholic Church with obvious architectural characteristics of the French Renaissance, appeared in front of her, she saw the basketball court and tennis court inside through the cast iron railings, and thought about the garden behind it, with two swings on the lawn. Listening to the faint sound of piano and singing coming from the music room, Xu Liangchen felt at ease. She liked doing these meaningful things. Qiming had set a precedent for women’s education in China, and she was proud of it.
As the car pulled up to the gate, the scene in front of it made her frown. Why were there so many people gathered?
Grabbing a pen and paper and a camera in her hands, Xu Liangchen saw a bunch of people, looking like reporters, gathered outside Qiming’s gate. They surrounded anyone who came in or out, especially the woman dressed as a teacher, who, upon seeing Xu Liangchen, surrounded her like flies. Xu Liangchen lowered the window a little and vaguely heard people shouting ‘Miss Xu’, ‘Do you know her?’ and other things. She couldn’t help but wonder if these people were actually here for her.
Jiang Jingwu turned his head and gave his mother a wink, and Liao Yufeng reached out and rolled up the window. Jiang Jingwu laughed and said, ‘It’s rare for the young master to get into a scandal, so of course these news reporters won’t let it go. Xiaochen should be grateful for the immaturity of printing technology.’
This was the first time Xu Liangchen had heard gossip about her ‘cold-faced young master’ from Jiang Jingwu’s mouth. She looked up at Jiang Jingwu.
Chapter 21: Everyone has their own thoughts
“To be honest, photography technology has made great progress over the years, but hasn’t Xiaochen noticed that you still can’t see many photos in domestic newspapers? Almost all advertising images are drawn, and occasionally there are movie promotional photos, but the resolution is not good enough. I think it’s a problem with the printing technology. Jiang Jingwu looked at Xu Liangchen teasingly. If it weren’t for this reason, with the cold-faced young master and the pretty girl in a scandal, I’m afraid no one in Yanzhou wouldn’t know this pretty face.
This guy Jiang Jingwu looks like a charming young gentleman, but his mouth is even more clever than usual. It turns out that he is flirting with himself by using printing technology. Xu Liangchen stared at him for a moment, unable to laugh or cry.
Looking at those charming eyes, Jiang Jingwu couldn’t help smiling.
I heard that Jiang, who has always supported freedom of the press, has for the first time instructed his subordinates to secretly order all newspapers not to publish any photos of Miss Xu. So although the scandal caused quite a stir, people only heard of her name but never saw her. Is the cold-faced young master protecting Xiaochen or just trying to monopolise her? If it’s the latter, what about his own unrequited love?
Having seen too much of the arrogance of the foreigners in the cosmopolitan city of Shanghai, Jiang Jingwu was distressed by the country’s accumulated poverty and weakness since the late Qing Dynasty. He believed in saving the country through science and technology. He thought that in such a time of robbery and violence, without the backing of heavy guns and cannons, ancient China would only be passive and vulnerable to bullying. That was why he chose the military as his goal.
‘Learning from the enemy’s advanced skills in order to defeat them’ makes sense. The invitation from the Southern Military Government gave him a place to put his skills and his ambition to serve his country to good use. Jiang Jingwu has not forgotten the Marshal’s House’s kindness in recognising his talents.
However, the woman he loved was coveted by the cold-faced young master… Jiang Jingwu sighed inwardly. The cold-faced young master seldom dallied with women, but everyone understood the extent to which the general’s mansion expected its future daughter-in-law to be like. Even if Duan Yijie, who had always valued the country over women, might let go for his sake, it was unknown whether Duan Zhengxun, who was used to being a warlord, would give up the woman his son had rarely liked.
The scene in front of Qiming’s door made Xu Liangchen very distressed. It seems that it is not that easy to go back to teaching. Even if you try your best to avoid the reporters in front of the door, you still have to face your students and other gentlemen. It is hard to say if everyone understands what is in your heart… Could this scandal actually cost you your favourite job?
The two of them were each thinking about their own concerns and did not speak. Liao Yufeng, who had wanted to temporarily disappear so that her two young children could have a good chat, finally felt that the atmosphere was not right and so she said with a smile, ‘Xiaochen, do you still like ice cream as much as you did when you were little? I saw an advertisement saying that someone had recently invented an ice cream machine that could make ice cream in just one minute. It is said to be compact and convenient, and the ice cream freezes quickly. You can have ice cream in just one minute. Why don’t we go buy one and try it?’
Xu Liangchen was thin as a child, but he loved sweets. At that time, people had already inherited the ice-making technique from the late Tang Dynasty, in which saltpeter was dissolved in water to quickly cool it to the point of freezing. Smart merchants added sugar to the ice to attract customers. Later, they added fruit juice or fruit, and even milk, to make it a summer delicacy.
One summer, Xu Liangchen was returning from school to the Jiang mansion. He took advantage of the maid’s inattention to eat a large bowl of ice in one go. As a result, he had abdominal pain and diarrhea that night, which scared Liao Yufeng so much that she didn’t dare close her eyes all night. Later, she scolded the maid who gave Liangchen ice cubes to eat.
At that time, Jiang Jingwu, who had never fought with her for food, often made jokes about this incident afterwards, and every time, the little lady was so ashamed that she couldn’t lift her head, and she even ignored him for several days in anger.
Hearing Liao Yufeng talk about old childhood memories, Jiang Jingwu couldn’t help smiling at the corner of his lips: ‘If you want ice cream, go find me instead of buying a machine. I personally have the special skill of making delicious ice cream in one minute. Do you want to try it, Xiaochen?’
Liao Yufeng knew that her son had many strange and quirky ‘methods’, and she also smiled at Xu Liangchen. Under the smiling gaze of the two, Xu Liangchen couldn’t help blushing when he thought about the old days. He leaned towards Liao Yufeng and smiled, ‘At that time, it was just crushed ice mixed with some fruit syrup and sugar, so it wasn’t considered authentic ice cream. Now I’ve tasted the taste of foreign ice cream. If I don’t do a good job, auntie, what should I punish him for?’ As he said this, he looked at Jiang Jingwu with a smile.
Jiang Jingwu was delighted when she looked at him with her pure and bright eyes. He felt as if he had returned to his youth, when he was young and in love with his childhood sweetheart. They were inseparable and whispered sweet nothings to each other. He could not help but feel heroic: ‘Please be the judge, Mom. If it doesn’t taste good, I’ll be punished to cook tonight.’
Liao Yufeng saw her mature son, who had rarely been in a good mood in recent years, suddenly excitedly say that he wanted to cook, and couldn’t help but laugh out loud. She gave her son a sideways glance and said, ‘Xiaochen is back, and you were supposed to cook the welcome dinner, so how can this be considered a punishment?’
Jiang Jingwu came back to his senses and saw his mother’s teasing eyes. He smiled a little embarrassedly, and Xu Liangchen’s heart warmed as he couldn’t speak. The car pulled into the Jiang mansion.
After several years apart, the Jiang Mansion was still full of greenery. The wisteria tree in front of the door had thick stems and bloomed with bright flowers, hanging in strings like gold. Xu Liangchen looked at the familiar scene in front of him. The three-storey Western-style house was still like a fairy tale built with blocks from his childhood.
The exterior is typical of a French-style garden house, with walls covered in vines that change colour with the seasons, black, white and yellow pebbles embedded in the walls, and a mansard-style roof covered in red flat tiles. It is clean and refined without being cliché. The doors and windows are arched and circular, and the horizontal lines on the facade are distinct. Only the brick walls with clean joints, which are a popular exterior painting technique in the fashionable foreign settlement in recent years, are visible.
‘Xiaochen is here, right?’ Hearing the car engine start, the slender and refined Dr. Jiang Zhengyu walked out of the hall. Although he was already in his middle years and had a few grey hairs, he was still gentle and handsome, with warm eyes.
Xu Liangchen hurried over to greet him. This uncle was like a father to her, and she owed him a lot for taking care of her over the years while she was at Harvard.
Jiang Zhengyu laughed as he helped her up, looked at her closely, and then turned to his wife and said with a smile, ‘I once said that a woman is most beautiful when she is standing in front of the cradle; now I would add that at the age of twenty, having accomplished her studies, Xiaochen is most beautiful when she returns from the United States. Hehe…’
Liao Yufeng smiled at her husband and asked, ‘This… is Mr. Shi? Zhengyu, you are being rude to your guest.’
Shi Zhong’an, a bearded man with white hair and a youthful face, chuckled and waved his hand: ‘I had a great time chatting with Dr. Jiang and consider him a close friend. Mrs. Jiang, please don’t be formal.’
After everyone had exchanged greetings and taken their seats, Shi Zhong’an couldn’t help but take a second look at the young woman with the scholarly air, who was none other than the recently much-talked-about Miss Xu. He asked about Xu Liangchen’s waist injury, then made some suggestions, gave a diagnosis and wrote down a prescription. Liao Yufeng and Xu Liangchen thanked them repeatedly, and Jiang Zhengyu accompanied the guests back to the study to drink tea.
Liao Yufeng led Xu Liangchen into the small living room and said with a smile, ‘You sit first, I’ll have someone go get the medicine…’
Before she finished speaking, Jiang Jingwu walked in, holding two glass cups in the shape of flowers and several bags. ‘Come and see, it’s summer and hot, a live version of milk turning into ice cream.’
Liao Yufeng smiled and said, ‘Xiaochen, give him a chance. This guy is always mumbling, if he can’t do it, he’ll be embarrassed…’ She laughed and walked out.
Chapter 22: Restless
Xu Liangchen looked at the things Jiang Jingwu had placed on the coffee table: two glasses, a large bag of milk, a small bag of whipping cream, a small bottle of sugar, a small bag of blueberry jam, a cup of ice cubes and a bag of something she couldn’t name. How was this supposed to make ice cream? She looked curiously at Jiang Jingwu, and the maids who had brought the things over also crowded at the door, smiling and watching.
Jiang Jingwu gave her a wry smile and signalled with his eyes, ‘Look.’
But she saw him add milk and light cream to the mixture, stir in a little sugar, then add blueberry jam and continue stirring. After mixing well, he poured the liquid mixture into a sealed bag, put ice cubes and water condensed from an unknown object into another plastic sealed bag, then put the sealed bag with liquid into the bag of ice cubes, and began to shake it vigorously, while smiling and saying, ‘Heavenly spirits, earthly spirits, Xiao Chen wants to eat ice cream…’
He looked like a charlatan, and Xu Liangchen couldn’t help but laugh. The maids also laughed and covered their mouths with their hands. The young master was usually amiable, but he wouldn’t do such a show of foolishness. It was for this pretty young lady, wasn’t it? A few maids who had been working at the Jiang mansion for a long time recognised her from the guest’s delicate and picturesque eyebrows and eyes. This was the young lady of the Xu family who had grown up with the young master. No wonder the young master and the master and mistress were so happy. It turned out that the young lady had returned.
Jiang Jingwu ignored Xu Liangchen and the maids’ teasing and continued to smile as he shook the bag. After a minute or so, he stopped, opened the bag, and everyone’s eyes widened in surprise. The milk that had just been liquid had turned into semi-solid, delicious-looking ice cream.
Jiang Jingwu smiled and used a spoon to get some into a cup, and casually stuck an orchid on top. It looked very beautiful and tempting. Xu Liangchen took it half-believing and tasted it. It was surprisingly delicious!
Jiang Jingwu proudly filled another cup and handed over the rest to the maids: ‘You try it. Xiaomei, watch it, and don’t fight!…’
Xiao Mei giggled as she took it, muttering, ‘We’re not children, who would fight? The young master just likes to act like an adult…’ The maids thanked her and left with smiles on their faces, making faces as they walked. The young master wanted to be alone with the young lady, using ice cream to coax us light bulbs away, hee hee.
Xu Liangchen has always liked sweet food, and Jiang Jingwu’s cooking is surprisingly good. Surprised, he couldn’t help but enjoy his meal very much. He watched her pink little tongue lightly lick the snow-white and delicate cream, a little bit of it getting on her lips, and then her tongue tip gently licked it, before she narrowed her eyes like a cat and let out a low ‘meow’.
Watching his beloved beauty eat with a look of happiness and contentment spreading from the corners of her eyes to the tips of her eyebrows, her expression like that of a cute child, and after she finished eating, she licked the white porcelain spoon with a regretful look, Jiang Jingwu’s eyebrows rose, and a gentle and indulgent expression unconsciously appeared on his face.
He liked the way Xiaochen looked right now, so happy and content with a cup of ice cream. Xiaochen was still the Xiaochen in his heart, pure and beautiful, so pure.
After eating the ice cream, Xu Liangchen asked for the secret of the minute. Jiang Jingwu just gazed at her tenderly and smiled, but didn’t answer. In fact, the secret was just the water that had condensed from the dehumidifier and been poured into the ice. The chemical composition of the dehumidifier is calcium chloride, which can lower the condensation temperature of an object, so it causes the liquid mixture to quickly condense into semi-solid ice cream.
But I don’t want to tell you, Xiaochen, as long as you like it, I’m willing to keep making it for you by hand…
From two cups of ice cream, the two seemed to have regained the old feelings. So they rambled on about their experiences over the years since they last met. Liao Yufeng very appropriately asked the maid to bring the photo album of their childhood. As they reminisced, they became more and more animated in their conversation, and continued until evening. Xu Liangchen was flipping through Jiang Zhengyu’s recently published collection of essays when Jiang Jingwu quietly walked out.
The maid came to tell them it was time to eat dinner. Xu Liangchen looked up from his book, saw that dusk had fallen outside the window, so he closed the book, rubbed his aching back, and the maid turned on the lights and said with a smile, ‘Miss, you haven’t been back for a few years, but tonight, the wife and son are cooking dinner themselves. You should go take a look…’
Xu Liangchen turned to look at her, blinked his eyes and said joyfully, ‘Rui’er?’
Rui’er couldn’t help smiling even more happily when she saw that Liangchen recognised her. Her face had grown longer, and she no longer had the baby fat of a little girl, but was a very pretty young lady.
Rui’er was an orphan from the floods that Jiang Zhengyu had taken in after he returned. She was about the same age as Xu Liangchen, and they could be considered to have grown up together. Their relationship was different from that of a typical master and servant, and Liangchen had never seen her as a maid.
Time flies, and their fates are different. The two of them meet and have mixed feelings. As they are chatting, they hear Liao Yufeng approaching with a smile: ‘Rui’er, you told her to call you “miss” to come to the table, but now you’ve disappeared too. It turns out that they are reunited with old friends and reminiscing about the past.
She said, took Xu Liangchen’s hand and walked towards the dining room: ‘Your uncle and Mr. Shi want to have a drink, so let’s ignore them. Today’s lunch is just the three of us, your mother and I. We’ve made all the home-style dishes that Chen liked in the past. Try them and see if they still taste the same.’
Xu Liangchen escorted Xu Liangchen to a seat. Seeing that Jiang Jingwu was not there, Liangchen asked somewhat puzzled, ‘Aunt Liao, where is Jingwu…’ Before the words had finished, the door to the dining room opened and Jiang Jingwu walked in, grinning, carrying a plain white porcelain dish: ‘This is my best cooking, please try it, ladies.’
The dish was placed in front of her, and Xu Liangchen looked up to see that it was the steamed egg she had loved since childhood.
‘Since someone has bragged, Xiangchen, try it quickly. If it’s not well done, see how he can back down?’ Liao Yufeng smiled and used a spoon to ladle some into Xu Liangchen’s fine porcelain bowl, repeatedly urging her to taste it.
Seeing Jiang Jingwu’s confident look, Xu Liangchen couldn’t help but smile. Without further ado, she took a bite and tasted it carefully. Her face showed a look of surprise, and then she took another bite.
He had been eating this dish for years, but it seemed that he had never eaten such a tender and delicious steamed egg before!
Looking at Xu Liangchen’s surprised and admiring eyes and his son’s spoiled and contented smile, Liao Yufeng sighed. Steamed egg is a very common home-cooked dish. The secret to making such a dish delicious is just one: it’s all about the heart.
According to Jingwu, when he first learned how to make steamed eggs, they either came out too watery and separated, or they were over-steamed and became hard and inedible. To make delicious steamed eggs, you need to control the amount and temperature of the water, the technique of beating the eggs, and the heat of the steaming. It took her silly son countless attempts to finally make these tender and delicious steamed eggs.
Just to make his beautiful wife smile at this moment, he put in so much hard work that even his mother, as his mother, was moved. It shows how deeply her son loves Xiaochen! I hope Xiaochen can understand that it is good for a man and a woman to love each other…
Jiang Da Shao, one of the ‘Three Young Masters of Yanzhou’ who are famous throughout the city and the object of the affections of countless beautiful women, has lowered himself to cook for himself. Moreover, the quality of the poached eggs is extraordinary, so it is clear that this is not his first time. In fact, he doesn’t even like eggs, but he is doing this for himself with such care… How could Xu Liangchen not understand this?
But… Xu Liangchen’s mind flashed back to the piercing gaze of the cold-faced young master. He is now the director of the Duan family mansion. If Duan Yijie knew… would it be detrimental to Jiang Jingwu?
A table full of delicious food that revived fond memories, prepared by Aunt Liao and Jiang Jingwu themselves, Xu Liangchen was unable to settle his mind as he ate. He felt that the situation he was in was difficult for him.
She didn’t expect that what made her feel even more sad was still to come…
Chapter 23 He wants to see you
Jiang Gongguan. The small house where she lived is just as it was.
The living room has the same pale green sofa, glass-topped coffee table, bamboo rocking chair with footrest by the window, small desk and bookcase, and inside are still the foreign language books she read.
On the desk was the original copy of ‘Gentle Night’ that she had left behind when she left, still open to the bookmarked page. The calendar by the desk still had the date of her departure, with the words ‘Goodbye’ written in pencil in French. Stepping into the inner room, there was still the same wooden bed with no railings. The mosquito net made of green gauze was new, with beautiful tassels and lace. The furnishings were simple but warm.
Opening the door, Xu Liangchen walked to the balcony. In the past, he had looked out from here countless times, happily seeing many scenes: the garden to the south of the house, the deliberately scattered cobblestone path, a pool of blue water with lotus flowers and goldfish, trees such as cedars and camphor trees and exquisite rockeries surrounding the pool. He remembered that on the Taihu stone next to it, there were still the two characters ‘Jialu’ written by his uncle.
The sunlight cast dappled shadows through the dense branches of the magnolia tree, and Xu Liangchen let out a long sigh. Back then it was sunlight, but today it is shadows. Time is like a wise man who hides everything, without joy or sorrow, watching the joys and sorrows of the world.
The scene in front of Qiming’s house yesterday worried her, so she called back early this morning.
Principal Smith’s words were tactful, but Xu Liangchen’s heart sank: ‘…Mishu, I’m very sorry, colleagues and students really miss you and your lively and wonderful lectures, but those “crownless kings” are unwilling to let us go. Please forgive me, the school committee has temporarily asked Miss Susie to substitute for your class. As soon as the temperature cools down and we are no longer a hot topic, we will immediately invite Mr. Xu back to school. What do you think?’
Although Xu Liangchen was helpless, he could understand Principal Smith’s approach.
Qiming was one of the best girls’ schools in Yanzhou. Most of the students who entered the school were either rich or noble. The school had become the focus of attention, and the teachers and students were surrounded by journalists all day, causing a lot of trouble. Even if the school tolerated it, parents would probably have opinions. Although the school committee’s approach of preventing minor problems from becoming major ones was ruthless, it was the best way to quickly restore the school’s teaching order.
If this happened at Qiming, the work at St. Mary’s Girls’ High School was probably in jeopardy as well. Xu Liangchen called there resignedly, and unsurprisingly, Sister Mary’s gentle, smiling voice delivered the same message.
Xu Liangchen politely apologised and thanked her, then hung up.
Looking down at her slender, white hands, she gave a silent wry smile. Her eldest sister was absolutely right. These young masters and mistresses are really not to be trifled with. Someone named Duan occasionally goes crazy, but easily ruins her job… Apart from the National Geographic magazine, which David is in charge of, I’m afraid I can no longer find a suitable and enjoyable job in this bustling city.
Xu Liangchen hid her feelings well, but Liao Yufeng heard from the maid about her phone call and couldn’t help but worry about her.
Liangchen had been intelligent and ambitious since childhood. She was not a delicate young lady in the house. Her ideal was that studying was beneficial to society. Now that she had unexpectedly lost her job, her mood was imaginable.
So, after thinking for a long time, she made a few phone calls.
In the following few days, Liao Yufeng refused to let Xu Liangchen return to the Sun household. Apart from carefully arranging medicine and meals, she always stayed with him and gave him comfort. Jiang Jingwu also always came over whenever possible. Xu Liangchen was grateful and thought that hiding here was at least more private than the Sun household, so he didn’t insist on going back.
That evening, Xu Meichen suddenly came to visit. After talking to Liao Yufeng for a while, she dragged Xu Liangchen into the car.
‘Did you win at mahjong?’ Xu Liangchen teased with a smile, “You dragged me out at this hour, do you want to invite me to dinner?”
Xu Meichen smiled and gave her sister a sideways glance, ’You’re so lucky, you came back from the hospital and immediately went to the Jiang residence, without even telling me what was going on. You made your sister worry all day long, and how could Duan…let you come back?’
Xu Liangchen nodded with a wry smile and told her the whole story. Xu Meichen looked at her in surprise, and after a long pause, she started rambling on about the recent reactions to the incident. After a while, the car stopped in front of the Rich Hotel.
This was a newly built hotel in the concession, five storeys high with a British neoclassical appearance, rows of arched windows, and a spacious and imposing banquet hall that could accommodate 500 people. There was also the first ‘fumigation room’ (similar to a modern-day sauna) in the foreign settlement.
Why did my eldest sister invite herself here? Xu Liangchen looked at Xu Meichen with some confusion, and was about to ask a question when he saw a car pull up and park. The window rolled down, revealing the handsome and aloof face of Duan Yijie. Xu Liangchen couldn’t help but look at his eldest sister in surprise.
Xu Meichen gazed at her sister’s slightly furrowed eyebrows and whispered, ‘He wants to see you. He says it’s important…’
Xu Liangchen glanced at her eldest sister, feeling a little strange. She didn’t say anything sooner, but there was no point in saying anything more now that things had come to this. Luo Hongyi came over with a smile, opened the car door, and said, ‘Hello, Missy; Miss, the young master is asking you to go over there.’
Xu Liangchen nodded lightly and got out of the car.
Duan Yijie frowned slightly, his dark eyes staring at Xu Liangchen as she sat down.
This girl has actually been living in the Jiang mansion and really thinks of it as her home? Jiang Chuan also refused all social engagements, and after work, he would run to Meilimei Road. Their relationship was like that of old lovers reunited. Is she just going to be a Jiang family member if she doesn’t come find him? That common saying has been floating around in his mind these past few days, and it has made Duan Yijie’s mood inexplicably bad.
‘Why aren’t you staying at your cousin’s place?’ Unable to hold back any longer, Duan Yijie gave Xu Liangchen an impassive sideways glance.
Hearing this, Xu Liangchen looked at him inexplicably. Where do I live? What business is it of yours? The glance did not answer, but he asked directly, ’I don’t know what Mr. Duan wants with me.
Looking around, Duan Yijie stared at her fluttering eyelashes, feeling very unhappy, but he didn’t pursue it any further. He said indifferently, ‘If there’s nothing, I can’t find you? It seems that Miss Er has forgotten what I told you that night.’ He slightly raised the corners of his lips.
What did he tell me? Xu Liangchen paused, blinked his eyes wide, and looked at her with a dazed expression. Duan Yijie’s face immediately turned a little black, and he leaned over.
Unexpectedly, the cold-faced young master suddenly went crazy in front of others. Xu Liangchen guiltily glanced at the driver and Deputy Officer Luo, and hid to the side. However, there was no choice but to watch him with wide, uneasy eyes as he got closer and closer. There were surging waves in the dark eyes of his handsome face.
‘Second Miss is young, but you have a big forgetful mind. It seems that you need to be reminded all the time.’ Duan Yijie tilted his face, and his thin lips almost touched Xu Liangchen’s ear…
Chapter 24: What does the boss want me to do?
The voice was low and seemed to be a whisper, accompanied by a hot breath lingering on the side of her ear, which made Xu Liangchen blush involuntarily. She stared at Duan Yijie in embarrassment and anger, trying to remain calm: ‘Mr. Duan, please just tell me what you want. Why go around in circles? I don’t understand. She turned her head awkwardly towards the window. If you want to go crazy, I don’t want to play along.
Duan Yijie lowered his eyes and happened to see her black hair like a waterfall, a touch of jade neck as smooth as fresh cream and as delicate as a silkworm. He couldn’t help but narrow his eyes, staring at her beautiful ear lobes for a while, and then, as Xu Liangchen’s heart was pounding like thunder, he sat back in his seat without a sound, elegantly.
Xu Liangchen couldn’t help but glance at him quietly, unable to figure out what the cold-faced young master meant.
At that moment, the car stopped and Luo Hongyi opened the door: ‘Young master, this is the place.’
Duan Yijie agreed with a ‘hmm’ and got out of the car nimbly, so Xu Liangchen had no choice but to follow him puzzled. Standing still and looking up, he became even more confused.
A half-open iron gate, a seemingly quiet and unadorned courtyard, an old poplar forest in the evening sky, a row of simple bungalows, two small platforms made of cement, with a pile of steel next to them, and a group of workers busily at work.
If you listen carefully, you can hear a lively bustle outside the high wall. There are shouts of ‘Coming, upstairs please’ from small restaurants, the nagging of hawkers selling daily necessities, and the sharpening of a knife as the fruit stall owner shouts ‘Watermelons, with sand inside…’ The alley seems to be a market.
Looking inside, the iron gate seems to be just the first barrier. Behind it, heavily armed guards patrol back and forth, keeping a close watch. Behind the bungalows, within the second fence, a small protruding Western-style building can be faintly seen. What is this place?
Xu Liangchen glanced at Duan Yijie, who was listening to a middle-aged man approaching and whispering something. Not wanting to pry into the secrets of the place or ask anything, Xu Liangchen took a few steps back and quietly looked at the poplar forest next to him.
After a while, Duan Yijie came over and said, ‘Let’s go.’
The three got into the car and left this mysterious place.
The car made a U-turn, and Xu Liangchen carefully watched the road, which seemed to be heading in the direction of the General’s Mansion. She couldn’t help but look up at Duan Yijie, who met her gaze with bright eyes, but didn’t say anything. Xu Liangchen felt a little unnatural and turned her head, but she swallowed the words she wanted to ask. What on earth was this mysterious person up to?
The car did not stop at the main entrance, but went around to the west side of the mansion. It pulled into the small courtyard gate and a small two-storey Western-style building appeared in front of them. The neatly arranged courtyard walls, the ochre-red building and walls, had both traditional Chinese-style gold-painted decorations and the characteristics of European architecture, such as carved pillars, which were exquisite and unique.
The courtyard is full of trees and plants, with a light floral fragrance. There are also potted plants on the walls of the courtyard, which is quiet and luxurious. Is this the outer courtyard of the Shuai Mansion? What did Duan Yijie want to pull himself here for? Xu Liangchen looked at the upright back of Duan Yijie in front of him, and looked inquiringly at Luo Fukan on his side. Luo Hongyi smiled and motioned for her to enter the living room.
The ceiling of the living room was actually painted with Roman-style paintings, and the furniture was French-style, with luxurious and elegant workmanship. The guards in military uniforms served tea, and Duan Yijie waved his hand: ‘Prepare dinner.’ The guards said in unison: ‘Reporting to the young master, dinner has been arranged.’
Duan Yijie nodded and glanced at Xu Liangchen: ‘Let’s eat first, I have something to tell you later.’ With that, he led the way and walked into the dining room.
The dining room was not big, with matching French tables and chairs, and thinly potted plates and dishes with floral designs. Inside was a delicate five-dish meal and a soup, which was just like home cooking.
Xu Liangchen understood that if Cold-faced Young Master didn’t want to talk about it, he wouldn’t be able to find out anything by asking. Since he was here, he might as well be at ease, and he was also hungry, so he would fill his stomach first.
Xu Liangchen ate in silence. Duan Yijie looked at her and thought to himself that she was composed and quiet, and she was worthy of her family’s background. She had studied abroad and seen the world. She hadn’t said a word all afternoon, and there must be a lot of questions in her mind right now, but she was still calm and collected. He thought to himself, picked up the spoon, and sent some egg porridge over.
His actions made Xu Liangchen flinch, but she quickly recovered and said a faint ‘thank you’ before bowing her head and eating.
After all, he was the ‘imperial chef’ of the Daxiu Mansion, so his cooking was naturally good. The egg pudding had a unique flavour. Xu Liangchen ate while wondering if Duan Yijie had not eaten any eggs at all during the meal. Could it be that the egg pudding was made for him? For a moment, he didn’t know whether to worry about this person’s detailed understanding of him, or to be puzzled by his deliberate actions.
Looking at Xu Liangchen, who was quietly eating in front of him, Duan Yijie was a little distracted. Despite the windows being wide open and the electric fan running, it was still a little stuffy in the evening without any wind. A blush rose to Xu Liangchen’s fair, soft face, just like a new lotus blooming in early May, with a hint of charm.
Duan Yijie’s dark eyes couldn’t help but sweep over that pretty face, and a thought came to mind: since ancient times, it has been said that husband and wife should respect each other and treat each other like guests. If you spend a lifetime eating and drinking together with such a woman, it is also something that people don’t dislike.
After the two finished eating, they returned to the living room and sat down. Xu Liangchen took the teacup and looked outside to see that it had completely darkened. He looked up at Duan Yijie and said, ‘Young Master, now that we’ve finished eating, if you have something to say, you should say it.’
Duan Yijie was still lost in his thoughts, and the look he gave her was unexpectedly warm, making Xu Liangchen flinch slightly. Her eyes met his deep, dark eyes, and her heart skipped a few beats, so she quickly averted her gaze and lowered her head to drink her tea.
‘Miss Er, I don’t want to go back on my word, but I have a problem at the moment, so I would like to ask for your help,’ Duan Yijie said suddenly after a moment of silence.
Xu Liangchen looked at him in surprise and listened to the rest of the story.
‘The old man’s illness suddenly worsened in the past two days,’ Duan Yijie frowned, looked at her, and then continued, “My father asked me to bring you back… I guess it’s up to fate.”
I see, Xu Liangchen slowly leaned back on the sofa, thought for a moment, and asked softly, “What if… I refuse?”
Duan Yijie’s eyes flashed, and he raised the corner of his lips as if he expected this, ’What do you think? You and I have an agreement, but my father doesn’t.’
Not only that, but his father seemed to have heard about the second young lady of the Xu family’s resistance and stubbornness towards the general’s mansion. Yesterday, he even hinted that the gun is the hard truth, that it is difficult to want a woman, and that his mansion is marrying her as the young general’s wife through proper channels, not as a maid or servant, so why all the nagging?
Xu Liangchen of course understood what Duan Yijie was implying. This Duan Taishuai had a reputation for being tough and rude, and he had heard of it before. Since he had put himself on the level of ‘good luck’ to save his mother’s life, it was not up to Duan Yijie to decide whether to agree or not, let alone himself.
Xu Liangchen sighed inwardly, and calmly looked straight at Duan Yijie: ‘What does General Duan want me to do?’
Duan Yijie didn’t expect her to ‘submit’ so quickly. He looked at Xu Liangchen with a smile and said, ‘Do I need to say it?’ Of course, as the future daughter-in-law of the general’s house, she should show filial piety in front of the old lady’s bed, and see if the old lady’s condition improves a little when she is happy.
Xu Liangchen, who instantly understood, glared at him, idly twirling the teacup in his hands, feeling very depressed. After all, the conditions negotiated with the cold-faced young master had been shelved because of the old lady’s serious illness. It was really beyond human calculation, was it destined that he had to go through all these twists and turns? He was unwilling.
But what can be done? This time it was Boss Duan’s idea, and the strongman who is used to taking by force and bullying should be even more difficult to deal with. Xu Liangchen frowned in headache.
‘What did you think of the place you went to earlier?’ Just as he was struggling, Duan Yijie suddenly changed the subject and asked.
That mysterious courtyard? Xu Liangchen looked at him in puzzlement. Why did Duan Yijie mention this?
Chapter 25 Who is she?
‘When the Opium War broke out in Guangdong, Yanzhou didn’t react much. A few years ago, when the Russian Empire occupied the three northeastern provinces and refused to withdraw, Yanzhou held rallies and protests in every industry. But in many places in the interior, there was no movement at all. Do you know why?’ There was a crystal chandelier with flower branches hanging in the living room, the light was warm, and the cold lines on Duan Yijie’s face seemed to have softened a lot. He looked at Xu Liangchen’s lowered eyelashes and asked.
What is this person thinking? One thing after another, what is he trying to say? Xu Liangchen looked at him without saying a word.
‘It’s not that the people of Yanzhou were patriotic later or indifferent before, but that Yanzhou didn’t even know about the Opium War. In the past, it was only an exaggeration to say that the scholar, who stays at home, can know the world events. After the emergence of the news media, this has become a reality.’ Xu Liangchen finally understood, and he was talking about newspapers.
‘Many newspapers, like links, tightly connect Yanzhou with other places and even the world. The US elections, the European war, the Japanese earthquake, the African famine, things that happened thousands of miles away, are heard about overnight, greatly broadening people’s horizons,’ Duan Yijie continued, tapping the newspaper on the coffee table.
Xu Liangchen became more and more confused as he listened. Why was the cold-faced young master discussing these things with him, just chatting?
‘However, newspapers are far less efficient than radio in transmitting news. During the European War, Germany used new radio technology. You have heard of the Osram radio station, haven’t you? The equipment in the courtyard was taken over from them.’ Duan Yijie changed the subject to the mysterious courtyard.
Xu Liangchen, who had just returned from the United States, of course understood that radio had irreplaceable advantages over the newspaper media. Hearing this, she looked at Duan Yijie deeply. She had never expected that the cold-faced young master would have such a profound insight in this area, so she nodded and said, ‘Compared to newspapers, radio has incomparable advantages. In the future, it may not only be used in the military, but also have great potential in civilian applications.
Duan Yijie looked at her approvingly and said, ‘Since Mr. Yangwen has nothing else to do, do you want to come to the radio station? Oh, there’s another option. The Northern government is planning to borrow money from a consortium of five banks in the UK and France, using revenue from the salt industry as collateral, to pay for the military effort to unify the north and south. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is preparing to set up a special office to intervene in this matter. I looked at the list and there are seven translators alone. I think Miss Er is enough. Which one of the two do you choose?’
After all that talking, it turned out that Duan Yijie knew that he had lost his job at Qiming and St. Mary’s and had arranged an opportunity for himself? Xu Liangchen looked at him in disbelief. Since he wanted to enter the general’s mansion on his own, wouldn’t it be best to stay at home, keep a low profile, and behave himself? Duan Yijie took the initiative to offer him a job opportunity?
Was this considered an exchange, compensation, or temptation?
Seeing her expression of surprise followed by understanding, Duan Yijie’s eyebrows furrowed and his face turned a little dark. Does this girl really have to think of herself in this way? A linguistic genius, a talented woman who studied abroad, it’s a pity that the young master wastes talent by staying at home. Moreover, the affairs of the radio station and the special office are all confidential, and someone like Xu Liangchen, who is multi-talented and of good character, is the best choice.
‘If Miss Er doesn’t want it, that’s fine, this isn’t a condition for the exchange,’ Duan Yijie said coldly with a stern face.
With a bad temper, Xu Liangchen gave him a sideways glance and was about to say something when Luo Hongyi walked in: ‘Young master, Miss Wenqing is here. She said she wanted to know if it was convenient for Miss Xu to go over. The old lady has just finished dinner and is still in good spirits.’
Xu Liangchen sighed inwardly, pulled himself back, and realised that he was not being consulted at all. Since he had already come, he was being forced to go today, and he had no choice but to go.
He glared at Duan Yijie and turned his head, and a young woman walked in through the door.
She was petite and delicate, with the typical melon-shaped face of a Jiangnan beauty: big eyes, a small mouth, and three-dimensional yet soft features. She was simply dressed in a green shirt and black skirt, which brought out the delicacy and beauty of her figure.
This was a woman who was very aware of her own beauty and knew how to let it radiate naturally and effortlessly. She was like a landscape shrouded in light mist, with an indescribable softness and charm.
Is this Duan Yijie’s sister? Xu Liangchen was thinking this when he saw the woman smiling and walking over to him: ‘Xiao Jie, why did you decide to eat here tonight? Oh, so this is Miss Xu?’
Her voice was clear and charming, her smile soft and gentle. Xu Liangchen was momentarily taken aback. The way the beauty’s eyes rippled was nothing like Duan Yijie’s sister’s, and what did she call the cold-faced young general, Xiao Jie?
What made her feel even more strange was that Duan Yijie was not cold-faced, and he had never been polite to women. So why did he look warmer when he saw this beauty, and why was there a little smile at the corners of his lips and eyebrows, even though he had furrowed his brows?
‘Liangchen, this is Sister Wenqing; she is Xu Liangchen,’ Duan Yijie said with a faint smile, giving the two a brief introduction.
Sister Wen Qing? Who exactly is she? Xu Liangchen was confused, but still smiled and got up to greet the beauty.
The beauty took her hand very intimately, looked her up and down, and praised her repeatedly, ‘Miss Xu is dignified and beautiful, a rare beauty…’
Xu Liangchen felt that her smile did not reach the bottom of her eyes, and the way she looked at him was also full of disapproval and criticism, and even an imperceptible sense of rejection. He had never met this Wen Qingjie before, and it was even more impossible for him to have offended her, so why was she acting so strangely? Duan Yijie treated this woman with gentleness and respect, and the two of them did not feel like siblings at all.
Who is this?
Just as he was thinking, Duan Yijie said from the side, ‘Since Grandma is still in good spirits, let’s hurry over there. We’ll have plenty of time and opportunities to chat after that.’
Wen Qing softly agreed, took Xu Liangchen’s hand and walked out the door, smiling knowingly and saying, ‘Xiao Jie has always been like this since he was young, cold as ice, but his heart is good. Miss Xu, please bear with him…’ She glanced at Duan Yijie sideways, and Xu Liangchen subconsciously felt that there was a lot of affection in that glance.
He couldn’t help but become even more curious about the relationship between the two.
Not knowing Wen Qing’s identity, Xu Liangchen really had difficulty answering her, so he just smiled and remained silent.
Seeing that Xu Liangchen was not picking up the thread of her conversation, Wen Qing gave her a somewhat resentful look, then laughed and said, ‘Is Miss Xu a descendant of the Hengtang Xu family? I remember that year when I came to Yanzhou with the old lady, we passed through Hengtang on the way, and the Xu family mansion was still there. The courtyard was so big that it would take an hour or two to walk around it, wouldn’t it? … Alas, in the past, life was unpredictable, just like the halls of the Wang and Xie families, and it makes people feel sad… Miss Xu, do you live in Vice Mayor Sun’s mansion now?’
The Xu family of Hengtang is a prestigious family from Hengtang, a suburb of Yanzhou City, and has been prominent for generations. To give a more recent example, in the late Qing Dynasty, Xu Liangchen’s great-grandfather, Xu Yinglong, was a trusted minister of Empress Dowager Cixi. He was ranked first in the imperial examinations and was granted the right to ride in the palace. Later, his grandfather and two great-uncles also passed the imperial examinations, and the family enjoyed the glory of having three scholars in a single generation.
Wen Qing’s words sounded like praise and envy, but on second thought, they implied an endless amount of ridicule. Back then, the Xu family of Hengtang was still a prosperous and influential family, but today, you, Xu Liangchen, are living in the Sun family’s house. It is obvious that you are a faded flower from the past, a swallow that has fallen in value in front of the Wang and Xie halls.
Why does it sound like a threat? Xu Liangchen looked at Wen Qing half in puzzlement and half in amusement. He didn’t come to the general’s mansion of his own accord. Why was Miss Wen Qing, who was treated so well by this cold-faced young master, deliberately targeting him?
Chapter 26: Madame Lu
After walking through the Moon Gate, she entered the back garden of the general’s mansion. After turning past a few flower walls and walking through the cloister, the number of people gradually increased. There were patrolling guards, gardeners tending the garden, maids, and hurried-looking officials. They all stopped to respectfully greet Duan Yijie and his entourage.
Duan Yijie just nodded lightly, but Wen Qing smiled and nodded from time to time, speaking a few words, with the bearing of a lady of the house. It was clear that the people in the general’s mansion also respected this young lady.
Who exactly is she? She doesn’t look like Duan Yijie’s sister, but she looks like the owner. Could she be Duan Yijie’s…confidante? But Xu Liangchen immediately dismissed this idea. Putting aside Duan Yijie’s attitude towards her, if the cold-faced young master had such a confidante, why would he have to force himself to pretend to be unwilling?
Just as she was feeling puzzled, she saw at the end of the corridor a courtyard with a bamboo fence. A maid at the door greeted Duan Yijie with a smile, and then said a little louder to the maid in front of the main room’s door, ‘The young master is here…’ and turned her head to look curiously at Xu Liangchen.
The eldest maid hurriedly went in, and when Xu Liangchen followed Duan Yijie to the door, the green gauze door curtain had already been lifted by the maid on both sides. Fourth Mistress Wu Wenjuan was standing inside the door with a middle-aged lady of graceful bearing, smiling and looking over.
Duan Yijie nodded slightly and called out faintly, ‘Mom, Fourth Aunt,’ and then gestured for Xu Liangchen to go over, ‘Mom, she is Xu Liangchen.’
Seeing Mrs Lu smiling and looking her up and down, Wu Wenjuan laughed and said, ‘Sister, I was right, wasn’t I? The eldest has good taste this time. He has picked the best among the dazzling pearls in this foreign city…’
Mrs Lu smiled and nodded. Her son must have picked a beauty. Which man doesn’t like a pretty girl? Although she knew this in her heart, she really couldn’t think of what kind of woman Duan Yijie, who was picky and never spoke kindly to women, would like.
Looking at Xu Liangchen, who was standing in front of her with dignified manners and a pretty face, she nodded to herself. No wonder her son liked her and her fourth son was full of praise. The second Miss Xu was not only beautiful, but also had an elegant and indifferent air about her, and her eyes were clear and generous, neither humble nor arrogant.
‘Miss Xu, you must be tired. Would you like to sit down?’ Mrs. Duan’s soft voice had an inherent air of authority.
Back then, when his elder brother Duan Zhengshao was watching someone gamble, he accidentally shouted ‘good’, and as a result, he was beaten up by the loser and left disabled. Duan Zhengxun’s blood rushed to his head, and he beat the loser to death with blood spurting from his mouth and nose.
As a result, he was falsely accused of being a bandit and was sought after by the police. The virtuous and virtuous widow Zhang sold the only few laying hens in the family and sent her son to join the army overnight, which led to today’s General Duan.
Although she was just a country woman, Zhang was kind and strong. After her son fled, she did everything she could to support her family and care for her injured eldest son, including begging and doing the dirty and backbreaking work of washing clothes. It wasn’t until later, when Duan Zhengxun became the local patrol captain, that the family’s situation improved a little.
Later, warlords rose up all over the country, and the fighting continued. Duan Zhengxun took his men and joined Lu Dingnan, who was then the commander of Hangyang. After the Wuchang Uprising broke out, Yanzhou was also plunged into a tense atmosphere, with revolutionary party members giving speeches, demonstrations and processions everywhere.
The revolutionary people in control of the Yanzhou Advisory Council were preparing to convene a representative meeting to remove Lu Dingnan from his post as governor. Lu Dingnan had no choice but to pin his hopes on Duan Zhengxun, who had brought some cavalry with him, and urgently summoned him to his official residence at the southern gate to explain the situation in Yanzhou.
Duan Zhengxun immediately patted his chest and said, ‘Please rest assured, Governor Lu. Tomorrow, I will go to the Advisory Council myself and see which one of them dares to remove you from office! Lu Dingnan was instantly impressed by his sense of justice.
The next day, the Council was packed with people. Duan Zhengxun, lightly dressed in plain clothes, with two loaded shotguns at his waist, escorted the trembling Lu Dingnan into the meeting. Before Lu Dingnan could say a few words, the members of the Council started to accuse him. Some forced Lu Dingnan to declare Hangyan’s independence in accordance with public opinion, while others demanded that he step down immediately.
At this critical moment, Duan Zhengxun drew his double-barrelled gun and jumped out from behind Lu Dingnan: ‘Hangyan’s governor was appointed by the imperial court, but I, Duan Zhengxun, am a rough soldier who only knows how to protect the governor and the region. Whoever dares to disrupt the order of Yanzhou, I know him, but I don’t know this gun!’
The councillors were shocked. They had thought that today’s event would be a breeze, that they could get Lu Dingnan to step down and then announce the independence of Hangyan on the side. But they never expected a soldier to jump out. Some councillors stood up to protest, and Duan Zhengxun aimed the black muzzle of his gun at the leading councillor: ‘I, Duan, am a bandit by birth, born ignorant of reason. Don’t blame me if I get rough if you dare to shout again!’
Hearing that the soldier-turned-bandit Duan Zhengxun was the one who had spoken, the legislators suddenly felt like scholars facing a soldier in an argument. Who would dare to go against Duan Zhengxun’s darkly gleaming gun? The meeting hall was in chaos. The revolutionaries’ carefully planned struggle to expel the Beiyang bureaucrats was disrupted by Duan Zhengxun’s intimidation with his two pistols.
Lu Dingnan was grateful to Duan Zhengxun, relied on him as a trusted aide, and quickly carried out a bloody massacre in the Hangyan area. That night, a curfew was imposed in Yanzhou, and in the morning Duan Zhengxun’s troops entered the city and took control of the situation.
Duan Zhengxun, who had taken control of the military and political situation in Yanzhou, rose to fame. From time to time, he would visit the residence of the military governor. At that time, Duan Zhengxun was in his prime, dressed in full military uniform, armed belt around his waist, snow-white gloves, and a pistol slung over his shoulder.
Lu Dingnan’s only daughter, Lu Yixin, took a fancy to this valiant officer, so Duan Zhengxun became Lu Dingnan’s son-in-law and soared to success ever since.
Lu Yixin, who came from a family of scholars, not only had the discerning eye to recognise a hero in the making, she was also a woman of equal strength, accompanying her husband on his military campaigns after her father’s death, and eventually conquering a piece of the South.
Duan Zhengxun came from a bandit group, and his character was rough and impetuous. He was quick to lose his temper and often spoke harshly, and this was inevitable even among sworn brothers who had started out together. There were even fierce fights. Whenever they couldn’t resolve a dispute, it was Mrs. Lu who stepped in and resolved the conflict between the brothers with just a few words. Her virtuous and tolerant nature contributed to Duan Zhengxun’s great achievements.
When the military government was established, Duan Zhengxun once said to his subordinates, ‘If it weren’t for your sister-in-law, I would have offended many of you over the years. In the future, if there is anything, you can go directly to your sister-in-law. As long as she agrees, I will agree to it.’
Therefore, even though Duan Zhengxun married several concubines, Madam Lu still had an unshakable position in the general’s mansion, and naturally developed an habitual grace and majesty.
After listening to her polite words, Xu Liangchen smiled politely and greeted her, but did not answer her. Instead, he looked up at Duan Yijie. Didn’t they come here to see the seriously ill old man? Since they’re here, they might as well go up and take a look, so I can leave early.
Duan Yijie gave her a faint look and said to Mrs. Duan, ‘Since Grandma is awake, we’d better go up first.’
Mrs. Duan, of course, noticed the interaction between Xu Liangchen and her son. She was quite satisfied with Xu Liangchen’s approach of putting her son’s thoughts first, so she nodded with a smile, ‘In the past few days, the old lady has always been drowsy, but today she is in good spirits. Never mind, it’s a hassle for Miss Xu.’
‘The old lady’s health is not good, and Liangchen only came today, which is already rude, so where is there any talk of a hassle?’ Since she has done it, she might as well do it thoroughly, Xu Liangchen said with a smile.
Wu Wenxian looked at Duan Yijie meaningfully. She hadn’t seen him for half a month, and the attitude of this second young lady had changed quite a bit. Boss, I can’t tell what you’ve done, but you seem quite capable.
Chapter 27: Accepting this daughter-in-law
Duan Yijie glanced at her and went up the stairs by himself.
Wu Wenxian smiled, glanced at Geng Wenqing, whose smile had somewhat frozen on his face, and stepped upstairs.
Upstairs there was a strong smell of Chinese medicine. The third wife came up to greet them, and Mrs. Duan asked softly, ‘Has the old lady fallen asleep?’
The third wife shook her head and greeted Xu Liangchen with a nod of her head: ‘Miss Xu is here. The old lady was happy to hear the news and is waiting for you, feeling better in spirits.’
Mrs. Lu smiled and nodded, leading the group into the bedroom of the old lady on the east side of the house, stepping on the thick carpet.
The outer room is the living room. Several maids stood properly and busily doing something. They greeted Mrs. Lu softly when they saw her enter. A slightly older maid walked quickly to the door of the inner room and whispered, ‘Old Madam, Madam, and Second Madam, the young master is here.’
Then they heard an old, wheezing voice from inside the room, ‘Yijie is here? Come in…’
Duan Yijie nodded in reply, looked at Xu Liangchen, and walked in. Lady Lu and Wu Wenjuan smiled at her, and Xu Liangchen had no choice but to follow behind him with a smile.
The headlights were not on, and the floor lamps in the corner were covered with gauze, so the room was a little dark. Xu Liangchen saw a thin figure half sitting and half leaning on the large mahogany bed, being taken care of by two submissive-looking women. Duan Yijie had already walked up to the bed and bent down to whisper, ‘Grandma.’
The old man patted the woman’s hand and said, ‘Old lady, turn on the light.’
The middle-aged woman hesitated for a moment, saying, ‘Mother, your eyes…’
The old man waved his hand, and the woman stopped talking. The little girl standing nearby walked over and pressed the switch with a knowing look, and the room suddenly brightened.
The old man on the bed narrowed his eyes and looked at Xu Liangchen as he walked in. After a while, a silent smile blossomed on his wrinkled face, and he extended his bony hand to Xu Liangchen.
Countless pairs of eyes with different thoughts were looking at him. Xu Liangchen’s mind suddenly flashed the thought of ‘daughter-in-law meeting her in-laws’. His heart couldn’t help but ‘pounding’ a few times. Just as he was about to scold himself for thinking about nothing, he looked up and saw the old man’s happy smiling face and outstretched hand.
What a familiar scene! Xu Liangchen’s heart stopped for a moment.
At that time, I was only three years old, and my sick mother was emaciated and weak. Every time she saw her three daughters, she would wear this kind and happy smile on her face. When my mother passed away, her hand was always extended, towards me and my eldest sister and youngest sister. Aunt Liao said that she couldn’t bear to part with her beloved daughters… As I grew up, my childhood memories gradually became blurry, and I can’t even remember my mother’s face without looking at her photo. But that figure and those hands have always been engraved in my mind…
Xu Liangchen’s vision became a little hazy, and a light mist rose in her eyes. She couldn’t help but walk over quickly, eagerly shaking the old man’s hand. She bit her bottom lip lightly and gave the old man a sincere and reassuring smile.
Duan Yijie looked at her in surprise. In the light, he could see clearly the mist in Xu Liangchen’s eyes, the flash of pain and the concerned smile he had never seen before.
He understood Xu Liangchen’s reluctance and even anger at having her dragged out like that and having no choice but to accept the identity of ‘fortune-bringing’ future granddaughter-in-law. He felt content that she had come and could calmly and gracefully enter the house, politely speaking to the old man. He never expected Xu Liangchen to be on familiar terms with the old man after just meeting him, and her heartache and concern were so real and sincere.
The old man had seen a lot in his time, and although his eyes were failing, he knew a genuine heart from a fake one. He was a little surprised by Xu Liangchen’s obvious and sincere affection, and he shook her hand without saying a word. The love and joy in his eyes were hard to hide.
The crowd that followed could not help but look at each other in surprise at this scene.
After enduring hardship and toil in her early years, the old lady’s health has never been good. When she is in pain, her temper becomes stubborn, and as she grows older, she is becoming more and more like a child. During this illness, most of the visitors were turned away, and even her daughters-in-law were unwilling to see her more often. The only people serving her are Geng Wenqing, who has always been by her side, Chu Hongyun, the wife of her eldest son Duan Zhengshao, and Cai Shuyang, the third wife of the general who eats vegetarian food and prays to Buddha.
Why did the second Miss Xu catch the old lady’s eye as soon as they met?
Patting the edge of the bed, the old lady gestured for Xu Liangchen to sit down, and waved her hand at the others, saying, ‘You all go about your business, I want to talk to the girl.’
Mrs Lu looked at Xu Liangchen with thoughtful eyes and said softly, ‘Mother, don’t tire yourself.’ Then she turned to Duan Yijie and said, ‘You and Liangchen will keep Granny company, let’s go.’
The others agreed, looked at the old man and the young woman by the bed with different expressions and thoughts, and quietly walked out. Geng Wenqing took a few steps forward, hesitated, and Wu Wenjuan glanced at Duan Yijie and tugged her sleeve, saying, ‘Let’s go.’
Everyone else left the room, but the old man only asked a few questions, looked kindly at Xu Liangchen, and after a while, called Duan Yijie over, took the hands of the two and sighed, ‘Good boy, grandma can see that you like each other from the bottom of your hearts. As the old saying goes, it takes a hundred years to be destined to be in the same boat. It’s not easy to have this kind of fate… Yijie, the girl has no mother, poor thing, you mustn’t bully her…’
He went on and on, and Duan Yijie nodded in agreement, giving Xu Liangchen a deep look. In the soft light of the lamp, every change in Xu Liangchen’s expression fell into his eyes. His gentle expression and sincere eyes made him feel something flowing through his heart, making his heartstrings throb.
Xu Liangchen smiled faintly, feeling only her eyes getting a bit sore. The old man’s hands, with calluses and longevity spots, didn’t have much warmth, but they made her heart feel soft. She didn’t pay much attention to the words.
Her hand was taken by the old man and placed in Duan Yijie’s palm. Only then did she suddenly snap back to reality, pulling her hand away. Duan Yijie exerted some hidden strength, clasping her hand tightly and looking deeply into her eyes.
Xu Liangchen felt only the depths of those dark eyes, like the sea, suddenly creating a whirlpool that caused her heart to skip a beat.
Just as things were getting a little unnatural, the old man coughed, not sure if it was because he had spoken too much. Xu Liangchen hurriedly patted her back to calm her down. The old man coughed violently, from a single sound at first to a later coughing fit that left him gasping for breath and trembling. It was as if his heart and lungs were going to be coughed out of his body. A fine layer of sweat appeared on his forehead, and Xu Liangchen could not help but let go of all her thoughts, worried and sad.
Cai Shuyang hurriedly walked in, took medicine and water from the cabinet, and served the old man to drink, barely suppressing the coughing and panting. Xu Liangchen took a towel and carefully wiped the water marks around her mouth.
As he watched the old man close his eyes to rest, Duan Yijie stood up and whispered, ‘Grandma, you rest first, Liangchen and I will be right outside.’ Then he gave Cai Shuyang a wink.
The old man slowly lay down, reluctant to part with the young girl. ‘You’re not in a hurry to leave, are you?’
Xu Liangchen was momentarily taken aback, but quickly gathered her thoughts. As she helped the old man pull the quilt over him, she took his hand and said softly, ‘It’s late, you rest first, I’ll be right outside.’
The old man nodded and closed his eyes.
Xu Liangchen stood up, looked at him for a moment in silence, then smiled slightly and greeted Cai Shuyang before turning and walking out of the room.
Lady Lu and Wu Wenjuan were still sitting on the sofa. When they saw the two of them come out, they asked in a low voice about the old lady’s condition. Duan Yijie answered indifferently. Lady Lu said, ‘It’s late at night, so Miss Xu might as well stay for now. Your third aunt said she’s already arranged a place for you to stay. Yijie, you escort Miss Xu there.’ The first sentence was addressed to Xu Liangchen, but the latter turned her face to Duan Yijie and gave him an order, looking up at Xu Liangchen. Duan Yijie agreed, and they all walked out together.
“The health of the elderly changes suddenly. Yijie and the general have been busy with work recently, and you haven’t had time to get down to business before we hurriedly pulled you here. It was rude of the house. Please understand, Liangchen.’ As they walked out of the courtyard, Madam Lu stopped and smiled at Xu Liangchen, saying, ‘You and Yijie should discuss it together. It would be best to get engaged as soon as possible. Once you have discussed it, the general and I will arrange to meet with Vice Mayor Sun and your elder sister as soon as possible. The families should meet sooner rather than later…’
Although her words were still a little reserved, it was clear that she had already approved of her future daughter-in-law. Duan Zhengxun was filial to his mother, and now that the elderly woman had taken a liking to this Miss Xu, even if she had any objections, she would certainly approve. Moreover, when she looked over at her son, she saw that not only did he not resist, but his eyes were also deep and affectionate. These three people had already approved, so what could she say?
So not only did he explain the reason for the sudden turn of events, but he also apologised for not taking the engagement between the two of them seriously and for Xu Liangchen being pulled in to serve the old man when their status was still uncertain. This really gave Xu Liangchen a lot of face; he also took a positive attitude towards the engagement and recognised Xu Liangchen as his future daughter-in-law.
‘My lady, this…’ Things took a sudden turn for the worse. Xu Liangchen’s eyes widened in shock. She wanted to speak but stopped herself, inwardly groaning in frustration. She had thought that she was only there to make a show of visiting the patient, but from what Madam Lu had said, it seemed that the engagement had been confirmed. This was much worse than the conditions that Duan Yijie had previously proposed.
What was she going to do?
Chapter 28: A special taste
‘Since my eldest sister has already accepted the future daughter-in-law and an engagement banquet is to be held, should Miss Xu also change her mind?’ Wu Wenxian laughed in amusement, ’Eldest sister, I will escort Miss Xu to her new place first. Although the place has been arranged for a long time, it is the first time Miss Xu will be staying there, so I will go with her to see if there is anything wrong.
Mrs. Lu nodded with a smile, and parted with the three, taking the maid back to her room.
Wu Wenxun took Xu Liangchen’s hand intimately and led her towards the Western Garden. Xu Liangchen was troubled and saddened. The waves of the elderly person’s illness gradually subsided, and her worries about how to retreat and extricate herself from the entanglement with the cold-faced young master filled her heart and mind.
The moon was full in the sky, the moonlight like water. A gust of wind came, and the fragrance of the flowers and trees in the garden filled the air. It was a beautiful summer night, but unfortunately Xu Liangchen really had no heart to enjoy it. He glanced at Duan Yijie, suppressed the unease in his heart, and listened to Wu Wenxi’s light laughter chatting idly: ‘…I never thought that Miss Xu and the old lady would be destined to be friends. In recent years, the old lady has been ill, but as long as my sister-in-law, my third sister and Miss Geng are by her side…Miss Geng, you met her earlier…She is the daughter of the village schoolmaster in the general’s hometown. The two of them have known each other since they were young.’
Wu Wenxian mentioned Geng Wenqing intentionally or unintentionally, and Xu Liangchen absentmindedly agreed. He was anxious in his heart. Could he just stay at the Dashaifu Mansion and just pretend to be true, and really get engaged to the cold-faced young master? He wanted to discuss it with Duan Yijie, but Wu Wenxian kept pulling her along, and Duan Yijie walked behind the two of them, following at a leisurely pace.
‘…At that time, students at the private school would bring their meals to the school and eat together with their teachers. The kitchen was managed by Miss Geng and her mother,’ Wu Wenjuan walked very slowly, seemingly in high spirits as she talked: ’It is said that one time at dinner, the eldest student found a piece of chicken in his bowl, which was extraordinary. In the countryside, most students only brought some pickles, where would they find meat to eat? The eldest student thought it was the teacher’s, but his wife and elder sister had made a mistake, but they were afraid to ask.
Wu Wenzhen actually went on and on about the story. Xu Liangchen had no choice but to listen to her rambling on and on, staring at the dappled shadows cast by the moonlight on the branches and flowers, lost in his own thoughts.
’…Later, he often found delicious food in his bowl. Once, taking the opportunity when the food was being refilled, the eldest boy ran to the kitchen to ask, and a voice came from inside telling him, ’If there is some, just help yourself, what’s the point of asking? Only then did the silly boy understand that it was Miss Geng’s special care, and he understood and walked away silently. The eldest son was a person who knew how to repay kindness. When he grew up, he always remembered these things. During the plague that year, his father and mother-in-law died of illness, and Miss Geng was the only one left in the family. The old lady thought that the Geng family had done her grandson a favour, so she treated her granddaughter as such. Later, they came to Yanzhou together…’ Wu Wenjuan chattered on and on. After she finished, she took a quick look at Xu Liangchen under the street lamp.
Seeing that she looked a little distracted, she smiled and said, ‘Look what I’ve got myself into, talking about all these old things! Since the old lady can’t bear to part with you, Miss Xu, you can stay for a few more days. I’ve already sent someone to bring over some clothes, so let’s see if they fit. If you don’t like them, I’ll call the tailor tomorrow to have them redone…’
Xu Liangchen declined for a few moments, and before he knew it, he had walked to the front door of the courtyard. Wu Wenjuan stopped and laughed, ‘I just remembered something. Third Aunt has to go first. Eldest Master, please take good care of Miss Xu. I’m sorry to trouble our distinguished guest. Not only will Third Aunt have a problem with this, but the old lady and the mistress won’t let you off either.’ Her eyes flickered between the two men, and she smiled as she led the maid away.
Looking at the brightly lit courtyard, Xu Liangchen hesitated for a moment, looked up at Duan Yijie and whispered, ‘I’d better go back first, right?’
Duan Yijie glanced at her, said nothing, gave a wink to Luo Hongyi behind her, turned around and walked into the courtyard, ‘Come in and have a seat.’
The maid and the guard received Luo Hongyi’s signal and quietly withdrew. Looking at Duan Yijie’s back, Xu Liangchen felt helpless and understood that some things were not suitable for discussion in public. He had no choice but to follow.
Last time, he came and went in a hurry and did not notice that this courtyard called Xiyuan was also full of flowers and trees, elegant and chic. The light fragrance of osmanthus lightly drifted in the air. The white walls and grey lines retained the freshness of the southern water town. In the centre of the courtyard was a rockery, exquisitely created from the true essence of Chinese landscape miniature gardens. When you look closely under the light, the folds carved into the stones reveal the technique of outlining mountains and rocks in traditional Chinese painting. The feet of the stones gradually enter the water as they are lightly hidden by pebbles, contrasting beautifully with the clean and refined curved bridge of the pool.
Looking up, the moonlight is like water, the shadows of the bamboo swaying, set against the twinkling stars in the high sky, there is an indescribable tranquility.
‘The beauty of Chinese gardens lies in the inherent flow of space as you move from one scene to the next. There are no shocking moments, no breathtaking glimpses, but an understated beauty that requires careful appreciation. Miss Er, you study Chinese painting, what do you think of the scenery here?’ Duan Yijie noticed her gaze and suddenly said lightly.
Xu Liangchen looked at him in surprise. Duan Yijie, with his cold face like frost, not only knew that he studied Chinese painting, but also said such words? After a while, he nodded: ‘A screen of artificial hills and a deep courtyard are indeed extraordinary. I wonder which master’s handiwork it is?’ Xu Liangchen asked casually. The General’s Mansion should have been designed by a famous person, right?
Duan Yijie raised an eyebrow and looked at her, his lips curling up slightly: ‘You like it?’
Xu Liangchen was anxious and had no intention of talking to him about such irrelevant nonsense, so she nodded absentmindedly. Duan Yijie smiled and said, ‘Thank you, Miss, for your praise.’
What? Xu Liangchen blinked in confusion.
‘This courtyard is my humble work of play, and it is rare to have it please your eyes, Miss.’ Duan Yijie still looked unruffled, and Xu Liangchen looked at him in surprise. Ever since they met, the cold-faced young master had been evasive, and she had forgotten that this young general was known for his literary talent and military strategy.
As she was lost in thought, she turned around the corridor and walked into the living room. Duan Yijie gestured for her to sit down, and then walked over to the tea cabinet next to her and started brewing coffee with skillful gestures.
He used a distilling coffee pot that had just become popular in the foreign settlement of Shili. This coffee appliance, which later became popular in the East, was invented by an Englishman named Nabbia. Inspired by a laboratory test tube in 1840, he made a metal vacuum coffee pot, which was improved by Madame Baschong of France two years later. The operation process is completely transparent, and it can be said to be the most romantic way to brew coffee.
Duan Yijie skillfully boiled water, filled it with powder, wiped the surface of the pot clean, lit the fire, stirred, and soon the coffee slowly boiled in the glass pot, and the rich fragrance spread in the room, gradually filling the nostrils.
Xu Liangchen looked at Duan Yijie’s upright figure in amazement. The man in full military uniform was doing something so serious and focused that it was out of place, but it had a special kind of charm. As the aroma of the coffee drifted in, her chaotic heart unexpectedly settled down slowly. What was done was done, and there was no use getting anxious or angry. It was better to discuss how to deal with it.
Keenly sensing Xu Liangchen’s change in mood, Duan Yijie’s lips curled slightly as he poured the coffee into a cup and walked over to place it on the coffee table.
He used not a Western-style coffee cup, but a delicate Jingdezhen porcelain coffee cup with a blue and white pattern. The white porcelain was as pure as snow, translucent and delicate, with a glaze as fine as jade. The young man had good taste, Xu Liangchen thought to herself with a quiet admiration.
With a faint smile, she lifted the cup, smelling the original aroma of the coffee from the slowly rising steam, then took a small sip before adding the right amount of sugar and stirring gently. With the swirl created by the stirring, she slowly added the milk, and the light grease floated on top of the coffee, keeping the coffee warm while also steaming off the milk’s fragrance.
Watching Xu Liangchen’s smooth movements as she sipped her coffee with elegant grace, Duan Yijie lifted her cup, squinting at her bright eyes in the rising steam. The lighting was subdued and dignified.
Tonight’s events had truly exceeded his expectations.
Chapter 29: Many Dreams in a Long Night
Grandma, who had always had a negative opinion of fashionable celebrities in the West, became friends with this talented woman from a wealthy family who had studied abroad. She thought that Miss Xu, who had been reluctant at first, not only had no feelings of disgust towards the elderly man languishing on his deathbed, but also unexpectedly showed her true feelings for no apparent reason. Mother was never the type to speak carelessly, and even if Father had some opinions about Xu Liangchen, they had not yet met, and it was not yet known whether they would approve or not.
He could imagine the turmoil and suppressed emotions in Xu Liangchen’s heart. Looking at those clear eyes, reflecting the flickering light, Duan Yijie narrowed his eyes and twitched the corners of his mouth, seemingly carelessly saying, ‘Don’t you have something to say?’
Xu Liangchen used a silver spoon to scoop up a little coffee, watching the liquid slowly slide back into the cup in the shape of a jewel-like bead, moist and transparent. She slowly opened her mouth and said, ‘How does Mr. Duan want to handle tonight’s matter?’ You won’t forget the conditions you promised, will you?
Duan Yijie looked at her furrowed eyebrows and, after a moment of silence, said lightly, ‘What do you want me to do?’
He understood that she was reluctant, and that the two of them had an agreement, but the thought that this girl had been living with the Jiang family all this time, flirting with Jiang Jingwu and abandoning her old love for a new one, made Duan Yijie feel an indescribable sense of discomfort. In any case, it was safer to keep her by his side than with that ‘childhood sweetheart’.
Xu Liangchen frowned at Duan Yijie in displeasure when he heard this. Is this guy gloating?
Looking at the dark crystal-like eyes in front of him flashing with anger, like a rose blooming in the shadows, bright and beautiful, but with sharp thorns, Duan Yijie’s heart stirred. His lips curled up slightly as he gazed at Xu Liangchen with a rather innocent expression and said, ‘I didn’t expect it to turn out like this either. Who could have expected you and Grandma to become friends at first sight… Why don’t you stay here first and comfort Grandma, and we’ll discuss the rest in the long term… If Grandma’s health improves, things might change for the better…’
Hearing him mention his meeting with Madam Duan, Xu Liangchen was taken aback and felt helpless and wryly smiled. He had just followed his heart and acted on impulse, but who would have thought that he would hit it off with Madam Duan? Was this self-inflicted or self-imposed? But deliberately annoying an elderly person who is sick and in pain is not something he can do on his own…
This time, I really didn’t expect it and I’m in deep trouble. Xu Liangchen rubbed his forehead in frustration. Although Duan Yijie’s words were half excuses, nothing good could be thought of suddenly when things had come to this.
Even if he were to let himself go back, he was afraid that he would not be able to easily think of a way to escape. Not to mention that Sun Mansion and Liu Family fighting against the General’s Mansion was like a stone hitting an egg, and if the old lady Duan’s illness was affected in any way because of this matter, it would not just anger the cold-faced young master, but the entire General’s Mansion as well.
Xu Liangchen felt his head splitting.
Looking at her tightly pursed red lips, her hands resting on her chin, her eyes with their shimmering light, urgent and annoyed, shrouded in a thin mist of melancholy, leaning pitifully against the side of the sofa, with a faint wan smile on her lips, Duan Yijie couldn’t help but feel his heart soften. ‘It’s no use being anxious, you’d better get some rest, we’ll deal with this together.’
His thoughts were in a mess, and he couldn’t find a solution to the predicament despite his rapid thinking. Xu Liangchen was distressed, and when he heard him speak so lightly, he couldn’t help but become angry. Leaning to the side, he said, ‘Mr. Duan is taking it easy, but it’s all your fault. If it weren’t for your stupid idea, and if it weren’t for all those gossip in the newspapers, how would this have happened?…’
The more he thought about it, the more he felt that what he had said made sense. The more he thought about it, the more he felt that Cold-Face Young Master was detestable. Xu Liangchen turned his face sideways disdainfully and muttered contemptuously, ‘Are you sick or something? You’re the young commander of a country, a seven-foot tall man, why do you have to force people to act? Now you’re trapped and hurting yourself and others. Are you satisfied?…’
Anxious and agitated, Xu Liangchen spoke without thinking. Duan Yijie listened with a frown, his dark eyes staring at her. This girl is getting more and more insolent and sharp-tongued. What did she say? Is there something wrong with you? How could you say such a thing?
His mind racing, Duan Yijie could no longer control himself. He suddenly grabbed Xu Liangchen’s shoulders and leaned down to kiss her red lips, which were quivering.
Xu Liangchen was caught off guard. Her head felt a bit dizzy as she heard a ‘boom’. She felt his face press up against her, and the hot breath he exhaled disturbed her breathing. She couldn’t help but swallow the rest of her words. When she realised what had happened and came back to her senses, the two slightly cool lips had already left.
Xu Liangchen blushed, glaring at Duan Yijie with anger, wishing she could slap him: ‘Young master, you’ve studied, don’t you know what indecent assault is? !’
Duan Yijie looked at her pretty face flushed with red, and somehow found some balance in his heart. Hmph, how dare she say that the young master is sick? But his face remained unchanged: ‘Miss, you have studied abroad, so you should know that this is normal etiquette.’
‘You!…’ Fake foreign devil, Xu Liangchen glared at him and thought to herself, if you’re talking about foreign etiquette, why didn’t you kiss my hands and feet?
Duan Yijie seemed to understand her thoughts, and with a smile, reached out and took her hand, about to kiss it. Xu Liangchen hastily pulled her hand away, shrinking back, her heart pounding, ‘It’s late, I need to rest, please do as you wish.’
This is really stupid. I was still expecting this person to have some ideas. It seems that I am also plotting with a tiger. Maybe the cold-faced young master is hoping that I will fall into the pit. Since I can’t leave, I might as well calm down and think about whether there is any other way out. Xu Liangchen sighed in secret. Just now, when she pulled her hand away, she inadvertently touched Duan Yijie’s fingers and palm, which were slightly cool and a bit callused, but it made her heart palpitate for no reason.
Seeing Xu Liangchen’s embarrassed and annoyed expression and the way she avoided eye contact, a smile flashed in Duan Yijie’s eyes, but he didn’t make things difficult for her again. He stood up, stared at Xu Liangchen for a moment, said goodnight, and walked out.
Unexpectedly decisive, Xu Liangchen was momentarily stunned as she watched his back, but then she relaxed, leaned back into the sofa, and closed her eyes.
After a while, he heard soft footsteps approaching. Looking over, he saw a smiling young girl: ‘Miss, I’m Aster. It’s late, may I help you rest?’
Xu Liangchen smiled and nodded: ‘Thank you, don’t trouble yourself, I can do it myself.’
Aster smiled but didn’t say anything, respectfully leading her upstairs into a suite, and going to the bathroom to put the hot water on before saying, ‘There are clothes in the closet, please help yourself, Miss.’
Xu Liangchen could not bear to hurt her feelings, so he agreed and opened the closet. However, he was surprised to see that it was full of all kinds of dresses and cheongsams, and the underwear was actually a complete set of new Western styles.
For a long time, women in China, even when sleeping, had to wear vests that were longer than their knees to reduce the amount of body exposed. When going out, they had to wear vests and brassieres under their cheongsams. A few years ago, a type of underwear called ‘xiaomaizha’ (little vests), which evolved from the ‘bundan’ (body binding) underwear, became popular.
After the West Wind gradually spread to the East, the new, open-minded women began to accept the new imported underwear. Xu Liangchen, who had returned from studying in the United States, naturally understood that women’s bodies needed the protection of underwear, but he never imagined that he would see fashionable imported products in the Da Shuai Mansion.
After insisting that Cuiju go rest, Xu Liangchen took a shower, changed his clothes, lay on the bed, and looked at the luxurious and elegant but unfamiliar things under the nightlight. He was very troubled and covered his eyes with his hands.
He couldn’t think of anything to help him sleep, and it wasn’t until after dawn that he fell into a drowsy sleep. He heard a knock on the door, looked at the clock by the bedside table, and saw that it was already 8 o’clock in the morning. Xu Liangchen answered, got up, changed his clothes, tidied up a little, and opened the door.
Cuiju’s smiling face appeared in front of him: ‘Miss, please have breakfast. The young master is waiting for you at the old lady’s place.’
Xu Liangchen agreed, and Cuiju led the maid to serve breakfast. Congee, side dishes, soy milk, steamed buns, freshly baked rolls – a sumptuous mix of Chinese and Western dishes. Xu Liangchen really had no appetite, so after eating a little bit of everything, she asked Cuiju to take her to the old lady’s place.
What had to come would come. Xu Liangchen hoped to find the right opportunity to quickly get things sorted out. She understood that procrastination would only make things worse.
Plans can change faster than you think. While Xu Liangchen was still thinking of an escape, on his way to the old lady’s place, he met the long-known Duan Zhengxun. The powerful general made a final decision…
Chapter 30: Over and over again
Duan Zhengxun was naturally happy that his son had aspirations and ambitions, but Duan Yijie’s attitude towards women made him frown.
Apart from being lucky enough to meet a proper wife who can share his hardships and bear him an heir, all other women are just a distraction from the gunfire and bullets of life. It’s true that a man’s career comes first, and it’s fine if he doesn’t marry, but he can’t always be cold and distant.
So when it was rumoured that Duan Yijie was having an affair, Duan Zhengxun was not only not upset, but secretly pleased that his son had opened up. He sent someone to investigate secretly, but the news that came back made him frown. The second young lady of the Xu family not only avoided the general’s mansion, she didn’t even give his son a second glance, which was what he valued most.
Xu Liangchen followed the maid, walking past the wind and rain corridor. At the turn was a tree and a flower wall outside the courtyard, but there, he saw Madam Lu, dressed in a dark purple embroidered cheongsam, speaking softly with a tall man in military uniform not far away: ‘…Since my mother has mentioned it several times, and my second sister has had a hard time over the years, you should pretend to be ignorant and act like a father, and let Qiping come back and see…’
Hearing this tone… Xu Liangchen’s heart stirred. Could it be General Duan? The man paced with his arms behind his back, and suddenly looked up. His eyebrows were knitted, his triangular eyes narrowed with a gleam of sharp light, his lips pursed, and his face was grave.
Such a commanding presence and imposing aura could only belong to the owner of the mansion. Xu Liangchen’s heart pounded, but he thought that if he wanted to back down and withdraw, he would need this person’s approval, so he slowly calmed down and walked over quietly.
Mrs. Lu noticed her husband’s gaze, so she stopped talking. When Xu Liangchen politely greeted her, she smiled faintly, nodded without saying a word, glanced at her husband, but did not introduce them.
Xu Liangchen did not linger, and after greeting them, he entered the courtyard.
Duan Zhengxun watched her walk into the gate with a burning gaze. The composure of this Miss Xu made him secretly nod his head. She is worthy of being chosen by the discerning son. Needless to say, she is beautiful, and even though she knew it was him, she neither fawned nor panicked. This kind of bearing is not something an ordinary woman can have.
‘What did the general think when he saw her?’ asked Madam Lu, approaching.
Duan Zhengxun nodded and walked along the path, his low voice breaking off intermittently from behind the flowering trees: ’Well, if that’s the case, it’s settled… But there’s no need to rush. After all, she’s a lady from a well-connected family and has studied abroad… She’s a bit arrogant and stubborn… Just do as I say…’
Mrs Lu saw off Duan Zhengxun, and sighed helplessly as she watched her husband’s back. She had hoped to take advantage of the old lady’s slight improvement in spirits and her husband’s affairs to persuade him to let Qiping come back, but she had no luck.
Xu Liangchen went upstairs and saw Third Mistress standing in the hall, while the maidservants were busy but silent. Duan Yijie stood in the middle of the inner room and the living room, looking sideways inside.
He greeted the third wife and, seeing her taking a bowl of herbal medicine from the maid, he laughed and said, ‘Is the old lady in good health?’ He took the tray from her and the third wife replied with a smile, her eyes flicking between Duan Yijie and Xu Liangchen. Honestly, she did not refuse to let Xu Liangchen carry the medicine: ‘The old lady is waiting, so it’s a chore for you, Miss Xu.’
Although she genuinely wanted to serve, her lack of politeness still made Xu Liangchen feel slightly embarrassed, so she didn’t say anything and turned around and walked in. Geng Wenqing was helping the old man up when he saw Xu Liangchen walk in. His smile froze slightly, and he quickly held out his hand: ‘How dare I trouble Miss Xu with these things? Please sit, I’ll do it…’
Before he could finish speaking, the third wife said with a smile at the door: ‘Miss Geng, Madam is asking for you, she’s downstairs.’
Geng Wenqing agreed at once and hurriedly got up and went downstairs. Xu Liangchen asked the old lady how she was, then slowly spooned her medicine and tidied up before sitting down. The old lady was in good spirits and took her hand to chat about family matters.
Duan Yijie came in, handed her some water and said, ‘Grandma, I heard that Shi Zhong’an, a famous Beijing traditional Chinese medicine doctor, has come to Yanzhou, and my father has sent someone to invite him. Also, I’ve invited a Western doctor. Would it be good if Grandma listened to what he has to say?’ She glanced at Xu Liangchen and said, ‘She has studied abroad and understands the pros and cons of Western medicine. You might as well ask her.’
Hearing Shi Zhong’an’s name, Xu Liangchen’s heart stirred. He and Uncle Jiang had called themselves bosom friends… Hearing Duan Yijie’s words, the old lady seemed to be dismissive of Western medicine. She took the teacup, echoed Duan Yijie’s words, and talked to the old man about the pros and cons of Western and Chinese medicine.
Seeing that she and Duan Yijie were in tune with each other, the old man was happy in his heart, and his resistance to Western medicine faded a lot. He smiled and nodded in agreement. After chatting for a while, they saw that the old man was a little tired, so Xu Liangchen helped him lie down, and the two of them then withdrew.
The old man didn’t try to stop them today, so they should be able to go home, right? Xu Liangchen was thinking about his thoughts, and without realising it, he followed Duan Yijie out of the courtyard. The sun shone on the road, and looking at his slightly curved thin lips from the side, Xu Liangchen thought of the kiss from last night for no reason.
The feeling in his heart was very strange. He saw people around him greeting each other as they walked by, so he didn’t say anything. Soon they arrived at the Western Garden. Entering the living room, he saw the two maids in the courtyard. Xu Liangchen stopped, raised his eyebrows, and looked at Duan Yijie seriously and asked, ‘Mr. Duan, can I go back now?’
Duan Yijie’s eyebrows shot up and his eyes sparkled. He really didn’t like the general’s mansion. It was a waste for the young master to give up his beloved Xiyuan and be in a hurry to go back after just one night. Was he really that reluctant to part with his childhood friend? He had thought that the foreigner was the main character, but he had never imagined that there was still a big hidden danger.
Seeing Xu Liangchen’s stubborn and persistent appearance, Duan Yijie felt a little uncomfortable in his heart. He couldn’t help but narrow his eyes and stare at her coldly and say, ‘Are you really that reluctant to part?’
What did the cold-faced young master say? What can’t you bear? Xu Liangchen frowned slightly and looked at him with some confusion: ‘Can Mr. Duan speak more directly? I’m just an insignificant little person. The old man has already been seen, and Mr. Duan has also invited a doctor…can I go now?’
Obviously, there was an agreement before, and the young commander in chief would not play the rogue? Xu Liangchen gave him a sideways glance. A gentleman should keep his word. You can’t go back on your word. ‘…Such a simple truth, I don’t need a little girl like me to tell you, right, Mr. Duan?’
‘What do you want to tell me?’ Duan Yijie asked with a faint smile, interested.
Xu Liangchen pursed her lips and turned to look at him. Just then, Duan Yijie also leaned slightly to the side and lowered his head, and the two of them suddenly came very close. The man in front of him was dressed in military uniform, with a strand of black hair peeking out from under his cap, eyes as bright as the evening star, and thin lips that were slightly curved. Suddenly, a strange feeling rose from the bottom of his heart. Xu Liangchen’s heart couldn’t help but ‘pounding’ rapidly, and he slightly hid his body and insisted, ‘Mr. Duan…’.
Duan Yijie felt that the sound of ‘Mr. Duan’ became more and more harsh, and the more he listened, the more annoyed he became. He couldn’t help but frown and looked at Xu Liangchen and said, ‘With our friendship, Liangchen doesn’t need to keep calling me “Mr. Duan,” right?’ He easily called out ‘Liangchen,’ and when he saw Xu Liangchen’s big, dark eyes looking at him warily, his face turned red. Then he warned, ‘Don’t call me Mr. Duan again, or I’ll…’
Xu Liangchen felt that the scene in front of him was really a bit strange. What had Duan Yijie suddenly gone crazy for? He had been calling him Mr Duan, so what was he supposed to call him now? He felt nervous when he looked into Duan Yijie’s threatening eyes, and couldn’t help but say, ‘Mr Duan…’
Before she could finish her sentence, Duan Yijie had quickly reached down, grabbed her waist with his long arm, and locked her in. I already warned you not to try to seduce me behind my husband’s back. You’re lucky that you’re not involved with that foreign devil, but you moved in with the Jiang family… She lowered her head in anger and kissed the provocative red lips.
Xu Liangchen felt her blood boil, her head ‘exploding’ with a loud noise, and it felt like an instant century. She struggled with difficulty, breathing heavily, and finally pushed Duan Yijie away with all her strength. She backed up quickly, holding onto the table to calm her breathing, while glaring hatefully at Duan Yijie. She angrily raised her hand to wipe her lips, clenched her fists and then let go. What a scoundrel, actually getting addicted again and again?
I really have missed out a lot. Duan Yijie pursed his lips with infinite nostalgia, and looked at Xu Liangchen with a smile and a squint in his eyes. Since I have found out, Xu Liangchen, I will never let go no matter what you say. No matter if it’s a childhood sweetheart or a foreigner, no one can have her, hmph!
Seeing Xu Liangchen’s flushed cheeks and angry expression, Duan Yijie felt quite pleased, but said very seriously, ‘I told you not to call me Mr Duan, but you insisted on calling me that. In the future, if you just call me Mr Duan, I’ll take that as a hint from you…’
‘…’ Xu Liangchen was so ashamed that he was speechless. This kind of rascal will suffer if you pay any attention to him. It’s better if you just leave!
If he ignored Duan Yijie any longer, he would turn his head and leave, walking in a hurry. He almost bumped into Mrs. Lu as she walked in, but Xu Liangchen quickly dodged out of the way. Mrs. Lu was startled and stopped in her tracks.
Chapter 32: Foes
She smiled at Xu Liangchen, who was looking down with a puzzled expression. She could faintly see the blush on his face, his embarrassed and angry expression, and a hint of spring in his cherry lips. He was no longer the usual dignified and composed person. Mrs. Lu felt her heart stir, and she looked at Duan Yijie half-playfully and half-surprised.
She was both surprised and relieved. Her usually cold-hearted son had also acted rashly like this. It must be that he had just fallen in love and liked this Miss Xu Er. She took Xu Liangchen’s hand and smiled slightly, ‘The general is usually busy with work, and I can’t control him. My eldest son is a bit of a bully and doesn’t know any better. Please forgive him. If he bullies people without reason, just let me know and I’ll tell his father to scold him.’
The words sounded affectionate and kind, but the implied meaning was so profound that Xu Liangchen had no way of answering. He couldn’t help but smile awkwardly, ‘My lady is too kind. Duan…young master is accomplished in both literature and martial arts, and is praised by everyone in the foreign settlement. Liangchen would never presume to speak ill of him. My lady’s spirits have improved slightly, and the general’s mansion is a place of great importance with many affairs to attend to. I should go back…’
This second Miss Xu is really something. She knows exactly how Yijie feels, and she made her engagement so clear, but she still plays dumb and deliberately distances herself.
Mrs Lu looked thoughtfully at Xu Liangchen and smiled without saying a word. ‘Well, thanks to you for explaining the advantages and disadvantages of Chinese and Western medicine to the old lady and persuading her to agree to see a Western doctor. It was hard work. Yi Jie, why don’t you take Liangchen back first? The general said that once the old lady’s health improves a little, we’ll get things done. In the meantime, you might as well get to know each other better.’ While secretly observing the changes in Xu Liangchen’s expression, she had a plan in mind for what to say to Duan Zhengxun.
Mrs Lu’s words contained a hidden meaning. Although she did not make it clear, she was using tai chi to directly refute what she had said. Xu Liangchen smiled bitterly. The people at the general’s mansion were indeed extraordinary. No matter how hard he pretended to be stupid, they had the ability to talk themselves into whatever they wanted. Although he felt that this was inappropriate, he could not help but feel a real sense of relief when he heard that Duan Yijie would escort him back. Without thinking further, he got up and said goodbye.
Duan Yijie looked at his mother with some surprise, and had to see Xu Liangchen out.
Mrs Lu watched the two figures’ backs, gradually hiding the smile on her face. This Xu family lady’s thoughts were clearly not on her son. If this went on, even if she was talented and beautiful, and even if Yijie liked her, could they live together in peace after marrying her into the family? What a nuisance.
Back at the Sun family’s house, Xu Liangchen no longer dared to go out. In the past, he had been busy with work, but now he was stuck at home, feeling uncomfortable all over. After talking to David on the phone and receiving a few articles to write, he felt a little better.
David had been looking for her since that day, and when he got the phone call, he was overjoyed and looked forward to seeing her. Xu Liangchen hesitated for a long time but did not dare to agree. She had seen the cold and unscrupulous side of the young master. She was afraid to take him at his word, so she politely said that they would meet again after she had finished writing the article.
In the evening, she was sitting on the balcony reading a book when her maid, Qianhong, hurried over and said respectfully, ‘Miss, the gentleman would like to see you in the study.’ The servants in the family usually called Sun Menglin ‘master,’ but since he and Xu Liangchen were cousins, it sounded a bit ambiguous, so in front of the three sisters, he was called ‘sir.’
When their father, who smoked opium and kept a concubine, sent the three sisters to the Sun family, Sun Menglin had already made a name for himself in his career. The extended family had not split up, and everything was decided by him. The cousin readily took in the three cousins and told the irresponsible uncle, ‘From now on, I will be responsible for all three of my cousins. You don’t need to come here anymore!’ In a way, he drove the idle uncle out of the house.
Over the years, Mei Chen, the eldest sister, had little interest in studying, and was intent on taking care of her two younger sisters and getting married and independent as soon as possible. That summer, the Sun family, young and old, went to Lushan to spend the summer, and happened to meet a group of young military officers on holiday. The eldest sister was ‘hit at first sight’ by her future brother-in-law, and after half a year of hard courtship, she married.
Liangchen was a studious girl, so Sun Menglin sent her to study abroad in the United States. Before she returned home, he sent Xu Jiachen, the third oldest daughter who had graduated from St. Mary’s, to France, which was still a long way away.
So, Xu Liangchen respected and was grateful to her cousin. After listening to Qianhong’s story, she tidied up a little and hurried to the study.
Sun Menglin stood outside the study, leaning over to look at a newly moved bonsai tree. He approached Xu Liangchen and realised that his thoughts seemed to be elsewhere, as if he were lost in thought. So he smiled and said hello: ‘Cousin, you were looking for me?’
Sun Menglin straightened up and looked at Xu Liangchen, who was standing in front of him, looking pretty. He sighed inwardly, his aunt was a beautiful woman from a wealthy family, but unfortunately she met the wrong person and died young. The three sisters were all pretty, but this second sister was the most beautiful, with peerless elegance and charm, no wonder there were so many admirers, even that person had noticed.
‘Does my second sister have any plans tonight? Cousin wants to ask you for a favour,’ Sun Menglin said with a smile.
‘Cousin is just joking. Just tell me what you need, why are you being so polite?‘ Xu Liangchen looked at him with a smile and a questioning expression.
’Would you please accompany me on a trip?‘ Sun Menglin told his secretary Song Xiuwen to prepare the car, and then walked out of the room.
’Where are we going?’ Xu Liangchen’s eyebrows shot up. Having learned from the incident with Duan Yijie, she was now much more vigilant.
Sun Menglin looked at her with interest, and then stopped in his tracks and said, ‘Today, the head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Wang Zhengxin, called me and said that he had urgent consultations with the consuls of several countries. The part involving the city government asked me to attend. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been busy with foreign affairs recently, and I have to bring my own interpreter. He even joked, “I heard that there is a language genius in the mansion. Would you be willing to help me with this?”’
So that’s it. To be honest, Xu Liangchen didn’t want to go. There were interpreters for official discussions, so why would she go? And what did this Chief Wang mean? They were both government officials, and she couldn’t help but think that this was the sphere of influence of the General’s Mansion.
Although she didn’t want to go, she couldn’t say no outright. After all, this was the first time in all these years that her cousin had asked her for help, and it was something she could easily do. On second thought, since it was a business occasion and she was acting as her cousin’s interpreter, she figured there shouldn’t be any problems. Xu Liangchen nodded helplessly and agreed.
Sun Menglin gave a knowing smile, and the three of them got into the car and headed straight for the Yishiyuan Hotel.
Seeing Xu Liangchen’s somewhat tense appearance, Sun Menglin laughed to ease the atmosphere, ‘Second sister may not be familiar with this Director Wang. He entered the Beiyang University Law School at the age of fourteen, graduated and went to the United States to study, and received a Juris Doctor from Yale University. He is an expert-level official. He is proficient in English, Japanese, and German, and has in-depth research in law. You may have heard his famous quote: ’There is no justice in a weak country.
‘Is he the barrister who returned from the UK only after being repeatedly invited by the military government?’ Xu Liangchen asked after thinking for a while.
It is said that when the military government invited him, this person repeatedly declined the invitation. Finally, when he saw that he could not refuse, he proposed three conditions to Duan Zhengxun before returning to the country: no one else could interfere with the personnel of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the deputy minister should be proficient in English, and he would not recommend people to his ministry, and his ministry would not recommend people to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He was very tough, but fortunately, Boss Duan also had the tolerance to accept him, and he really agreed at once.
After taking office, he drafted the organisation law of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs according to the model of diplomatic institutions in Western countries, and was one of the founders of the diplomatic system of the Southern Military Government. Thinking about this, Xu Liangchen’s heart suddenly settled down. How could such a very principled head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs become an accomplice to Duan Yijie’s ‘digging a pit’? Probably he was thinking too much.
Just as he was thinking, the car drove past the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The hotel was just across the street. After entering the gate and turning the flower bed, there was a small three-storey palace-style building with grey tiles and yellow walls. Xu Liangchen understood that this should be one of the important reception venues of the military government, judging from the heavily guarded area and the well-dressed people entering and leaving.
The waiter pulled open the glass door with its carved wooden frame. The hall was not spacious, but it was luxurious in every way. There was a large white chandelier, the layered ceiling was covered in heavy-duty paintings, and the corners of the walls were detailed with carvings.
The staff from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs were waiting in the hall. When they saw Sun Menglin and his entourage come in, they came up to them with busy smiles and after exchanging pleasantries, they walked up the stairs to the second floor.
They turned a corner and bumped into a few people coming down the stairs. Xu Liangchen quietly stepped back behind Sun Menglin to make way for them, but heard someone call out in surprise, ‘Xiaochen?’
Chapter 33: After dusk
The thick dark carpet, elegant white sconces, and wide stair railings, with the backdrop of contemporary Western elements and atmosphere, made Jiang Jingwu, dressed in a suit and tie, look overwhelmed with surprise on his handsome smiling face.
Xu Liangchen was surprised to bump into him here and greeted him joyfully, as well as Aunt Liao and Dr. Jiang.
Sun Menglin, of course, knew that he and Xu Liangchen had known each other since childhood, and he had always treated the young director as one of the family. They also exchanged a few laughs, but since they were both busy with their work, they smiled and said their goodbyes.
Looking at Jiang Jingwu’s reluctant gaze, Sun Menglin glanced at Xu Liangchen quietly. If it weren’t for that meddler, they would have made a good couple.
‘Vice Mayor Sun, the head of the delegation and several consuls have already arrived. Please come in,’ said a secretary from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, ushering the group into the private room.
There were seven or eight people sitting on the sofa in the outer hall. When Sun Menglin entered, a man in his forties with a strong scholarly air stood up and smiled modestly and elegantly, ’Brother Menglin, please sit.’
Xu Liangchen knew that his cousin was addressing the head of the Foreign Ministry, so he knew that it was Wang Zhengxin, the head of the Foreign Ministry. They exchanged introductions and greetings. The foreigners were consuls or counsellors or military attachés from the consulates of France, the UK, Germany and other countries. Among them was an acquaintance of Xu Liangchen’s, Daniel, the counsellor at the US consulate.
He was a little surprised to see Xu Liangchen, but the occasion was not suitable for personal chat, so he nodded with a smile.
After some pleasantries, the banquet was complete and everyone politely took their seats. Wang Zhengxin raised his glass and said, ‘Thank you all for coming. My government and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs deeply regret what happened in Lin City. After this afternoon’s joint meeting, the first batch of military personnel have been dispatched, and we will do our best to rescue the abductees. Please assist as much as possible.’
Abducted? What kind of kidnapping requires the foreign minister to step in? Xu Liangchen felt a little puzzled.
‘They have already kidnapped three German citizens in a row. Your government’s speed of response is really disappointing.‘ Consul Campbell of the German Consulate shook his head in dissatisfaction.
’Why are they doing this? We have not received any ransom demands. Has your government figured out what they want?‘ Counsellor Soros of the British Consulate frowned and asked.
’We have a general understanding of the kidnappers and their motives,’ Wang Zhengxin replied seriously.
After listening to them for a long time, Xu Liangchen finally understood that there had been a shocking kidnapping case in Lincheng that had shocked the south and even the outside world.
A few years ago, a Japanese man named Shichiro Kohinata was kidnapped by bandits near Lincheng. What no one expected was that this young Japanese man of only 17 years old was extremely courageous and able to talk and laugh freely with the kidnappers, so he was accepted by the kidnappers and soon became the second in command. Two years later, his abilities were recognised by the kidnappers and he was even elected as the supreme leader, becoming the boss of the kidnappers. From being a kidnapped hostage to becoming the leader, his legendary story is probably unparalleled in the country.
Due to the constant warlord infighting and natural disasters, the bandits had a steady supply of replacements. Coupled with the fact that the warlords in various regions were suspicious of each other and only considered their own territory not to be taken over by others, who cared about the bandits running rampant? If they got too angry, they could just go to another place.
Under the leadership of Xiaoribin Qiluo, this band of bandits hid on the Weimo Lake in Lincheng. Weimo Lake is backed by Luyan Mountain, with a strategic location. The lake is full of reeds, making it easy to defend but difficult to attack. The bandits took turns going out to rob for money, search for guns and ammunition, and recruit soldiers and horses. Not only did their power increase greatly, but their combat effectiveness was not weak either, and they became a well-known bandit gang in the south.
After the establishment of the Southern Military Government, Shichiro Kohinata also understood that the situation was different from before. So he lay low for a while. Seeing that the military government seemed to have no time to care, he had the audacity to negotiate with the government. He not only demanded that the military government recognise their existence as legitimate, but also demanded a large amount of guns, ammunition and military pay. After his demands were rejected, he tried every means to create trouble.
Since the late Qing Dynasty, everyone knew: the people feared the authorities, the authorities feared the foreigners, and the foreigners feared the people. This was a magical triangle, and the bandits knew it well. As a result, ‘foreigners as hostages’ became a ‘fashion’: kidnapped foreigners as hostages were not only a very influential bargaining chip in negotiations with the government on matters such as incorporation, but also the best shield for officers and soldiers when suppressing bandits; under certain circumstances, foreigners as hostages could also act as a ‘medium’ for bandits to negotiate with the government; even for blackmail, the economic benefits of foreigners as hostages were much higher than ‘promissory notes’.
Shichiro Kohinata was also a clever man. He kidnapped more than ten ‘foreigners’ of different nationalities in succession, which finally attracted the attention of the consulates of various countries in Yanzhou and the Catholic Church, which collectively pressured the military government.
Listening quietly to the protests and statements of diplomats from various countries, Xu Liangchen gently translated them for Sun Menglin. After listening, he was indignant at the bandits’ evil deeds, the dissatisfaction and contempt of various countries for the Chinese government, and saddened by the country’s chaotic situation and the people’s difficult lives.
Seeing Wang Zhengxin calmly and politely answering the questions and accusations of the crowd, Xu Liangchen secretly felt a wordless respect. A weak country has no diplomacy. This must be the deep feeling and inner pain of his diplomatic career, right? But the man in front of him knows it is difficult, but he is still doing his best to do what a diplomat should do.
Since the military government had already made arrangements, the diplomats could do nothing more than reiterate that they would pay close attention to developments. After the banquet, they left, and before leaving, Daniel gave Xu Liangchen a gesture, whether intentional or not.
After seeing Wang Zhengxin and Sun Menglin seemingly discussing business, Xu Liangchen made an excuse to leave. Wang Zhengxin looked at her deeply and nodded with a smile.
Going downstairs and out into the lobby, the corridor was just around the corner. The latticework of the wooden windows was inlaid with glass, and on either side were courtyard patios. The ground was paved with long strips of green bricks, and in the centre stood a tall magnolia tree with a canopy-like shape. One could imagine the scene of the flowers blooming luxuriantly in early spring, their fragrance drifting in the air. Next to it were plants such as bamboo, osmanthus and plantains.
At the end of the corridor is a hall with round, white lights on the ceiling that subtly echo the pattern on the carpet. The vermilion columns are typical elements of an ancient palace-style building. Xu Liangchen walks through the empty hall, pushes open the door and goes outside, where he sits down in the shade of the flowers.
As dusk fell, the upper floors were lit up with bright lights, while the garden was softly illuminated and the surroundings were quiet.
‘Xiaochen,’ someone called softly from behind him. The familiar voice made Xu Liangchen can’t help but curve his lips up. He turned around and saw Jiang Jingwu standing under a tree of wisteria flowers, smiling and looking over.
“You weren’t there the other day when I went back. Mom said that your sister Meichen was looking for you, and then I heard that you went to the General’s Mansion. Have things been sorted out now?’ In the past few days, Jiang Jingwu has been worried. Although Xu Liangchen called his mother after going to Sun’s house the other day, he didn’t mention anything. Jiang Jingwu is very worried about what the cold-faced young master really thinks of her.
‘…’ Xu Liangchen’s smile paused for a moment, and he didn’t know how to answer his words. Jiang Jingwu would not be unaware of the scandals in the newspaper. Should she explain the whole story or remain silent? She didn’t want to talk about these things. Deep down, she was still a bit of a coward, thinking that if she could avoid it, she should avoid it, and if the cold-faced young master was just a passing fancy, she might as well forget about it and live in peace. But if she didn’t say anything… After a moment of silence, she chose to play it down, ‘It’s just a trivial matter… In a family like that, if it’s not a misunderstanding, how much interaction can there be? What about you, have you made any ice cream yet?’
Seeing Xu Liangchen deliberately bring up a light topic, Jiang Jingwu also stopped asking and laughed, ‘You’re a grown man but still a glutton. Chef Jiang will cook it for you…’ With that, he led Xu Liangchen slowly down the cobblestone path.
It had been a few years since they last saw each other, and this was the first time they had spent time together after dusk with a beautiful woman. Jiang Jingwu was filled with joy, and after chatting for a while, they made plans to have dinner at Lu Yuan the next day before slowly returning to the corridor.
Looking up, he saw the shadow of a tall, upright figure in military uniform. His dark eyes looked over coldly. Xu Liangchen suddenly froze. How was the cold-faced young master here?
Chapter 34: Pointing the tip of the needle at the wheat
Jiang Jingwu noticed the sudden change in Xu Liangchen and looked in the direction she was looking, then smiled after a moment’s thought: ‘Is the regiment commander also interested in admiring the moon here?’ He spoke in a casual tone, but his gaze was unyielding as he looked straight ahead, and he even slowed his pace deliberately, waiting for Xu Liangchen to come closer.
As he watched his actions, Duan Yijie remained expressionless, his thin lips slightly curled. A strange smile seemed to float on his face in the light: ‘How can I compare to Director Jiang’s elegant demeanour? It’s very romantic in front of flowers and under the moon. Isn’t this Miss Xu?’ The tone of his voice was light and his voice was soft, but it made Xu Liangchen involuntarily shiver.
‘The commander has a sharp eye,’ Jiang Jingwu smiled with a spring in his step, looked at Xu Liangchen fondly, and when she saw that she was a little uncomfortable, he took a step forward, half-covering Xu Liangchen deliberately, and changed the subject: ’Today’s negotiations with the Germans went very well. A report on the relevant matters will be submitted to the general headquarters tomorrow. If there is anything inappropriate, please give instructions, commander-in-chief and commander.’
Seeing his actions, Duan Yijie glanced at Xu Liangchen obliquely and promptly nodded: ‘Good, Director Jiang is a considerate person.’ He replied coldly with a hint of sarcasm in his words. Not feeling at ease about the progress of things, he stopped by and dropped in to take a look. Unexpectedly, he saw the two of them standing together in the moonlight, and it was hard for him not to look angry.
They faced each other, but the brat didn’t even recognise him, let alone say hello. Instead, she was laughing and smiling with Jiang Zhuma, affectionately and tenderly. It seemed that she was determined to favour one over the other and not care about him anymore. Staring at Xu Liangchen’s eyes, which were avoiding his, Duan Yijie said coldly, ‘I have something to discuss with Miss Er, so please give us a moment, Chief Jiang.’
Jiang Jingwu frowned slightly. He didn’t expect the cold-faced young master to actually drive him away in front of others. He felt a little displeased, but still smiled and said, ‘Haha, I’m really sorry. Xiaochen and I still have some unfinished business. Please forgive me, regiment commander.’ They were actually confronting each other, not giving the cold-faced young master face.
Duan Yijie didn’t expect Jiang Jingwu to be so tough. He slowly took his eyes off Xu Liangchen and turned to the man in front of him. Their gazes met, and for a moment, an undercurrent surged and sparks flew.
Xu Liangchen looked at the strange scene in front of him and couldn’t help but feel a little dazed. Did Jingwu really want to go head-to-head with the cold-faced young master? Should he say something to ease the tension? Duan Yijie’s dark face made her understand that it would be unsafe to say anything to him; however, she could not let Jingwu continue to standoffish with him. He was the young marshal, and Jingwu would suffer if he did. Helping him would be like pouring oil on the fire…
As she watched the two men, who were on the verge of a fight, the tension rising, Xu Liangchen pondered for a long time, then suddenly looked up and said, ‘Sorry, take your time, my cousin is still waiting upstairs, I’ll go first…’ Since there was nothing else he could do, he decided to take the radical step of walking away. He turned around and walked quickly away, ignoring the two men behind him, who looked at each other and frowned like fighting cocks.
Jiang Jingwu gave a small smile. Xiao Chen is just like she was as a child, not fond of fighting, just like a little turtle. Duan Yijie, however, thought coldly to himself, ‘Hmph.’ You think you can get away?
Hurry up and go upstairs. Through the glass window in the corridor, he saw the two men finally go their separate ways. Xu Liangchen let out a sigh of relief, calmed her breathing, and walked into the elegant room.
‘Second sister, you’re back? Chief Wang was just talking about you,’ Sun Menglin said with a smile.
On the sofa in the lobby, only Sun Menglin and Wang Zhengxin were sitting and drinking tea. It seemed that they had finished talking about business. Xu Liangchen smiled and walked over. ‘Although this is the first time we meet, I have heard of your name for a long time.’
Wang Zhengxin looked at her with interest, handed her a teacup, and Xu Liangchen thanked him repeatedly. Wang Zhengxin said, ‘The Chinese people say that Gu Hongming is a linguistic genius, and I think that Miss Xu is not far behind. Since the late Qing Dynasty, China has been beset by domestic turmoil and hardship, and the ancient Eastern civilisation has been forced to undergo a second major transformation. Once the transformation begins, the whole body is affected. Our diplomatic system and operations were also swept up in the tide of change, moving from the Governor-General’s Office of Guangdong and Guangxi to the ‘Yamen of Imperial Commerce’ established by the central government. It wasn’t until 1901, after the defeat at the hands of the Eight-Power Allied Forces, that the first ‘Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ in 2,000 years was forced to be established. Over the past hundred years, this experience of transformation and learning to walk has been very difficult and painful.”
Hearing her compare herself to the “eccentric” Gu Hongming, Xu Liangchen hurriedly declined, but then he heard that he had already started talking about the history of Chinese diplomacy, so he stopped talking, poured water for the two with a pot, and listened quietly on the side.
‘Over the past hundred years, China’s central government has had a foreign ministry, but basically no foreign policy. What we have done is almost all passive diplomacy or diplomacy of being beaten; we have never taken the initiative in international diplomatic behaviour.’ Wang Zhengxin’s expression was a little heavy.
He glanced at Xu Liangchen, who was listening attentively, and continued: ‘This disadvantage is related to the country’s situation, as the saying goes, a weak country has no diplomacy. But the ignorance of the ruling and opposition parties in our country about new diplomacy is also a major factor! Let’s not talk about the bloody and tearful diplomatic beatings in the late Qing Dynasty and early Republican period; the European war was about to end, and even though we were among the Allied Powers, it was hard to say whether China would continue to be bullied and exploited in the post-war international situation.’ He sighed with emotion.
‘This kidnapping incident is a case of crisis diplomacy. Various countries are eyeing the situation, and the leader of the kidnappers is Japanese. I don’t know if there are any more complicated circumstances behind it,’ Sun Menglin said, taking over the conversation.
Wang Zhengxin nodded: ‘The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been busy recently and is short of staff. I would like to ask Miss Xu if she is interested in working for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs? I just noticed Miss Xu’s translation, and she is worthy of the reputation as a linguistic prodigy.’
Xu Liangchen was taken aback by the invitation. She hadn’t expected Wang Zhengxin to invite her in person. She quickly remembered what Duan Yijie had said, and smiled apologetically, ‘Thank you for your praise, Director-General. Liangchen only knows a few foreign languages and has no experience in diplomacy…’
Before she could finish, Wang Zhengxin had already picked up the thread of the conversation quite clearly: ‘I can understand if Miss Xu doesn’t want to come. Even if you are just an interpreter at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, you can’t do a good job without a deep patriotic mindset. Because an interpreter not only has to translate what both sides say, but also be alert and responsive at all times to deal with foreigners who despise China and its people. It’s not easy to respond in kind without causing a diplomatic incident.’
Xu Liangchen was a little put out. This Mr. Director-General was outspoken, and it seemed that if he didn’t agree, it was because he didn’t love his country deeply enough, or was just a spoiled girl who couldn’t bear hardship. But at least he had let go of another doubt in his heart. Such an upright diplomat could not be someone’s ‘accomplice’.
Xu Liangchen was still shaken by Duan Yijie’s stern face earlier. This cold-faced young master’s temper was really becoming more and more eccentric and unpredictable… Seeing Xu Liangchen looking a little absent-minded, Wang Zhengxin was quite disappointed and stopped talking.
His sensible and perceptive nature made Xu Liangchen feel bad. The head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was so eager for talent, and wouldn’t that be beneficial to society and his ideal? After thinking about it, he stopped being polite and said with a smile, ‘Thank you, Director General, for your consideration. Could you please allow me two days to think about it?’
Chapter 35: Why is it you?
Wang Zhengxin naturally agreed.
After seeing Wang Zhengxin to the car, Sun Menglin left with Xu Liangchen. As the car turned out of the gate, a car came towards them, with the emblem of the US Consulate. It seemed like they saw David’s silhouette, but before they could see clearly, the car had already passed by.
In the following days, the Lincheng kidnapping case was reported by newspapers at home and abroad, causing quite a stir. Embassies and consulates from various countries sent letters and made phone calls to the Southern Military Government, warning and protesting about the safety of their nationals. Some countries even revealed that if the military government was incompetent in this matter, they would use their own forces to rescue the hostages, and the use of force was not ruled out.
Although the kidnappers had kidnapped foreigners, this was still an internal matter for the Southern Military Government; allowing foreign troops to fire on Chinese territory was an act that violated the dignity of the Chinese government. The Italian minister’s proposal was quickly rejected by the military government, but the urgent topic for the military government became how to rescue the foreign nationals as soon as possible.
There were two tendencies within the military government on how to rescue the foreign nationals. One was the pro-war faction led by Duan Zhengxun; the other was the conciliatory faction led by Prime Minister Yang Lishen.
Duan Zhengxun was adamant about not giving in to the enemy. He believed that the endless banditry in the south could not be tolerated, and that if the government bowed to pressure, things like the foreign currency issue would become even more serious in the future.
The cabinet, however, advocated temporarily appeasing the enemy and settling the score later due to heavy diplomatic pressure. Because the northern military government was preparing to negotiate a loan with a group of five countries to finance the unification of the north and south, if things did not work out well and the diplomatic situation became difficult, the military government would face a severe test.
Under these circumstances, the military government held successive special meetings, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs also issued a series of announcements to reassure the embassies and consulates of various countries and overseas Chinese. Under the cover of these meetings, Duan Yijie was appointed to lead the troops to Lincheng.
It rained heavily during this period, and the army’s departure at night was also carried out under the rain.
After the incident, Duan Yijie, who was clear-headed, not only sent out the advance troops, but also sent out a group of scouts to explore the way and catch spies in disguise. However, he understood that such reconnaissance only had tactical value and it was difficult to understand the specific situation and deployment of the bandit lair.
The newspapers quickly clarified the kidnapping case in a very short time. At the same time, the pressure from various countries on the military government caused it to be in a difficult situation on all sides. He knew that there must be a reason, so he kept calm and deployed the radio intelligence personnel that had been hidden for a long time.
The equipment was secretly imported from Germany, and the detection and encryption technology was among the most advanced in the world. However, advanced equipment and technology alone were not enough. Special agents who were proficient in various languages and patriotic were also needed. By mastering the code books of the core departments of various countries, important information was translated and the coding rules were understood for military operations.
This important task fell to the intelligence department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the newly built secret radio station.
In the midst of the rain and fog, Duan Yijie’s military vehicle rushed forward, watching the army silently set off. Not far ahead, a car came up behind them, driving erratically and flashing its headlights repeatedly. Duan Yijie ordered the car to stop, and Luo Hongwen, who was wearing a raincoat, jumped out.
After a few words, he quickly returned and handed Duan Yijie a top-secret file: ‘Young master, the Special Operations Group has new information.’
Duan Yijie’s eyes narrowed, and he reached out to take it. He quickly opened it and read it without saying a word before handing it to Luo Hongwen. After thinking for a moment, he commanded, ‘Send a secret telegram to the general, asking for reinforcements according to plan B, and requesting that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs immediately send the best interpreters. Send a telegram back commending the Special Operations Group!’
Luo Hongwen promised and ordered it to be passed on. Duan Yijie looked at his figure in the rain and sighed inwardly, muttering to himself, ‘It seems that there will be a major battle…’ The driver Xiaowu glanced at him upon hearing this, guessing the meaning of what the young master had said.
Duan Yijie felt both heavy and happy. He never imagined that the ad hoc task force, formed at short notice with a handful of members, would be able to quickly master a special method for deciphering the secret codes of several consulates by combining the acquired skills and intelligence.
The recently intercepted codes were all deciphered in two days and two nights, and there was even a genius called ‘Benzi’ by Liang Yuwen, the personal secretary of the head of the task force and Duan Zhengxun. It is said that this person has an amazing memory, and that after receiving the code from the radio, he can already read out the content without referring to the code book, and he can do so with a high degree of certainty and basically without making mistakes.
Duan Yijie was very happy to have found such a talented person and had already ordered Liang Yuwen to send him over, because he knew that according to the information recently intercepted by radio, there must be a radio at the kidnappers’ location, and there would be the best evidence of their collusion and contact there.
Since these people had set up this trap, they themselves could not just let the spearheads of various countries be aimed at the military government. The black hand behind the scenes should be the target of everyone’s anger, and Duan Yijie’s goal was to make them suffer.
The rain continued to fall. After three days and nights of bumpy driving, countless times of getting stuck in the mud, having to be carried out of the car by others, and even having to walk many times when the car broke down in the rain, that afternoon, Duan Yijie and his guard unit and advance guard arrived near Weimo Lake at the foot of Luyan Mountain.
Considering that there might be people from the bandits in the nearby villages, and in order to keep the news confidential, Duan Yijie ordered a garrison in the mountains. After sending out reconnaissance troops, he took a few guards with him and pretended to be fishermen, rowing out onto the lake to survey the terrain.
The main force was expected to arrive in 20 hours, by which time there would be no secrets to be hidden in the mountains around the lake. Not only would the bandits in the lake have to be wiped out, but the forces behind them would also have to be uprooted. He was not taking any chances, as there might be ‘elite’ figures among them who boasted of being ‘imperialists’.
It was completely dark when Duan Yijie finally trudged back through the mud to the shore. He looked back at the famous freshwater lake in South China, which was beautiful, mysterious and stunning in the darkness. This rich land is home to mountains and rivers, small islands, reed marshes, magnificent lotus ponds, and intoxicating sunsets and plumes of smoke from cooking fires.
But now, what appeared before him was a dilapidated town, a looted village, dead bodies strewn across the barren fields, plagues everywhere, only the poppies blooming with a heart-stopping beauty, and the occasional villager with dull eyes and sad tears… His brow furrowed.
He remained silent until they returned to the mountains. After a hasty dinner and a short meeting, the staff officers left and he sat in the candlelight, looking at the map hanging on the cave wall and pondering the plan.
The night rain dripped and hit the trees and rocks. Suddenly, a voice came from the cave entrance, ‘Report.’ Duan Yijie returned from the map, coldly said, ‘Come in,’ without even looking up. Luo Hongyi, wearing a raincoat, appeared at the cave entrance: ‘Reporting to the regiment commander, the person sent by Secretary Liang has arrived.’
He arrived only half a day after me, so soon? Duan Yijie looked at him in surprise and said slowly, ‘Ask him to come in.’ The radio had already intercepted some of the code, so having the person quickly translate it might be helpful for the imminent hostage rescue plan.
Luo Hongwen answered ‘Yes’ and turned to invite the person to come into the cave.
The man was wearing a raincoat, covering his body and head, leaving only his eyes exposed. He entered the cave and saw Duan Yijie in the candlelight. He was very surprised and lowered his head, his footsteps faltering a little.
Duan Yijie turned his eyes away from the map and frowned when he saw him. What kind of person did Secretary Liang send? Why is he acting like such a woman? He glanced at the man and said indifferently, ‘Come in, what are you doing standing in the doorway?’
Luo Hongyi glanced at him, shrinking into the shadows, but his eyes were shining with interest as he watched the two interact.
The man walked up to the ammunition box where Duan Yijie was working and stopped. He slowly pulled his raincoat down, revealing his damp black hair and a somewhat tired, pretty face. Duan Yijie was taken aback: ‘Why is it you? Why are you here?’
It turned out to be Xu Liangchen!
Seeing his displeased look, Xu Liangchen frowned as if there was some blame in his surprised tone. She didn’t expect to be able to face the cold-faced young master face-to-face, and what’s more, it was this same cold face, even here in Luoyan Mountain, hundreds of kilometres away from Yanzhou.
‘Officer Liang sent me,’ Xu Liangchen said coldly, giving him a sideways glance. The leader sent me, it’s all official business, what’s with this face?
So, this girl has been accepted into the Ministry of Foreign Affairs? And she’s been transferred to the Special Operations Unit? Duan Yijie frowned and looked at Luo Hongyi with some displeasure. Why didn’t anyone tell me about this?
Luo Hongyi pretended not to see, standing straight with his eyes fixed on the ground and his mind elsewhere, hidden in the shadows: Young Master, I have been by your side the whole time and I haven’t heard this news either.
That day, Wang Zhengxin invited him face-to-face at the Deliberation Garden, and Xu Liangchen promised to think about it for two days. However, the next day, the special representative of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, led by Sun Menglin, came to the door. Instead of urging her to quickly accept the invitation of Minister Wang, they said they wanted to ask for her help. They handed over a file with the word ‘top secret’ written on it, asking Xu Liangchen to read it quickly and then reply whether she was willing or not.
Seeing how serious her cousin and the visitor looked, Xu Liangchen took the file in her hands, puzzled, and after opening it and reading it, she couldn’t bring herself to refuse.
The file was about the Lincheng kidnapping case, the causes, developments and related speculations, clearly recorded. In particular, the things behind the kidnapping case made her feel shocked. Those people, for their own interests, had even used these bandits to create such an international incident and put diplomatic pressure on the Southern Military Government in order to achieve their own dirty ends.
She is a Chinese national, and in the face of such a crisis, when the country and the people need her, how can she stand aloof and ignore it? Xu Liangchen knows that she cannot do that. After a half-hour private meeting with the person in charge, Xu Liangchen agreed to the invitation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and was quickly assigned to the special operations team.
Duan Yijie did speak to the foreign minister Wang Zhengxin about Xu Liangchen’s case, but on the one hand, he understood the minister’s seriousness, persistence and integrity in his work; on the other hand, he didn’t want to abuse his position for personal gain, so he only sent someone to give a gentle reminder.
Wang Zhengxin, eager to recruit talent, was a little puzzled or even a little resentful, but after all, he was the subject of Duan Yijie’s scandal. No matter how much you make a fuss about your young master’s scandal, the head of personnel at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs promised not to interfere. However, according to his understanding, Duan Yijie is not an inconsiderate young master, and it is impossible to joke about national affairs. Moreover, he had heard the anecdote about the six foreign letters, thinking that perhaps this Miss Xu really is talented.
So he called Sun Menglin and asked him to bring Xu Liangchen to the banquet. Upon seeing her, he was delighted and extended an invitation directly. Later, the Special Operations Group was established, and Secretary Liang urged the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to recommend candidates. Thinking of Xu Liangchen’s identity, background and talent, Wang Zhengxin made the arrangements.
Therefore, Xu Liangchen’s entry into the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was unknown to Duan Yijie, who had led the troops out. The ‘notebook’ with his amazing memory never dreamed that it was this second young lady; subconsciously, he thought it was a man.
What should he do? Not only was the situation here complex and dangerous, but they might be fighting each other one day. The barracks were full of men, so how could Secretary Liang have been so thoughtless as to send this girl here? He had forgotten that he had issued the military order for Ben to do so.
In other words, after receiving Duan Yijie’s secret order, Liang Yuwen was also quite troubled for a long time. A young lady, the subject of a scandal with the young marshal, and perhaps the future young marshal’s wife, going to the frontline in Luyan Mountain? It seems inappropriate. But the secret telegram specifically asked for ‘the book’—there was only one ‘book’.
In the end, there was no choice but to consult Xu Liangchen first. Xu Liangchen, of course, didn’t think about it much. Since it was a military order, she should obey it. Moreover, as she learned more and more about the kidnapping case, she understood the importance and urgency of the matter. She immediately agreed—Duan Yijie leading troops into battle was top secret, so of course she had thought that the person who sent the secret telegram was the cold-faced young master.
Liang Yuwen received her reply and quickly reported the matter to Duan Zhengxun. The boss was astonished. He never expected that the second young lady of the Xu family had actually become a talent needed by the military. Duan Zhengxun was quite satisfied with the fact that Liang Wenxiang had the country in mind. He thought that his son leading the troops should not be too much of a hardship for her, and that for the two of them, it might even be an opportunity to get along and get to know each other better. So he issued a special order granting permission.
Duan Yijie, of course, did not know what his father was thinking. Looking at Xu Liangchen’s very tired expression, he said indifferently, ‘Sit down. Have you eaten? Hongwen, ask them to bring some noodles over.’ Then he handed Xu Liangchen a file and said, ‘Translate these for me.’ As Xu Liangchen took it, Duan Yijie thought to himself, ‘This girl has come to this place full of men. How am I going to place her?
Should I really keep her?’
Chapter 36: A rainy night in the cave
Since she was here to work, Duan Yijie immediately arranged the work, and Xu Liangchen didn’t have any objections. She took off her raincoat, put her small backpack aside, found an ammunition box to sit on, and began to translate.
Her obedience and seriousness made Duan Yijie feel a little uncomfortable, and he couldn’t help but stare at her for a while. The woman in front of him was wearing ordinary military fatigues, had not applied any makeup, looked very tired from hurrying, her black hair was a bit messy, her face was slightly pale and haggard, but she had a charming and touching style.
Seeing that she had stopped moving, Duan Yijie also continued to look at his map. The cave became quiet, and all that could be heard was the sound of the night rain pattering on the rocks outside and the wind blowing intermittently.
Most of the code was familiar to Xu Liangchen, and he quickly translated it. In the end, there were only two remaining, but they were very different from the previous ones. Xu Liangchen frowned, carefully searching for a pattern. After a while, he whispered, ‘Please give me the book.’
Duan Yijie looked up at the sound, but saw that she was still staring at the two pieces of secret code with her head bowed, the pencil in her hand writing and drawing non-stop, completely immersed in it. The request for the notebook was just a subconscious reaction. So without saying a word, he stood up, looked at the small backpack next to the raincoat, opened it quickly and took out a small code book and handed it over.
Xu Liangchen didn’t even lift her head, just reached out and took it, opened it, checked it while recording it, and was oblivious to Duan Yijie’s service.
Duan Yijie slightly curled his thin lips and quietly took two steps back. The woman, absorbed in her work, had a special kind of beauty. The faint candlelight cast a warm glow over her. She lowered her head slightly, her posture slender and graceful, with a few strands of hair falling to the side of her face, touching the softest corner of Duan Yijie’s heart. He narrowed his eyes.
At that moment, Luo Hongyi walked in with a small pot in his hands: ‘Young master, the kitchen has cooked some noodles, but the only thing that goes with it is a can of…’ He couldn’t help but stop when he saw the situation in front of him. What was the young master doing? Staring at the beautiful woman?
Duan Yijie glanced at him, and Luo Hongyi wisely hid the smile on his lips. Looking at the noodles in his hands, he was a little worried. Could the delicate young lady adapt to such a difficult environment?
Xu Liangchen came back to his senses at the sound of the voice, and when he saw Luo Hongyi handing over the packed noodles, he got up quickly to take them. He sat down and began to eat while looking at the code in front of him, quickly becoming absorbed in it.
Luo Hongyi put the can down and left. Duan Yijie saw that she hadn’t moved for a long time, so he coughed lightly and said indifferently, ‘Why don’t you finish eating before you start again? Is there a problem?’
Xu Liangchen took his eyes off the code, picked up a noodle and put it in his mouth. While thinking, he replied, ‘The code has been revised a lot, it’s different from the original…’
Duan Yijie took the translated text over and read it, frowning, ‘They’ve been in frequent contact recently.
’Yes, it seems like they’re discussing the whereabouts of the hostages here…’ Xu Liangchen hesitated, “But I still haven’t figured it out.”
Whereabouts of the hostages? Duan Yijie’s eyes lit up. The waters of the Weimo Lake are vast and blue, and the Luyan Mountains are strategically located. It’s also the height of summer, and the reeds on the lake are so deep that the lotus leaves reach the sky. The thing that worries me the most is the exact location of the hostages. It’s fine for the kidnappers to gather everyone together, but if they split up into small boats and hide in the reeds and lotus ponds, rescue will be a major problem. Now they’re actually talking about the location of the hostages in their code messages, it’s truly a godsend.
Xu Liangchen finished eating his noodles without realising, and then studied the two pieces of code. Duan Yijie knew that things were urgent, so he didn’t disturb her and went back to his work. The cave was quiet again.
Duan Yijie understood that the ultimate goal of this operation was, of course, to completely solve the problem of the Weimo Lake bandits, but rescuing the hostages was the first step. Without the hostages in the hands of the bandits, how could they be wiped out, and in the process, the hands behind them be severed, and external assistance be sought?
At present, all the action plans revolve around rescuing the hostages. While they are well thought out, the location of the hostages is the part of the plan that makes him the most uncertain.
Perhaps there is a surprise in the code.
He stopped thinking about the plan and instead focused on Xu Liangchen. Slowly, he felt a strange sensation in his heart. In the midst of a battle, he had rarely seen a woman by his side, but tonight, with her by his side, he felt an unexpected peace in his heart. The small, damp cave suddenly felt warm and comfortable. A verse from Jiang Jie’s famous poem ‘Yu Meiren’ flashed through his mind: ‘A young man listens to the rain singing on the floor of the building, with red candles and a dark canopy bed.’
His heart flutters. There is no dancing pavilion or singing floor, but in his heart he has the romance and anticipation of red candles burning high and the light draperies falling gently… For a moment, his heart beats a little faster. Duan Yijie stands up, walks to the cave opening, and looks out into the dark night filled with rain and fog, with thousands of lines of rain falling to the sky. The moist air fills his lungs, and an inexplicable surge of emotion wells up in his heart.
It was late at night, and under the flickering candlelight, Xu Liangchen did not move a muscle, intently staring at the code in his hands. The tall man stood straight against the backdrop of the curtain of rain and fog, silently watching her, a touch of tenderness looming in the depths of his eyes.
I don’t know how long it took. Xu Liangchen rubbed her face with her hands, covered her mouth, which kept yawning, and rubbed her eyes hard. She had been travelling day and night, and it was still raining. The road was muddy, and she hadn’t had a proper rest for several nights. She had been concentrating on finding the pattern of the code, so she hadn’t felt tired, but now that the problem had been solved, she was sleepy and exhausted.
She lifted her eyes and saw Duan Yijie leaning against the cave wall, his head slightly bowed. After looking at the code in front of him and thinking for a while, Xu Liangchen called out softly, ‘Duan…young master?’ Duan Yijie didn’t move, as if he had fallen asleep like that.
Xu Liangchen blinked. This person is really something, can he sleep like this? He tried to wake him up, but in the candlelight, he saw the green stubble around Duan Yijie’s lips, his lips tightly pursed, and faintly visible frowning brows.
How long has he not slept? This cold-faced man, who was ordered to lead the troops to suppress the bandits in the face of danger, lives in a damp cave and uses ammunition boxes to make a ‘table’. I heard that he led troops in battles when he was a teenager, so how many days has he spent like this in the rain of bullets?
Just as she was thinking, Duan Yijie, who was sleeping, seemed to sense her gaze. He suddenly whispered, ‘Liangchen, don’t refuse anymore…try to accept…’
Xu Liangchen was taken aback and couldn’t help but look at him warily. Duan Yijie didn’t move, however, and it turned out to be just rambling in his sleep.
Shocked, she gave him a stern look. She frowned as she looked at the translated code.
The evidence of the bandits colluding with those people is becoming more and more obvious. It seems that if it weren’t for the fear of arousing the suspicions of other countries, those hostages would have almost boarded the warship flying the Japanese flag… Fortunately, they refused, not that they were stupid, but they sent a large amount of weapons and ammunition. If these weapons and ammunition were to fall into the hands of the bandits, it would have a very negative impact on the siege. It would be best to intercept the relevant code and take these guys down…
Just as he was thinking, he heard someone behind him say, ‘What, did you translate it?’
Duan Yijie woke up. Xu Liangchen glanced at him and nodded: ‘Well, there are still some problems.’
Duan Yijie walked over in big strides, picked up the code and read it. His brow furrowed: ‘…What needs to be solved urgently is the exact location of the hostages… These guys really spare no expense, even inviting an international press corps to the island for an interview through the Asahi Shimbun? Hmph, they really have no sense of shame!…’
Although the Southern Military Government had stated that it would solve the hostage issue as soon as possible, it had paid lip service to the bandits’ demands and had not given a serious response. Shichiro Kohinata was getting impatient. After the Boxer Rebellion, the Qing court and successive governments had done their utmost to protect foreigners in China and dared not harm them in the slightest. Bandits in many places also had strict rules forbidding them to offend foreigners. As long as they did not offend foreigners, the authorities would mostly do a sloppy job of suppressing bandits; on the contrary, they would definitely have to get serious.
The military government had the intention of deploying troops, and Shichiro Kohinata had also heard about it. He hurriedly reported to his master, demanding that the hostages be sent to the warship. His master, however, considered the matter more thoroughly and did not agree. However, not only did he send a large number of guns and ammunition, but also in a fair and friendly attitude, through the Asahi Shimbun, they invited many news agencies from various countries stationed in Yanshou. On the pretext of caring about the safety of the hostages and promoting reconciliation between the two sides, they contacted the bandits and prepared to go to Weimo Lake for an interview, reflecting the conflict between the government and the people and paying attention to the latest situation of the hostages.
This is a major event that has shocked the world. The news organisations welcome this, and an interview group formed by a multi-national media partnership is on its way to Luyan Mountain.
They are like a whisk that stirs up shit; they won’t rest until they have stirred up even more chaos. Duan Yijie narrowed his eyes slightly. The interview group is an opportunity. If I can get in there, won’t I be able to find out the location and condition of the hostages? But can those foreign reporters be used for our own purposes? Who is the most suitable person to get in there?
As for the guns and ammunition, they must not fall into the hands of the bandits… Watching Duan Yijie pacing and brooding with the code in his hands, Xu Liangchen kept quiet, resting her chin in one hand and closing her eyes. She was really sleepy.
In the morning, the rain stopped. Outside the cave, the birds in the forest chirped, and the air was filled with the moist, post-rain scent. Xu Liangchen woke up and realised that she had fallen asleep on her stomach for half the night, with a military jacket covering her. There was no one else in the cave.
She slowly came back to her senses. Duan Yijie wasn’t here?
Looking at the hazy sky outside the cave, she got up, stretched her sore back, and walked outside to wash her face in a puddle of water. This was a hidden mountain pass with thick forests and rugged roads. After days of rain, mouldy tree stumps and trunks had sprouted fat mushrooms and wood ears, and birds of unknown names were jumping and chirping in the forest.
Xu Liangchen found it all very novel, so he stepped in the mud and twirled around twice before his mind cleared and he slowly turned back to the cave.
As soon as he walked into the cave, he heard Duan Yijie whisper to Luo Hongyi, ‘…immediately send a secret telegram to Commander-in-Chief Wang, sending someone to join the interview team…order the First Mixed Brigade under the command of Shi Zhongguo to station troops near Shilipu and pay close attention to the movements of the Japanese near the border…’
Xu Liangchen’s heart stirred. In fact, after chatting with Duan Yijie, she had also thought of taking advantage of the opportunity of the interview team. Now that she heard that Duan Yijie was really going to do it, she couldn’t help but speak up: ‘Sending someone from Yanzhou now may be too late. I am a special contributor to the American National Geographic magazine, I…’
Chapter 37 The final masterpiece
Duan Yijie raised his eyebrows at the sound and stared at her with some surprise. What? What did this girl want?
Xu Liangchen met his gaze openly and walked over calmly, continuing, ‘Foreign media reporters based in Yanzhou often get together, mostly with people they know. The sudden appearance of a stranger could cause unnecessary trouble.’ She didn’t say the rest, but Duan Yijie already understood the meaning. She was a member of their circle.
Duan Yijie frowned. Of course he was not familiar with the goings-on in the foreign media reporter circle, but if the actual situation was as Xu Liangchen had said, then wasn’t it very inappropriate for him to make such an arrangement? He pondered for a moment as he looked at the secret telegram in his hands, and then looked up at Xu Liangchen, his eyes full of meaningful inquiry. Even if you are the right person, hasn’t the scandal from some time ago affected you? They won’t make you the topic of conversation? As far as I know, the media are just dying for this kind of thing.
Xu Liangchen gave him a sideways glance and smiled proudly and lightly, ‘I’m Catherine from National Geographic.’
So this Miss Xu has been using a Western name in the media circles? Duan Yijie arched his lips, she really is a smart person. Looking at her proud of her work, he suddenly remembered that some time ago, there had been a lot of talk in the Yanzhou newspapers and on the street about the new female reporters that had appeared in recent years, discussing who was the most beautiful female reporter in the city.
I remember that there were quite a few candidates. At first, Yan Jun from the News Daily was the favourite, with comments saying that Miss Yan was lively and generous, and treated people sincerely. But then there was an article saying that ‘there are no beauties among female journalists’. The article mentioned that Miss Yan had bad teeth, and if this was the most beautiful female journalist in Shiliyangchang, then one could not help but feel sorry for the image of female journalists in Yanzhou.
Then many people suggested that the ‘flower of journalists’ should be Yue Baozhu from the Shen Bao. Miss Yue comes from a good family, is naturally beautiful, fair and lovely, and when she looks with her eyes, there is a sense of deep emotion. She is also good at dressing up, wearing fashionable and expensive clothes, and her clothes are different in the morning and afternoon. In particular, she likes to design her own clothes, and has the nickname ‘fashion designer’. She can be considered a typical modern woman in the foreign settlement, and is the ‘flower of the journalist’.
Some people were dismissive of this claim, saying that Yue Baozhu was flashy and very kitsch when she interviewed, and that she spent all day painting her eyebrows and wearing lipstick like a young woman. Sun Yuzhong was still the most beautiful, with bright white teeth, clear eyes and a graceful figure. She had a nice demeanour and was likeable, the standard new woman of the times. Then Li Qingsu from Zhengyan Bao was pushed forward, saying that Miss Li had acted in movies and was also a writer, very versatile, and also very pretty.
Just as everyone was talking about it, the foreign media, who had always looked down on these frivolous activities in the local media, suddenly rushed out, one after the other, saying that Miss Katherine from National Geographic was the masterpiece among the female reporters in the city.
Many people were surprised that no one had ever seen this Miss Katherine, and they had never seen her photo in the newspaper. What kind of woman was she, and what made the foreign media unanimously nominate her as the most beautiful female reporter in Yanzhou?
Duan Yijie was also surprised by the attitude of the foreign media, and noticed the name. Although he knew her Western name was Katherine, he never expected that the famous beautiful female reporter in the foreign media circle was Xu Liangchen. Duan Yijie looked at her rather unbelievingly.
Xu Liangchen, however, did not explain any further, and sat down on the side, waiting for his decision.
Outsiders don’t know that often times the news in foreign media is purchased or transferred from other news agencies. Because it comes from different places, it is written in a variety of different languages, so translation becomes an indispensable process. Although Xu Liangchen rarely appears in person, she has translated countless articles. It is well known in the industry that National Geographic has a beautiful female reporter who is fluent in multiple languages. Whenever they meet occasionally, they catch each other’s eye, stunning the foreign reporters stationed in Yanzhou.
This is also the reason why Xu Liangchen has a deeper and more comprehensive understanding of the domestic and international situation and current affairs than other people, and her writing is sharp and profound. National Geographic formally hired her on a part-time basis.
To send Xu Liangchen? Duan Yijie’s first reaction was ‘no’. Although she had a legitimate reason to go, the bandits should not do anything to harm the foreign media reporters. However, after all, she was going deep into the bandit lair. If it became known that this Miss Catherine was the military government’s young commander’s scandalous object, the consequences would be unimaginable.
But sending someone else from Yanzhou would mean that there would be fewer options, and it would be difficult to quickly convince the other party to work for them. Second, as Xu Liangchen said, there was no time left… But I really can’t rest assured. After all, she is a woman, where has she seen the bloody rain and the hail of bullets? It is really risky to try to manipulate a group of murderous bandits.
Seeing that Duan Yijie had been deep in thought and had not spoken, Luo Hongyi quietly walked out to arrange other urgent tasks. The cave fell silent for a moment, and Xu Liangchen looked at Duan Yijie with interest. How come the cold-faced young master is suddenly so fussy? This is not his nature. So he coughed lightly, ‘Send someone to investigate the journalists’ itinerary. I’ll just follow behind, and they won’t suspect…’
Of course they won’t suspect, that’s not what I’m worried about. Duan Yijie glanced at her. With Xu Liangchen’s intelligence, she would understand the real danger.
“The warlords are fighting amongst themselves, surrounded by the great powers. The peace in the south was not easily obtained. I know the whole story, and I understand what I should find out from the hostages… So you… don’t worry, I will be careful.’ Duan Yijie’s concern and conflict were so obvious in his eyes that Xu Liangchen turned his gaze away uncomfortably and said lightly.
His words were indifferent, but Duan Yijie’s gaze suddenly contained more enthusiasm and appreciation. He believed in the saying ‘How can you think of home when the Huns are still not destroyed?’, but he never imagined that a woman with a shallow, moving smile on her lips would harbour such a broad sense of home and country.
The two were each thinking their own thoughts when Luo Hongyi walked in, followed by two bodyguards carrying a sealed box.
Duan Yijie looked at them. Luo Hongyi waved the guards away, glanced at Xu Liangchen, saw Duan Yijie nod, and said, ‘This is the latest diving device just delivered by the Equipment Department.’
Duan Yijie looked at the box in some amazement. Japan only started using glass diving goggles last year, and invented the ‘mask diving apparatus’ to help divers absorb air from the water surface. Using this new invention, they dived 70 metres to the bottom of the Mediterranean Sea and successfully fished up the gold nuggets from the wrecked Yasaka, shocking the world.
How did Jiang Jingwu and his men develop similar equipment so quickly? He raised his eyebrows and glanced at Xu Liangchen, indicating to Luo Hongyi to open the box.
Hearing the words ‘Equipment Department’, Xu Liangchen glanced at Duan Yijie. The other day, when he asked Jingwu to go to Luyuan, he had originally wanted to invite Aunt Liao and Uncle to dinner. However, he ended up joining the Special Operations Unit. He could only leave a message asking his cousin-in-law to call and apologise, but he couldn’t say where he was going. He wondered if Jingwu would be worried or angry.
Duan Yijie had already gone over and picked up the contents of the suitcase. After understanding the functions of these diving devices, he suddenly made a new decision.
Chapter 38: Will the plan succeed?
This was not the first time Duan Yijie had contacted him, but Xu Liangchen still found it hard to agree with his crazy ideas. But who could stop what Jiang Daishao had decided? Standing on the ship’s rail, Xu Liangchen frowned as he looked at the water.
Duan Yijie conditionally agreed to go with the press corps to find out the news, and immediately called an emergency meeting of the staff department to make new arrangements for the team that was about to arrive. Then he investigated the itinerary of the press corps and secretly sent Xu Liangchen to Tangkeng Town.
Tangkeng is famous as the hometown of hot springs. In order to please the foreign media, Kohinata Shichiro arranged for the journalists who had come a long way from Yanzhou to take a short break here.
David was also a member of the press corps, so Xu Liangchen was able to insert herself in without any problems. David was overjoyed at her arrival. They had not met much in the past, and Xu Liangchen always had a car following her quietly when she came to the editorial department to deliver a manuscript. In order not to cause her trouble, David had always restrained himself. Unexpectedly, Xu Liangchen had followed him to Weimo Lake this time, and David was naturally overjoyed. So he kept close by her side, taking meticulous care of her.
There were only eleven people in the press group, and before Xu Liangchen arrived, they were all men. The two young men in suits and the few men who looked like bodyguards were there to receive the press group on behalf of Nanahira Shichiro. The Japanese NHK reporter was the star of the press group. The reporters had all heard of the name Katherine from National Geographic Magazine, and they all took Xu Liangchen for David’s girlfriend, so their attitude was a little ambiguous but extremely polite.
Xu Liangchen didn’t explain much, and naturally followed David. After observing the situation for a while, the few people they met soon accepted her.
The group of reporters stayed in Tangkeng for one night. The next morning, the NHK car took everyone to the shore of Weimo Lake, where a fishing boat was docked. The reporters quickly boarded the boat under the escort of bodyguards. The motor started, the fishing boat turned around, and it sailed towards the vast, misty depths of Weimo Lake.
Xu Liangchen stood at the bow of the boat, watching the long water spray trailing from the stern, playing with a bunch of lotus flowers in his hands, and from time to time dropping the petals into the water, worrying about whether Duan Yijie’s plan was going smoothly. Today she was wearing a white cheongsam that stood out.
The fishing boat sailed along the edge of the reed swamp, occasionally passing through the depths of the lotus flowers with their green leaves. It was just as the sun was rising, with a few golden rays sprinkled on the lake surface. The lake water rippled lightly, and with the breeze, the reeds swayed in the wind, making a rustling sound. The water birds flapped their wings and landed in the reeds, disappearing in an instant. In the shadows of the clouds and the setting sun, the Weimo Lake seemed like a shy maiden, quiet and peaceful.
It feels like a moment in time. The reporters occasionally discuss the surrounding scenery, while the man in the suit smiles obsequiously but keeps a vigilant eye on the surroundings.
A fishing boat passed through a reed bed, and suddenly another boat came out of it. There were two men with guns standing on the bow of the boat. One of them, a tall man, waved his arms. Xu Liangchen heard them seem to be using their own unintelligible jargon to exchange signals. Then the group of reporters was transferred to the boat, and several small boats followed them at a distance, continuing to move forward.
After changing boats four times like this, and after verifying their identities one by one, the group of reporters was finally taken to an island in the middle of the lake. Xu Liangchen secretly observed the location where the boat was moored, and casually threw a lotus flower he was holding into the water, and followed the crowd to the island.
The island was not large, covered in lush greenery, with a dense forest in the centre and bandits with guns patrolling back and forth on the sides. Some of them were wearing only a cloth vest, while others were simply shirtless. All of them were strong and tough men, with their heads wrapped in red cloth and their open white cloth jackets tied with red belts, revealing the red undergarment. David looked on and whispered to Xu Liangchen with a smile, ‘According to Mr. He on the way here, these people practice every day, swallow talismans and worship the gods, confident that they have the magical power to be invulnerable to swords and spears. They are extremely brave and fierce in battle.’
Xu Liangchen didn’t say anything, just nodded. But then he saw a middle-aged man in a long robe and a horse-hide coat coming up to them, greeting everyone with a smile and clasped hands. He said, ‘I’m He Lao San, and I’ve been tasked by our commander to look after you. Thank you for your hard work!’
The reporters were treated to seats at a stone table under the trees. A few burly men brought big fat watermelons, and after everyone had finished, Lao San He sang and danced to describe how he had originally been a fisherman, how he had been forced by the military government to become a bandit, and now he was lost and is now willing to accept ‘recruitment’. However, the military government is perfunctory and insincere, so the brothers are forced to take hostages. Their original intention is only to force the military government to pay attention to the wishes of the oppressed through various friendly countries, and to promote negotiations between the two sides.
The reporters asked various questions, and Lao San gave smooth answers. Whenever his answer was clumsy, a small, straight-backed man behind him would gesture for the little man in the suit to add something. Xu Liangchen observed the latter carefully and felt that he had the bearing of a professional soldier in his movements, which made him doubt the identity of this person.
Gradually, the reporters were moved by Lao San’s words and talked about their respective views. Xu Liangchen couldn’t help sneering inwardly. It was really a good idea. If such remarks were widely reported by foreign media, the reputation of the Southern Military Government would be fixed. These people have a good plan.
Just as he was thinking, he heard the French journalist Abbas from the newspaper ‘Public Opinion’ ask aloud, ‘I sympathise with your situation, but kidnapping hostages is an act that violates human rights and freedom. Where are they now? Are they all well? When do you plan to release them?’ Hearing this, Xu Liangchen could not help but raise his eyes and listen attentively.
But he saw He Laosan quietly glance at the little man beside him and reply with a smile, ‘Please be assured, sir, that our foreign friends have not been mistreated by our department. When they go out, they have a boat to view the scenery, and when they go in, they have someone to take care of them.’ He Laosan said with a smile, ‘As for releasing them, it requires the efforts of everyone here. As long as the military government sincerely negotiates with us, all problems can be solved. In order to give everyone a practical understanding of our sincerity, the dozen or so foreign friends we have invited are about to arrive, and everyone can talk to them face to face…’
Before he could finish, a bandit ran over and whispered something to the little man. The little man gave a wink and waved to the third man, saying, ‘They’re already here, behind the trees. Please follow us.’
Everyone followed He Laosan through the trees and saw on the other side that the dozen or so kidnapped foreigners had just disembarked from a fishing boat. The hostages included men and women, old and young, and they walked into the woods supporting each other. Behind them were the bandits, armed and on guard.
Xu Liangchen observed quietly and discovered that there were not many bandits on the island, but there were faint shadows of small boats in the surrounding lotus flowers. It could be seen that there might be quite a few bandits hiding in the dark. He could not help but worry. Could Duan Yijie’s plan succeed?
Chapter 39: Following the trail
The hostages were gathered together and sat down. The bandits also brought watermelons, and the reporters slowly gathered around. When they understood that these reporters were here to visit their compatriots, many of the hostages burst into tears with watermelons in their mouths. Lao He was embarrassed, and the little man behind him frowned. A burly man walked over and whispered a few lines of jargon next to the hostages. The reporters didn’t understand, but the hostages stopped crying with terrified eyes.
Xu Liangchen watched the hostage’s movements without expression. He saw a nun with a headscarf, grey hair and a calm expression. Judging by her eyebrows and eyes, she looked European. He walked over to her and said, smiling as he made the sign of the cross, ‘Hello, Mother, I’m Katherine from National Geographic. Can I have a word?’
The nun looked at her and, seeing that Xu Liangchen was beautiful and dignified, with a friendly and warm smile on her face, nodded. Xu Liangchen crouched down and, while handing her the watermelon, gently reassured her. The nun couldn’t speak Chinese, and these days the bandits had been unable to communicate with her, so when she saw Xu Liangchen approach, she couldn’t help but pay attention.
When the people behind her came closer, Xu Liangchen comforted the nun in English, and when her footsteps grew distant, she spoke Italian. The nun sensed her kindness and whispered a thank you, taking the initiative to ask about their origins. Xu Liangchen smiled and said, ‘Many friends are concerned about everyone’s safety. Can you tell me what has happened these days?’
The nun looked at her charming smile and dimples, glanced at the bandits, and whispered a brief summary of what she had seen and heard since her abduction. She was indignant at the bandits’ oppression of the fishermen and rampant robbery. After listening to her, Xu Liangchen realized that the hostages had been imprisoned on a fishing boat and had no fixed abode.
No wonder Duan Yijie had to make such a bold plan. If the bandits had loaded the hostages onto a boat and escaped to the reeds or lotus flowers, it would have been extremely difficult to rescue them. Xu Liangchen thanked the nun quietly, then deliberately stood up and walked over to David. In English, she told him that the nuns said they were doing well here and that the nuns could also pray. The bandits understood and stopped paying attention to her and David.
After a short while, the journalists were taken away from the hostage area. The bandits had already arranged a sumptuous lunch. Although it was on an island, there was also top-quality brandy, which showed that Kohinata Shichiro had put in a lot of effort. Xu Liangchen deliberately said that he needed to go to the bathroom, and on the way to the temporary toilet, he wandered around for a long time before returning to the middle of the journalists.
Behind the trees, the hostages were taken back onto the fishing boat. As soon as the boat had untied the ropes, they suddenly heard the bandits around them exclaiming in alarm: ‘There’s a leak…’
From time to time, the sound of someone entering the water could be heard from the depths of the reeds and the lotus flowers. The bandits on the island were on high alert, and the atmosphere was a little tense. He Lao San hurriedly arranged for the bandits to escort the press corps, and he himself walked quickly to the shore and shouted angrily, ‘What’s the big deal about a leaky boat? ***, we men can just float on the water, and the Dragon King is our own, so what are we afraid of…’
Just as he was speaking, a muffled sound came from the reeds. He drew his gun and shouted, ‘What is it?’ There was a gunshot, and the bullet passed by his ear. He hurriedly dodged, but saw someone suddenly emerge from the lake. From his back and pulled out a gun, firing wildly. Several bandits on the shore had bad luck and fell without even raising their heads to respond. Some were shot and fell to the ground, covering their bleeding wounds. He Lao San was considered alert and quickly dodged without being shot. Several speedboats rushed out of the distant reed swamp.
Xu Liangchen whispered to the reporters to hide while observing the fierce battle between the two sides, and not to hurt these uncrowned kings. He couldn’t believe that the men of Duan Yijie, who had dived behind the boat, had arrived so quickly.
Because of the media interview arrangements this time, on the one hand, there were hidden Japanese warships guarding the perimeter, and on the other hand, the island had been thoroughly inspected a few days ago, and no suspicious personnel or boats had been seen. The water was calm, so Kohinata Shichiro arranged for a small number of people for confidentiality.
He never imagined that in the vast expanse of Lake Weimiao, the Southern Army would have followed in disguise.
The bandits panicked, and the Southern Army gave a whistle, without saying a word, and opened fire with their guns. For a while, the air was filled with smoke and gunpowder. The bandits left a dozen bodies lying in all directions, the blood staining the ground. The men who had been shot were screaming in pain, collapsing to the ground. Duan Duan Yijie took the brunt of the attack, leading his personal bodyguard of blind gunmen in a flurry of shots, instantly spilling blood and knocking down another group. The bandits panicked and put up a stubborn resistance, but how could they stand against these fierce warriors?
After a fierce battle, most of the bandits outside were dealt with, and the fishing boat turned into a slaughterhouse. The blood-stained ship’s sides and the overcast sky suddenly brought a shower, which diluted the blood of the dead and injured. The wooden deck was stained with diluted blood, turning it into a rosy pink. The mixture of blood and gunpowder smoke, like the breath of death, hovered around the island and would not disperse.
The bandits were suppressed by the fierce firepower of the Southern Army and retreated to the island. The fishing boat where the hostages were located was taken over by the military junta. Duan Yijie ordered the hostages to be escorted to the speedboat and left. The follow-up troops rushed out of the reeds and surrounded the island. The bandits were pressed into the woods by the hail of bullets, and the troops of the military junta forcibly boarded the island.
With the forest removed, there were no other places on the island to hide. Duan Yijie pulled down the diving mask on her face and squinted as she looked ahead. She and the journalists were inside, and it was impossible for the plane to drop bombs or shoot. Just as she was thinking this, the bandits in the forest suddenly counterattacked. The Southern Army was caught off guard, and more than a dozen of the soldiers in the front line fell, so everyone had to retreat.
Although the arranged formation would block the bandits’ reinforcements, a quick battle was necessary here. If the bandits took the reporters hostage… Just as he was thinking, the gunfire in the forest stopped, and in the smoke, someone shouted from behind, “Listen, you bastards, get back down! Otherwise, I’ll drag these foreigners down with me today, even if I have to die!” Before the words finished, a group of people appeared in the forest, led by the reporters, and Xu Liangchen was among them.
Duan Yijie’s heart skipped a beat. He looked at the dazzling plain white in the distance, frowned and looked at the surrounding terrain. He signalled Luo Hongwen to come closer with his eyes, whispered a few words, turned around and quietly led a group of guards around to the back of the woods. Luo Hongwen had already negotiated with the bandits in front, and the two sides were arguing fiercely. Then Luo Hongwen seemed to be threatened by their move to coerce foreign media reporters, and agreed to let them go, ordering the Southern Army to retreat.
Just as the bandits’ attention was caught by the release, Duan Yijie got up from the muddy ground, drew his broadsword from his back, and ordered with absolute certainty, “Prepare the bombs, change the swords, and the death squad is on!”
Chapter 40: A strange feeling
Many people in the general’s mansion knew that Duan Yijie had a strange habit of selecting bodyguards, giving priority to those with traditional kung fu. He also hired martial arts experts to train with the guards on a daily basis, and had a batch of Chinese swords with long handles, double blades and slanted tips made according to local conditions. He always took them with him into battle for emergencies, and they were also one of the important weapons of the core troops of his First Army.
Hearing Duan Yijie’s order, the well-trained guards immediately understood what he meant, quickly discarded the cumbersome equipment they were carrying, wrapped the bombs around their waists, and swung their broadswords into action.
The guards quickly made their way through the forest and suddenly appeared behind the bandits. When the bandits saw them charging, they shouted and raised their guns to fire, and in an instant, bullets rained down on the forest like hail. The death squad skillfully threw bombs for cover and charged into the enemy ranks, yelling. They brandished their broadswords and charged left and right, hacking and stabbing, engaging the bandits in hand-to-hand combat.
The first army’s knife skills were taught by a specialist. When the knife is swung, the blade body droops, with one edge facing the user. The knife is swung up, knocking the rifle open with the back of the blade, while the blade tip draws a curved arc forward, just cutting the opponent’s neck. The smooth movement of the slash and cut is combined into one action, and the opponent is struck before they can defend themselves, and the unprepared bandits are killed by the big knife. These bandits had been rampaging across the lake for several years, and they had never seen an army fight like this before, nor had they expected them to choose such a suicidal combat method. They fled in all directions, and the death squad quickly took control of the situation.
As a result, bloody men brandishing large knives could be seen chasing after the bandits in the forest. When the death squad charged into the forest, Xu Liangchen had already persuaded most of the foreign media reporters by pulling David along, and they had hidden behind an abandoned and broken fishing boat not far away.
As the gunfire died down, Xu Liangchen slowly stood up and saw that the bandits had fled in disarray. At that moment, a grenade flew from nowhere, landing next to the broken fishing boat with smoke billowing. Xu Liangchen was startled, glanced at the reporters behind her, and without thinking rushed out to grab the grenade in her hands. Before she could throw it, a figure pounced on her: ‘Let go! Are you crazy!
He snatched the grenade from Xu Liangchen’s hands and threw it far away. Xu Liangchen stumbled as he led her, almost falling to the ground. The man tried to pull her, but he didn’t guard against the wet moss in the rain forest, and the two of them fell together. A gunshot sounded in her ear, and the bullet slid past Duan Yijie’s left arm and hit Xu Liangchen’s left shoulder. She let out a low exclamation and fell to the ground weakly.
The rain was dripping on her face, making it hard to open her eyes. Xu Liangchen could only see a face with sharp angles, blocking the light above her. In the shadows, a pair of dark eyes stared at her fiercely, like blades.
Duan Yijie viciously pulled her up and coldly said irritably, ‘Are you crazy? What are you doing out here?’ Doesn’t she know that this white outfit is like a flag in the rain? It’s the most conspicuous target!
The sound of gunfire was sporadic. A guard ran over to report the situation. David had also noticed something was wrong and ran over. Duan Yijie glared at him fiercely, took Xu Liangchen in his arms, and ordered, as if he hadn’t seen anything, ‘Take those reporters and retreat quickly!’
This battle was only meant to be a quick one, but with the bandits’ reinforcements coming up, there was bound to be trouble. It was best to get these foreigners to safety first. He looked down, and Xu Liangchen’s left shoulder was already red with blood, her face pale. If she got caught in the rain, she would be in danger of getting a fever.
David had been so preoccupied with the exchange of fire and the notes in his hands that it was too late for him to notice the accident on Xu Liangchen’s side. When he pounced over, she had already fallen into Duan Yijie’s arms. He looked at Xu Liangchen with concern, then at Duan Yijie, who looked cold and sinister. He bit his lip in frustration, but understood that this was the young general’s territory, and Catherine would be better off in his care. He had to let go.
Noticing the long sword on Duan Yijie’s body, David realised that the tall man he had just seen holding a sword and slashing it continuously to kill more than a dozen bandits was the young general. He never expected that he would personally lead a death squad to rescue people… Looking at Duan Yijie’s upright back, David paused in contemplation.
Hugged tightly against Duan Yijie’s chest, Xu Liangchen tilted her head slightly, feeling a little uncomfortable. However, she didn’t expect to pull at her wound, causing her body to stiffen with pain. Duan Yijie frowned in annoyance, ‘Behave yourself!’
The rain had soaked her clothes, and Xu Liangchen felt cold. However, she felt a warm sensation coming from somewhere on her back. She tried her best to open her eyes and look over, but she saw the blood from Duan Yijie’s left arm dripping down. She looked up in shock and saw Duan Yijie staring at her. There were bloodstains all over his sleeve. She couldn’t help but say, ‘What are you so angry about? You’re hurt too…’ Before she could finish speaking, she felt dizzy and heard the sound of popping beans in her ears. Duan Yijie’s face gradually blurred before her eyes, and she fell into darkness.
There was silence, then she heard the sound of running water and footsteps on the wooden floorboards.
Xu Liangchen slowly opened her eyes. There was a sharp pain in her left shoulder. She remembered what had happened during the day, but where was she? Before she could figure it out, she heard someone whispering nearby, ‘If you dare to do anything, I’ll make you pay! … Hmph, you were hiding so well, what were you doing out? If you don’t wake up, I’m not finished with you!
Xu Liangchen slowly turned his head in surprise. In the dim candlelight, a figure paced back and forth restlessly. The candlelight lengthened, shortened, and changed his shadow. Xu Liangchen wearily closed his eyes. What was the cold-faced young master doing?
Duan Yijie seemed to hear a noise and suddenly stopped, looking at Xu Liangchen in bed. He didn’t swallow until she opened her eyes again, her eyes full of surprise. After a while, she calmed down and slowly walked over, looking down at Xu Liangchen with a faint smile on her face and said, ‘You’re awake?’
Xu Liangchen nodded, before she could respond, someone had already viciously pounced on her, ‘You little brat, how dare you scare me?’ He lowered his head suddenly and covered Xu Liangchen’s pale lips.
‘Hey, ow…you’re crazy, ow, what are you doing…?’ Xu Liangchen was infuriated and raised her right hand, ignoring everything and smacking Duan Yijie’s back of the head. Duan Yijie ignored her and let her hit him, while relentlessly chasing after her and biting her, muttering in his mouth, ‘Dare to scare me again…see how I’ll fix you…’
As she slowly understood what he was saying, Xu Liangchen’s face flushed with shame and anger, and she kicked him. Duan Yijie did not budge, allowing her to punch and kick. He just held her waist tightly, ‘Behave, the wound is going to open again.’
She was angry that despite her injuries, this scoundrel was still trying to take advantage of the situation. She opened her mouth and bit his hand. Duan Yijie winced in pain, but he didn’t pull back his hand. He waited until Xu Liangchen grew tired from struggling and let go, before he let go and reached his head to look at the wound on her left shoulder.
Xu Liangchen glanced at the bandages on his left arm and the clear teeth marks on the back of his hand. Thinking about the trembling of his hand that had just held her, she couldn’t help but feel mixed emotions. This stubborn and proud man… She felt strange and hastily averted her gaze.
Seeing Xu Liangchen’s flushed face, which had gone from pale to red, Duan Yijie’s heart slowly eased. The bandits’ reinforcements had caught up with them, and the situation was complicated… And since she had returned, she had been unconscious, running a high fever, and he had even more worries than directing the battle himself.
When he returned in the evening and saw the woman lying quietly in front of him, Duan Yijie felt a fear in his heart that he had never felt before. He had never been so powerless before, drawing his sword, charging into battle, fighting with guns, in the rain of bullets, fighting fiercely. The feeling of worry and pain, the fear of losing, was so vivid and sharp.
His heart was filled with an unknown sense of unease. This was something the young general, who had been in the army for a long time, had never experienced before. Duan Yijie frowned. He never liked this feeling of not being in control. And he also understood that, without knowing it, he had unconsciously devoted too much attention to this Miss Xu Er, and this attention affected his mood.
On the contrary, Xu Liangchen still resisted and avoided the two’s interactions… Duan Yijie pursed his thin lips tightly. Since he had already fallen in love, how could he allow her to stay out of it? He looked at the figure on the bed in silence.
The night breeze after the rain blew in through the window, the moon revealed its face from the clouds, and the rippling surface of the lake reflected the graceful shadows of the lotus flowers. Duan Yijie’s deep eyes were calm, with only a hint of profoundness, like a densely woven net spreading out.
Xu Liangchen inadvertently saw his dark eyes shining, like an unfathomable pool locking her in, as if to trap her and make her fall in. She couldn’t help but tremble.
Chapter 41: Encounter
Looking at her long eyelashes, her dark crystal-like eyes were full of shame and annoyance. Duan Yijie felt a little sad and a little amused. This second young lady is dignified and elegant, and rarely loses her temper. Today, she spoke to him, just like a puppy that is embarrassed and angry, which is really endearing.
Noticing the slight upturn of his lips, Xu Liangchen subconsciously turned his head. Duan Yijie looked at the darkening sky outside and softened his voice, saying, ‘Rest well. We’ll go ashore in the morning and have the doctor come over to do another checkup.’ After he finished speaking, he stared at Xu Liangchen for a while before walking over to the cabin next door.
The cabin became quiet. Xu Liangchen slowly turned his head to take a look. He could see that this was probably a medium-sized fishing boat, with the cabin divided by partitions. Duan Yijie had only half-closed the partition, so a wisp of dusky yellow light was projected in. The sound of his low conversation with someone was faintly audible.
What was the outcome of the battle with the bandits? How were David and the others doing? And what about that scheming NHK reporter? Xu Liangchen lay motionless on the cot, eyes closed, but his heart was like the water in a storm. The moon was gradually obscured by the clouds, and it was dark outside the small window. Perhaps the boat was passing through a lotus pond, and a breeze came under the cabin door that hadn’t been closed properly, sending a distant fragrance.
Just as I was floating in my thoughts, there was a light sound from the partition, and Duan Yijie walked in, holding a small porcelain bowl in his hand. He walked closer, bent down slightly, looked at Xu Liangchen’s trembling eyelashes, and said with a slight curl of his lips, ‘If you’re awake, get up and eat something.’
After waking up and being ‘harassed’ by Duan Yijie, and then worrying about the battle and the safety of David and the others, Xu Liangchen did not care about her own stomach. Duan Yijie mentioned it, and she suddenly snapped back to reality.
She opened her eyes and saw Duan Yijie’s upright figure by the bed, his dark eyes staring at her, a porcelain bowl in his left hand and a spoon in his right hand, as if he was going to do it himself. She couldn’t help but turn her head and refuse.
At that moment, a gurgling sound suddenly broke the silence of the dark night. Xu Liangchen was taken aback and blushed immediately, but Duan Yijie’s lips curled up in a teasing smile as he glanced at her. His stomach was in revolt, so why didn’t she eat?
He put the bowl aside, leaned over, and supported her right arm and waist. With a single effort, he half-carried, half-lifted her up. Before Xu Liangchen could struggle, he let go and, following the natural flow, leaned the pillow against her lower back. He said sternly, ‘Eat something.’
His seriousness made Xu Liangchen want to lose his temper, but he had no choice but to glare at him. He leaned back, and as soon as he looked up, a spoon was already at his mouth. Xu Liangchen looked up in surprise, and Duan Yijie sat down by the bed, looking like he was really going to help her eat.
Xu Liangchen was embarrassed and reached out, saying, ‘I can do it myself…’
Duan Yijie didn’t say anything, but just glanced at the injury on her left shoulder. It doesn’t hurt anymore? Still doing it yourself.
Xu Liangchen understood what he meant, and her right hand, which had been extended, somewhat apologetically grasped and retracted. Yes, you definitely need both hands to eat. But she couldn’t let the cold-faced young master feed her, either. It would be embarrassing.
Xu Liangchen looked around for a bench or something to put the bowl on, and he only needed to hold the spoon in his right hand… Just as he was thinking, the spoon in front of him came closer again, and Duan Yijie’s cool voice lightly said, ‘Keep the change. There’s nothing on the boat… If it weren’t because you hurt your arm, do you think I’d be willing to serve you and watch you give me dirty looks? And you’re still complaining… What, are you afraid to eat?’
Xu Liangchen couldn’t help but roll his eyes in embarrassment. What kind of thinking was this? How could he have said such nonsense about not wanting to be around him? As he heard the last three words, the embarrassment in his heart slowly faded. In a fit of anger, he reached out and grabbed the spoon from Duan Yijie’s hand, thinking to himself, what’s there to be afraid of…
‘The main force has already arrived, and Weimo Lake is surrounded and blocked. There is nothing to eat on the boat, so I had to use hot water to dilute this lotus seed powder. You can eat it to tide you over until we get back to shore and do something else.’ Seeing Xu Liangchen’s face flushed with embarrassment, she lowered her head in shame and embarrassment and ate the lotus seed powder with her hands. Her slightly dry cherry lips closed, and her tongue lightly licked the remaining lotus seed powder on the spoon. Duan Yijie’s heartbeat quickened, and his deliberately soft voice became a little hoarse as he spoke slowly.
The cold-faced young master is actually talking more and more. Xu Liangchen glanced at him and continued to lower his eyebrows, hiding his discomfort as he ate the lotus powder from the bowl in his hands.
Lotus root powder is one of the specialties of Weimo Lake, and historically it was offered as tribute to the royal family. It has a smooth texture and a unique flavour, and Xu Liangchen has eaten it before. But tonight’s lotus root powder, either because no sugar was added or because the water temperature was not high enough, tasted very strange in her mouth. Several times she wanted to refuse to eat it, but Duan Yijie’s red-rimmed eyes were staring at her intently, and Xu Liangchen’s words were on the tip of her tongue but she could not say them. Because those eyes clearly meant: I’ll be happy to do it for you if you don’t eat it.
Pressing down on her troubled thoughts, Xu Liangchen finished eating the lotus powder as quickly as she could, put down the spoon and whispered, ‘Thank you.’ Duan Yijie glanced at her, said nothing, stood up, took the bowl and walked out.
The wound ached faintly, and her head felt a little dizzy. Xu Liangchen used her right arm to support her body as she tried to lie down, but Duan Yijie had already returned and was holding a lotus flower in her hand. She said nothing, placed it next to the pillow, helped Xu Liangchen lie down, and said, ‘Are you feeling unwell? It’s almost dawn, you should get some more sleep.’
Xu Liangchen was a little tired, so she just nodded in agreement and closed her eyes. As she looked at her peaceful sleeping face and then at the white lotus by the pillow, Duan Yijie felt as if he had seen it all before, and a feeling of déjà vu came over him.
Xu Liangchen drifted off to sleep in the faint floral fragrance. When she woke up again, it was already bright outside. Looking at the big bed beneath her, she realised that she had already arrived on shore at an unknown time. The sound of rain pattering rhythmically against the window frame and roof could be heard outside the window, and the ebbing rhythm matched Xu Liangchen’s complex emotions.
There was a light knock on the door, and a woman in military fatigues walked in. Seeing Xu Liangchen awake, she smiled and said hello, ‘Miss Xu, you’re awake?’ It was Peng, an acquaintance from Yanzhou.
Xu Liangchen waved his hand, not hitting a smiling person. Although he was not very happy with this woman who had recently appeared in his life from time to time, Xu Liangchen also understood that she was only following orders from others.
“You must be hungry, right? I’ll go get the food,’ Secretary Peng said, hurriedly walked out.
Xu Liangchen was a bit urgent, frowned and looked at the room. The bathroom was on the side of the bedroom, so she slowly sat up, holding the bed to get up and walk over.
Coming out of the bathroom, looking at the gloomy sky, she felt worried. It had been raining for many days, the rain was incessant, the river had risen sharply, and Yanzhou was adjacent to the sea in the east, so the sea tide was rising and overflowing. Once the flood broke through the embankment, it would be a sea of disaster.
Xu Liangchen stopped in front of the window, looking at the swaying rain and fog, thinking about his worries, when suddenly he heard someone outside ask in a deep voice, ‘Where is Xiaochen? Duan Yijie, you’ve gone too far! Why did you let her come here? Where is she now?…’
It was Jiang Jingwu’s voice. Why had he come? Xu Liangchen looked out the window at the hazy rain and fog and lost in thought.
Chapter 42 In the Rain
Two men with straight, tall figures stood facing each other in the rain.
Duan Yijie narrowed his eyes slightly and looked at Jiang Jingwu in front of him indifferently. It really was childhood sweethearts, and the reaction and affection were extraordinary. It was the first time he had seen the always gentle and refined Director Jiang furious over a beauty. Of course, he didn’t expect that he, the cold-faced young master, had lost his temper more than once for someone.
He only felt a strange and uncomfortable feeling growing stronger and stronger in his heart. After a moment of silence, Duan Yijie lightly raised his eyes and glanced at the window of Xu Liangchen’s residence: ‘It seems that it is none of Director Jiang’s business where Miss Xu is going.’
The indifference and disdain in his words made Jiang Jingwu’s brows furrow, and he looked at him deeply. Jiang Jingwu said sternly, ‘Since the young master has created such an incident, he must be well aware of my relationship with Xiaochen. Do you think it is none of my business?’
Upon hearing this, Duan Yijie gave him a cold, sideways glance. Relationship? What kind of relationship is there between you other than that of ‘green bamboo, plum blossom, and horse’? Who says that growing up together means you have to marry each other? A strange sense of foreboding slowly grew in his heart. Duan Yijie spoke coldly and sarcastically, ‘Really? I didn’t know that Mr. Jiang had a special relationship with Miss Xu. Please, Chief Jiang, tell me directly.’
His tone made Jiang Jingwu’s words get stuck in his mouth. He was usually a good-natured person, but he suddenly became angry. He looked at Duan Yijie for a moment, somewhat surprised. Jiang Jingwu slowed down his speech and laughed, ‘I never thought the young master would be such a scoundrel. Is that how you want to win the heart of a beautiful woman? The regiment leader has underestimated Xiaochen too much.’
Xiao Chen, Xiao Chen, you’re calling him very affectionately. Duan Yijie looked at him with a gloomy face, his hand by his side clenched into a fist, without saying a word. Jiang Jingwu stared at him straight: ‘Where is Xiao Chen?’
Duan Yijie felt his emotions become complicated, and he was a little confused.
He knew that the two had a close relationship, but when he saw Jiang Jingwu’s undisguised concern for Xu Liangchen, it was a different story. He thought, perhaps they should reassess their relationship? Were they just childhood friends, or did they love each other and would only marry each other? If it was the latter, what should he do? Should he let them be together? He didn’t think he could do that. But…
Jiang Jingwu worked in the army in the south and had of course heard of Duan Yijie’s character and actions. Although he was cold, he was not lacking in humanity. He was steady and resolute, calm and rational, and never lost his temper. Moreover, since he had taken up his post in the Military Industry Department, the young general had always been very polite, but today he was clearly in an emotional state. Jiang Jingwu was a little confused and a little distressed. An inexplicable and nameless fire was churning in his heart, and it was very difficult for him.
Just when he thought the cold-faced young master would not reply, Duan Yijie suddenly spoke in a light tone: ‘…she was injured.’
‘What!’ Jiang Jingwu exclaimed in surprise, ‘Fighting is a man’s job! Why did you drag her into it? —’ Before the words had finished, Jiang Jingwu, who was filled with anger and shock, raised his hand and punched Duan Yijie in the chest: ‘I never thought you could be so despicable! How could you treat Xiaochen like that?’
Jiang Jingwu did not know about Xu Liangchen’s admission to the Special Operations Unit. That day, when Xu Liangchen broke the appointment at Lu Yuan, Cai Fengqi called Liao Yufeng and said that she had accepted a job at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Although Jiang Jingwu understood Xu Liangchen’s thoughts, he believed that the current situation was complicated. Compared with working in a girls’ school, the pure teaching and educating was more suitable for the bright and elegant Xu Liangchen.
But since Xu Liangchen volunteered, he didn’t say much. He had wanted to find her to persuade her, but unexpectedly, Wei Mo Lake had already engaged the bandits and he was ordered to deliver a batch of newly developed weapons. Then, quite by chance, he heard the news about National Geographic contributor Katherine.
Jiang Jingwu naturally knew that Catherine was Xu Liangchen. He was very angry. Xiaochen must not have come of her own free will. Duan Yijie must have forced her to come with his power and influence. What was a woman doing in a war zone full of bullets and bombs?
Unexpectedly, Jiang Jingwu, who was known as one of the three young masters of Yanzhou and was gentle and refined, would take action. Duan Yijie was taken aback, then his dark eyes narrowed, and he quickly glanced at both sides, clenched his fists and raised his hands…
This is an abandoned Taoist temple by the shore of Weimo Lake. After the Southern Army moved in, this courtyard, which was relatively less dilapidated, became Duan Yijie’s temporary residence. Jiang Jingwu came in and of course talked about military secrets. The people in the courtyard had already been cleared out by Luo Hongyi, so no one saw the young director of the Military Industry Department punch the young commander of the military government. The only witness was Xu Liangchen, who was behind the window.
She heard every word of the conversation between the two men, and saw Jiang Jingwu’s concern and Duan Yijie’s strangeness. Xu Liangchen was both moved by Jingwu’s concern and a little inexplicably uncomfortable and awkward by Duan Yijie’s strangeness. She had never expected what they said and what was implied in it, and she never expected the gentle Jiang Jingwu to raise her hand and punch out, and her heart suddenly lifted.
Duan Yijie’s arrogance and pride were obvious to everyone. Now that he had taken a punch from Jiang Jingwu, how would he retaliate? Would he hit back or draw his gun?
Seeing Duan Yijie’s fist raised, Xu Liangchen’s heart also followed, hanging high. Jingwu, although tall, is a scholar. Duan Yijie is different. As seen from the close-quarter melee with the death squad and bandits a few days ago, he is not a martial artist, and at least his body is much stronger than Jingwu…
Xu Liangchen was anxious, watching as Duan Yijie raised his fist, only to slowly let it drop. He was confused and delighted, but suddenly thought of the location of that fist. Her breathing stopped again, and the pistol was strapped to his arm… He dared not blink as he watched the fist, wondering if he should rush out.
But she saw the fist slide past the gun stock, slowly release and drop to her side. While her heart sank, Xu Liangchen was also a little puzzled. Duan Yijie had not retaliated, had he taken this loss in silence?
The fist hit Duan Yijie’s left chest, causing a dull pain. Jiang Jingwu suddenly snapped back to reality and realised that he had impulsively moved his hand. He slowly looked up, meeting Duan Yijie’s narrowed dark eyes, which were like an ocean gathering a storm in the darkness.
Jiang Jingwu stood even straighter, facing Duan Yijie directly. Men don’t silently take other people’s punches, let alone this young general?
Duan Yijie was silent, his eyes as deep as the sea. He stared at Jiang Jingwu, clenching and then releasing his fists, but not raising them again. After a while, he suddenly said in a deep voice, ‘In times of national turmoil, every man has a responsibility, regardless of gender. You and I can go, so why can’t Xu Liangchen come?’
Duan Yijie did not move, but said these two sentences. Not only was Jiang Jingwu stunned, but Xu Liangchen, who was behind the window, was even more stunned. There was a moment of silence in and outside the courtyard, with only the rain continuing to fall and patter against the trees.
At that moment, the half-closed courtyard door was pushed open, and Luo Hongwen led someone wearing a raincoat inside. The person had obviously seen what had happened in the courtyard. She opened her eyes wide, looking incredulously at Jiang Jingwu, who was clenching her fists, and at Duan Yijie, whose uniform was soaked through. She shouted, ‘Big brother…’
Chapter 43 Miss Duan’s House
Is this the cold-faced young master, General Duan? He doesn’t fight back? The visitor’s big, dark eyes were wide with surprise. A smile played around the corner of her lips, very similar to Duan Yijie’s, but softer and more relaxed. Her dimples were deeper than Xu Liangchen’s, and there was a gentleness to her that was missing in the atmosphere.
Her gaze was half teasing and half curious, fixed directly on him. Duan Yijie frowned slightly uncomfortably as he looked directly at her. ‘Why are you here?’ Her voice was as low as usual, but her tone was not hard, and there was an imperceptible hint of tenderness.
‘Hongwen called, so of course I came here first to support you,’ the woman giggled, turning her head to look at Jiang Jingwu with interest. She wondered who this person was, and how he had the nerve to lay hands on the boss. Just now, she heard the two of them mention “Xiaochen,” so who was this “Xiaochen”? It sounded like a girl’s name, so could it be that these two were fighting over a woman?
Is this something the cold-faced boss would do? This is really strange… The woman suddenly remembered the scandal in the newspaper a few days ago. She even called back to confirm it herself. The lady in the scandal, Miss Xu, seemed to be called Liangchen. Could it be about her?
‘Why are you in the courtyard in such heavy rain? Look, your clothes are soaked. Go and change quickly, or you’ll catch a cold.’ The woman didn’t ask any more questions, but just looked at Duan Yijie and Jiang Jingwu with a smile. After a moment’s thought, she walked over to Jiang Jingwu with grace, pulled the hood of her raincoat up, and nodded with a smile: “Hello, I’m Duan Qiping.”
The Duan missus who fell out with General Duan and was driven out of the general’s mansion? I never thought I’d see Duan Qiping here. Jiang Jingwu gave a faint smile and said, ‘I’m Jiang Chuan, how do you do?’
The military genius invited back by the military government? Duan Qiping smiled at him upon hearing this, and then persuaded the two to go inside. Duan Yijie and Jiang Jingwu looked at each other, each with their own thoughts, and did not speak. The strange atmosphere made Duan Qiping secretly surprised, so he looked for an opportunity to excuse himself and went inside first.
As Duan Yijie watched Duan Qiping step through the door, he glanced at Jiang Jingwu, said nothing, and then turned and followed him inside after a moment of silence. Jiang Jingwu looked at their backs and nodded to Luo Hongwen beside him: ‘I’ll go back first. Please tell the regiment leader that no matter what, I must see someone as soon as possible, or else…’ He looked at Luo Hongwen and said no more, then walked out of the courtyard.
Luo Hongwen watched his back as he hesitated, but after a moment of thought, he gave up the idea of chasing after him.
Hearing the words ‘If you and I can go, why can’t Xu Liangchen come?’, the person behind the window was stunned for a long time before slowly coming back to his senses. For a moment, he felt a hundred emotions in his heart.
Throughout China’s long history, the figure of women was almost invisible. Under the restrictions of the Confucian values of ‘three obedience and four virtues’, women had no freedom of movement, no right to education, and no opportunity to choose a career. This situation slowly began to change after the gradual introduction of Western ideas and concepts into China.
Women left the confines of their chambers, went to school and gradually entered all walks of life. However, the weight of old traditional moral norms still occupied an important place in the hearts of many people, especially men. The pressure on women seeking employment and independence in society is unimaginable to outsiders.
For example, in the news industry, which I am familiar with, adding the word ‘female’ in front of a journalist to highlight their gender is in itself a symbol of a male-dominated society. Female journalists in Yanzhou are often assigned to cover women’s news, but they are criticized for only going in and out of the homes of the rich and famous, inquiring about news such as meetings, consolation, and childcare, and being unable to break out of the circle of wives, young ladies, and children.
Otherwise, they are said to be ‘glass equipment’, going in and out all day long, going to an organisation, sitting for a few minutes, picking up their handbags and leaving again, appearing to be very busy and energetic, but lacking patience, and being too charming and not lively enough. It is rare to find someone who is full of energy, cooperative, generous, and dares to compete with male journalists.
During the time I have been back, the only people I have heard praised by the public and making a name for themselves in the press are a few people like Shao Qiping, the chief editor of the Peking Times. This shows how difficult it is for a woman to make achievements in an industry.
Even a young man like Lian Jingwu, who has studied abroad and embraced new ideas, feels that it would be inappropriate for him to come to Weimo Lake, let alone someone else. Therefore, Xu Liangchen never dreamed that Lengmian Dashao did not have such outdated ideas. Does he really not have this male-supremacy-over-female-inferiority mentality? If so, then he really must be admired for his broad-mindedness.
Just as he was daydreaming, Duan Qiping entered the courtyard, distracting the two fighting cocks. Xu Liangchen let out a sigh of relief, and no matter what, these two should not fight anymore. Feeling relaxed, dizziness set in, so she stopped looking out the window, and leaning against the wall, slowly lay back on the bed.
Duan Qiping walked into the room, took off her raincoat, and scanned the layout of the house. The place where she was standing was the outer room, with one inner room to the east and one to the west. The door to the west was open, while the door to the east was half-closed, faintly revealing a light, faint fragrance. She was suddenly filled with curiosity. Had the eldest brother really brought the Miss Xu with him? What kind of woman was she that the cold-faced young master, who never paid any attention to women, was fighting over her?
Duan Qiping is straightforward and gets things done. He walked over and gently pushed open the door. When he looked up, his eyes met those of Xu Liangchen, who was reclining on a pillow. The two of them were taken aback.
The woman in bed was wearing an ordinary military uniform, with a thick white bandage around her left arm. She looked a little pale, but had an undeniable beauty, especially her big eyes like stars in the dark night, pure and moving. Her long black hair hung down her shoulders, making her skin look like snow and her eyebrows like a picture.
It turns out that my eldest brother really does have a beauty on his side! Duan Qiping blinked, and the dimple on her cheek slowly revealed an interested smile: ‘I’m sorry to have disturbed you. I’m Duan Qiping, Duan Yijie’s younger sister. And you are… Miss Xu?’
The cold-faced young master’s sister? Xu Liangchen smiled faintly and nodded politely, ‘I am Xu Liangchen.’ She had met the twins Qi Fang and Qi Yu at the general’s mansion, and recalled vaguely hearing Madame Lu and Duan Zhengxun mention ‘Qi Ping’ that day. Could it be this young lady? Duan Zhengxun seemed to forbid her from going home, why?
Just as she was thinking, Duan Qiping walked in with a generous smile, looked at Xu Liangchen’s wound, and asked with concern, ‘You’re hurt? Are you feeling better now?’ She looked closely at Xu Liangchen’s face: ‘The eldest brother really is something, why did he drag you here to suffer in the war, and he didn’t do his duty to protect you.’
Duan Qiping’s naturally-flowing words of concern quickly made Xu Liangchen feel good about this Miss Duan; but at the same time, her familiarity made Xu Liangchen feel slightly uncomfortable—from the sound of her voice, it seemed that she had taken herself under the wing of Duan Yijie, and that her injury was a result of the cold-faced young master’s failure to fulfil his responsibilities. She therefore smiled slightly, ‘It’s already much better… Bullets have no eyes, and getting injured on the battlefield is a very common thing, so Miss Duan needn’t mind.’
Her indifferent attitude towards her own injury made Duan Qiping slightly stunned, and she felt that the faint smile on the woman’s face in her eyes instantly brightened and became charming, making her, as a woman, unable to help but be moved. Just as she wanted to say more, there was a light sound from the door, and Secretary Peng walked in carrying a tray: ‘Miss, you must be starving, right? Oh, you’re here too, Miss? The young master has already arranged for the kitchen, and your meals are outside…’
Duan Qiping nodded with a smile, watching as Peng Mingxia carefully placed the tray on the table. Peng Mingxia was Duan Yijie’s confidential secretary, and her status was very special. The cold-faced boss would never have sent her into battle, so it seemed that he really did have a special relationship with this Miss Xu.
‘Miss Xu, please enjoy your meal first, we can chat later…’ Secretary Peng had already placed the small table next to the bed, and Duan Qiping got up with good manners. Before he could finish speaking, he heard Duan Yijie say from the other room, ’Qiping, come out here, I want to ask you something.’
Duan Qiping nodded, smiled at Xu Liangchen, and walked out of the room. Xu Liangchen took the chopsticks from Secretary Peng and was about to eat when he heard Duan Yijie say in a deep voice, ‘Tell me the truth. Did you suffer inside? Why didn’t you notify me earlier? You are really bold, a woman who repeatedly provokes these people…’
Duan Qiping’s gentle, yet forceful voice was full of gratitude: ‘Thank you, brother. Nowadays, warlords are fighting each other for their own interests. While they use force, they also use public opinion and propaganda. In addition to directly controlling newspapers themselves, warlord politicians also use subsidies and other means to indirectly control the direction of newspapers. Nowadays, there are more than 70 newspapers in Beiping, and more than two-thirds of them have a certain political background. They rise and fall with the political situation, and do not have a consistent political opinion or proposition. They even lack a ‘journalistic integrity’. Since I have taken on this job, I must uphold my ambitions and mission, not bowing to money and power, representing public opinion and paying attention to the fate of the country and the people’s livelihood.”
She suddenly smiled and said in a relaxed tone, ’Big brother, don’t worry, this is not the first time I have been arrested. People say that if a chief editor doesn’t go to jail, he is not a good chief editor. I have not let you down… Oh, have you read my special Beiping correspondent column in the Shen Bao? What do you think?’
Duan Yijie looked at her with some concern and nodded: ‘The article was very well written… The newspaper was shut down again, wasn’t it?’
‘Yes,’ Duan Yijie nodded in agreement, then laughed heartily, “Last time the newspaper was closed down, wasn’t I, the chief editor, forced to go to Hosei University in Japan to study? This time, Big Brother rescued me, so maybe good things will come from this misfortune…”
Hearing this, Xu Liangchen’s chopsticks in her hand couldn’t help but pause. The Times and the Beiping Special News column were both must-reads for her every day, and the host of the column was none other than the famous female journalist Shao Qiping. Could this Miss Duan be her?
Chapter 44: Come with me
It is rumoured that the famous journalist Shao Qiping came from a southern family. After graduating from the Women’s Union University, she pursued progressive ideas and broke with her family. She joined the Beijing Daily as a reporter and was also the chief writer for the Shen Bao and Jing Bao newspapers, writing special reports and interviews.
Because almost all domestic newspapers were the mouthpieces of the various warlord parties, the influence of the few independent civilian newspapers was almost non-existent. So a year later, she joined with a few friends to set up the Times.
Shao Qiping was a talented journalist who excelled at news reporting. Even as a young reporter, she was already well-known in the news industry for her fluent English, good all-round ability, and a style and temperament that were unique to a woman, as well as her expertise in covering international news, a field that few women were involved in at the time.
She is good at research and investigation, diligent in interviews, and has high moral integrity. Her writing is refined, and her English proficiency is high, rarely matched by others. Whenever a foreign dignitary visits Beijing, she can always find an opportunity to interview them. Journalists shouted, ‘Write about her!’ and she quickly became a leader in the Beiping news industry.
However, what made Shao Qiping famous throughout the north and south was the exclusive news report on the Northern Military Government’s participation in the European War.
After the outbreak of the European War, the cabinet meeting dragged on for a long time and a hasty decision was made on the issue of whether the Northern Military Government should participate in the war or remain neutral. However, the decision was not made public, and Chinese and foreign reporters tried their best but got nothing.
Shao Qiping also used her wits. The first time she went to the State Council, she was naturally turned away; the second time, she borrowed a car with a license plate from the Presidential Palace and drove straight in. When the head of security refused to let her in, the beauty immediately took out a stack of bills, took half and handed it to the head of security, smiling sweetly, ‘It doesn’t matter if the prime minister will see me or not, just please report it. This half will buy you a cup of tea; if you are received, the other half will also be yours.’
In the end, Beauty Shao was finally invited in. After meeting with the Prime Minister, Beauty Shao, with her quick tongue and deft moves, finally obtained the decision of the military government to participate in the war between the Allies and the Central Powers. Beauty Shao drove straight to the telegraph office after leaving and sent a secret telegram to Yanzhou. The Shen Bao and Xin Wen Bao newspapers published it as an extra, causing a sensation in Nandi. Five days later, the extra reached Beiping and the whole world knew about it.
As a result, Shao Qiping’s name became famous, and the Times became a well-known private newspaper in Beiping.
Later, this famous newspaper man was nicknamed ‘Shao Yidao’ by the Chinese people because of his sharp writing style. He continued to expose the misdeeds of corrupt officials and the ugliness of warlords and politicians in the newspaper. He was imprisoned several times and even had to go to Japan for a while.
As he watched Secretary Peng take away the bowls and chopsticks, Xu Liangchen sat on the bed, listening to the conversation outside between Duan Yijie and his sister about the people and events in the general’s mansion. He digested the explosive news that Miss Duan Er was Shao Qiping, and really couldn’t believe that the general’s mansion, which controlled sixteen provinces in the south, had produced such a daughter.
The voices of the two people outside gradually faded, and Duan Qiping asked about the situation in Weimo Lake: ‘…it is rumoured that there is a black hand behind this kidnapping, so what is going on now?’
‘You really can’t stop talking about your own business,’ Duan Yijie replied half-jokingly. ’Weimohu Lake has been placed under strict military surveillance and surrounded. The Japanese have two warships cruising nearby on the upper reaches of the river, but they are probably not getting too close to avoid arousing suspicion. But the Japanese are clearly testing the waters and their ambitions in southern China are obvious and unquestionable.’
‘Over the years, Japan has constantly interfered in China’s internal affairs, frequently provoking incidents. This time, we must not let it slide, and we must use Chinese and foreign media to expose the Japanese’s sinister intentions,‘ Duan Qiping said solemnly.
’Arrangements have already been made for this matter… However, if it becomes known that you are the second daughter of the General’s Mansion, will it be detrimental to your reputation and development?’ Duan Yijie suddenly asked.
‘Let nature take its course…‘ Duan Qiping sighed and said, “I haven’t been home for many years, and my health is not good. I really should go back and see. Is my father…still angry with me?”
’I’ve persuaded my father a few times through my mother…but you’re really bold enough to criticize your father and the government he leads so openly and harshly in the newspaper. How could he not be angry?’
‘Big brother, I am the daughter of Duan Zhengxun, but I am also the chief editor of the newspaper. Since its inception, the Times has adhered to the ‘four noes’ principle of ‘no party, no selling, no selfishness, and no blind following’ as its philosophy, advocating ‘independent, objective, and fair’ reporting, and putting forward ideas and playing a role in the country and society…’ Duan Qiping said earnestly.
‘Of course I understand, otherwise I wouldn’t bother rescuing you,’ Duan Yijie interrupted her. “Regarding the report on the kidnapping case, you and the Information Office should hurry up and come up with an outline. Yanzhou called to say that ***”s health continues to be poor. After you finish the urgent matters here, you should go back as soon as possible.’
Duan Qiping agreed, and the two of them chatted for a while before walking out together.
Duan Qiping never returned, and Duan Yijie disappeared without a trace. Secretary Peng explained, intentionally or unintentionally, that Duan Yijie had gone to inspect military affairs. Xu Liangchen casually agreed, finished translating the telegrams Secretary Peng brought back, and sat in the courtyard under a big tree reading the newspaper Duan Qiping brought.
Suddenly, he heard the guard in front of the door seem to be arguing with someone. He looked up and saw Jiang Jingwu in full military uniform. He was covered in dust and looked tired, and he frowned as he stared at the guards who were blocking him. Xu Liangchen was taken aback and hurriedly asked Secretary Peng to invite him in.
Peng Mingxia looked at her with some hesitation. The young master had told her to do so before leaving, but since Miss Xu had already seen Director Jiang, she could just walk out even if she was stopped… After thinking about it, she went to the door and invited Jiang Jingwu in.
Seeing Xu Liangchen, who was sitting under the tree and getting up, Jiang Jingwu’s eyes lit up. He walked quickly over and looked up and down at Xu Liangchen several times with concern before he let out a sigh and said, ‘How’s the injury… How could you come here? Bullets on the battlefield have no eyes, so be more careful… Does it still hurt?’
Xu Liangchen invited him to sit down and smiled, saying, ‘The wound should be fine, you don’t need to worry. How are Aunt Liao and the others at home?’
After saying these set phrases, Jiang Jingwu looked at Secretary Peng standing nearby, frowned slightly, thought for a moment, raised his hand and took hold of Xu Liangchen’s soft palm, gazing at her and asking softly, ‘I’m going back to Yanzhou in the next two days. Xiaochen, you should come back with me. Everyone at home is worried about you.’
Xu Liangchen was taken aback by his reckless behaviour. She blushed a little and stole a glance at Secretary Peng, then tugged her hand away. Jiang Jingwu didn’t let go, so she had to look up at him, a little embarrassed, and say, ‘I’m an official from the group, so it might not be a good idea if I go with you…’
‘Official?’ Jiang Jingwu was a little surprised. He looked at Xu Liangchen inquiringly. What official business would require a woman like you to go?
Xu Liangchen, of course, could not say anything, and she smiled and handed over the teacup.
Her silence made Jiang Jingwu’s smile freeze for a moment, and surprise flashed through his eyes. Jiang Jingwu’s eyes were still as gentle as ever: ‘Xiaochen, the situation in the country is complicated. I think you’d better not get involved in this mess. Teaching is a noble and stable profession, suitable for women, although it is dull. After this matter is over, you should go back to school. I have already contacted Yanzhou University, and they will welcome you with open arms.’
Xu Liangchen looked at his concerned eyes, and her thoughts became a little chaotic. She wondered, ‘How can there be any peace when the nest is falling apart? With warlords fighting each other in the country, and foreign powers surrounding it, not to mention the Japanese, who have ulterior motives and are watching with greedy eyes, where can there be a noble and peaceful university in a country without stability? Teaching and joining the foreign ministry are both ways of doing your best for the country, so why should you choose between the two?
However, Jiang Jingwu’s concern and worry made her unable to say these words of dissent. Just as she was about to speak, Duan Qiping hurriedly walked in with a stack of manuscripts in his hands, smiling and shouting ‘Miss Xu’. Her smile then stopped, and she saw Xu Liangchen’s hand being held by Jiang Jingwu…
Chapter 45: What exactly is the relationship?
Isn’t this Miss Xu the beloved of the cold-faced boss? How can she shake hands with this arms expert? Could there be a secret behind the scandal in the newspaper?
Her gaze made Xu Liangchen look rather awkwardly at Jiang Jingwu and he finally withdrew his hand. Duan Qiping had long since returned to normal and greeted the two with a smile: ‘Miss Xu, how is your health these days? Director Jiang is back? I was looking for you yesterday, but they said you went to the lake. When did you come back? The use of this submersible was unexpected by many people. Do you have any new ideas for research on new military equipment?”
Duan Qiping is a famous editor, and as she spoke, she took on a professional air. Xu Liangchen blinked, and smiled at Jiang Jingwu.
Jiang Jingwu knew the identity of this Miss Duan Er, and smiled, ’I just came back from the lake. What can I do for you, Miss Er?’
Seeing that Duan Qiping just nodded without saying anything, he continued, ‘Miss Er is a famous journalist and clearly understands the impact of the European War, which took place in Europe but affected the whole world, on military science and various new technologies. Military scientists in Europe and the United States have already summed up the experience of the Great War and put forward various military theories. In addition, new types of equipment such as aircraft, tanks and communications equipment have emerged one after the other. If we continue to lag behind in this area, our country and nation will surely be controlled by others.’
Duan Qiping looked at him with interest, nodded with appreciation, and said, ‘China is not a particularly aggressive nation. For a long period of history, we have just stuck to the rules. Most feudal dynasties valued culture over military affairs, and inventors were just lowly craftsmen. So gunpowder, which is clearly one of the Four Great Inventions, has fallen into obscurity in China and become just a small novelty like fireworks. But when it reached Europe and the United States, it became lethal guns and cannons. I appreciate and agree with Chief Jiang’s idea of saving the country through armaments.’
He said, took some information out of his bag, and discussed with Jiang Jingwu the advantages and disadvantages of some new types of equipment from abroad. He spoke so eloquently that Jiang Jingwu couldn’t help but look at her in amazement.
Duan Qiping smiled a little embarrassedly, ‘This is the first time we’ve met, and Director Jiang probably doesn’t know about my mischievous ways… Ever since I was little, I was always scolded by my father for not acting like a girl. At the time, my eldest brother was the leader of the kids, and I was his little follower. We hid from the adults all day long, fishing in the river, climbing trees and walls, and got beaten up a lot… When I grew up, although I stopped being mischievous, I still had an unquenchable interest in these weapons and equipment, and I would collect them whenever I had the chance.’
Hearing her talk about the interesting things she had done, Xu Liangchen and Jiang Jingwu couldn’t help smiling. Duan Qiping handed Xu Liangchen the documents in her hands and said with a smile, ‘I heard that Miss Xu is a language genius. These documents are not in English. My foreign friends said that they are about new technology, so I brought them back but haven’t translated them yet. I’m afraid I’ll have to trouble you, Miss Xu.’
Xu Liangchen gave a slight smile, took the documents and looked at them. They were in French and German, so she asked Secretary Peng to get a pen and paper and she would try to translate them on the spot as she read them.
After writing two lines, Jiang Jingwu saw that she was having difficulty with one hand, so she took over the paper and pen. The two of them worked in perfect harmony, one reading and the other writing, and they quickly finished translating the pages of information.
Duan Qiping watched their actions with a thoughtful expression in his eyes.
Jiang Jingwu looked at the paper in her hands with some excitement. This was the first time she had seen this latest information on European firearms. She never imagined that this young lady was such a thoughtful person. Thinking about it, she raised her eyebrows and asked, ‘Young lady, can I have a copy of this information?’
Duan Qiping nodded and smiled: ‘You are the director of the military government’s equipment department, so the information should have been given to you. I didn’t know that before, so I sent it to my eldest brother. Now that it has been returned to its rightful owner, Director Jiang need not be polite.’
Jiang Jingwu kept looking at the information in his hands, and suddenly thought of something. He stood up and said to the two men, ‘Please sit down for a moment, I’ll be right back.’
It seems that anyone who does academic research has a bit of an eccentric temper. Jingwu had fallen back into his guns and ammunition. Xu Liangchen watched his hurried back and smiled helplessly, shaking his head. Duan Qiping noticed her expression and laughed, ‘Miss Xu, shall we go inside and sit down? I have something to discuss with you.’
Xu Liangchen looked at her with a slightly surprised expression, nodded, and the two of them got up and went inside.
Secretary Peng served tea, and Duan Qiping said, ‘Secretary Peng, Miss Xu and I have some business to discuss.’ Peng Mingxia understood what she meant, and after promising to go out and close the door, she stood under the eaves on guard.
Seeing Duan Qiping’s serious expression, Xu Liangchen didn’t ask any more questions, and silently took the stack of papers she handed him and read them. Duan Qiping said, ‘In order to warn the culprits behind the Weimo Lake kidnapping case and show the attitude of the military government, the General Staff Department and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs set up a press office to collect evidence against the kidnappers. Once the suppression of the bandits was over, a press conference for Chinese and foreign journalists would be held in Yanzhou. This top-secret information was passed on by the press office and needs to be translated into multiple languages and handed over to foreign media. I can only do English, so I’m afraid I’ll have to trouble you for the rest.”
It turned out to be this, and Xu Liangchen nodded knowingly. He had come here to translate the secret telegrams in the first place, so of course this was what he should do. He said, ’Okay, please wait a moment, Miss.’
He took a pen and paper, translated as he read, almost just writing, without any need for deep thought. Duan Qiping was amazed, and Xu Liangchen’s reputation as a linguistic genius was well-deserved. He couldn’t help thinking that the translation of foreign news was always slow, and if they had this Miss Xu, it would be a piece of cake. No wonder the boss wanted to drag her into the Ministry of Foreign Affairs no matter what.
Xu Liangchen has done a good job twice. Duan Qiping has seen it with her own eyes. This lady from a wealthy family is beautiful and dignified, without any arrogance or condescension. She is sincere and hardworking. She has a refined temperament, with beautiful eyebrows and eyes like a picture. She is talented, but humble and gentle. It can be said that the boss has really good taste… But what is her real relationship with that Director Jiang?
Jiang fought for her that day, and in broad daylight, holding her hand. Could it be that these two are lovers in love?
What about the older brother?
Seeing Xu Liangchen translating with all his heart, Duan Qiping thought about it for a while, then quietly walked out, asking for Jiang Jingwu’s residence and walking straight over.
Chapter 46: Come back soon
Duan Qiping is a woman with a bright personality. The relationship between the three people in front of her is making her very confused, so she simply went to Jiang Jingwu to sort things out. Jiang Jingwu didn’t hide anything and told her everything.
After listening, Duan Qiping was even more confused.
Her eldest brother and the Director of the Jiangsu Provincial Government were both rare young talents, and it seemed that they both had a great affection for Xu Liangchen. While sighing at the extraordinary charm of this young lady, she naturally supported her cold-faced brother emotionally. The two were a perfect match: one was young, accomplished, and talented in both literature and the martial arts, while the other was beautiful, intelligent, and a talented woman who had studied abroad. Moreover, it was not easy for the eldest brother, who had never been interested in women, to fall in love.
But rationally speaking, she felt full of sympathy and pity for Jiang Jingwu and Xu Liangchen. Childhood sweethearts must be deeply in love and have a strong bond. Is the cold-faced boss taking advantage of their love? Duan Qiping felt a little ashamed. She prided herself on being the editor-in-chief of a newspaper that upholds justice, but what should she do in this situation?
After agonising for a long time, she suddenly realised that she had been thinking from the perspective of the two men. In fact, the main thing in this matter is to see Xu Liangchen, right? Whether it is the cold-faced young master or the equipment genius, the main thing is who does this second young lady like?
So Duan Qiping focused her thoughts on Xu Liangchen and tried to secretly observe which man the heroine of the story liked. However, before she could see clearly, things had taken an unexpected turn.
After the main force of the Southern Army arrived near Weimo Lake, Duan Yijie did not organise an attack or a purge, but instead arranged for men to fortify the surrounding area and clear the fields, completely blocking off land and lake traffic.
The bandits led by Nanohina Shichiro had always made a living by oppressing the fishermen and looting around and on Weimo Lake, supplemented by the support and care of the Japanese army. Now that land access to the lake had been cut off, the Japanese side was under close surveillance by the Southern Army, and warships and small boats could not find opportunities to deliver guns, ammunition, food and other supplies.
The days of Shōhina Shichirō became difficult. It was only after more than ten days that the bandits realised that the lack of an attack by the Southern Army was even more terrifying than an attack. They were going to be trapped on Weimo Lake. So they began to look for opportunities to move, and no longer hid in plain sight. News began to spread that fishing boats were being robbed or hijacked.
Duan Yijie’s lips curled up at the news, and he ordered action according to the established plan. So the Southern Army split into dozens of groups and began to implement the arrest plan.
That evening, Li Zhiqing, the squad leader of the second mobile brigade, took his soldiers and boarded a small fishing boat disguised as a merchant ship loaded with cloth. They set off from Qingyu Town and headed west along Weimo Lake, ready to lure the enemy into the trap.
It was summer dusk, the sudden rain had just stopped, the setting sun was peeking out from behind the clouds, the breeze was gentle, the fragrance of the lotuses was faint, and it was a very comfortable feeling. Li Zhiqing took one soldier, Wang Degong, and sat him at the bow of the boat, while the other ten or so hid in the cabin. Duan Yijie hid at the cabin hatch, observing the situation and giving orders on the fly.
The boat slowly sailed into the middle of the lake, passing through a patch of reeds. Suddenly, a small boat came out of it, with two people standing at the front. One of the taller ones shouted and demanded that the boat be stopped for inspection. Li Zhiqing looked back and signalled, and Duan Yijie immediately signalled for everyone to get ready for battle.
Wang Degong, dressed as a boatman, heard the shouting and hurriedly agreed: ‘Yes! Yes! I obey, and I await your inspection.’ Li Zhiqing, on the other hand, deliberately made it look as if he was going to turn the boat around and try to escape.
The bandits were furious when they saw this, and the taller one pulled a box gun from his waist and shouted, ‘Stop the boat or I’ll shoot you!’ Li Zhiqing pretended to be scared and had to move the boat closer.
As the two boats drew close, the short bandit jumped onto the boat and poked his head into the cabin. Seeing that the boat was loaded with cloth, half hidden and half exposed, he couldn’t help but shout happily, ‘There’s good stuff! Please come over, big brother!’
Then he saw another small boat rowing out from the reeds, with seven or eight people standing on board. When the boat drew close, two of them leapt onto the fishing boat and scrambled into the cabin. As soon as they reached the bottom, they were gagged and arrested by Duan Yijie and his men.
The ‘big brother’ on the boat became suspicious when he saw that the two men who had gone down were not moving, or perhaps he had a feeling that things were not going well, and ordered the boat to set sail and escape. Duan Yijie gave the order: ‘Shoot!’ The soldiers jumped out of the cabin, raised their guns and opened fire on the pirate boat. Several bandits collapsed in response, and those who had jumped into the lake were captured alive after being taken to a diving apparatus and hidden underwater.
At the same time as the gunshot, the short bandit was about to raise his gun to resist, but was kicked to the ground by Wang Degong; the ‘big brother’ on the other boat tried to dive and escape, but was quickly shot by the quick-witted Duan Yijie and fell on the boat. In just a few minutes, the bandits on both boats were dealt with. That evening, the same plot was simultaneously played out all over the lake, and the bandits were unable to defend themselves and suffered heavy losses.
Having understood the tactics of the Southern Army, the bandits retreated; however, they had to eat, so they couldn’t stay out of the way forever. After a few days, the bandits went back into action. So, similar plays were constantly being performed. Nanbu Sheng was furious, but he was also miserable. He slammed his hand on the table and cursed the treacherous Duan Yijie to death several times.
Unfortunately, Duan Yijie’s tactics were really effective. The Southern army not only had an easy time of it, but also used its strength where it was needed, with minimal losses. Even the reporters watching the battle from the sidelines had to admit that if it continued like this, the bandits on Weimo Lake would be wiped out sooner or later.
Duan Yijie had already formulated a plan of action for the next step, but unexpectedly, that day, he received a secret telegram from Yanzhou, asking him to return quickly.
Chapter 47 Do you have a place in your heart for me?
Because they had found out from the prisoners where the bandits’ hideouts were, a few days ago Duan Yijie led his men to raid one of the larger bandit dens and seized a lot of new weapons, as well as the radio he had been trying to dig up.
Jiang Jingwu, who was about to leave, was kept behind to study the origins and characteristics of these weapons and equipment and prepare a report as evidence. Xu Liangchen, whose injuries had improved, was even busier, as the intercepted secret telegrams and a lot of information needed to be translated urgently.
Duan Qiping has been living with her for the past few days. Although the famous journalist’s way of speaking always ends up sounding like a routine interview, and in particular, she always speaks obliquely about her own romantic affairs, leaving Xu Liangchen a bit speechless, as an informed journalist, Xu Liangchen has benefited greatly from spending time with her and talking to her.
It is also because of Duan Qiping’s presence that Duan Yijie has only occasionally come to visit these days. The two rarely spend time alone, let alone act like they did before. Xu Liangchen completely relaxed and focused on translation.
That day, he was sitting in the room reading a few newspapers. The foreigner kidnapped in the Weimo Lake kidnapping case was quickly rescued, and foreign consuls such as the British and American consuls issued statements, giving positive affirmation. The diplomatic pressure on the military government finally eased, and someone from the foreigner also published their own experiences during the kidnapping in the newspaper, which involved unfriendly views and suspicions of the Japanese, causing a series of speculations and debates.
Sooner or later, trouble-makers will trip over the very things they have created. Xu Liangchen was enjoying the show when Duan Yijie’s voice sounded at the door: ‘How have you been these few days? Does the wound still hurt?’
Xu Liangchen looked out the window. It was only midday, so why did this guy have time to come over? Looking up, she saw that Duan Yijie had grown a dark, stubbly beard on his chin since she last saw him. Looking closer, she saw that his bright black eyes were also bloodshot, so it seemed that things were not as easy as they appeared.
This young cold-faced young general is really not easy. Xu Liangchen thought to herself, softening her tone, and said, ‘The wound has gotten better. This is the entire translated secret telegram.’ Thinking that he had come to collect these, Xu Liangchen handed them over.
Duan Yijie glanced at her, took them, but still stared at her, and after a while said, ‘Since you are feeling better, pack up and come back to Yanzhou with me this afternoon.’ The medical conditions there are much better, and recovery should be faster. The girl’s injuries are not small, so don’t leave ugly scars.
Go back? This sudden news made Xu Liangchen slightly stunned, but he nodded immediately. He is a subordinate, of course he will obey the arrangement; besides, there have been a lot of opinions in the newspapers about the kidnapping case at Weimo Lake, and the military government should indeed give a clear statement to make the person behind it a little more restrained.
Although her gaze moved away from the newspaper in her hands, it did not fall on him. It seemed that she was a little distracted. Duan Yijie narrowed his eyes and frowned. This girl who was talking to him was always so absent-minded. Could it be that after spending so much time together, she still hadn’t said a word to him?
Thinking about this, he pulled a chair over and sat down opposite Xu Liangchen, staring at the beauty in front of him with burning eyes. Duan Yijie didn’t leave after getting his things, but instead sat down, causing Xu Liangchen’s heart to ‘pounce’ a little. After a while, in order to cushion the somewhat tense and somewhat ambiguous atmosphere, she asked softly, ‘Do you still have something to do, young master?’
Duan Yijie stared into her eyes, leaning in closer. Xu Liangchen’s breathing caught, and she leaned back in her chair involuntarily. Duan Yijie pursed his lips tightly, and there was a surging undercurrent in his eyes.
Seeing the situation was not good, Xu Liangchen was about to get up. The cold-faced young master moved a little closer, and if he reached out his hand, he would lock himself in the chair, and it would definitely be a miserable sight… Just as he was about to get up, Duan Yijie, as if they were in sync, quickly reached out his hand.
‘What are you…doing?!’ Xu Liangchen frowned, his face darkened, and he said sternly, ‘Please speak your mind, young master, why do you always…’ touch her? Xu Liangchen’s heart raced and her thoughts became a little chaotic.
She didn’t know if it was because they had been spending time together for a while, or because Duan Yijie had saved her life, but she just felt that she couldn’t bring herself to slap the cold-faced young master again.
Duan Yijie looked at her embarrassed expression and didn’t say anything, but just slowly leaned over, pressing Xu Liangchen tightly against the back of the chair. Xu Liangchen’s body could not help but tremble slightly. Unidentified emotions arose from the bottom of her heart. She looked around anxiously, just trying to find a way to break free.
Duan Yijie’s hand stroked the sides of the chair, and his head slowly came closer. The hot, moist breath hit her face. Xu Liangchen felt that the two of them were in an extremely awkward position. She couldn’t help but feel her heart racing like a drum. Unable to hold back any longer, she raised her hand without thinking and slapped him in the face. ‘Get away from me, you’re disgusting!’
Unfortunately, the slap did not land, and halfway through it was intercepted by Duan Yijie. He used his left hand to hold Xu Liangchen’s two soft palms, and his right hand slowly followed the injury on her left arm and slowly slid to her chest, pressing slightly with a slight frown and a still deep face. However, his dark eyes burned with a blazing flame.
Just as Xu Liangchen shyly and angrily looked away, his low voice slowly came: ‘Liangchen, in your heart, is there a place for me?’
Xu Liangchen’s body froze, and her big eyes blinked a few times, as if she couldn’t think of why the cold-faced young master suddenly asked such a thing. However, she heard Duan Yijie continue: ‘Although I don’t understand, I cherish and take relationships seriously. To like someone is for the long term, for a lifetime…’
Careful, long-lasting, or I may not say I’ll love you forever, but not saying it doesn’t mean there’s no feeling. I’ve always felt that what can be said is probably not true.
Can you believe me?
Those dark eyes told of the emotions in their owner’s heart, gazing over as deeply as the sea. Xu Liangchen’s heart was in turmoil, his thoughts suddenly coming to a halt. What? Why did the cold-faced young master suddenly say these things?
He is overbearing and strong, so it is easier to deal with him—at least I feel that I am on the side of justice, and I can despise him, accuse him, and ignore him. But this confession, what should I do? Anyway, there is nothing wrong with liking someone, right? Whether or not to accept him is a different matter…
Just as he was thinking this, Duan Yijie did not continue to pester him as usual, but instead withdrew his hand and sat up straight, staring at Xu Liangchen’s pretty face as it changed expressions.
The camellia on the desk, which he had someone deliver a few days ago, was blooming beautifully, and the contrast between the flowers and her face was mesmerising. Duan Yijie suddenly felt a little dazed. Thinking about what his father had said in the secret telegram, he wondered how she would react when she found out.
Chapter 48: Would you like to eat it for the rest of your life?
Partly happy and partly worried, Duan Yijie couldn’t help but stare at Xu Liangchen’s pretty face.
Xu Liangchen was embarrassed by his gaze and hurriedly stood up and tried to walk away. This person was acting strange today, saying such strange things. And now he’s just staring at me, as if there’s a flower growing on my face.
He turned around and looked up, only to suddenly realise that Duan Qiping and Jiang Jingwu were standing in the doorway. Jiang Jingwu looked complicated, while Duan Qiping had a smile on her lips. When did these two arrive? Xu Liangchen was embarrassed and hurriedly invited them in.
Jiang Jingwu frowned slightly, looked at Xu Liangchen deeply, and didn’t say anything. Duan Qiping, however, just smiled and asked in his usual tone, ‘Brother, Hongyi said he was going back to Yanzhou this afternoon?’
Duan Yijie looked at Jiang Jingwu and Xu Liangchen intently, nodded, but did not explain the reason for the rush to return: ‘Yes, you and Director Jiang should go back too. I have already arranged things here, and we will set off immediately in a while.’
After saying this, he glanced at Xu Liangchen, got up and left. Duan Qiping thought about it for a while, and followed him out.
The house was left with only Jiang Jingwu and Xu Liangchen, and the silence for a while seemed a bit oppressive.
Xu Liangchen was still a little uncomfortable from the situation earlier, and Jiang Jingwu’s probing gaze made her heart beat faster, so she walked over to the table and tidied up the papers on it. Jiang Jingwu’s eyes followed her pretty figure, and his emotions were a little turbulent. What he had heard and seen just now made his heart sink.
The cold-faced young master spoke those words, and Jiang Jingwu was both surprised and a little uneasy.
Over the past few days at Weimo Lake, he could tell that Duan Yijie had developed feelings for Xiaochen. Although he still had a frosty demeanour, he had taken meticulous care of her without saying a word. Xiao Chen was in a coma for three days after being injured, and I heard that Duan Yijie watched over him without blinking for three days; the medicine Xiao Chen used and the food he liked were all sent here from Yanzhou…If it is said that before, Duan Dasha created a scandal and forced people to do things against their will, Jiang Jingwu simply didn’t care; he treats Xu Liangchen with such care, and Jiang Jingwu feels a sense of crisis.
There was very little stuff, and Xu Liangchen finished packing it all in no time. He was about to tie the straps of his backpack when Jiang Jingwu came over and said, ‘Be careful with your hands, I’ll do it.’
Xu Liangchen looked at him gratefully and smiled, ‘Thank you.’
Jiang Jingwu tied the straps and looked up, looking at her tenderly and saying, ‘If you want to thank me, you can’t just say thank you, when you go back to Yanzhou, you have to treat me to dinner.’
Xu Liangchen blinked, not expecting him to suddenly make this request, and smiled and agreed, ‘Okay, I was the one who cancelled the appointment at Lu Yuan, so I will definitely treat you, Aunt Liao, and your husband to dinner when I go back this time.’
Jiang Jingwu gazed at her bright and pretty face and suddenly asked, ‘Xiaochen, do you still want some ice cream I made?’
Ice cream? Xu Liangchen looked at his warm eyes and then looked back at the gloomy sky outside the window. Yes, it was already summer. If it weren’t for the strange weather this year, with continuous rain and cloudy skies, this would be the time when ice cream would be all the rage. Thinking about the delicious, smooth and cool taste, she couldn’t help but lick her red lips: ‘I want it. Can you make it here?’
Jiang Jingwu slowly gathered the smile on his lips, did not answer her question, but looked at her very seriously and said, ‘Xiaochen, would you like to eat forever?’
Eat…forever? Xu Liangchen suddenly understood what he meant, and could not help but catch her breath. Jiang Jingwu was saying…her heart suddenly skipped a beat, and for a moment she did not know how to answer his question.
Having grown up together for so many years, Xu Liangchen admitted that she had thought about marrying Jiang Jingwu. After all, Dr Jiang’s plain but affectionate marriage to Aunt Liao, and their down-to-earth but warm home, had always been deeply embedded in her heart. The Jiang residence was already like half a home to her; moreover, Jingwu was intelligent, warm-hearted and romantic, and she would be happy and well cared for as his wife.
Marrying into the Jiang family means having parents-like in-laws, a gentle and capable husband, and a peaceful and tranquil life. This was the life Xu Liangchen had longed for.
Liao Yufeng had also hinted at the two of them, and Xu Liangchen knew, but they had always let nature take its course. Unexpectedly, today Jiang Jingwu asked outright, and Xu Liangchen didn’t know what to do for a moment.
Say yes? The two of them had been apart for several years, and they had only met for a month or so. It was unclear whether their interests and hobbies had changed, not to mention that there was Duan Daxiao lurking around… Xu Liangchen felt a mixture of emotions when he thought about Duan Yijie. He had just said those things for no reason… Say no? Isn’t that kind of peaceful and simple happiness what you have always pursued and hoped for?
Jiang Jingwu’s hand covered her small hand resting on her backpack. His dark eyes were gentle as he looked at her eagerly. Xu Liangchen’s cherry lips moved, but she couldn’t say her answer for a moment.
‘Xiaochen…’ Jiang Jingwu softly called out. Just as he was struggling with his decision, the door was knocked on lightly. Duan Qiping stood at the door, smiling, ‘Liangchen, do you need help packing? The car is ready, we can go.’
Xu Liangchen answered a little uncomfortably, trying to lift his backpack, and in the process, unobtrusively covering and avoiding any intimate contact with Jiang Jingwu. Jiang Jingwu gave a small smile, took hold of the straps of the backpack, and said gently, ‘I’ll take it.’
Xu Liangchen looked at his gentle smile and insistent expression, and with his eyebrows lowered, he silently withdrew the words of thanks he wanted to say.
Watching the situation between the two, Duan Qiping’s expression was as usual, his smile still in place, but he was a little worried.
The rainstorm had stopped for some time, so the road was no longer as difficult to travel as it had been on the way here, and the car was travelling much faster. Duan Yijie seemed to be in a hurry, ordering the car to drive day and night all the way. When the car entered Yanzhou, it was the evening of the third day.
The setting sun, about to set, cast a golden glow among the branches and leaves of the sycamore trees. Xu Liangchen was taken directly back to Sun’s house, and she let out a sigh of relief as she watched the car drive away.
Although the cold-faced young master didn’t say much along the way, his dark eyes always gazed at her thoughtfully. The meaning was beyond her understanding, but she subconsciously felt danger and couldn’t help feeling uneasy. She always felt like something unexpected was about to happen.
Chapter 49: Would you like to see them?
It was evening, and the Sun family was preparing for dinner. Xu Liangchen walked into the courtyard, where several maids and old women were carrying meals to the dining room. They greeted her respectfully, and some hurriedly went inside to report the news.
As soon as she entered the living room, Cai Fengqi came out smiling to greet her. She took her backpack and handed it to her maid, Sanxiang, telling her to take it upstairs. She smiled and said, ‘Chenglin has been saying for the past few days that you might be coming back. You must be exhausted. Meichen has also been here a few times, worrying about you. Do you want some dinner first…’
Xu Liangchen saw that his cousin-in-law looked normal, and his constant worry eased a little. He smiled and thanked her, saying, ‘Thank you, cousin. Are you worried about your grandmother’s health? But my superior has sent me on a business trip. You go ahead and eat, I’ll go up and take a shower, I’m all sweaty from the journey.’
Cai Fengqi saw that she was tired from her journey and looked very weary, so she smiled and said, ‘Grandma is fine, don’t worry. Take your time to unpack and rest, there’s no rush, your cousin isn’t back yet.’ After seeing Xu Liangchen off to the corridor, Cai Fengqi turned back and told the maid, ‘Go tell the kitchen that Miss Er is back, and prepare some of her usual dishes.’
Xu Liangchen’s heart warmed at these words. During the years she had lived with the Sun family, her cousin and his wife had never given the three sisters the cold shoulder, and had always treated them like their own sisters. This alone was a bond that she knew she could never repay. Although her cousin’s wife and her younger cousin were like fire and water, she had never resented the younger cousin or blamed her for learning to paint from her. Xu Liangchen was grateful for this.
Back upstairs, the maid Liu Xiang helped him shower. Xu Liangchen changed his clothes and sat in front of the dressing table, letting her dry his long hair while asking about the situation at home. Liu Xiang was only in her teens and usually very lively and active, but this time she was a bit sad and gloomy, keeping her head down and not saying a word.
Xu Liangchen looked at her attentively in the mirror and laughed, ‘What’s wrong? Did Sanxiang and the others bully you?’
Liu Xiang shook her head, her expression sad: ‘No, I heard that there was a tsunami in our hometown. Miss Er, you are well informed, do you know what happened? … I’m worried about my family…’
Xu Liangchen looked at her sideways: ‘Your hometown is Yuntai? There was a tsunami there?’ During this time, he had been away from Yanzhou and had no idea about it.
Liu Xiang nodded, and Xu Liangchen sighed. Turning back, he took her hand and softly persuaded her, ‘Liu Xiang, don’t worry, I’ll find out for you.’
The little girl shed tears and thanked Xu Liangchen. At this time, the kitchen sent up the finished meal. Thinking about the tragedy of the tsunami, Xu Liangchen suddenly lost his appetite. He ate a little reluctantly and asked Erxiang, who was clearing the table, while opening the letter: ‘Has my cousin been busy lately?’
Erxiang is Sunfu’s maid and has always been by Cai Fengqi’s side. She is well informed about the goings-on in the household. Hearing this, she smiles at Xu Liangchen and replies in a low voice, ‘Recently, Sir has always been coming home very late. Sometimes I hear him sighing and worrying. It seems that there have been floods and tsunamis in Yuntai and Subei, and many refugees have fled to the outskirts of Yanzhou. Both Madam and Second Madam have donated money and goods.’
‘Please bring me the latest newspaper.’ Seeing that Erxiang had finished washing the dishes and was preparing to go downstairs, Xu Liangchen hurriedly instructed her. Erxiang promised and led the little girl away.
The phone rang. Xu Liangchen thought it was his eldest sister, Meichen, and walked over to pick up the receiver. He sat down on the sofa and said with a smile, ’Eldest sister.’
‘Katherine, it’s me.’ David’s voice also had a smile in it: “When did you get back? Are you healed? I called many times before I found you.”
Not many days after David and the others were rescued from the foreigner’s house, they were sent back to Yanzhou by Duan Yijie. Only a few reporters like NHK insisted on staying for a while before leaving.
Xu Liangchen didn’t answer David’s question, but asked directly, ’Floods and tsunamis have occurred in Yuntai and other places. Do you know the details?’
‘I know,’ David replied quickly. ’It is said that on the 14th, there was a sudden northwesterly wind in Yuntai, Subei and other places, with dark clouds and heavy rain. It was also the time of the spring tide, and the sea water was pushed back by the northwesterly wind, and did not recede for several tides. By the 16th, the wind continued to increase, gusts above level 10, and the temperature dropped suddenly. Late at night, the sea barrier was washed away by the waves, and outside the dike, it suddenly became a sea…’
Erxiang knocked on the door and delivered the latest newspaper. Xu Liangchen hurriedly took it and flipped to the section about the tsunami. It said: ‘The impact of the waves was extremely strong. Houses with a general earth and straw structure could not withstand a single wave. Even sturdy houses with a stone and brick structure were overturned by several big waves and swept away into the water. Stone mills and grinders were also washed away for several zhangs, haystacks and livestock were swept along with the waves, and some people clung to a piece of wood and drifted; some families fell on top of the collapsed houses; some saw that there was no way to escape, so the whole family tied themselves together with a rope, living and dying together; when the sea water passed through, there were very few survivors…‘
’Katherine, are you listening?’ David asked anxiously, unable to hear Xu Liangchen’s voice.
Xu Liangchen nodded in response and looked away from the newspaper. How would the military government deal with such a cruel natural disaster? He asked, ‘What measures has the military government taken in response to the tsunami and natural disaster?’
‘Relief for refugees and emergency repairs to the dykes,’ David didn’t expect Xu Liangchen to seize on this topic and had to continue talking about the information he had received: ‘However, the military government has limited financial resources and I heard that it is seeking a loan from a consortium of five countries…’
A loan from a group of five countries? Xu Liangchen’s heart stirred. When Duan Yijie had talked to him about work before, had he not said that the Northern Military Government was preparing to negotiate a loan to pacify the South? Now that there were floods and tsunamis in the South, a loan from the Military Government would be more humanitarian than the Northern Military Government’s use of the loan for war. However, the Northern Military Government had first proposed the loan, and it would not be easy for the Southern Military Government to intervene.
‘Katherine, have you recovered from your injury?’ David finally had the opportunity to ask about his concern, and asked again. Xu Liangchen hurriedly said that it had already recovered. The two chatted for a while, and David, who wanted to say something but couldn’t, said, ’What do you think about us? Katherine, don’t you want to go back to the United States?’
David had been in a bad mood recently, not only because his relationship with Xu Liangchen had been suddenly interrupted by Duan Yijie, and there was a lot of resistance between the two of them; it was also because he had discovered that the current Far East, from a news perspective, was a pool of stagnant water. The interest of the world was focused on the European war; newspapers and the public in the United States and even the world lacked interest in China and even the Far East. There were only two full-time American reporters in Yanzhou, U.S. News & World Report’s Soros and him. Most of the foreign language newspaper reporters were part-time, their main occupation was working for the local English language newspapers, and they only occasionally sent articles to newspapers in New York or London.
Under these circumstances, his hopes of becoming famous in the press were slim. So David moved to return to his country, but he could not let go of Xu Liangchen. If Catherine agreed, the two of them would go back to the United States hand in hand, something he dreamed about. China was currently not only in the grip of warlord chaos, but also suffering from natural disasters. Why couldn’t Catherine just give up?
Xu Liangchen was silent when she heard him ask these questions. In this short period of time, she felt that the distance between herself and David was becoming more and more obvious. A child doesn’t dislike its mother’s ugliness. No matter how chaotic and backward it is, this is still her own country, so how can she just give it up?
Seeing that Xu Liangchen was not answering her, David knew that there was no rush, so he changed the subject and talked about the reason for calling today: ‘I’m worried about your injuries… Also, a few days ago, the Minister Plenipotentiary of the Japanese Legation in Yenzhou, Shigemitsu, called me and said that their military attaché’s office would like to meet Miss Katherine from National Geographic. Katherine, would you like to meet with them?’
Chapter 50: A time of many events
The people from the Japanese legation want to meet with her? Xu Liangchen was momentarily taken aback, but then she smiled faintly and said, ‘David, there’s something going on at home. Please give me a little time to think about it. I’ll call you when I’ve made up my mind, okay?’
What could the Japanese want with her, a small-time reporter? Although Xu Liangchen couldn’t figure it out, she was certain that it had to do with official business. For that reason, she needed to report to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and even discuss it with Duan Yijie, and that would take time.
As she listened to David’s gentlemanly and warm voice, she felt warm inside. The scandal had been going on for so long, and no outsider had ever been able to discover that Katherine from National Geographic was Xu Liangchen. She had to admit that both David and Duan Yijie had protected her very well.
She of course knew how the Japanese did things, and these ubiquitous guys must have found out her real identity through other channels before they let the magazine convey it.
‘David, thank you.’ Xu Liangchen sincerely thanked him when she thought of this. David instantly understood what she meant and laughed, “I don’t have a good impression of the Japanese either, and I don’t want to tell them too much.”
The two hung up after talking about the magazine. Xu Liangchen hesitated for a long time before dialing Duan Yijie’s direct line. She was a little surprised that he had called her, and there was a hint of excitement in Duan Yijie’s tired voice, ’Liangchen, is that really you? Why aren’t you resting yet?’
Xu Liangchen replied indifferently, focusing on the fact that the Japanese legation had asked to see her.
Duan Yijie was silent for a moment after hearing this, and then frowned and said, ‘I think it’s probably about Weimo Lake. The NHK reporter saw you being treated for your injuries, so they probably think they can get information from you.’ The kidnapping case had been widely reported, and recent speculation in the newspapers had already hinted at the culprit behind it. The Japanese legation staff were busy working everywhere, so it was no surprise that they had found Xu Liangchen.
After listening to Duan Yijie’s words, Xu Liangchen thought to himself, I guess the Japanese are a bit busy right now. Just as he was thinking, Duan Yijie continued, ‘Go and meet them, it’s good to understand their thinking… But don’t go alone, just let Qiping accompany you, I’ll arrange the rest, is that okay?’
This is a matter of national importance for the government, so of course Xu Liangchen agreed, ‘In that case, I’ll contact Miss Er once I’ve set a time and place with the other party.
‘Good, call me as soon as you’ve set a time.’ Duan Yijie agreed, gave Xu Liangchen Duan Qiping’s phone number, and then changed the subject: “Liangchen, the government is preparing to negotiate a loan for the flood damage with a group of five countries” banks. The situation is difficult, as you probably know. Today, Chief Minister Wang asked me to ask you to return to the negotiation team as an interpreter. I agreed. What do you think?’
You mostly agreed, so what else can I say? Xu Liangchen couldn’t help but secretly grumble, but she also understood that this was a matter of great importance to the victims of the disaster, and she felt that she had a duty to do it, so of course she agreed.
It seemed that he already knew her answer, and Duan Yijie was not at all surprised, and continued, ‘Liangchen, in addition, Mayor Sun’s appointment will be announced soon. Since the Japanese have taken an interest in you, I think it would be better if you moved out of Sun’s house.’
Xu Liangchen was slightly stunned, but she understood what he meant as soon as she thought about it.
Her cousin was about to be promoted to mayor of Yanzhou City, and she was his cousin. The Japanese could not be kept in the dark about this for long. They had noticed her, and they must have ulterior motives. If they ever found out that the cousin of the mayor of Yanzhou City was not only an insider in the Weimo Lake incident, but would also be the translator for the negotiations on the Five-Nation Loan, she was afraid that she would be in trouble for the rest of her life.
Furthermore, the relationship between the Northern Military Government and the Japanese cabinet is much closer than that between the Southern Military Government, and the Japanese attitude towards the negotiations is highly suspicious.
Duan Yijie’s suggestion made sense, but if he moved out, where would he live? A question he had never considered before, which made Xu Liangchen feel a little confused for a moment.
‘Qi Ping is living by herself in Zhuyuan, which is the old residence of a former Qing Dynasty official. It is in the French Concession, in a quiet environment, and the surrounding residents are not complicated. If you like, you might as well live with her,’ Duan Yijie explained without emotion.
Not thinking clearly for a moment, Xu Liangchen declined: ’I’ll think about it and get back to you.’
Duan Yijie did not persuade him any further, and the two quickly hung up. Thinking about what had happened tonight, Duan Yijie’s remarks about the domestic and international reactions to the Weimo Lake kidnapping case, and the desperate actions of the Japanese, Xu Liangchen felt that there was no time to lose. So he called David and told him that he agreed to meet with the Japanese. David also asked to go along, and the two discussed the time and place.
David was resolute and swift, quickly making contact with the other party. After the deal was done, Xu Liangchen hung up the phone and called Duan Yijie and Qi Ping separately, and the matter was settled.
After hanging up the phone, Xu Liangchen let out a sigh of relief. Just as he lifted his teacup, he heard a knock on the door. He walked over and opened the door. To his surprise, it was Sun Menglin: ‘Cousin?’
Sun Menglin stood outside the door, his smile unable to hide the fatigue on his face. ‘Are you tired today, Second Sister? Pack up and go out with me, the General wants to see you.’
Duan Zhengxun? Xu Liangchen looked at him in shock. Why? She had only returned this evening, and not only did it sound on the phone that so much had happened, but the highly-placed and powerful General Duan was also summoning her in such a hurry? Why?
Since it was her cousin who had come to fetch her, she could not refuse, of course. Xu Liangchen turned around, changed her shoes, and got into the car behind Sun Menglin. ‘Cousin, what’s wrong? Why does General Duan want to see me?’ She frowned.
Sun Menglin had already met with Duan Zhengxun and knew exactly what was about to happen. Seeing Xu Liangchen’s dark eyes, like stars in the sky, looking at him with worry and innocence, he couldn’t help but sigh. Instead of answering Xu Liangchen’s question directly, he talked about Xu Jiachen: ‘My third sister called yesterday. Unfortunately, you weren’t home. The European war has been going on recently, and it has had some impact there, but fortunately nothing major. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has a new counsellor in place, and I’ve asked them to take care of things as best they can.’
‘Thank you, cousin.’ Although one doesn’t say thank you for a great favour, Liangchen was truly grateful from the bottom of her heart for her cousin’s care and concern for the three sisters.
Sun Menglin gave a warm smile and said with emotion, ‘As long as I can remember, my aunt has been the person I want to be close to. She is pretty, gentle, dignified and generous, and cares about the smallest things. In my heart, you three are like real sisters, and your happiness is what my cousin hopes for from the bottom of his heart.’ The yellowish light from the street lamps flashed outside the car window, and Sun Menglin looked deeply at Xu Liangchen and said, ‘Second sister, there are some things you don’t need to think about too much, just do what you think is right in your heart, and your cousin will definitely support you.’
Xu Liangchen blinked at him, wondering what her cousin meant by those last words. She was a little puzzled, but the mist in her eyes could not be held back. Her cousin was truly a man of great compassion and loyalty. When she and her sisters were abandoned by their father, he not only generously took them in, but also provided them with good living and educational conditions. Now that she was facing the choice of career and future, he had given her unlimited freedom.
Seeing the deep gratitude in Xu Liangchen’s eyes, Sun Menglin changed the subject, talking about the recent floods and tsunami and the government’s work arrangements, and then asking her for some details about the Weimo Lake kidnapping case. As the two chatted, they saw the car turn a corner, and the front gate of the Dashaifu Mansion, guarded by two stone lions, came into view.
Although it was already night, the front of the Da Shuai Mansion was brightly lit, with a steady stream of vehicles and people coming and going. The car pulled up in the square in front of the mansion, and the guards saluted as Sun Menglin and Xu Liangchen walked in.
The first thing that caught their eye was a brick-carved screen wall, and beyond that was the first courtyard of the Da Shuai Mansion. In the front was the gatehouse, with an aisle in the middle, a communication room on the east side, and on both sides were the guards’ rooms, as well as other buildings such as the east and west wings.
Behind the flowery door is the second courtyard, with seven main rooms, a central doorway, and unequal east and west wings. This is where the various levels of the general’s staff conducted official business. Further back is the third courtyard, where Xu Liangchen went the last time he was here, and where the family members lived.
Sun Menglin led Xu Liangchen out of the east gate of the second courtyard, which was the east courtyard garden of the general’s mansion. Located in the north of the garden was the centre of the general’s mansion where Duan Zhengxun met with people and conducted his work – the north building. It was a three-storey European Gothic-style building with a brick and concrete structure facing south. The colour scheme was simple and elegant, with a high platform and a nine-step staircase with a pair of eight-character hanging belts on the south-east sides.
Before they had even reached the steps, a soldier in uniform greeted them with a salute in the light: ‘Mayor Sun, the General has sent his subordinate to greet you here.’ He glanced at Xu Liangchen next to Sun Menglin in the corner of his eye.
Sun Menglin greeted him politely: ‘Thank you for waiting, Lieutenant Zhu. Is the General free now?’
Lieutenant Zhu reached out to invite them in, and he smiled and agreed: ‘The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Wang, just left, so it’s a good time for you to come, Mayor Sun.’
The group walked into the building, and Vice-Officer Zhu led the way directly to the second floor: ‘The marshal is in the upstairs reception room.’ After looking at Xu Liangchen again, Vice-Officer Zhu said with some difficulty, ‘Mayor Sun, the marshal has something to arrange. He said that if you come, you should immediately go to the Ministry of Social Affairs and find Minister Yang… I’ll take the young lady up.’ After looking at Xu Liangchen, Vice-Officer Zhu added, ‘The madam is also upstairs.’
Of course, ‘madam’ refers to Mrs. Lu. This is where Duan Zhengxun works. At this late hour, why would a woman be here?
Chapter 51: Marriage
Sun Menglin pondered for a moment, and then reluctantly conceded that there was no point in insisting on going with her, as things had already come to this. These matters were best left to Ermei to decide for herself. With that in mind, she smiled and instructed Liangchen to go with Zhu. A servant came over and led him downstairs.
As she watched his back, Liangchen felt her unease grow. She had no choice but to follow Zhu upstairs.
She had thought about the reason for Duan Zhengxun summoning her on the way here. In the end, she thought, could it be about Duan Qiping? Qiping went to Weimo Lake, and it seems that the general and his wife probably didn’t know about it. Now she’s back in Yanzhou and living in the Bamboo Garden again. If she asks Duan Yijie about something, he probably won’t tell her. These days, she and Qiping have been living close together, so maybe Duan Zhengxun and his wife want to find out something through her?
Her thoughts were a little confused, and before she knew it, she had gone upstairs. Standing in front of the door to the reception room, she heard a familiar, crisp voice coming from inside: ‘…Father is dedicated to the welfare of the people. Why can’t his daughter have the same ideals? I am an upright journalist and an honest citizen. I save the country with the news, serve the world with the news, seek the truth, do not deceive readers, and benefit the country and the nation. In this new era, men and women are equal, so why can’t Father approve of what his daughter does?’
Then Duan Zhengxun coldly snorted, ‘Why can’t she accept her father’s arrangements when she’s working for the country and the nation? University professors teach and educate people, what a noble profession! Why must you be an enemy of the warriors with guns? Today you make sarcastic remarks, tomorrow you make accusations. The daughter of a grand marshal has even been imprisoned and wanted several times. You have a lot of face, don’t you?’
‘News should be based on the truth and informed by the law. The warlords killed innocent people indiscriminately, and the foreign powers undermined China’s sovereignty. It was the duty of upright journalists to question and criticise. Did your daughter do anything wrong?’ The crisp voice was unyielding and righteous.
‘You’re just making things up, you bastard…’ Duan Zhengxun slammed his hand on the table, followed by a well-meaning exhortation from Madam Lu: ’Why don’t you two just talk things over? You haven’t seen each other for a few years, and when you do, you slam the table and glare at each other. Qi Ping, the General has been busy and upset lately, so please don’t argue with him…’
Duan Qiping is here? So it really is about her? Xu Liangchen was pondering, when Deputy Officer Zhu knocked lightly on the door to the reception room. The voices inside fell silent, and then the deep voice of Duan Zhengxun came out: ‘Come in.’
Deputy Officer Zhu opened the door and reported in a standing position: ‘Reporting to the General, Miss Xu is here.’
Xu Liangchen looked up slightly, his gaze quickly sweeping the room. Although he was a little surprised, his heart instantly eased, as he knew he had thought of the right thing.
Duan Zhengxun looked up at Zhu, who was standing straight with a single-minded focus, and then at Xu Liangchen behind him. He nodded slightly and said, ‘Good.’ Zhu saluted, quietly withdrew, and closed the door.
Duan Zhengxun sat in the main seat in the middle of the reception room. Although he was dressed in casual clothes, he could not hide his fierce momentum and the dignity brought about by his years in high positions. He looked at Xu Liangchen with burning eyes, and Duan Zhengxun continued to smoke his cigar in silence.
Next to him was Madam Lu, dressed in a dark cheongsam. When Xu Liangchen entered, she frowned slightly, looking helpless and worried, but in an instant, she had a dignified smile on her face. Duan Qiping stood at one end of the sofa, slightly frowning, looking quite tired.
Thinking about the noise he had heard outside the door just now, Xu Liangchen was certain of his thoughts: Duan Zhengxun and his wife wanted to see him because of Qi Ping’s matter.
‘Generalissimo, Madam, Second Miss.’ Pressing down his thoughts, Xu Liangchen greeted them with a smile. Madam Lu smiled and took her hand. “You just returned to Yanzhou today and I asked you to come over. You must be tired after all these days of rushing around. I heard that you were injured, are you all better now?”
Xu Liangchen thanked her with a smile, ’Thank you, Madam, for your concern. I’m fine now. I don’t know what the Generalissimo and Madam want with Liangchen, what are your orders? It’s getting late, I’m disturbing the Generalissimo and Madam’s rest.’
Duan Qiping kept his concerned gaze on her, and Xu Liangchen nodded slightly to indicate her consent, and Duan Qiping gave a small smile.
Although her words were gentle, she got straight to the point. Mrs Lu smiled, and glanced somewhat unnaturally at Duan Zhengxun. Duan Zhengxun exhaled a few smoke rings, extinguished the cigar in his hand, and took the teacup without saying a word, looking at Mrs Lu impassively.
Her husband didn’t say anything, so Mrs Lu had to take the lead. She saw Duan Qiping pass a glass of water to Xu Liangchen, looked at the two of them a few times, didn’t answer Xu Liangchen’s question, gently patted her hand, sighed, and laughed to herself, ‘I’m sorry to have embarrassed you. This father and son are both stubborn, and when they meet, they are bound to argue. It’s been years and they haven’t changed.’
Not understanding what Mrs. Lu meant, Xu Liangchen just smiled. Duan Qiping glanced at his father upon hearing this and thought for a moment before smiling.
‘Still laughing? You’re obviously already a famous journalist, but you’re still acting like a child, arguing with your father.’ Mrs. Lu gave Duan Qiping a sideways glance, smiling with a hint of anger, and then sighed wistfully, “Alas, life was difficult in the early years, and the old lady suffered a lot. It wasn’t easy. Things got better, but now her health is failing. The Marshal and I have been at our wits” end about what to do about this.’
Duan Qiping’s expression changed upon hearing this, and his eyebrows furrowed tightly.
Thinking about the unexpected bond with Madam Duan when they first met, Xu Liangchen couldn’t help but feel a little sad. He hurriedly comforted her in a soft voice, ‘The elderly are kind and loving, and as younger people, we pray that they will be blessed with a long and healthy life. Fortunately, medical science has developed by leaps and bounds, and we will definitely be able to find an effective remedy.’ Although the comfort was a little vague, the words were spoken very sincerely, and Madam Lu nodded in relief.
‘The old lady always says that when you get old, you become indifferent to material things, but you long for affection. There’s nothing better than seeing your descendants grow up safe and happy.’ Mrs. Lu spoke softly, but Xu Liangchen felt strange. Did she call him here at this late hour just to chat? Or was she looking for him in connection with the old lady?
‘Liangchen,’ Madame Lu looked up and gazed into Xu Liangchen’s eyes, “although you have only met once, the old lady has never forgotten you. It is rare that we have such a connection. There is something…the general and I would like to discuss with you and hear your opinion.”
If it really had something to do with Old Lady Duan, Xu Liangchen hurriedly took over the conversation, ’Madame, you need not be polite. If the general and you have something to discuss, please feel free to tell me. Liangchen will do her best if she can.’
Duan Zhengxun looked at her with sparkling eyes and suddenly said, ‘The boss’s marriage is the old lady’s greatest wish. Since you said it so readily, then it’s settled. I also promise you that for other requests, as long as the general’s mansion can do it, you can just name it.’
What…the boss’s marriage? What does that have to do with what I just said? Xu Liangchen looked at the Duan couple with confusion, but her heart subconsciously sank.
‘It is Yijie’s blessing to marry a talented and beautiful family lady like you.’ Mrs. Lu observed the situation and quickly laughed to smooth things over: ’Although everyone calls him the young marshal, Yijie is still young and inexperienced. You are a talented woman who has studied abroad and is well-versed in many things. You will be family in the future, so please give him more guidance…’
Xu Liangchen was shocked. He felt as if he had just woken up from a dream. Tonight, Mr. and Mrs. Duan Zhengxun summoned him here, and after all the twists and turns, they were talking about his marriage to Duan Yijie?
Chapter 52: The old man wants to dig a pit
Xu Liangchen had previously been dragged by Duan Yijie to visit Madam Duan at the Marshal’s Mansion, pretending to be his fiancée, and had also heard the insinuations of people like Madam Lu and Wu Wenjuan. Xu Liangchen had not completely failed to consider the consequences of the scandal.
However, as the cold-faced young master no longer pressed every step, and after leaving the general’s mansion, apart from joining the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, her life was basically unaffected. Therefore, Xu Liangchen ignored the severity of the problem like an ostrich, and thought that the whole thing was just an impulsive and nonsensical idea of Duan Yijie that would fade away with time.
The aftermath of the kidnapping at Weimo Lake is still ongoing, with the Japanese moving around; the negotiations for a loan from the Five Nations Bank are about to begin, and she is relieved to be able to do what she can for the people of the country. But then, Mr. and Mrs. Duan Zhengxun suddenly proposed a marriage.
Moreover, the couple sang in unison, with one playing the black face and the other the red face, leaving no room for refusal.
Previously, Duan Zhengxun and Mrs. Lu had not said a word about this matter, and Duan Qiping had never expected that her parents would invite Xu Liangchen tonight to strongly persuade her to marry her eldest brother. Upon hearing this, she could not help but stare at Xu Liangchen in stunned silence.
A flash of shocked panic crossed her eyes. Xu Liangchen suppressed her rapid heartbeat, calmed herself, looked up at Madam Lu, and gave an unnatural, faint smile: ‘Madam is joking. The young master is a military and political leader, young and accomplished. Liangchen is just an orphan girl who knows a few words of Western languages. The families are not suitable for each other, and she is really not worthy of the young master.’
She raised her eyebrows slightly and looked at Duan Zhengxun, who had a stern expression, and Xu Liangchen gritted his teeth. Since he had already spoken, he might as well finish: ‘Thank you, Generalissimo and Madam, for your kind consideration. Liangchen knows his own status and really doesn’t dare to climb too high. There are countless beautiful women in the foreign settlement, and your family will definitely be able to choose a suitable young mistress.’
Although it was a polite refusal, it was after all an immediate rejection, which was a great embarrassment to the general’s household. Xu Liangchen had no idea how Duan Zhengxun, who had always been powerful and never allowed to refuse, would react.
After all, she suddenly heard the news about her life, and her expression of shock, panic and helplessness was clearly seen by Duan Zhengxun’s fierce eyes. Under these circumstances, the young girl insisted on being calm and dignified, and her words were generous and sensible. Duan Zhengxun couldn’t help but praise in his heart: what poise and courage!
His eyes narrowed and he stared straight ahead, just meeting Xu Liangchen’s gaze. The unreadable majesty in his expression made Xu Liangchen’s breathing pause, but he persisted without flinching.
Next to them, Mrs Lu’s smile was a little awkward.
Regardless of how outstanding her son is, the fact that the military governor of the sixteen southern provinces and his wife are personally proposing marriage is a great honour for any family and woman, regardless of status. This Miss Xu is truly exceptional, pretending to be foolish and resisting all along.
Is marrying into the military governor’s family really so unbearable for her?
Duan Qiping watched the three of them engage in a battle of wits from the sidelines, and his emotions were a little complicated.
Xu Liangchen is intelligent and generous, with a gentle disposition, and he and his brother are a perfect match in every way; but she doesn’t have the slightest feeling for her brother, let alone love. Her father couldn’t wait and forced a marriage upon them, taking advantage of their position to coerce them into this marriage. Even if it does come to fruition, I don’t know if it will be a good match or a curse.
Xu Liangchen’s refusal was tactful but direct. Fortunately, Mrs. Lu, who was experienced and worldly-wise, had a quick wit. Although she didn’t quite agree in her heart, her smile remained unchanged: ‘We’re family, so there’s no need to beat around the bush. Liangchen, why are you being polite with me? Your marriage was announced by Yi Jie himself, and it’s still all over the newspapers. That night, I also told you that once the old lady’s health improves, we’ll get down to business.’
You are indeed the head of the household of the general’s mansion. Your words are intimate and gentle, but they contain a hidden meaning. At the beginning, your affair was announced by the general himself, and it even made the newspapers. There was also talk of your engagement and recognition as his daughter-in-law. Why didn’t you just refuse outright at the time?
At that time, the situation was so pressing that I was not allowed to make my own decisions. Xu Liangchen frowned slightly in annoyance.
Mrs. Lu smiled and half-jokingly continued, ‘Why, Liangchen, are you blaming me and the general for taking so long?’
Seeing Xu Liangchen smile, Mrs Lu sighed to lighten the mood: ‘First, I want you to spend more time together; second, with all the recent national and family affairs, they, as father and son, are committed to the country and rarely have any freedom. You grew up around Mayor Sun, so I think you can understand all this. Today, the marshal met with Mayor Sun and said that you can make your own decisions regarding the marriage. If you have any requests, you can speak up, and the marshal and I will agree to whatever we can.’
Xu Liangchen’s heart sank at these words from Madam Lu.
He had refused outright, but it was hard to take Madam Lu’s words as a mixture of truth and lies. She had mentioned state affairs, family matters, and even his cousin. If he agreed to marry, he could name his conditions – outwardly, she was being tolerant, but in contrast, was she not also reminding and warning him? The marriage arranged by the general’s household was not one that could be refused…
The more Xu Liangchen thought about it, the more his head ached. He hated Duan Yijie in his heart and gritted his teeth. The cold-faced young master had gone too far, directly moving in on Duan Zhengxun and his wife to force the marriage. It seemed that there was no other way, and she could only explain the whole sordid affair clearly, so that the marshal and his wife would know that their son was not really in love with her, but was just a temporary measure to comfort the old man.
This is what you’ve forced me to do, Xu Liangchen thought to herself.
‘Generalissimo and Madam, I’m sorry, this matter…is not as you think. In fact, the young master has no feelings for me…The rumour was just a display of filial piety…’ Xu Liangchen gave a helpless smile and told them everything.
Looking at Duan Zhengxun, who had not moved an inch, and Mrs Lu, who still had a smile on her lips but her eyebrows slightly furrowed, she let out a small sigh of relief and continued apologising sincerely: ‘It’s all my fault for not making things clear sooner. This is purely a misunderstanding, and I’m sorry for causing the General and Mrs Lu some trouble. Liangchen didn’t mean for this to happen, so please forgive me, General and Mrs Lu.’
Xu Liangchen let out a sigh of relief. This time, Mr. and Mrs. Duan Zhengxun should have understood that he was not being pretentious, not putting on an act of rejection, and that the so-called marriage was just an absurd idea of the cold-faced young master.
Mrs Lu glanced at her husband and looked back at Xu Liangchen thoughtfully. It was not impossible that the boss would come up with this idea; but in the evening, the general called his son specifically and asked about the two of them. Yi Jie’s attitude was clear, but he was sure about this second young lady. He was there at the time and would never have misjudged.
Could it be that this second young lady deliberately made up this story in order to reject the marriage? It didn’t seem likely. Could it be that this was actually how they met? …Just as he was thinking, he heard Duan Zhengxun speak in a deep voice: ‘I have a few questions for you, girl. Tell me the truth.’ His gaze was burning, fixed on Xu Liangchen.
That look made Duan Qiping, who had never spoken before, feel a little worried and a little sympathetic. He looked at Xu Liangchen, who had raised his head, and thought, ‘The old man is going to dig a pit again. God bless you, future sister-in-law, you must fend for yourself.’
‘Please speak, Generalissimo,’ Xu Liangchen said, her breathing catching as she looked at the sharp glare in Duan Zhengxun’s eyes. She felt a little timid, but then thought that this concerned her whole life, and she must fight for it. She calmed down a little and looked up with a composed expression.
Duan Zhengxun stared at her straight on, and after a long silence, he asked, ‘Do you think the boss is ugly and unappealing?’
What kind of question is this? Xu Liangchen blinked in puzzlement.
Although Duan Yijie had a cold demeanour, he had a straight posture, a handsome appearance, an extraordinary bearing, and was like a graceful and elegant tree. There was a saying in the upper class of Shiyanzhou society, ‘The Three Young Masters,’ and this young master was at the top of the list, so how could he be ‘ugly and unappealing?’
Just because he doesn’t like him doesn’t mean that the other person is not good, not to mention that his parents are both there, so how dare he say something bad about him? Xu Liangchen shook his head a little confusedly: ‘You’re joking, Your Excellency.’
Looking at Mrs. Lu’s expectant eyes, Xu Liangchen had to force himself to add, ‘…the young master is a famous beauty in Yanzhou.’
Chapter 53 Is it already irreparable?
Mrs Lu laughed, and Duan Zhengxun gave her a sideways glance and nodded. He then asked, ‘So the boss is a clueless idiot?’
Xu Liangchen was taken aback by the question. What did the general mean? Why did he always ask such obvious questions about right and wrong? Not understanding the reason, he shook his head honestly.
Duan Yijie is called the young general because, on the one hand, he is handsome and has a dashing demeanour, and on the other, he is in his twenties and is the commander-in-chief of 100,000 troops. He is highly respected and has a formidable reputation in the battlefield. How could such a talented person be dull and inept?
Nodding again, Duan Zhengxun nodded with satisfaction and then asked, ‘Is he difficult to get along with because of his strange personality?’
Xu Liangchen was already a little confused. What exactly was the general trying to say? Duan Yijie may have a cold demeanour, but he is not evil-hearted, and his temperament is not strange either. He is just a bit overbearing and strong, and as long as he doesn’t go crazy, he is quite reasonable and not difficult to get along with.
‘He hits women?’ Duan Zhengxun gave Xu Liangchen a sideways glance and continued to ask the question. Xu Liangchen felt that his brain was not working fast enough. What kind of thinking is this? How can you ask such a question?
Duan Yijie kept his distance from women, but he respected them. Of course, he had never seen him raise his hand… Not only had he not raised his hand, Xu Liangchen suddenly thought, he had spoken very gently to that Miss Geng…
‘So you don’t think the boss is ugly, you don’t think he’s dull, and you think he’s reasonable and easy to get along with?’ Duan Zhengxun concluded, adding in passing, ‘The Duan family rule is that men don’t hit their wives.
Xu Liangchen nodded half confused and half bewildered. So what?
Duan Zhengxun frowned, staring at Xu Liangchen sternly, and suddenly said, ‘Girl, why do you have so many convoluted thoughts? A man needs to be talented and capable, be easy-going and not hit his wife. What more do you want? After all is said and done, you just won’t settle down with the boss, is that it? You’re a good girl, but you’ve been corrupted by Western education.’ He then glanced at Duan Qipin, saying, “You’re an example yourself!”
Xu Liangchen was shocked. How could the general speak like that? What kind of logic was that? A man is a good husband if he is talented and good-looking, easy to get along with, doesn’t beat his wife? She thought wickedly in her spare time. If these are the conditions, then Jiang Jingwu is a better husband than the cold-faced young master.
At least respect the feelings of the person involved, right? How can you be husband and wife without love? These words could not be spoken directly, so Xu Liangchen forced a smile and calmly argued, ‘Your Excellency, Liangchen is ashamed to admit that I know how to read a little. I believe that a marriage that does not have love as a prerequisite is really irresponsible. I have no feelings for the young master. Please forgive me, Your Excellency.’
‘Are you done? Is that the reason?’ Duan Zhengxun put his arms around his chest and stared intently at Xu Liangchen: ’You people who read Western books are fooled by those few words! What about love above all else, marriage autonomy, and living a dream every day? What kind of man is worthy of being trusted for life? Can you understand?’
Duan Zhengxun straightened up and said decisively, ‘To tell you the truth, Boss still only has eyes for you! This guy is flexible in everything else, but when it comes to getting married, he’s single-minded; and my mother also approves of you. Since they all say it’s good, I, as a father and son, have no choice but to give my approval. Today, you have to agree whether you like it or not!’
Looking at Xu Liangchen, who instantly paled and looked up in shock, Duan Zhengxun frowned and looked out the dark window. The sky was gloomy, with only one or two cold stars shining without light. He said sternly, ‘You’ve joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, so you should understand that recently, there are the Japanese, who are ambitious and eyeing us with covetousness, and there are the tsunami floods. It can be said that we are in a difficult situation both domestically and abroad. Boss really needs a wise and capable wife. Girl, your marriage to the boss is not just a matter between the two of you! Think about it, and let me know what you want in the next few days!”
Seeing Xu Liangchen, who was shocked and dumbfounded, Duan Qiping felt a little uncomfortable and couldn’t help but speak up, “Father, about this…”
Before he could finish, Duan Zhengxun glared at him, and Duan Qiping had to mute what he was saying. Since childhood, the family had rules that forbade juniors from interrupting when elders were speaking, and Duan Zhengxun’s accumulated authority made the famous reporter unable to speak for a while.
After swallowing, Xu Liangchen forced himself to remain calm and said with a slightly trembling voice, ‘Generalissimo, where is there room for coercion in marriage? I have never coveted the young master, and I love him. If you use such tactics, Generalissimo, aren’t you afraid that it will spread and damage the reputation of the Generalissimo’s household?
Duan Zhengxun frowned upon hearing this and stared at Xu Liangchen, saying, ‘You really are a stubborn girl! Since ancient times, there have been many blind marriages, and they have been harmonious. Being the young mistress of my mansion, is that such a hardship for you? ! Stop talking, and that’s how it’s settled.’
The old man was a bit irritated by Xu Liangchen, and he was never one to mince words when leading troops into battle. He really wasn’t Duan Zhengxun’s cup of tea when it came to arguing. ‘What’s the reputation of the general’s mansion? I don’t care. What are you nervous about? Sun Menglin has taught you to be such a stubborn girl! Second girl, take her to find the boss. If she’s wronged, tell him!’ He simply dismissed the people.
Mrs Lu moved her lips, but her husband had given the order directly. The future daughter-in-law must be feeling indignant and aggrieved. She had wanted to offer some words of comfort, but when she saw Xu Liangchen’s shocked, resentful and sad expression, she couldn’t help but sigh inwardly. How many beautiful women had her son passed up, but he had fallen for this stubborn girl alone. He should clean up the mess he had caused himself. Maybe the couple didn’t have a grudge overnight and they could just talk it over.
So, he also gave Duan Qiping a wink. Duan Qiping had no choice but to pull up Xu Liangchen, who was still trying to argue. His father was a rough man who used the gun as his weapon, unreasonable and stubborn. If he wanted to change anything, he could only start with his eldest brother. Liangchen arguing with the old man would not do any good.
Duan Qiping led Xu Liangchen out of the reception room. Xu Liangchen was still at a loss, wondering if her own marriage and future had really been decided like this.
When they reached the bottom of the stairs, the slightly damp night breeze blew over her, and she suddenly snapped back to reality. Was there no way to change things?
Chapter 54 Duan Yijie, you have no shame!
‘Liangchen, you need to be more open-minded… My father is a rough man who likes to hold onto the gun, and that’s just the way he is. If you have something to say, you might as well talk to my brother. Looking at her dazed and disoriented, Duan Qiping softly reassured her, ‘Actually… my brother has just been in the military since he was a child, and he’s used to being cold and aloof. He’s not a bad person, and he’s not difficult to talk to. You two should be able to get along…’
Her words were a little pale, but Qi Ping’s concern was obvious. Xu Liangchen raised his eyebrows and looked at her, raising the corners of his lips to reveal a fleeting, faint smile, without saying a word.
Her heart was in turmoil. After a few words from Duan Zhengxun, her fate was bound to this eight-foot-high mansion? There was anger, resentment, helplessness, and loss…an indescribable complex feeling. Distracted, she followed Duan Qiping through the moon gate and along the corridor, unable to think of what to do.
Duan Qiping quietly watched her and sighed. How could anyone help with something like this?
After asking where Duan Yijie had gone, Duan Qiping led Xu Liangchen into the Western Garden.
Shaking his hand to indicate that Luo Hongyi did not need to announce them, Duan Qiping led Xu Liangchen straight in. The study was lit, and behind the curtains the tall figure of Duan Yijie was reflected, his hand on his forehead, pacing back and forth at an unsteady pace, as if he were extremely troubled about something.
Duan Qiping glanced at Xu Liangchen, walked to the door of the study, raised his hand and knocked. Duan Yijie’s low voice came out, ‘Who? What’s the matter?’
‘Big brother, it’s me,’ Duan Qiping whispered in reply.
There was a moment of silence, followed by the sound of footsteps. The door opened and Duan Yijie appeared in the doorway: ‘Qiping, how did it go with your father?…’ He looked a little surprised when he saw Xu Liangchen, and without asking any more, he turned to Xu Liangchen and said, ‘You’re here? Come in.
Is it strange that I’m here? Your father forced the marriage, how could you not know? Xu Liangchen glared at him hatefully. Obviously, you’re the culprit, why pretend?
Duan Qiping observed the situation and took in the expressions of the two men. Knowing that there would be trouble, she gave Duan Yijie a wink and said with a smile, ‘My father told me to bring Liangchen to you. You two talk. I have something to do, I’ll come back later.’
Looking at Xu Liangchen’s pouting face, and the meaning in Duan Qiping’s eyes and words, Duan Yijie suddenly understood a little where Xu Liangchen came from. Nodding, Duan Qiping and Xu Liangchen nodded in agreement and hurriedly left. After all was said and done, these two were the protagonists of the marriage, and they were the only ones who could solve the problem.
Walking out into the courtyard, he saw Luo Hongyi standing in front of the door, whispering a few words to him. After seeing Duan Qiping off, Luo Hongyi looked inside the house, a little curious and a little understanding.
Tonight, because she came to see Duan Zhengxun, Xu Liangchen wore a moon-white cheongsam with a slight pink hue. The colour was elegant and the style was simple, but it made her look slender. Her long hair fell over her shoulders, highlighting her delicate, slender neck. Her skin was as white as jade, and her eyebrows and eyes were like a picturesque spring scene in the Jiangnan region.
‘Come in and sit down,’ Duan Yijie said with a slight smile, greeting her.
Xu Liangchen raised his eyebrows, looked at him expressionlessly, and said in a voice without the slightest emotion, ‘Duan Yijie, since you promised me for one year, why are you making things difficult for me? Is your promise worthless? Please explain to the general and his wife that this is a misunderstanding.’
Duan Yijie was momentarily stunned by these words, his lips curling up slightly, and he looked at her with eyes like the sea. What, did father propose marriage? A trace of joy quietly spread from the bottom of his heart, and there was an imperceptible tenderness in his gaze at Xu Liangchen. But Xu Liangchen’s words caused his heart to plummet, and a feeling of dissatisfaction and sadness gradually rose. Did she really dislike him so much?
The tall man stood there, interlacing and uncrossing his fingers. Because he was using so much strength, the tendons on the back of his hands were faintly visible. As his gaze fell on him, Xu Liangchen felt a flash of introspective vicissitudes and sadness at the bottom of the deep pool. It was like the moment when someone who has trekked across the thousand-mile Gobi Desert stands by a waterhole where they cannot quench their thirst and looks back at the road they have travelled.
The fleeting longing and sadness suddenly made Xu Liangchen feel a little heartache. She paused for a moment, and she must have read it wrong.
‘I’m sorry, because ***’s health has never improved, and my father had no choice but to do this.’ Duan Yijie’s other emotions flashed away. Seeing Xu Liangchen sit down, his tense emotions seemed to relax a little: “My father asked me in the evening, but we only talked for a few words, and he didn’t explicitly mention the marriage…” I didn’t expect my father to propose marriage that evening.
There was no logical explanation, but for some reason Xu Liangchen felt her anger rising. She spoke coldly, ‘There are countless famous women in Yanzhou, so why must it be me?’
These people have an ulterior motive for everything they do. The forced marriage is just a way to bring good luck. An inexplicable sense of frustration made Xu Liangchen feel very depressed. She could no longer sit still and stood up somewhat irritably: ‘We have nothing to talk about. You’re the one who caused this, so please just fix it, and I’ll go now.’
‘Liangchen,’ before she could take a step, her wrist was grabbed by Duan Yijie: ‘Wait.’
‘What? Let go!’ Xu Liangchen angrily pulled back her hand, glared at Duan Yijie, and turned around to leave.
The stubborn girl was really angry. Duan Yijie sighed helplessly, caught up with her, and put his arms around her from behind. ’Liangchen, we should talk.’
Held in his arms, Xu Liangchen’s breathing stopped for a moment, and she came back to her senses and struggled with all her might. Duan Yijie’s arms were like iron and did not move, no matter how hard she punched and kicked.
Xu Liangchen felt her grievances and anger erupting in her heart tonight. She kicked and punched, still unable to let go of her anger. She opened her mouth and bit his hand. Duan Yijie felt the pain, but he held her tightly and would not let go.
Seeing that she was still struggling despite her heavy breathing, Duan Yijie made up his mind. He tightened his grip, and Xu Liangchen was spun around and reversed into his arms. Her face flushed with anger, she angrily shouted, ‘Duan Yijie, you have no shame! What kind of ability is it for a man to forcibly take what he wants!…’
Duan Yijie, whose emotions had been stirred by her excitement, felt a little disturbed. Looking at her dark eyes glowing with anger, he lowered his head without thinking, and his lips covered the source of the sound.
Chapter 55: He didn’t want to miss it
Xu Liangchen’s breathing stopped for a moment, and she looked at him in shock with her dark eyes wide open. The two were too close together, and all she could see were the deep, bottomless surging currents in those dark eyes before her.
The struggle became powerless, and in an instant, she felt that she could hardly maintain her breathing. The panic of oxygen deprivation made her retrieve her lost thoughts. Like a drowning person flapping their arms and legs to beat the surface of the water, she slapped hard at Duan Yijie’s solid chest, her mouth emitting a small, embarrassed protest.
Her desperate resistance made Duan Yijie frown, and with one hand he crossed Xu Liangchen’s hands, which were flailing about, and held her tightly against his chest. He held her for a long time before letting go of her lips and teeth. Xu Liangchen had already been kissed until her limbs were weak and she felt powerless, so she could only gasp for breath while he held her.
Duan Yijie pressed his forehead against hers and asked with heavy breathing, ‘Does marrying me and entering the general’s mansion make you so resistant? Do you really hate me that much? Liangchen, ask your heart, why not be fair and give me a chance?’
‘Duan Yijie, you’ve gone too far! …We don’t love each other, so why are you doing this?…’ Xu Liangchen broke free from his embrace, reached out to hold onto the wall, and angrily wiped her swollen red lips. Her dark eyes, like fawns, were dimly glistening with water, dripping with tears and misty like autumn water, looking straight into Duan Yijie’s heart.
Duan Yijie felt his throat tighten, and his heart suddenly softened.
‘Liangchen, don’t worry, maybe we can talk to my father again…’ Duan Yijie felt that these words were so weak and difficult to say. In the evening in front of his father, he had not hidden his affection and admiration for Xu Liangchen at all. To put it another way, his father was absolutely responsible for the forced marriage, and he was also one of the people behind the scenes.
Duan Yijie knew clearly in his heart that he did not want to miss this intelligent and gentle woman.
Xu Liangchen shook her head as she backed away. She was in a daze. This kiss made her even more unable to believe that Duan Yijie would let her go: they had clearly agreed on a one-year period, so how had the situation suddenly become what it was now? He was always looking for opportunities to take advantage of her, so would such a man let her go just because she asked?
As she exited the study, Xu Liangchen turned around and walked away. Duan Yijie was shocked to see her emotional state and how she was avoiding him. Her lips were pursed, but she didn’t dare to insist, so she quietly waved her hand to call Luo Hongwen, instructing him to escort Xu Liangchen home. He stood at the entrance to the Western Garden, staring at the black sky, his expression unusually despondent.
Sun Menglin was waiting in front of the General’s Mansion. When he saw Xu Liangchen walking out in a hurry, he got out of the car and went up to him. Xu Liangchen shouted ‘Cousin’ in a low voice and then got into the car.
Luo Hongwen chased after him, greeted Sun Menglin silently, and Sun Menglin nodded to indicate that he could go. He then told the driver to start the car, and it drove back down the street.
Looking at Xu Liangchen’s expression, Sun Menglin couldn’t help but sigh inwardly. Although he didn’t want to interfere with his second sister’s marriage, he couldn’t help but wonder. The Duan family was a wealthy and influential family, and Duan Yijie was a young and talented man. Why did his second sister refuse?
Could it really be because of Jiang Jingwu?
Sun Menglin’s concerned gaze made Xu Liangchen remember what he had said when he arrived. Only then did she understand that her cousin was talking about her own marriage. She couldn’t help but sigh inwardly, and turned her head to open the window a little.
The car drove past the riverbank. The night wind blew, and the warm breath carried the distinctive fishy smell of the river. Slowly, her chaotic emotions gradually subsided. Xu Liangchen whispered, ‘Cousin, you know what’s going on, don’t you?’
Sun Menglin looked at her deeply, nodded silently, and then said gently after a while, ‘Marrying into the general’s mansion is something that countless women would kill for, and the reason for this is self-evident. But there is no such thing as a free lunch. With that kind of glory, you must be prepared to work hard. Your life’s big event, as your cousin said, is not to be interfered with. You don’t need to think about anything else, just do what your heart tells you. After all, marriage and being a couple is really like drinking water: you can only know the warmth or coldness of it when you are in it.
Xu Liangchen was stunned. He looked at his cousin without saying a word, and Sun Menglin also fell silent. The two of them didn’t say anything else. Outside the window, it was raining lightly, and the driver turned on the windshield wipers, the monotonous ‘swishing’ sound ringing out in the dark night.
Xu Liangchen was almost unable to sleep all night. At one moment, he was thinking about his life story; at another, he was thinking that the General’s Mansion would never let him go; at another, he was thinking that Duan Yijie was really despicable for breaking his promise; at another, he was thinking about Sun Menglin’s analogy about knowing cold and warmth; and more than anything else, he was thinking about what would happen if he refused the marriage, the measures that the General’s Mansion would take, the impact on the Sun and Liu families, Jiang Jingwu’s questioning the other day when he was eating ice cream, etc… tossing and turning, listening to the sound of rain outside the window, his thoughts turned in a hundred directions and there was no way to resolve them.
It wasn’t until the sky was dimly lit in the early morning that he fell asleep wearily. I don’t know how long I slept for, but I was suddenly woken by the phone ringing. Xu Liangchen opened his sore eyes, looked back at the sky behind the curtains, picked up the receiver from the bedside table, and said in a low voice, ‘Hello?’
‘Katherine, it’s me,’ came David’s gentle voice over the phone. ‘I’m meeting Miki from the Japanese embassy at noon today, do you remember? Do you want me to pick you up?’ Last night, when they were talking about meeting the Japanese, David asked if he could come along, although they didn’t have to sit together.
Thinking that they were both journalists and naturally sensitive and curious about such things, and also because Xu Liangchen felt that there was nothing to hide from David, not to mention that Duan Yijie had also suggested that Duan Qiping accompany him, what was wrong with going with two people? So he agreed.
Originally, he was determined to do something within his power for the country and the people, but who knew that last night something like that would suddenly pop up, and Xu Liangchen only then remembered that he had forgotten about the appointment.
Should I still go? She had second thoughts.
A forced marriage at the General’s Mansion would be very difficult for her, and her status would become increasingly complicated. If the Japanese found out and took advantage of the situation, it would cause a scandal that would be even more terrible than a scandal.
But…not go? This was a promise, and it involved the intentions of the Japanese in the Weimo Lake kidnapping case, the delicate situation of the Southern Military Government, and even the people in the disaster area. No matter how big a personal matter is, it is trivial compared to the country’s economy and people’s livelihood. She could not justify putting personal matters before the public good.
Thinking this, Xu Liangchen sighed quietly and replied, ‘I remember, you don’t need to pick me up, there is another person going with me – a friend of mine.’ Xu Liangchen added this last sentence in case David misunderstood.
David didn’t care and agreed, arranging to meet at the American Club before hanging up.
As soon as she had put the receiver down, the phone rang again…
Chapter 56: The Japanese way of thinking
The caller was Duan Qiping.
She knew that Xu Liangchen had rushed out of the Generalissimo’s Mansion last night in a state of agitation and with an unwell complexion. So she couldn’t guess whether Xu Liangchen would cancel today’s appointment.
When she asked cautiously about the appointment with the Japanese, Xu Liangchen gave a brief reply. Duan Qiping was a little surprised and hesitated for a moment, before softly asking, ‘Liangchen, are you…all right?’
Having witnessed her father forcing a marriage on her the night before, Xu Liangchen was shocked and pale. She had not cancelled or abandoned her business affairs, which was a clear distinction between public and private matters, and Duan Qiping secretly admired her for it.
Understanding the meaning of her question, Xu Liangchen replied indifferently, ‘I’m fine.’ But how could she be fine? Duan Qiping did not dare to ask again, and quickly hung up the phone, having arrived at the agreed time to pick her up.
Duan Qiping’s car arrived at the Sun residence on time.
Xu Liangchen got up. Because she had not had a good night’s rest, her face was very tired. Thinking about her image in front of the Japanese, she put on light makeup.
Seeing that she was not wearing her usual plain makeup, Duan Qiping couldn’t help but take a second look. He secretly praised her in his heart, saying that she was truly a rare beauty. With just a light dusting of makeup, Xu Liangchen’s face looked like a lotus flower, her willowy eyebrows like the moon. She had a kind of charming beauty that was elegant yet distinct. Standing in front of the background of the rain-washed flowers by the door, she looked like a lotus on the lake, graceful and picturesque.
Once in the car, the two exchanged greetings and discussed the arrangements for the meeting, without either of them mentioning what had happened the night before.
The car drove through the downtown area and turned onto Elizabeth Road, which had only four narrow lanes. The sky had cleared, and through the dense plane trees on both sides, the fine sunlight shone through the palm-shaped leaves, falling halfway to the ground and turning into a chorus of cicadas.
Beyond the dense shade and the heavy forest along the road, across the street is the famous American Club in Yanzhou.
The American business opened a Chinese business company in the ten-mile foreign market. This is one of the largest real estate companies in Yanzhou. In addition to investing in the construction of ordinary residential buildings, it has also built many high-end residential buildings and garden villas. The largest one was built by Taipan Wilson into the most luxurious gathering place for Americans in Yanzhou, commonly known as the American Club. Most of the people who come and go are foreigners.
David suggested Xu Liangchen choose this place because it was a world of Americans, and it was better to stay away from the Japanese’s sphere of influence as they had ulterior motives.
Entering the gate, the car stopped in front of the clubhouse, and Xu Liangchen and Duan Qiping got out of the car holding hands. Looking up, they saw a vast lawn that made one feel instantly open and expansive, with lush greenery and blooming flowers. In the middle of the lawn was a dignified building, magnificent and luxurious and stunning like a royal palace. The evenly proportioned pillars and stones, the upright and narrow balconies, and the building materials, which were almost all marble, made the entrance hall with its Ionic colonnade and the dome built into the ceiling of the hall. The marble staircase and banisters were also made of marble, which is why this mansion at 1 Elizabeth Road was also known as the Marble House.
A waiter came up to them, and Xu Liangchen asked where the person from the Japanese legation was, and walked over there with Duan Qiping.
A man with a neat appearance and a clean-shaven face, typical of the Japanese, stood up and praised the beauty of Miss Katherine and her assistant Miss Shao very enthusiastically. He thanked her for agreeing to meet with both parties and introduced himself as Miki, the first assistant to the military attaché. He grinned, revealing a row of large gold teeth that gleamed resplendently.
Miki had the characteristic bow legs of the Japanese and was only up to Xu Liangchen’s ears in height. He was considered tall among his compatriots and spoke broken English.
Xu Liangchen and Duan Qiping sat down with a faint smile, and Miki immediately called the waiter to bring a large pile of things to entertain the two beauties, including coffee, brandy, fish fillets, grapes, etc. Xu Liangchen and Duan Qiping looked at each other speechless. This kind of food combination was really incongruous, and it was completely unsuitable for the middle of the day.
What surprised them even more was that Miki’s conversation was worthless, just like the snacks and drinks he ordered.
Next, Miki talked about some Japanese customs, asked about the folk customs of Yanzhou, and about the two of them, but his words contained no substance. Even when Xu Liangchen bluntly asked about the purpose of the meeting, he responded vaguely, saying nothing more than that Miss Katherine from National Geographic had excellent writing skills and that he wanted to get to know her.
Duan Qiping’s presence seemed to make him a little unhappy or embarrassed. He hinted to Xu Liangchen several times. When Duan Qiping saw this, he glanced at Xu Liangchen, pretended not to know, and continued the conversation.
After another half hour, just as Xu Liangchen really didn’t want to continue to accompany him and get lost, and was about to get up and leave, Miki reached into his pocket. David at the table next to him looked very worried, and quickly straightened up, ready to defend Catherine at all costs if Miki drew his gun.
Unexpectedly, Miki quickly took his hand out, and then politely asked Xu Liangchen with a smile what he was paid for National Geographic. Xu Liangchen smiled indifferently and didn’t want to answer, ‘May I ask if there is anything else, sir? I’m sorry, I still have some trivial matters to attend to. I’m sorry to leave in such a hurry. Please forgive me, Mr. Miki.’
Miki flashed his big gold teeth and smiled at Xu Liangchen, then asked, ‘Is Miss Katherine busy at work at the magazine? Recently, the chief China correspondent for NHK has other commitments and must return to Japan. The legation hopes that the position can be filled by an experienced journalist in China. Ideally, the person should have studied in Europe or the United States, be highly capable and have extensive experience.’
He took a sip of coffee and saw Xu Liangchen listening attentively, so he thought there was a chance and continued, ‘This position is under the dual leadership of NHK and the legation, and there are no secrets about the work. We are responsible for providing a villa in the Yanzhou concession as housing, and there is no upper limit on daily expenses and the salary of assistant staff. If Miss Catherine has any recommendations in this area, I would be very grateful.’
‘I’m sorry, I’ve only been back from the United States for two or three months, and I don’t know many people in the press. Perhaps I can ask around for you, Mr. Miki. If someone is interested, I’ll give you a call.’ Xu Liangchen felt strange. Why did Miki suddenly make such a request? Wouldn’t it be better to talk to David about this? Furthermore, couldn’t NHK find someone suitable without involving Miki?
Just as he was thinking, he saw Miki looking at him with a squinted eye under his thick eyelids, half smiling and half curious.

Chapter 57
‘The Minister of our country hopes,’ he whispered with a smile, ‘that Miss Katherine will be interested in this position.’
Xu Liangchen was taken aback by this news. She never imagined that the Japanese would have such a plan. Duan Qiping deliberately looked innocent as he chimed in from the side, asking with apparent interest about the salary for the position.
Miki slowly said a number, and even Duan Qiping was taken aback this time. According to the high salary offered by the Japanese, after a five-year term in this position, one could easily earn more than 150,000 US dollars, which was indeed a ‘get rich quick’ opportunity.
Duan Qiping thought of what her colleagues had said about the Japanese squandering huge sums of money on bribery in the Far East and the United States, and couldn’t help but glance at Xu Liangchen.
Xu Liangchen’s expression hardened. She had also heard David mention that the Japanese had approached a reporter from the Associated Press and openly asked about the reporter’s average income. They then said that if the reporter was willing to sign a document promising to only publish articles favourable to Japan while in China, they would be able to provide him with a sum of money. Based on his salary, the amount would be more than he could earn as a journalist for his entire life.
The Japanese were using money to further their ambitions in China. Xu Liangchen thought to himself that their attempt to influence the behaviour of journalists, especially foreign correspondents in China, with money was clumsy but not unexpected. Because as far as he knew, the Japanese press was considered to be the most corrupt in the world. The Japanese naturally believed that since domestic journalists were happy to accept dirty money as a supplement to make up for their meagre salaries, journalists from other countries should also not be bound by their integrity.
This is really judging a gentleman by the standards of a scoundrel. Xu Liangchen slightly curled his lips. This Miki will definitely be the ‘man of the hour’ at the Japanese embassy in China in the future. An American journalist once said, you have to know that in Japan, a shameless person will always stand out—he will definitely ‘succeed.’
“Mr. Miki, I am only a contributing writer for National Geographic, how could I be qualified for such a high position as chief China correspondent for your country’s NHK? You are flattering me,‘ Xu Liangchen said lightly.
’Why are you being so polite, Miss Katherine? I heard that during this interview at Weimo Lake, you were a person who caught the eye of the commander of the Southern Army Division.’ Sanmu giggled and said, “Besides, Miss Katherine is beautiful as a flower, and she is a talented woman who studied in the United States. Who wouldn’t be impressed by a beauty like you?”
Xu Liangchen’s willow brows had already wrinkled slightly. She looked at Sanmu without saying a word, preparing to get up and leave.
Miki noticed her intention and suddenly placed his hand on the table top. He whispered, ‘Miss Katherine, please accept this,’ and said, ‘This is a small token of our country’s appreciation. In any case, I hope that Miss Katherine will be friendly towards what our country has done.’
Xu Liangchen was momentarily stunned and only then realised that the hand Miki had extended was actually a thick stack of banknotes, which looked to be Japanese yen.
At this time, ten yen is roughly equivalent to five US dollars. The Japanese have really put in a lot of capital this time. Do they intend to win over and speak for themselves, or what?
Xu Liangchen tried hard to control herself. She really wanted to take the wad of money from the Japanese devil in front of her and throw it hard in Miki’s fat face. A person would betray their own country for money. What did he think of the Chinese people? Xu Liangchen said coldly.
‘It’s okay,’ Miki’s face twitched as he continued, ‘this is only part of it, Miss Katherine, you don’t need to be polite.’
‘You have insulted our professional integrity as journalists,’ Duan Qiping took over the conversation, ‘there is no wall that does not let in the wind, everyone knows which journalists have been bribed. No one wants to read what they write, no one wants to believe it. Is Mr Miki trying to frame Miss Katherine?’
‘No, of course not,‘ Miki’s face was as thick-skinned as a city wall, and he continued to persuade, “In the city of ten miles, with its snow, moonlight, and flowers, Miss Katherine is young and beautiful, and deserves the best.”
’You needn’t say anymore.‘ Xu Liangchen was already so angry that her voice trembled a little, and she stood up: “Goodbye.”
’Miss Katherine, this is just a gift.’ Miki still wanted to continue to persuade, ’The Empire of Japan will definitely remember her friend.’
The last sentence was actually an obvious threat and enticement. Xu Liangchen laughed coldly, ‘Mr. Miki, please take your dirty hands and get out! This is Chinese territory, and the Chinese never make friends with those who have ulterior motives.’
Her voice was slightly raised, and David, who was watching clearly from the side, walked over quickly and said, ‘Waiter, throw this idiot’s hat out to him!’
Miki didn’t seem to expect things to turn out like this. He couldn’t bother to get his hat, bowed hastily, and hurriedly retreated. Xu Liangchen looked at him coldly, and none of the three men bothered to return the courtesy.
David sat down and said, ‘Katherine, what do you think of this?’ Duan Qiping also looked at Xu Liangchen.
David said that he would investigate the matter further, but the Japanese legation and the military would not be willing to do so. Xu Liangchen, however, thought that the matter should be reported to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The people at the legation had done such a despicable and ugly thing, which might be an opportunity that could be exploited.
So she thought for a moment and said, ‘Thank you, David. I didn’t get much sleep last night and I’m a bit tired today. Please give me some time, I need to think about it before I can give you an answer. This matter not only involves me, but also National Geographic, so please ask the opinion of the headquarters as soon as possible.’
David promised, and the three of them walked out of the clubhouse. David reluctantly parted with Xu Liangchen, and Duan Qiping signalled the driver to drive directly to Zhuyuan.
Xu Liangchen looked at her in puzzlement, and Duan Qiping turned around and looked behind them: ‘Liangchen, the Japanese have ulterior motives, there’s a tail behind us.’
Xu Liangchen was taken aback by this news. She didn’t think the Japanese would stoop so low, and looking at the car that was not too far behind them, she looked at Duan Qiping without saying anything. Duan Qiping had obviously seen this kind of thing many times before, and without panicking, she calmly instructed the driver to shake off the tail. Her composed appearance softened Xu Liangchen’s heart. He could imagine how difficult it must be for this young famous writer to insist on the truth and his dreams!
The car turned left and right, shaking off the tailing car from several alleys and turning into the bamboo garden. Looking at the lush bamboo forest in front of him, Xu Liangchen suddenly remembered what Duan Yijie had said to him that day. The forced marriage had not yet settled, and did he really have to move in as he had said?
Just as he was thinking this, the car stopped, and after the two got out, Duan Qiping waited for her to walk into the depths of the bamboo forest.
Unlike the fashionable European-style houses of the day, behind the bamboo forest were a few single-storey houses, with three entrances facing north and south, connected by corridors, interspersed with small courtyards, and dotted with old trees, rocks, flowers and plants. A pile of Taihu rocks on one side forms a rockery, and a lotus pond has been dug in the ground. There are no fewer than a hundred species of flowers, plants and vines. Apart from bamboo, the most common plants are plum, lotus, chrysanthemum and orchid. The first character of ‘Little Fragrant Snowy Sea’ in cursive script on a large stone was originally the garden of a certain meritorious minister in the late Qing Dynasty.
Xu Liangchen was brought directly into the second courtyard. After pushing open the door, Duan Qiping smiled and said, ‘I’ve just tidied it up a bit, Liangchen. Don’t mind the mess, and I’ll have it fixed if there’s anything you don’t like.’
Xu Liangchen smiled and looked up, taken aback. The furnishings in the house were very simple, and mostly made of bamboo and rattan. They looked refreshing and comfortable on a hot summer day. There were two orchids on the desk, tall and graceful. One room inside was the bedroom, with bamboo blinds and a rattan bed with a dark colour. It was quiet and elegant.
I remember Aunt Liao saying that although my mother was born into a wealthy family, she was a simple person who loved these bamboo and rattan objects. Before she passed away, she gave Aunt Liao some of her favourite objects, which were placed in her own small room in the Jiang Mansion. I never imagined that I would see such elegance in this room.
Looking up and down the floor-to-ceiling latticework windows, there are poems such as Zhu Changwen’s ‘Happy Garden’ and Tai Guan’s ‘Magpie Bridge Immortals’ that have been fired into the glass. The handwriting is clear and delicate, in the style of cursive script, and it is actually similar to some of the handwriting left by my mother.
Seeing Xu Liangchen looking quite emotionally at the furnishings in the room, Duan Qiping couldn’t help but smile in relief at the corner of his lips. His eldest brother’s efforts had not been in vain after all, and Liangchen really did like it.
After looking around, Xu Liangchen smiled gratefully at Duan Qiping. This second young lady is really thoughtful. Although the furnishings in the room seem simple, they are all well thought out. There are even two sets of off-white cheongsam on the bed. Did she know she was coming to live here early on?
Xu Liangchen couldn’t help but look at Duan Qiping doubtfully. Qiping understood what she was thinking and gave a mischievous smile: ‘I originally prepared it for my friend to stay, but since you’re here, you naturally have priority, and she can stay in the back.’
Xu Liangchen thanked her and the two sat down on the bamboo chairs. She changed the subject and asked, ‘What do you think about the Sanmu incident?’
“There is an old Chinese saying: “You reap what you sow”. The Japanese are not only ambitious for the three provinces of Northeast China, but also want to use them as a springboard to swallow the Chinese elephant – they are not afraid of choking to death. Now they are brazenly bribing people in Yanzhou in an attempt to suppress the Weimo Lake incident. In my opinion, the government should seize this opportunity to deal them a blow, both as a warning and to pave the way for the bank consortium to borrow money. Europe and the United States are slow to react to the Japanese’s ambitions in East Asia, and they think that the war in China has nothing to do with Japan.’ Duan Qiping had been in Beiping for a long time and knew the Japanese’s intentions better than Xu Liangchen.
The two of them talked about this for a long time, until the maid brought lunch and they stopped—none of them had touched Miki’s inexplicable food, and lunchtime had already passed.
‘I’ve been in a foreign land for a long time, so my tastes are a bit strange. If you can’t get used to it, you should just say so,’ Duan Qiping said with a smile, picking up the fish head with chili sauce on the chopsticks and sending it to Xu Liangchen’s bowl. ‘Chopped chili fish head is a famous dish from Hunan Province, but I’ve improved it. Try it.’
There were only three dishes on the table, one meat and two vegetables. Xu Liangchen could not imagine that Duan Qiping’s life was so simple, and he took it with a smile. The main ingredient of the dish was a huge fathead fish head, and the most important feature was the thick layer of sauce covering the fish head. Poking apart the sauce and chopped peppers, there was a fish head overflowing with fragrance, soft and tender.
Xu Liangchen took a bite and found it indescribably tender and smooth. Accompanied by the rich aroma of the sauce and pepper, a spicy flavour emerged between his teeth, but it was so good that he didn’t want to stop eating. He actually felt a kind of unrestrained, heroic spirit.
Xu Liangchen, who had hardly slept and had no appetite, couldn’t help but finish the bowl of rice. He politely declined the maid’s offer to help serve the rice, and instead took a sip of tea and talked with Duan Qiping about the food customs of various places. At that moment, someone suddenly said teasingly outside the door, ‘It’s really not easy to get a free meal. No matter how hard you try, you’re always too late. Do you still have any of the drunken crab from last time?’
It was Duan Yijie’s voice.
Xu Liangchen’s smile instantly froze on her face. She looked up at Duan Qiping, who had not yet had a chance to reply, when Duan Yijie strode in.
Xu Liangchen lowered her eyebrows and looked at the teacup in her hands. When Duan Yijie walked past her, his footsteps paused for a moment, but in the end he walked over to the table and sat down.
‘Big brother, you haven’t eaten yet?’ Duan Qiping asked the maid to serve the drunken crab and rice.
‘Mm,’ Duan Yijie answered, and then turned to greet Luo Hongyi, who had just walked in behind him: ‘Hongyi, you join us too, we’ll be in a hurry later.’
Luo Hongyi was smiling and explaining to Duan Qiping why he had not yet eaten: ‘Flooding continues in Yuntai and other places, and the government does not have enough manpower to deal with the disaster relief. The Prime Minister suggested at the cabinet meeting that the army be deployed to the frontline of disaster relief. The MPs argued endlessly and could not reach a conclusion. It was only now…’ Hearing Duan Yijie’s order, he hurriedly agreed and sat down. He picked up his rice bowl. He had a lot to do in the afternoon, and he did not dare to be polite and go hungry.
‘Hasn’t the Nantong Junshan Observatory been issuing weather forecasts since January? Has it said when the recent heavy rain will stop?’ Duan Qiping asked as she used her chopsticks to help Duan Yijie and Luo Hongyi pick up food.
The Nantong Junshan Observatory is a private observatory that emerged during the nascent period of China’s astronomy industry. It was founded by the Zhang family, a national industrial family, with the aim of developing local agriculture, water conservancy and shipping. Its main business includes astronomy and meteorology.
‘It is said that the rainy weather will continue for a while, so the situation is worrying,’ Duan Yijie said, eating his rice with gusto, and glanced at Xu Liangchen deliberately. He changed the subject and asked, ‘What’s the Japanese doing?’
Duan Qiping glanced at Xu Liangchen a few times and saw that she was staring intently at the teacup in her hands, never looking up or saying a word. He had to give a detailed account of the meeting with Kazuki Miki, and added in the end, ‘Liangchen thinks that the government should pay enough attention to this matter, and it might even become a bargaining chip in the loan negotiations.’
Duan Yijie heard this and looked at Xu Liangchen thoughtfully.
Xu Liangchen regretted a little that she had spoken so freely with Duan Qiping just now. She didn’t know if she had done it deliberately or accidentally, but she had actually told Duan Yijie her thoughts in particular. And she just wanted to avoid him now.
‘Liangchen, can you tell me your thoughts in detail?’ Duan Yijie pondered for a while, put down his bowl, took a sip of tea, and asked Xu Liangchen as he looked at her.
Liangchen, who is so close to you? Xu Liangchen gave him a sideways glance. Although he didn’t want to deal with this annoying guy, he was talking about serious business, so after a moment of silence, he said flatly, ‘As far as I know, the reason the Five Nations Bank Consortium negotiated a loan with the Northern Military Government was mainly for political purposes, in addition to the high profits. According to the British Foreign Ministry, they believe that enabling China to “overcome anarchic forces and move towards consolidation is beneficial to all countries with interests in China”, but the Japanese obviously don’t think so.’
For the Japanese, a fragmented China was more beneficial to them. The weaker the government, the less control it had over the situation. Duan Yijie nodded knowingly: ‘…You mean to say, to make things as big as possible, so that the Japanese are busy dealing with something during the negotiations and have no time to worry about anything else… Hmm, not a bad idea, we can try it.’ He looked at Xu Liangchen appreciatively.
This guy is smart, he understood everything after I just gave him a hint. Xu Liangchen had to admit that Duan Yijie really had a lot of insight.
After dinner, the group went into the study together. Xu Liangchen and Duan Qiping drafted letters to be sent to James, the editor-in-chief of National Geographic, and to Ryan, the Minister Plenipotentiary at the American legation. Another copy would be delivered in person by David and Xu Liangchen to the Minister Shigemitsu at the Japanese legation. The letter detailed the course of events in the Miki incident and demanded an investigation and an apology.
As he watched Xu Liangchen conferring with Duan Yijie about the press release, Duan Yijie felt both respect and love, worry and joy.
In the past, in his mind, women were beautiful flowers in a greenhouse, to be doted on and admired from afar, but getting close to them was sure to cause trouble – pouting, nagging, dragging their feet. He had never imagined that he would like and long for a woman so much.
Qi Ping is already an anomaly and source of pride in his heart, so how could there be another strange woman like Xu Liangchen? —kind and gentle, but hates evil; fostered since childhood, but indifferent to wealth and power; talented, but humble and low-key; obviously a weak woman, but has a big heart and cares about the Xu family and the people…
If such a woman were by his side, the years would be so peaceful… Girl, why do you have to resist my affection? Duan Yijie raised his eyebrows and looked at the petite figure, feeling a little distressed. He was at a loss as to what to do to win the heart of this seemingly weak-willed girl who had her own ideas. If those bright eyes were tender and lingering, it would be such a moving sight…
Just as he was thinking, Luo Hongyi came over and whispered to remind him that the time was up. Duan Yijie nodded in response, stood up and said to Duan Qiping, ‘I have to leave first. Please inform the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the negotiation team of this matter.’ His eyes were looking at Xu Liangchen, however.
It seems that my eldest brother really likes this second young lady. Duan Qiping smiled and agreed. Duan Yijie stared at Xu Liangchen for a moment, then turned and left.
Xu Liangchen could not help but feel the worry and concern in his eyes. Under those looks, she felt only infinite grievance and an indescribable sense of disturbance. When would this mess be sorted out?
After finishing his business, Xu Liangchen called Sun’s house and asked the maid to call Cai Fengqi. Xu Liangchen said that he was temporarily unable to go home due to work. Cai Fengqi promised and told her to take care of herself. Then, after a slight hesitation, she said, ‘Second sister, since last night, young master Jiang has called several times to look for you. He won’t say what it’s about and seems quite anxious. Do you want to get in touch with him?’
Is Jiang Jingwu looking for me in a hurry? Is he here to pursue an answer to that question? Xu Liangchen thought with a headache, still considering, not yet sure what to do. But Duan Zhengxun has already proposed marriage to Duan Yijie in a forceful manner… If Jiang Jingwu finds out, how will he react?
After putting down the phone, Xu Liangchen thought for a long time, wondering if Jiang Jingwu might have some other urgent matter. Still, unable to rest easy, he plucked up the courage to call his office.
The phone rang for a long time before someone picked it up. It was an unfamiliar voice: ‘Commissioner Jiang is not here. I am his assistant, Lieutenant Cheng. May I ask who is calling?’
‘My surname is Xu. If Commissioner Jiang returns, please tell him I am looking for him,’ Xu Liangchen said politely.
Lieutenant Cheng promised and hung up.
Xu Liangchen thought about it for a long time, but still couldn’t hold back and dialed the Jiang residence. The person who answered the phone was Liao Yufeng: ‘Xiaochen? Where have you been? Why haven’t I been able to find you for so long?’
As soon as she heard it was Xu Liangchen, Liao Yufeng asked questions in a flurry. After listening to Xu Liangchen say that he was on a business trip, she agreed and then hurriedly said, ‘Did Jingwu call you? He just took some leave and is preparing to go to Beiping. Xiaochen, don’t worry…’
Xu Liangchen was a little confused. What did Aunt Liao mean for him not to worry? Jingwu was going to Beiping? Why?
‘Aunt Liao, don’t worry, what happened? Because I was away on business and Jingwu couldn’t find me, so we didn’t speak on the phone. What’s wrong?’ Liao Yufeng rarely lost her temper like this, so Xu Liangchen asked anxiously.
‘Xiaochen…‘ Xu Liangchen has long been as close to Liao Yufeng as a daughter in her heart. Hearing her gentle voice and concerned inquiry, she suddenly let go of the nerves she had been holding back for several days. Her voice faintly carried sorrow: “Xiaochen, Zhengyu…something happened…”
’What? Something happened to your uncle? Didn’t he go to Beiping to attend an academic conference?’ Xu Liangchen was shocked and asked hurriedly, ’Aunt Liao, what happened? Take your time and tell me slowly.’
Liao Yufeng slowly relaxed a little, let out a long breath, and said sadly, ‘Before Zhengyu went to Beijing to attend the academic conference, a friend called to advise him not to go. He said that in recent years, he has advocated new learning, and his articles published in the magazine “New Moon” such as “Human Rights and the Covenant” and “When Will We Have a Constitution?” have been slandering others, which is enough to cause the people to feel feelings of hatred or contempt for the government. Many senior officials of the Northern Military Government hate him to the bone… Zhengyu refused to listen and sneered at this, saying that he had his own responsibilities… No sooner had he arrived in Beiping than he was arrested. I heard that the military government wants to secretly sentence him to death, and the sentence has already been determined… Xiaochen, Jingwu has already rushed to Beiping, what can we do about this?’
Xu Liangchen’s heart sank. She had never imagined that the warlords’ dictatorial control over cultural ideas and speech had reached such a point! Uncle Jiang was arrested in Beiping, so how could she help Jiang Wu? She pressed down her worries and gently reassured Liao Yufeng: ’Don’t worry, Auntie Liao. Your uncle is a good and upright man. Let’s figure this out together. The Northern Military Government may only be targeting the cultural and academic circles, they may not dare to really do anything. I’ll contact some friends as soon as possible, so please wait for my news.’
After hanging up the phone, Xu Liangchen wasted no time in finding Duan Qiping to inform him of Jiang Zhengyu’s arrest. Duan Qiping was outraged: ‘The Northern Military Government has already issued a statement saying that some writers and intellectuals have attacked the government recklessly, causing the public to have a bad impression of the government, etc. Dr Jiang was one of those named, and now the black hand has finally been extended!’
‘Dr Jiang is an internationally renowned scholar. Apart from using international public opinion, what other methods do you think are worth considering? I’m afraid that international public opinion pressure is not enough,’ Xu Liangchen asked directly without any preamble. She had spent a long time in Beiping and knew the situation there better than anyone else.
Duan Qiping looked at her approvingly. Xu Liangchen was indeed clever to have thought of international public opinion first. She thought for a moment and said, ‘Other methods… First, Dr. Jiang is the principal of Zhongnan Public School, so the academic and educational circles in Beiping can be mobilised; second, through the power of the Southern Military Government, work can be done on the enforcement of the sentence to delay it as much as possible, and the person must be rescued.’
Xu Liangchen nodded thoughtfully. The points Duan Qiping had mentioned were all very important. Coupled with a three-pronged approach of international public opinion, Uncle Jiang should be able to escape. She let out a long sigh of relief.
‘I have acquaintances in the education sector in Beiping. I’ll go make the phone call right away,’ said Duan Qiping. ‘Besides, they must have already heard the news and may have already taken action. Liangchen, the government…’ She gave Xu Liangchen a deep look. ‘It’s better if you discuss it with my brother yourself—if I go talk to him, he won’t pay any attention.’
Xu Liangchen was momentarily stunned, and then nodded. No matter how much she wanted to avoid Duan Yijie, Duan Zhengxun, and the General’s Mansion, if Uncle Jiang was in danger, she could not stay out of it. Even if there was the slightest hope, she would not give up.
After a long moment of hesitation, she picked up the phone and dialed Duan Yijie’s direct line. Luo Hongyi’s voice came over the line: ‘Hello, who is this?’
Xu Liangchen pressed down on her rapid heartbeat and said softly, ‘I’m Xu Liangchen. May I ask if the young master is in?’
‘Oh, Miss Xu, hello. The young master is in a meeting. You…’ Luo Hongyi understood the special nature of this Miss Xu and was telling the truth.
‘Then please tell him that I…need to see him about something.’ Xu Liangchen left a message with a stiff upper lip.
‘Okay, I’ll definitely pass it on! Please wait a moment, Miss,’ Luo Hongyi readily agreed.
Xu Liangchen thanked him, hung up the phone, then got in touch with David, explained the whole thing, and said, ‘I think the best way to save people is to publish editorials in well-known foreign media such as the New York Times, strongly condemning the persecution of academic celebrities by warlords and dictators.’
David agreed and said, ‘Then please ask the New York Times to send us the editorial and authorise us to spare no financial or material resources to find ways to get all newspapers in the Far East to publish the editorial, so as to put pressure on the Northern Military Government.’ David had a good impression of Jiang Zhengyu, not to mention something that Xu Liangchen cared about very much, so not only did he agree readily, he also asked her to hurry up and write a newsletter with a detailed discussion of the case, have it taken to Hong Kong and sent to New York immediately.
Xu Liangchen readily agreed and thanked David, immediately picking up his pen and writing furiously. The English editorial that was later published in the New York Times read as follows:
Dr Jiang Zhengyu is one of the most outstanding and constructive academic leaders in contemporary China. His progressive ideas of advocating new learning and democracy have influenced a generation of young people and countless members of the public. Therefore, the attack on him by the warlord dictator and the move to demand punishment for him have an extraordinary impact.
He is a philosopher, courageous, thoughtful, and honest in his words. The reason he was condemned by the dictator was simply because he dared to speak his mind and question whether democracy existed under dictatorship. His crime was speaking the truth… If he provoked trouble, given the current political turmoil, the punishment might be acceptable, but as the leader of New Learning in China and an outstanding thinker, Dr. Jiang’s honest voice should be listened to, not suppressed and destroyed.
…
After finishing writing, Xu Liangchen read it over several times, made some corrections with a pen, and finally handed it over clearly written to Duan Qiping to send it to the National Geographic Magazine. At that time, the phone rang.
‘Liangchen, you’re looking for me?’ Duan Yijie’s rare gentle voice came into her ears, and for some reason, Xu Liangchen’s heart suddenly inexplicably settled down.
‘Sorry, I have an urgent matter… I want to ask for your help,’ Xu Liangchen whispered.
After she finished speaking, there was no sound on the line, and Xu Liangchen’s heart was pounding as she waited for his reply. She had even thought that if Duan Yijie agreed to save someone and made a request that wasn’t too excessive, she would agree…
Just as she was thinking, Duan Yijie’s sonorous and powerful voice came over the line: ‘I have just inquired about this matter, and the inside information says it is true. I will send someone from Beiping to meet Jiang Jingwu as soon as possible and do their best to protect Dr. Jiang. Don’t worry too much.’ The last sentence suddenly softened the tone of his voice, causing Xu Liangchen to be taken aback.
The military government was busy with affairs, and the young general, who had hundreds of thousands of troops under his command, was extremely busy every day. It was not unreasonable for him to ignore this matter. However, Duan Yijie not only made arrangements, but also comforted him with gentle words. Hearing him say this, Xu Liangchen could not help but feel a little moved. He thanked him with mixed emotions and then hung up the phone.
Duan Qiping came in, looking a little excited, and told Xu Liangchen, ‘I just got in touch with Beiping. Dr. Jiang’s arrest has shocked the whole city. Progressive people in the education and literary circles are already doing everything they can to rescue him. Nine universities in Beiping, including Yenching University, say that Dr. Jiang and the others are scholars and that if they are to be convicted, they should be tried in court according to the law. If the court finds them not guilty, they should be released immediately.’
Seeing her get carried away, Xu Liangchen hurriedly handed her some tea. Duan Qiping continued, ‘The Beiping press also created a lot of public opinion to rescue Dr. Jiang and the others. Beiping Daily and other newspapers published a large number of letters from citizens to the government, listing more than ten reasons why the intellectuals were innocent. The second one read: ’The people have the right to know. Dr. Jiang is full of courage and dares to speak out, calling on the people to stop deceiving themselves and face reality. It really speaks volumes!’
Hearing her speak so passionately, Xu Liangchen’s heavy heart felt a little lighter. He couldn’t help but smile and say, ‘You also said it was exhilarating. Last time, Auntie Jiang said that writing vernacular was exhilarating, and she made her colleague Mr. Huang laugh by saying that according to Jin Shengtan, the most exhilarating thing in the world is to be beheaded, and the fastest thing is to drink. If Dr. Jiang wants to feel exhilarated, she can go get drunk and then hold her neck up for someone to chop off.’
Duan Qiping laughed heartily. They were having a good time chatting when the phone rang again. Duan Qiping handed the phone over, saying, ‘Liangchen, it’s for you.’
Daiwei’s voice came over the phone, ‘Catherine, I just got through to Shotaro Shigemitsu. When I first answered the phone, he said that he was already fully booked for the day and didn’t have time. But I told him that this was a very serious matter and that I had already reported it to the US authorities as well as National Geographic and the New York Times. He said that he took it seriously and asked if we could meet at 5 o’clock. Is that okay?’
Xu Liangchen thought about Duan Yijie’s instructions, glanced at Duan Qiping, and agreed.
According to the original arrangement, the first round of negotiations on the loan from the Five Nations Bank would begin tomorrow, so it would be good to keep the Japanese busy for a while.
“Okay, I’ll pick you up. See you soon.’
David arrived quickly. Xu Liangchen packed up and walked out the door. The car was already parked at the entrance. David opened the door gentlemanly and waited for Xu Liangchen to get in. The two exchanged news from various sources today and discussed the Japanese’s intention of going to such lengths to win Xu Liangchen over.
The car soon arrived at the Japanese legation. After reporting their names at the security office, the two were warmly received by their hosts. A secretary smiled respectfully and led them upstairs to Shigemitsu’s office.
Shigemitsu was a typical Japanese man, short and stocky, with small eyes that always looked askance behind his glasses. His hair was combed back, but a few wisps were left deliberately because the front was already bald. The whole person gave off a gloomy and overbearing impression.
He stared at David and Xu Liangchen for a long time, and a kind and friendly smile appeared on his face. ‘Please sit down, the Empire of Japan and the United States are allies, and I am very familiar with your magazine. I wonder what advice you have for me?’
David and Xu Liangchen sat down on the sofa and handed Shigemitsu a copy of the letter to the magazine’s headquarters and the New York Times in the folder, asking him to read it.
Shigemitsu Taro took it with some hesitation, and before he had read even half of it, his face had turned from red to almost black. He then grabbed the phone on the table and shouted a stream of Japanese. David glanced at Xu Liangchen, who nodded slightly, using his lips to tell David that he was scolding his subordinate and summoning Miki.
Shigemitsu Taro was very embarrassed. He put down the phone and insisted on finishing reading the letter. He pursed his lips in silence for a long time, then opened the letter and read it several times. After a long period of contemplation, he glanced at David and Xu Liangchen, and finally fixed his gaze on Xu Liangchen’s face. He coughed to clear his throat and said, ‘Miss Katherine, I’m very sorry. I assure you that I had no knowledge of this shameful incident. I never imagined that our military attaché’s office would do such a thing.’
Xu Liangchen looked at him calmly without saying a word.
Shigemitsu Taro’s gaze contained more hidden scrutiny, and he continued, ‘I’m not sure where Miki got the money from, but I promise to investigate. I assure you once again that the funds of our legation will never be used for this purpose.’
Xu Liangchen raised her eyebrows and looked at him seriously. She wanted to see how the Japanese Minister Plenipotentiary to Yanzhou would explain such a scandal. What would he do other than remove the legation from the incident in the first place?
Facing her clear and knowing gaze, Shigemitsu Taro was a little embarrassed, and it was hard for him to continue to speak of his innocence. So he stood up and said with great earnestness, ‘Now, in my capacity as the Japanese Minister, on behalf of my government, I solemnly apologize to Miss Katherine. Later, I will deliver the apology to you in writing.’
‘What about Mr. Miki? How will your embassy deal with it?’ Xu Liangchen asked in English.
‘Please be assured that I promise you that Miki himself will also personally apologize on behalf of the military attaché’s office!’ Shigemitsu Taro’s eyes looked inquiringly over, as if to say, are you satisfied with this?
Xu Liangchen and David glanced at each other and stood up together. David laughed and said, ’Minister, we will wait for Sam’s apology. If he can apologize sincerely, we will be satisfied.’
After saying this, the two men wished to take their leave. Shigemitsu Taro, who was a little hesitant to say anything, raised his hand to stop them. He looked at David and then at Xu Liangchen, took a step forward and said, ‘I’m very sorry, Miss Katherine, but can I ask you as a friend not to tell anyone about this, and please don’t tell National Geographic or any other media.’
Xu Liangchen looked at him with slightly lowered eyes and said in a gentle tone, ‘I’m sorry, Mr. Minister, you’re too late. The letters to the magazine and the New York Times have already been sent.’
Upon hearing this, Shigemitsu’s expression froze, surprised and gloomy. Xu Liangchen and David politely said goodbye and walked out of the Japanese legation.
David suggested that the two of them go for a cup of coffee, but Xu Liangchen politely declined because she was worried about Jiang Zhengyu. David looked at her with some disappointment: ‘Catherine, I deeply sympathise with what happened to Dr Jiang and will do my best… We haven’t had a heart-to-heart conversation in a long time, and these days you’ve been working too hard… Catherine, this is your country, and I understand your love for this land. But there is constant war here, with warlords fighting for power and the people suffering. Natural and man-made disasters make it a difficult place to live. The United States is very peaceful and can give you the opportunity to use your talents. Catherine, please consider my proposal seriously.”
David’s voice was gentle. He suddenly raised his hand and tried to stroke a strand of Xu Liangchen’s hair that had fallen on her shoulder. ’I really love you, Catherine. You are the princess of my life.’
Xu Liangchen leaned slightly to the side, avoiding his hand. David shrugged slightly in surprise, looking at her helplessly and with grievance in his eyes. Xu Liangchen sighed inwardly, looking him in the eye and saying sincerely, ‘David, I really appreciate everything you’ve done for me. Things are a bit complicated… I’m also very worried about Dr. Jiang. Please forgive me, I really don’t have the heart to go for coffee and chat right now. I’m sorry, can we do this some other time?’
David looked into her watery eyes and saw the unmistakable signs of fatigue. He smiled helplessly and nodded with a hint of affection. ‘I can’t resist your smile, so I’ll do as you say, Katherine,’ he said, starting the car and driving Xu Liangchen back to the bamboo grove.
It had grown slightly dark, and David rolled down the window. He watched Xu Liangchen’s slender figure disappear behind the bamboo grove, his smile fading. He felt a little worried and a little lonely.
Since the yacht was intercepted by Duan Yijie that time, he had vaguely noticed that there seemed to be an invisible wall between himself and the Oriental beauty in his heart. Moreover, this wall was getting higher and higher. No matter how hard he tried from the outside, he could not break through Catherine’s mental defence—she seemed to be avoiding something.
David was a little worried. He and Catherine had finally made some progress, and the days back in Yanzhou had been the happiest of his life – Catherine’s eldest sister had stopped rejecting foreigners, and Catherine seemed to be trying to accept herself.
What had happened to make Catherine close the door on her heart so quickly? David sighed, turned the steering wheel, and prepared to turn the car around.
A bright car light shone over, and David turned his head uncomfortably and closed his eyes. A car sped past him and drove directly into the bamboo garden.
David’s car happened to turn around, and the two cars crossed paths. The headlights flashed, and he seemed to see someone sitting in the car who looked familiar. Halfway through the journey, he suddenly remembered that the person in the car was the Luo-family adjutant of the young military commander Duan Yijie?
What was he doing in Zhuyuan? Did he come here on Duan Yijie’s orders? Was he related to Catherine? Duan Yijie’s cold face and Xu Liangchen’s pretty face flashed through his mind one after the other. For some reason, a bad feeling suddenly arose in David’s heart.
In the news industry, there is a term called ‘hunch’, and for those who have experienced it, the feeling is wonderful and indescribable. Most newspaper reporters are superstitious, but David is not, except for his hunches.
He had to admit that David’s hunch was very correct this time. Luo Hongyi came to Zhuyuan to ask Xu Liangchen to go to the General’s Mansion.
In the end, the gears of fate did not let go of the two people who had been tied together by the red string of fate.
Many years later, Xu Liangchen sighed, ‘When a woman is young, everyone is the legendary Asura. With your painted eyes and smile like a flower, countless people adore your youthful appearance. But the best and happiest thing is to have someone who, rain, snow, thunder or lightning, is always by your side, because in his heart, you are forever spring…’
Written by flora840809, please indicate the source when reprinting|www.txt99.com

Chapter 58
Along with the car came Shao Yizhen, the second wife of the warlord.
Shao came from a poor family and was sold into a southern opera troupe when her family suffered a disaster when she was thirteen. Shao Yizhen was young and beautiful, and she was talented. Not only did she have a good appearance, but she also had a clear voice. In a few years, she became a professional and performed under the stage name Hua Wanhong.
That winter, she performed in the play ‘Du Shiniang’ at the Yanzhou Louwailou Grand Theatre. Unexpectedly, Duan Zhengxun, who was sitting in the theatre box listening to the opera, took a fancy to her at first glance.
Duan Zhengxun’s thoughts were discovered by the opera troupe boss. He felt that it was a blessing for the mighty warlord to favour a leading lady from his troupe, so he secretly set up a plan to please Duan Zhengxun.
He got Duan Zhengxun’s men to arrange a performance at the Pingyuan where Duan was staying, and made sure that Shao Yizhen sang the lead role. The finale was the popular ‘Wang Erjie Thinking of Her Husband’.
Duan Zhengxun didn’t realise the true intention of the performance at first, but when he saw the finale sung by Shao Yizhen, and the troupe even arranged for the make-up-less Hua Wanhong to drink with him, he realised that there was something else going on.
The young and charming Shao Yizhen never dreamed that the opera troupe boss had set a trap for her to make her commit to Duan Zhengxun. At this time, she was only 18 years old, in the bloom of youth, and all her thoughts were on her studies. She also hoped that one day she would become famous throughout the south and become a famous actress of her generation.
Now she was going to marry a warlord who was much older than her, and she felt so aggrieved. However, in such a chaotic time, how could a small entertainer determine her own destiny? As the die was cast, Shao Yizhen had to resign herself to her fate.
At first, because she was forced to commit herself, her relationship with Duan Zhengxun was distant, and they often just managed to get by. But after spending some time together, she gradually came to see that the warlord also had genuine emotions and a true nature, and her feelings slowly began to change.
Duan Zhengxun first took Shao Yizhen, and it was originally just for fun, but after getting to know each other, he discovered that Shao Yizhen was not only naturally beautiful and charming, but also thoughtful and talented, and he couldn’t help but cherish her even more. However, at that time, Duan Zhengxun was already married to Mrs. Lu and was taking advantage of his in-laws’ power. Bringing Shao Yizhen back, who had a low social status, not only was not wanted by Mrs. Lu, it could also cause trouble.
After the two parted ways, Duan Zhengxun inevitably missed the gentle and delicate Shao Yizhen in his spare time, but he also understood that it was unrealistic to rekindle their love. For one thing, Mrs. Lu might not tolerate it, and for another, it was really difficult for a military and political dignitary to have a proper status with an actress from the ‘lower 9th class’.
The astute Mrs. Lu discovered Duan Zhengxun’s secret from the clues and, through her personal bodyguard, understood the truth of the matter. Mrs. Lu thought about it for a long time and felt slightly better knowing that Duan Zhengxun could bear the pain of giving up his love for her. In addition, it was common for men to keep concubines at this time, and she understood that since Duan Zhengxun had fallen for the actress, he would take her home sooner or later.
If that was the case, she might as well be generous. So, after making the arrangements, Mrs Lu sent someone to take Shao Yizhen back to the Duan residence.
Duan Zhengxun was of course happy to see Shao Yizhen after their long separation. At the same time, he felt guilty and, out of respect and love, he respected and loved Mrs Lu even more.
Later, the new couple entered the house one after the other. Shao Yizhen was the only one who had started out as an entertainer, so her status was naturally the lowest among everyone else. Fortunately, Mrs Lu always took good care of this humble and modest woman from a lowly background. It was not until the birth of Duan Qiping, the eldest daughter of the Duan family, that Shao Yizhen’s situation changed and she was promoted to second wife. However, as new couples kept arriving, Shao Yizhen, who was gentle and kind, gradually faded into the background behind the smiling faces of the new arrivals without contention or competition.
Duan Qiping had a bright and stubborn personality since childhood. After going to university, she embraced some progressive ideas and firmly disagreed with the marriage of interest proposed by Duan Zhengxun at the time. Her mother was weak-willed and did not dare to stand up for herself, so Duan Qiping resolutely ran away from home. After a period of time, Mrs. Shao learned that her daughter had gone to Beiping.
Shao Yizhen wept bitterly and begged, finally making the furious Duan Zhengxun give up the idea of sending someone to fetch his wayward daughter back. Later, Duan Qiping entered the newspaper industry and became a famous female journalist after many twists and turns.
However, her unsparing criticism of warlords everywhere, including her father, made Duan Zhengxun very angry with this daughter. He was several times so furious that he wanted to sever his father-daughter relationship. Fortunately, it was thanks to the earnest persuasion of Mrs. Lu and the silent tears of Mrs. Shao that Duan Zhengxun’s anger was suppressed.
Although Duan Yijie kept quiet about how the elders handled the matter, he took good care of Qi Ping. Not only did he send people to rescue her from difficult situations several times, but he also secretly sent her things like banknotes on a regular basis. He also always remembered to tell his second sister the rare news from inside the family first, so Duan Qi Ping quickly rose to stardom in the press like a tiger with wings.
Because of her mother’s overly weak personality, Duan Qi Ping had once been puzzled and even misunderstood by Shao Yizhen, and had not sent a letter home for half a year. It was also Duan Yijie who mediated between them, and it was only thanks to him that the mother and daughter were able to reconcile. Therefore, not only did Qiping respect Duan Yijie, but Shao Yizhen was also very grateful to him.
This time, when Duan Yijie said that his daughter had returned to Yanzhou, although Mrs. Lu mediated between them, Duan Qiping and Duan Zhengxun still did not change their usual confrontational attitude, and the conversation did not go well. Qiping did not go back to the mansion. Shao Yizhen was sad for a few days, but finally she couldn’t hold back any longer. After talking to Mrs. Lu, she followed Luo Hongyi to Zhuyuan.
Hearing from Luo Hongyi that it was Madam Duan who had invited her to the general’s mansion, Xu Liangchen’s heart calmed down a little. After greeting Mrs. Shao, she looked at Luo Hongyi, who didn’t move.
Duan Qiping saw that she looked very worried and felt a little uncomfortable. She had wanted to accompany her, but her mother’s longing eyes made her unable to speak the words on her lips. She could only comfort her gently, ‘Didn’t your mother say that Grandma and you hit it off? You haven’t seen the old lady since you came back from Weimo Lake, so maybe she wants you to go and talk to her.’
I hope so. Xu Liangchen’s lips curled into a faint smile. She knew in her heart that she couldn’t avoid it, so she had to steel herself and stand up. Luo Hongyi respectfully raised his hand: ‘Miss Xu, please.’
The car sped towards the Da Shuai Mansion, entering the gates and not stopping until it reached the moon gate in the inner courtyard.
A slender figure stood in the shadows of the lanterns. When she saw the car stop, she gracefully came up to meet them. It was Geng Wenqing: ‘Lieutenant Luo, hasn’t the young master returned yet?’
Luo Hongyi got out of the car and walked over to open the door for Xu Liangchen, while smiling and saying, ‘Hello, Miss Wenqing; the young master returned early, and the old lady sent me to fetch Miss Xu.’
Geng Wenqing frowned slightly imperceptibly, but her smile remained as bright as a flower on her face: ‘Oh, just now, the madam asked me about the arrangements for the old lady’s birthday, and I didn’t even notice that the young master and everyone else had returned; it’s true, after all, it’s a full 60th birthday, and the old lady even told me that she wanted it to be more lively with more people. Miss Xu, we meet again.’
This Miss Geng is truly an indispensable and important figure in the mansion. Xu Liangchen smiled faintly, feeling oddly that she was deliberately speaking to herself. He greeted her politely without paying attention, and followed Luo Hongyi to the old lady’s room.
Geng Wenqing walked a few steps to catch up, smiling, ‘Lieutenant Luo, you just go ahead. It happens that I also need to go to the old lady’s place, so I’ll just take Miss Xu there.’
The mistress-like tone made Luo Hongyi look at Xu Liangchen a little unnaturally. Xu Liangchen gave a slight smile, nodded to him, and said, ‘It’s just to take me there, who can’t? This Miss Geng is so enthusiastic, why reject people from afar?’
Luo Hongyi looked at Geng Wenqing’s raised chin, with a hint of half arrogance and half persistence at the corner of her lips. He felt even more favourably towards the gentle-natured Xu Liangchen. No wonder the eldest son would fancy this second young lady. She clearly has the capital to be arrogant, but she is humble and polite, and treats everyone equally. How could such a woman not make people fall in love with and admire her?
He smiled and saluted, ‘Miss Xu, I’ll be going then.’ Xu Liangchen thanked him and followed Geng Wenqing into the door.
Clouds in the sky blocked the moonlight, clusters of flowering trees swayed slightly in the light of the lanterns, insects chirped, and a few maids came over, seeing Geng Wenqing, they hurriedly bowed to greet him.
Looking at the hurried backs of the maids, Geng Wenqing glanced at Xu Liangchen and sighed with a smile, ‘Alas, if you’re not in the thick of it, you really don’t know. The affairs of this grand mansion are trivial and complicated, and managing such a large household is a headache. I really envy Miss Xu, a learned and professional woman, for not being lost in all this family gossip.”
Xu Liangchen’s heart stirred. Since she last met this Miss Geng, she seemed to have been deliberately or unintentionally speaking to him. What did she want to say?
With a faint smile, Xu Liangchen replied generously, ’There are difficulties in everything. Being professional or not is just a matter of different divisions of labour. Miss Geng’s role as the Marshal’s assistant in managing the household is also an extremely important help to the Marshal and his wives.’
Upon hearing this, Geng Wenqing was a little surprised, her footsteps faltering. She looked at Xu Liangchen in disbelief.
She had been reading a newspaper in her room when she heard from the maids that Xu Liangchen had arrived. She hurried over, but only to warn the former scandalous figure indirectly not to harbour any delusions of marrying into the marshal’s house. Unexpectedly, the second young lady not only remained indifferent to her words, but also praised her with a smile.
She pondered for a moment, then smiled without saying anything. ‘I heard that Miss Xu joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs? I heard that there are often parties there with foreigners, and does Miss Xu often go to those parties? You haven’t met Xiao Jie at those parties, but he is clearly a young man, but he is stubborn and has a stubborn mind. When you meet, Miss Xu must persuade him.’
Xu Liangchen couldn’t help but turn his head and look at her. He felt a little amused. What was wrong with this Miss Geng? To be honest, since joining the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, he had never even had the opportunity to go to a ball. Besides, what did it matter to him whether Duan Yijie went to the ball or not?
Smiling, she didn’t say anything. Xu Liangchen felt a little that Geng Wenqing didn’t know what was going on.
He struck out on his own, but his opponent didn’t take the bait. Geng Wenqing felt slightly annoyed. He reached out, plucked a flower from the flowers nearby, and rubbed it in his hands. He simply went straight to the heart of the matter: ‘Miss Xu, the scandal last time caused you quite a bit of trouble, didn’t it? These tabloid reporters are just like paparazzi, always hounding people like Duan Yijie. Where do they get off? They have no idea that the young marshal has a million things to do every day, so how could he have the time for such frivolous pursuits? Don’t you agree?’
These words were a bit too revealing. Xu Liangchen was slightly stunned. From the sound of her voice, it was clear that this person had a major interest in Duan Yijie. Was this person seeking revenge on the heroine of the scandal, herself? Or was it a warning?
An inexplicable emotion flashed through her heart. She cursed Duan Yijie inwardly for being out of his mind. Obviously, he had such a lovely and sympathetic beauty at home, why did he have to come and cause trouble for her?
Thinking about this, she stopped being polite and said lightly with her eyelashes slightly raised, ‘I don’t know the young master well, so I don’t know anything about him. The last scandal was just a misunderstanding, so Miss Geng doesn’t need to care.’ Just go and fix it. If you can fix him, I’ll be so grateful.
Her words were soft, but they made Geng Wenqing flinch. Did this Miss Xu completely deny her relationship with Duan Yijie? Was she telling the truth or just trying to be polite? If she was telling the truth, what did all the rumours she had heard mean? And if she was lying… had she noticed his feelings for Xiao Jie and deliberately distanced herself from him?
As he pondered, they arrived at the upper room where the old lady lived. Not being able to ask any more questions, Geng Wenqing felt a little depressed. However, he saw the third wife walking out of the courtyard and greeted the two of them. She said to Geng Wenqing, ‘The lady said she wanted to see you. Hurry up and go. I’ll take care of Miss Xu.’
Geng Wenqing hurriedly went to see Mrs Lu after hearing her request. Third Mistress smiled at Xu Liangchen and said to the maid in a meaningful way, ‘Sorry, Miss Xu, I should accompany you upstairs, but I have a lot of chores to do…’
Xu Liangchen thanked her hurriedly and followed the maid upstairs. It was still accompanied by the strong smell of Chinese medicine from the last time she was here, and she was still stepping on the thick carpet that made no sound. For some reason, Xu Liangchen felt an inexplicable sense of familiarity.
The maid led her into the living room and was about to announce her arrival when a maid came out of the inner room and gave her a ‘shush’ sign with her finger, pointing to the old lady’s bedroom. Then she respectfully smiled softly at Xu Liangchen and said, ‘Miss Xu, please come in.’ With a glance, she dismissed the maids in the hall.
Inside the room came the sound of the old lady’s suppressed cough, one after the other, and Xu Liangchen was very worried. Accidentally noticing the maids’ behaviour, she couldn’t help but be a little confused. The old lady wanted to see her, so why did she tell the maids to go out? She stopped in her tracks and looked back at the few people walking out the door. The eldest maid smiled at her and led the way out quietly.
Xu Liangchen felt a little strange in his heart. The coughing of the old lady Duan had not stopped intermittently. She forced herself to calm down a little and walked to the door of the inner room.
When she looked up, she saw Duan Yijie sitting in front of the bed in the light of the lamp, supporting the old man with one hand and gently patting the back of the old lady with the other hand, as if he was still whispering something in concern. Between bouts of coughing, the old lady Duan turned her head and gave him a kind and doting smile.
The figure, with its back to the door and the light, was surrounded by a faint halo of light, as if it had cast a holy radiance over the grandfather and granddaughter who were supporting each other by the bed. One could only feel a warm sense of love flowing in the silence.
The scene in front of him made Xu Liangchen’s softest heart suddenly feel touched. Looking at the grandfather and granddaughter in front of him, although the image of his mother, which was blurred but deeply imprinted, suddenly appeared in his mind, a hot feeling welled up in his eyes.
Duan Yujie carefully helped her lean back on the pillow, and then stood up to clear up the phlegm she coughed up. The old woman hurriedly stopped him, saying, ‘Xiao Jie, let the girls do it, you just sit back.’
Duan Yijie gave a small smile without saying a word, but the movements in his hands did not stop. Xu Liangchen’s gaze followed his every move. In her heart, Duan Yijie’s cold demeanour suddenly weakened in that moment. She couldn’t help but sigh in her heart. A man who is so gentle and caring towards the elderly and serves them at the bedside, is he really cold?
Duan Yijie finished tidying up the spittoon and was about to carry it to the washroom when he looked up and his gaze suddenly met Xu Liangchen’s. He raised the corners of his lips in a warm smile and nodded lightly, ‘Liangchen, you’re here.’
The image of a tall, handsome man in full military uniform carrying a clay spittoon in his hands was not exactly pleasing to the eye, but what Duan Yijie did was so natural and reasonable.
Xu Liangchen suddenly felt a little moved. For some reason, she saw a hint of tenderness in the corner of his slightly raised lips, so she began to feel short of breath and hurriedly looked away.
Duan Laoshi, leaning on her pillow, also saw Xu Liangchen standing in front of the door. A kind smile appeared on her wrinkled face, and she reached out to greet her, saying, ‘The girl is here, come in.’
Xu Liangchen came back to his senses, walked quickly in, and said with a smile, ‘Old Madam, it’s me. How have you been recently?’
Old Madam Duan’s face broke into a smile like a chrysanthemum, and she kept saying ‘good’ and ‘yes’. She said, ‘Xiao Jie said you’ve been busy with work recently, so I didn’t dare to disturb you. I haven’t seen you for so long, and I’ve been thinking about you.’
She got out of the car and thanked him with a smile, and the two of them chatted about family matters for a while. Then Madam Duan pulled Xu Liangchen to sit down by the bed, while Duan Yijie went to empty the ashtray. At that moment, faint footsteps could be heard outside, followed by a strong cough. Xu Liangchen couldn’t help but glance over slightly, and Duan Zhengxun’s tall figure appeared in the living room.
The general is here too? Xu Liangchen’s heart suddenly sank.
Duan Zhengxun did not bring an entourage, and stood alone in the doorway, his eyes shining as he glanced inside. Xu Liangchen hurriedly stood up, smiled slightly, and nodded to say hello. Duan Zhengxun nodded, strode majestically in, and stood respectfully by the bed, saying, ‘Mother, how do you feel today?’
Seeing him walk over, Xu Liangchen wanted to avoid him, but the old lady grabbed her hand and said to Duan Zhengxun, ‘It’s okay, you can sit down too. Girl, we’re all family, don’t be polite, you sit down too.’
Xu Liangchen smiled slightly, agreed in a low voice, but in the end, because Duan Zhengxun was still standing in front of the bed, she also stood still.
Duan Laoshi looked at her son, and Duan Zhengxun glanced at her, walked over and sat down in the chair. Xu Liangchen then sat down, leaning her body to one side. Duan Yijie came out of the bathroom, called out ‘Father’, and sat down on the other side.
The three of them, grandfather, grandson and father, were facing each other. Duan Zhengxun looked thoughtful, Duan Yijie’s eyebrows were slightly furrowed, and Duan Laoshi looked gratified. Xu Liangchen lowered her eyebrows somewhat unnaturally, suddenly feeling an inexplicable sense of foreboding. She couldn’t help but swallow.
Looking at the handsome grandson, and then at the beautiful Xu Liangchen, the old lady’s smile deepened. She patted Xu Liangchen’s hand and said with a smile, ‘Girl, Grandma and you hit it off at first sight. Don’t mind my being a nosy old woman from the countryside. There are some things I want to talk to you about tonight.’
“Old lady, you’re too kind. Liangchen lost his mother at a young age and did not receive any teachings from his elders. It is my blessing to be able to listen to your teachings. Please speak your mind.’ Three pairs of eyes were all directed at her, and Xu Liangchen smiled cautiously and said.
After listening to her, Madam Duan smiled and said teasingly, ’Girl, don’t say that I’m picky, and you’re still calling me polite, why do you still call me Madam? Why don’t you just call me grandma? Do you know that I have been waiting for you to call me grandma for a long time?’
Xu Liangchen was momentarily stunned and couldn’t help but look at Duan Yijie. Duan Yijie’s face was expressionless, but his eyes were half-interest, half-expectation. Xu Liangchen couldn’t help but frown when she saw this. Does this guy also want to call her grandma?
After he said it, Xu Liangchen’s pretty face lowered slightly and there was no response for a long time. Madam Duan looked at her with some confusion, and then turned her gaze to her son.
Duan Zhengxun frowned when he saw this, and gave Xu Liangchen a slightly displeased sideways glance. What’s wrong with this girl? I made it clear the other day, as the future granddaughter-in-law of the General’s Mansion, why does it hurt so much for her to let her mother call her grandma? It seems that what I said that day still didn’t wake up this stubborn girl.
After thinking about it, she said to Duan Yijie, ‘I heard that you made arrangements for Beiping? In fact, there is no need to go to such great lengths, the military government has more important things to do. No matter what kind of great scholar you are, you are still just a person,’ she said, giving Xu Liangchen another sideways glance.
Duan Zhengxun suddenly changed the subject, and what he said seemed to be still about official business. Xu Liangchen didn’t pay much attention at first, but halfway through his words, her heart suddenly sank—what Duan Zhengxun was talking about was…uncle Jiang? And, judging from his tone, he didn’t seem to want to help… In a daze, Duan Zhengxun’s sharp eyes flashed past, and his dismissive look made Xu Liangchen feel as if she had just woken up from a dream: just because she refused to call him grandma for herself, the great general was taking revenge by speaking to her?
Yes, you’re a clever girl. Duan Zhengxun gave a crooked smile, and the expression in those moments was strikingly similar to Duan Yijie’s.
Xu Liangchen frowned in astonishment, but Duan Zhengxun had already softened his voice and spoken to his mother. The occasional fleeting glance had a clear meaning: girl, you can refuse all you like, but you’ll suffer the consequences.
Xu Liangchen couldn’t decide whether to laugh or cry. He looked at Duan Yijie, and after the cold-faced young master was slightly surprised, he actually looked forward to the show. Xu Liangchen secretly muttered in her heart, ‘What a truly sinister father and son. Countless thoughts swirled in her mind, but she had no choice but to bow her head under the roof. After a while, she raised her eyebrows, intending to scream but stopping herself, her expression embarrassed.
Both Madam Duan and Duan Zhengxun noticed her expression, and couldn’t help but laugh to themselves. On the surface, General Duan’s expression became even more severe, staring straight at Xu Liangchen. Xu Liangchen’s gaze flickered slightly, her brows lowered, and she persuaded herself firmly and ostrich-like that such a kind old man wouldn’t mind if she called her grandma. So, finally, half-shy and half-embarrassed, she whispered, ‘Grandma…’
The sound of ‘grandma’ was stuttering, but it was heard by Madam Duan, who was overjoyed – she thought Xu Liangchen’s hesitation was shyness, and she couldn’t help but be more satisfied with this future granddaughter-in-law who had studied abroad – she had heard that women who had studied abroad were all extremely generous and and eager to make a splash. This future granddaughter-in-law, however, is like a young lady in seclusion, embarrassed for half a day by the sound of ‘grandma’. The educated women who study abroad are elegant and refined, but they retain the shyness of children. It is hard to find such a lovely granddaughter-in-law even with a lantern.
Then looking at her grandson, who had a hint of joy in his eyes, Madam Duan smiled and narrowed her eyes: ‘Girl, Zhengxun told me that your marriage has already been settled. Although I know he will not do anything careless, and the matchmaker must have prepared all this, but Grandma and you get along well, and you have been without a mother since you were young, so Grandma doesn’t want to do anything to hurt you. I especially asked you to come today to ask if you have any other requests regarding this marriage. As long as Grandma can do it, I will definitely…”
After listening to these words, Xu Liangchen’s mind exploded with a loud noise. What? When was the marriage already decided? No wonder she just told him to call her ‘grandmother’. She couldn’t help but glance at Duan Zhengxun.
Duan Zhengxun’s lips curled slightly, his gaze solemn as he looked at her. What, haven’t you figured out what I said the other day yet? No matter what you think, this marriage is set in stone—don’t you dare deny it in front of the old lady—don’t you dare joke with Jiang Zhengyu’s life?
Written by flora840809, please indicate the source if reproduced|www.txt99.com

Chapter 59
Duan Zhengxun’s eyes narrowed slightly, with a faint smile at the corner of his mouth. The light faintly revealed a ruthless coldness, which made Xu Liangchen involuntarily feel a little shocked, and the words on the tip of his tongue had to be swallowed hard.
Looking at the old lady Duan’s face full of kindness and expectation, she felt that her smile was forced. For a moment, she didn’t know how to reply, so she could only smile faintly and remain silent.
She had heard that most of the domestic warlords had a strong bandit-like atmosphere, and she had also experienced it from Duan Yijie from time to time, but the head of a military government with such a status as Duan Zhengxun, who repeatedly confronted her directly and was domineering and overbearing, really made her feel helpless and headache.
After a long period of silent contemplation, Xu Liangchen had no choice but to suppress the various emotions in her heart, and looked up with clear and calm eyes. Under the same roof, with little power and the future and even the lives of loved ones in the hands of others, naturally one has to bow one’s head. You, General Duan, forbid me to deny it, so I won’t admit it either. What can you do?
Good, the girl has courage and backbone! Duan Zhengxun’s lips curled slightly as he stared at Xu Liangchen. After leading the troops for many years and accumulating his authority, there aren’t many people who can be so calm and stubborn in front of him. I never thought that this girl would have such courage, she is worthy to be my future daughter-in-law! I like it.
Xu Liangchen felt a bit passive under the harsh gaze. She couldn’t help but curse Duan Yijie in her heart, thinking that it was all this guy’s fault. It seemed that tonight, this father and son were determined to force her to put on a show in front of the old lady. Never mind, in order to get out of this as soon as possible, and for the sake of Uncle Jiang, I will cooperate as best I can. As for the rest, well, never!
Thinking this, Xu Liangchen looked at Duan Zhengxun with a determined gaze.
That’s a good idea, but she’s dealing with the backstabbing warlord Duan, who’s good at digging pits.
After looking at her twice, Duan Zhengxun saw that Xu Liangchen was struggling again and again, but finally gave up and didn’t dare to directly deny in front of the old lady. He couldn’t help but raise the corner of his lips in a light smile, and continued to dig the big pit to settle the future ‘daughter-in-law’.
Seemingly satisfied with Xu Liangchen’s performance, Duan Zhengxun finally stopped dwelling on the topic and lightly and skillfully switched to family matters: ‘Mother has suffered hardship and toil over the years, and now that the big day is approaching, I wonder what the old lady has planned?’ He was asking about Duan Old Lady’s birthday. Yanzhou has always attached importance to and paid attention to the whole life, and the elderly’s sixtieth birthday is one of the topics of conversation at the General’s Mansion recently.
Madam Duan smiled reassuringly and looked at her son kindly, ‘I appreciate your intentions. First, people say that children’s birthdays are difficult for their mothers. I’m already sixty years old, and my ancestors have long been buried, so there’s nothing to celebrate on my birthday. Second, there have been floods and tsunamis recently, and the people have suffered…It’s better to save the money you would have spent on my birthday and use it to help the victims of the disasters. That would really be more helpful, and it would also be a good deed for me.’
Duan Zhengxun no longer targeted himself, and Xu Liangchen felt relieved. Hearing what the old lady Duan said, he couldn’t help but praise the old lady for her kindness. However, how could such a kind old lady give birth to such a bandit for a son and raise such a cold-faced grandson…
Just as he was thinking, he saw Duan Zhengxun smile slightly and say respectfully, ‘Mother is right, how would a son dare not listen? But since life is short, and sixty years is a long time, and since you are still able to show filial piety, you should make your mother happy.”
Duan Yijie also tried to persuade him. From his expression and words, and from what he had seen when he first entered the room, Xu Liangchen understood that this cold-faced young master really had feelings for the grandmother who had raised him, and that he deeply respected and cared for her. He couldn’t help but give him a deep look—after all, people who are filial to the elderly must not have bad hearts.
The old man glanced at Xu Liangchen and then gave a slight smile of encouragement to the father and son, saying, ‘If you really mean it, you don’t have to worry about these things. It’s more important to do what you can to let the people live a few days of peace and stability. As for our family, what makes me happy as an old woman is right in front of me, isn’t it?’
It really is not a family that does not enter a family. Xu Liangchen couldn’t help but lower his eyebrows and secretly mutter under his breath at the old woman’s words.
Duan Zhengxun glanced at her and nodded slightly. It seems that he was right. He decided that day would be the day. He was really very happy about this, so he said, ‘You all heard what the old lady said. Since that is the case, it is settled. The day will be the day of the mother’s big day, with double happiness. What do you think, mother?’
The words were crisp, but a little unclear. Xu Liangchen vaguely felt that something was wrong, but he couldn’t say what Duan Zhengxun had decided. He couldn’t help but look at Duan Yijie with some confusion.
‘Of course that’s good!’ Duan’s old lady was so happy that she kept praising, and then she seriously instructed, ‘You should discuss this with the girl’s elders first. The two families are getting married, and you, the general, can’t make the decision on your own. Right, girl?’
What? Xu Liangchen suddenly understood that Duan Zhengxun had actually decided on his marriage to Duan Yijie! She was shocked. She had previously taken everything, including Mrs. Lu’s words and Duan Zhengxun’s remarks about the marriage, as a performance put on by the Duan family for the old lady, but she never expected that tonight, the date of the marriage was actually decided!
It’s really true!
Not only was Xu Liangchen surprised, but Duan Yijie was also very surprised. Bringing this second young lady home as soon as possible is of course something that he would like, but he also understands Xu Liangchen’s resistance to this matter. It is not impossible to take by force, but because he really likes her, what he wants is not only this person, but also that exquisite and clever heart.
In his opinion, this matter still requires effort and time to impress the beauty, so he looked at Xu Liangchen’s shocked eyes and looked up at his father’s squinted eyes, asking silently.
Duan Zhengxun glanced at his son, brat, where is the coolness of the past? Why are you so confused when you meet this girl? I think in the future, you will definitely be eaten alive by your wife, and all the things I told you in the morning were in vain?
What did you say this morning? Duan Yijie’s eyebrows furrowed slightly as he lowered his gaze.
After the morning meeting on disaster relief, after Duan Yijie had reported on his work, his father asked him about Xu Liangchen’s recent situation. After listening, he thought for a moment and said, ‘At first, you just wanted to deal with me and your mother and please the old lady, didn’t you?’
Looking into his father’s piercing eyes, Duan Yijie nodded gently. It was really not easy to hide things from the old man. Since he had already found out, there was no point in hiding anymore.
‘But now,’ Duan Zhengxun gave him a sideways glance, ‘you don’t want to let go, do you?’ The question was asked in a positive tone. The investigation report was delivered last night, and the cause and development of the matter was indeed as he expected.
You brat, you ignored all those noble ladies I introduced you to, but you just had to fall for this stubborn girl. Duan Zhengxun glanced at the photo that was partially visible under the file, a little helpless. Old Duan is sorry, my friend, but you were a step too late.
Duan Yijie looked up, his posture straight, and stared at his father, answering seriously, ‘Yes. My son thinks that she is not only talented, but also kind-hearted and patriotic, and will definitely be able to support me.”
Duan Zhengxun nodded slightly. You kiddo does have good taste: ’Well, outsiders only know how honoured and glorious the young wife of the general is, but in fact, the responsibility and pressure involved are not simple. Not only does she have to attend to appearances, but also be able to think deeply and act with poise when the situation calls for it. I think this girl from the Xu family can handle it!’
Duan Zhengxun exhaled a smoke ring with some emotion, and continued, ‘I used to respect scholars, but I always thought in my heart that the gun was still the strongest! This incident at Weimo Lake has shown me the new value of learning. The submersible developed by the Equipment Department, and the impact of the girls’ reports in international public opinion—these are the so-called ‘a scholar’s pen can be worth 100,000 soldiers’. Only such a woman can be worthy of being the new wife of the general’s mansion!’
Looking out at the sky, Duan Zhengxun sighed, ‘With external troubles and internal strife, the road ahead for the two of us will not be an easy one. If the girl marries into our family, she won’t just be able to enjoy the good life. And, once you’ve made up your mind, you can’t be softhearted about this, and you can’t drag your feet. Understand?’
The girl is no ordinary person. Once she’s given the chance to spread her wings and fly, even a family like the Marshal’s will be worthless in her eyes. From his experience over the years, he knew that women are all emotional. First, you have to keep them, then slowly work on them, like water wearing away a stone. If you pay close attention and show your sincerity, how can you not win their hearts? In the future, you silly boy, you have to learn to please women.
Duan Yijie understood his father’s last words as a reminder to impress Xu Liangchen as soon as possible. This coincided with what he had always thought, so he nodded without thinking deeply about it.
Unexpectedly, what his father meant by ‘no delays’ was to cut the Gordian knot so quickly.
Looking up at Duan Zhengxun’s piercing gaze, Xu Liangchen was distracted and hesitant to speak. He never imagined that the general would be so determined to take by force and force a marriage upon him… He guessed that he would not dare to refuse or deny in front of Madam Duan!
If he makes things clear here, Madam Duan… Looking at the old man’s weak smile and the heart-wrenching coughing from time to time, Xu Liangchen knows that if the elderly man, full of joy, learns of such excitement, with her physical condition, he may not be able to bear it. If anything happens, Duan Zhengxun’s bandit-like style of doing things, I’m afraid not only himself, but also my cousin and brother-in-law, will be implicated… Besides, the old man is kind and charitable. If something happens because of me, even if I get away with it, I will never be able to rest easy in this life… But if I don’t say anything, will I just let this happen?
Xu Liangchen was anxious, but he couldn’t think of a way to get out of this dilemma.
Just then, he heard Duan Zhengxun say, ‘Mother is right. Tomorrow, as the host, I will invite Mayor Sun and his wife, as well as the Xu family relatives, to a banquet. In addition, as you said, the wedding should be grand and magnificent, without losing face for the General’s Mansion, but also spend less money, and save the money to help the disaster areas and victims. How about leaving this matter to Yi Jie to arrange? What do you think, Mother?’
‘Good, since your father has spoken, Xiao Jie must do his best. It’s not easy to have a grand wedding while being thrifty—if you can’t think of a way and end up not getting a wife, don’t blame your grandmother and father.’ The old lady said with a rare joke.
Xu Liangchen, who could not find the right time to tell the truth, had no choice but to pin his hopes on his cousin’s meeting with Duan Zhengxun the next day, and on Duan Yijie’s failure to find a way to have a ‘grand and extravagant yet frugal’ wedding—it was not easy to spend less money while still having all those requirements, was it? —She felt like a silkworm spitting out its silk, having stumbled into the pit of the Duan family father and son. She had to watch her every move, but in the end she was bound by the cocoon and could no longer struggle.
What kind of wedding will Duan Yijie arrange that is ‘both grand and extravagant, yet thrifty’?
|flora840809 handwritten, please indicate the source|www.txt99.com

Chapter 60
The big clock in the living room struck half past ten. Although Madam Duan was talking cheerfully, she already looked tired. Duan Zhengxun told his mother to rest, and took his son and Xu Liangchen downstairs.
As they walked out of the courtyard gate, Xu Liangchen walked in front of them in silence, while the Duan father and son fell behind, intentionally or unintentionally.
Watching the melancholy and elegant back of the street lamp, Duan Yijie lowered his voice and said, ‘Father, didn’t you give secret orders to Beiping in the morning to rescue Dr. Jiang…has something changed?’
Duan Zhengxun stopped in his tracks upon hearing this, and looked at Duan Yijie with some resentment. Why did his clever son become stupid whenever something related to that stubborn girl came up? Duan Zhengxun let out a low grunt and said, ‘Am I the kind of person who changes his mind every day? If I don’t say that, how can I get the stubborn girl to listen obediently? With that silly look and manner of yours, it’ll be a long time before you can get people to submit to you. I’m still hoping that this capable daughter-in-law can help you stupid boy out.
Duan Yijie looked at his father’s chin raised high, squinting at him. He was surprised, amused, and had to admit that he was impressed. Jiang is indeed old and experienced, and his father is still腹黑.
‘Go quickly, take the girl back and take care of it on the way! …Now although someone is not saying anything, they are really upset inside.’ Duan Zhengxun laughed silently. Stupid son, coaxing a woman is a technical job, depending on whether you have the patience and skills. Don’t disgrace me, go.
Duan Yijie frowned for a moment, then called Luo Hongyi over and whispered a few words to him. Luo Hongyi smiled and agreed. He walked quickly away.
Since getting involved with the Duan family father and son, Xu Liangchen has been shocked and surprised to the point of being speechless. Tonight, she really didn’t know what to say or how to say it in order to reverse her fate of being forced to interact and become entangled with Duan Yijie. Therefore, when she learned that Duan Yijie was sending her back to Zhuyuan, she remained silent.
As the car pulled in, Duan Yijie looked at the beautiful woman who kept her eyes downcast and said nothing. He got out of the car first, walked over, and opened the car door. Xu Liangchen raised her eyebrows slightly and got out of the car silently.
Duan Yijie felt a mixture of excitement and worry. The wedding date had been set and the beautiful woman was going to marry him, which should have been a joyous occasion in his life. However, Xu Liangchen looked calm and even indifferent. According to what he had learned before, she should be angry or annoyed, but she didn’t look like that.
Xu Liangchen got out of the car, bowed her head and walked away without looking back. Watching her graceful back silhouetted against the night lights, Duan Yijie’s heart softened. He took a few quick steps, grabbed her arm and whispered, ‘Liangchen, I have something to tell you.’
Xu Liangchen looked at him with a faint raised eyebrow and said in a cold, mocking voice, ‘What else does the young master want to say? Whether it’s freedom or justice, in the face of power, you can only bow your head. I’m already afraid to speak, what more does the young master want?’ After saying this, she turned around and walked away.
‘Listen to me finish what I have to say,’ Duan Yijie grabbed her arm and pulled her a few steps forward. In the distance, Luo Hongyi raised his hand to quietly signal the driver to pull over and turn off the lights.
After a futile struggle, Duan Yijie dragged her into the bamboo forest. Xu Liangchen shook his hand off while mumbling, ‘Let go of me, what do you want to say…?’ What else was there to say? Had he not already said all he needed to say to persuade her to marry him?
The moonlight was like water, the shadows of the bamboo trees were slanting, the beauty in front of him was like a picture, Duan Yijie looked at her pretty face with an expressionless face, and sighed inwardly. After a long time, he said in an unnatural voice, ‘Xu Liangchen, I’m sorry, I’m not a romantic and affectionate person. I’ve never liked a woman before, and I’m not sure how to treat people well. I’ve wronged you, Xu Liangchen.’
What was Duan Yijie talking about? Xu Liangchen looked at him with some confusion and some confusion, but didn’t say a word. However, an unknown feeling suddenly arose in her heart. Was this man, who was called cold-faced, apologising for never having had any romantic experience? Xu Liangchen suddenly felt that since she had met him, this young master had become more and more calm, less and less cold, and even looked a little overwhelmed.
Looking at the handsome young man in front of him, one hand supporting the slender bamboo, he unconsciously tightened and then loosened his grip, only to tighten it again. His eyes also looked a little embarrassed and evasive. Xu Liangchen’s anger unconsciously melted away a little. It turned out that when facing himself, he was not just overbearing and aggressive, but also had such trepidation?
Xu Liangchen couldn’t help but stare at Duan Yijie with curiosity and scrutiny. Her clear gaze made Duan Yijie feel slightly embarrassed, and he couldn’t help but look away.
‘Liangchen,’ after a while, Duan Yijie looked up again, gazing at the love of his life with the light from afar and the stars in the sky, and said earnestly and a little anxiously, “Don’t worry, I will definitely treat you well! I, Duan Yijie, swear that I will never let you down in this life!”
His dark eyes looked over with eager anticipation, and Xu Liangchen couldn’t help but slightly avoid them, her heart filled with a hundred different emotions. Chen Yajun is not a talkative person. If he says he will do something, he will definitely do it. If she were the woman who admired and loved him, she would be so happy to hear this – but unfortunately, she doesn’t love him.
However, even if it’s not someone she likes or loves, hearing the sincere oath of the handsome, determined, and powerful cold-faced young master, Xu Liangchen still felt a warm current of emotion flash through her heart, along with a faint sense of regret.
After a while, she whispered, ‘I am very grateful for the young master’s affection, but…because I have studied for a few years, I am a believer in love, firmly believing that love requires mutual affection, and that marriage is the crystallisation of love. Between us…we don’t have these things right now…even if we are forced to stay together, does the young master think that this marriage will be happy?’ After saying it, Xu Liangchen felt a little strange. What was wrong with him that he had the patience to say these words to Duan Yijie, knowing they were useless?
After listening, Duan Yijie was silent. His dark eyes narrowed slightly as he looked at the streetlamp in the distance and lost in thought for a while before turning his head and asking, ‘Have you…found it?’
He was of course asking about love. Xu Liangchen opened his mouth, but ultimately stopped himself from speaking. After so long, Duan Yijie must have investigated the matter between himself, Jiang Jingwu, and David thoroughly, so what was the point of reiterating it? But Jingwu…
Her thoughtful expression made Duan Yijie feel a lump in his throat, and he couldn’t help but glance at her sideways. Don’t stress to me about childhood sweethearts, what’s wrong with childhood sweethearts? It’s just that you got to know each other a few years earlier, right? Who says childhood sweethearts must become husband and wife? And some people say that my senior and I were childhood sweethearts, but why don’t I see me falling for her and her falling for me? If it was meant to be, someone would have already become Mrs. Jiang, so why wait until now?
But I have found… found someone I like… Duan Yijie was about to say something, but the words got stuck in his throat. Looking at Xu Liangchen, whose hedgehog-like quills of defences had risen again, he couldn’t help but secretly regret it. Clearly, her attitude had softened a little just now, so why didn’t he strike while the iron was hot?
Why did he have to mention the pot that didn’t boil? Thinking about this, his expression softened, and he took a deep breath, calling out ‘Liangchen’ in a low voice.
Xu Liangchen looked at him with a faint smile, and before she could take her eyes off him, the lights suddenly burst into the bamboo forest, as bright as day, illuminating the flowers blooming among the luxuriant green bamboo.
The roses were red, the lilies white, and the bunches of flowers were so beautiful they seemed to be dripping with dew. Duan Yijie slowly bent his knee and knelt on one knee, holding a bunch of flowers in his hands, which he presented to Xu Liangchen. A faint fragrance drifted over, the light floral scent gentle and far-reaching.
Xu Liangchen moved his lips, but his expression was stunned by the scene that appeared before him. Before he could come back to his senses, something seemed to float past in front of his eyes, and he couldn’t help but reach out, a blush falling into the palm of his hand.
It was a fiery red rose.
In the middle of the rose was a flash of brilliance, a diamond ring!
A flower rain drifted through the bamboo forest, and the petals fluttered and fell. Xu Liangchen looked up, and saw that the flower rain under the starlight seemed to have coloured the sky.
Not far away came the sound of music, a piano piece, the beating notes gentle but not lacking in cheer, the melodious English singing faintly audible: the stars in the sky bear witness to my vow; the moon on earth is my love, my heart, can you see… Infected by the singing, she couldn’t help but lower her eyes and look at the man in front of her.
Staring at her beloved, Duan Yijie’s calm voice was like a dream in her ears: ‘Liangchen, marry me!’ At that moment, everything disappeared: the bamboo forest, the flowers, the guards hiding in the shadows. All he could see were the beautiful eyes and rosy cheeks of his beloved.
Duan Yijie had dismissed Qi Ping’s romantic marriage proposal advice a few times before, thinking that if he liked someone, he liked them, and there was no need for all that nonsense. Tonight, his father was setting a date for the engagement, and he was both happy and looking forward to it. Duan Yijie was cold and indifferent, so he had no choice but to follow Qi Ping’s advice.
To be honest, when he thought about proposing on one knee in front of her, he felt a little embarrassed. But he didn’t feel any embarrassment at all when he saw this scene. What stirred in his heart was love and sincerity!
‘To be together through thick and thin, to hold your hand and grow old with you. Liangchen, please give me a chance,’ Duan Yijie looked at her expectantly and said firmly.
Xu Liangchen’s lips moved, but no sound came out. She felt as if something had blocked her throat, her heart was soft and bittersweet, a mist rose up, blurring the moonlight, the flowers, and her vision… She remained silent.
Just then, the sound of gentle footsteps could be heard.
‘It’s rare for the boss to be romantic, Liangchen, you can’t be rude,’ Duan Yijie’s smiling voice could be heard outside the bamboo forest. Duan Yijie gazed into Xu Liangchen’s eyes, slowly got up, took her hand, and Xu Liangchen realised his intentions and shook her head, dodging backwards. Duan Yijie only had time to hastily slip the ring onto her finger.
Duan Qiping, who had just walked in, did not miss the frozen expression on her brother’s face. When she saw Xu Liangchen panic and rush for the door, she did not stop him, but instead shook her head gently at Duan Yijie.
Women’s hearts are like bottomless wells: how could it be that things could be settled so easily after just one attempt? The revolution is not yet successful, and the boss still has some work to do. But judging from the way the beauty behaved, this marriage proposal might not necessarily go unnoticed.
Duan Qiping was, after all, a woman, and her guesses about Xu Liangchen’s psychology naturally had some truth to them.
Duan Yijie’s sudden romantic gesture caught Xu Liangchen off guard. She rushed back to her room, closed the door, and leaned against it. Closing her eyes, she felt as if she were still in a dream. Moonlight, flowers, vows of eternal love, and a handsome prince – these were the romantic dreams hidden deep in the heart of every young girl… She just never imagined that the passionate prince was Duan Yijie!
The cold-faced young master is overbearing and cold. She might be used to it, but suddenly he is so affectionate, which makes her both surprised and flustered, and she doesn’t know how to respond.
She hardly slept the night before. The next day, Xu Liangchen got up late. In order to avoid Duan Qiping’s teasing jokes, she didn’t go out of her room all day. Unexpectedly, Duan Qiping seemed to be busy and didn’t come to see her, so Xu Liangchen spent the day ostrich-like.
Little did she know that after this day, some things would be impossible to turn back.
Duan Zhengxun and Mrs Lu hosted a banquet for Sun Menglin and Xu Meichen to formally propose a marriage alliance between the Duan and Xu families.
Sun Menglin was not too surprised, as Duan Zhengxun had already said something like this before, so although he was puzzled about Xu Liangchen’s intentions, he did not express an opinion as he had promised not to interfere with his cousin’s life decisions. He simply humbly said that his priority was his cousin’s happiness.
The Sun and Liu families would certainly enjoy a comfortable life and prosperity in the future.
Finally, when it came to the wedding date, Sun Menglin said that he wanted to meet Xu Liangchen to respect her opinion. Mrs Lu was a shrewd woman, and she could tell from her conversation that her cousin the mayor probably had other ideas about the matter, while Xu Meichen’s sister was undoubtedly supportive. So she politely invited Xu Meichen to go to Zhuyuan another day to ask Xu Liangchen’s opinion on the marriage herself.
Xu Meichen was a little overwhelmed by the general’s wife’s earnest invitation, and she quickly agreed. Sun Menglin glanced at her and sighed inwardly with some helplessness.
As for this marriage, Sun Menglin couldn’t decide whether to approve or disapprove. The Duan family was a high-ranking military family, and Duan Yijie was young and accomplished, so they were indeed a good match. Moreover, from what he knew of his second cousin, Xu Liangchen was gentle in character but had lofty aspirations, and was not a mundane woman confined to the home. If she became Duan Yijie’s wife, her talents would have a high sky to unfold in, and she would certainly not be stifled.
However, Liangchen’s feelings for the young general seemed to be misaligned, and an loveless marriage would be a torment for anyone… He had no idea what attitude his cousin had towards the young general.
The day after the banquet, Duan Yijie and his fourth wife Wu Wenjuan visited the house, and sincerely expressed the eldest son’s admiration for the second young lady, inviting Sun Menglin and Xu Meichen to the Bamboo Garden.
Xu Liangchen was already extremely busy.
The English editorial she had written had been sent by telegram to New York and, after being published in the Times, had caused a huge response. The next day, David widely distributed the manuscript in the Far East. The English version was sent to all English-language newspapers in Yanzhou, quickly sent to Beiping, Tianjin, Nanjing and Hong Kong by radio; and sent to English-language newspapers in Japan and the Philippines by cable.
The Chinese version was sent to all Chinese newspapers in the country by post, courier, telegraph, etc., and also sent to Bangkok, Manila, Java and Singapore. The Japanese version was sent by cable to dozens of the most influential daily newspapers in Japan; the German and French versions were sent to Europe and other countries.
David collected all the newspapers he could find that carried editorials and social commentary, and sent someone to deliver them to Zhu Yuan. Xu Liangchen read ten lines a day, looking for clues to the development of events.
Flipping through a copy of the Beiping Special News, her eyes were suddenly drawn to a photo on the third page. It was the dashing and handsome Jiang Jingwu, who was sternly denouncing the Northern Military Government’s persecution of freedom of speech, calling on all sectors of society to take action, and appealing to the military government to release his father as soon as possible.
Looking at Jiang Jingwu’s face, she remembered what he had asked before, and then thought about Duan Yijie’s proposal at night. She couldn’t help but raise her eyebrows and look at the end of the coffee table.
Sunlight shone through the light gauze curtain, dappling the ground, a hazy feeling of love and sorrow. Between the gaps in the newspaper, the diamond ring sparkled brightly in the shadows.
Xu Liangchen closed the newspaper a little uncomfortably, feeling a vague flutter in her heart, and she was at a loss as to what to do.
The sound of knocking came softly. Xu Liangchen came back to his senses, looked at the door, and after a moment of silence, said softly, ‘Come in.’
The maid, Xiaoxue, gently pushed open the door and said respectfully, ‘Miss Xu, the young master, the fourth wife, and Mayor Sun and Miss Xu are here.’
Duan Yijie? What is he doing here? Xu Liangchen’s heart skipped a beat. The scene from that night was still vivid in her mind. She hadn’t figured out how to deal with it yet, so why had he come again? And her cousin and eldest sister?
She could probably guess what it was about. She thought about the banquet that Duan Zhengxun had hosted for her cousin and eldest sister the other day, and wondered if it had already started. As she was thinking, she heard footsteps outside the door, followed by the soft, smiling voice of Fourth Mistress Wu Wenjuan: ‘Qi Ping, why don’t you persuade Second Miss? There has to be a limit to what you do. How can she keep spending all day locked in her study?…’
Xiao Xue went to meet her, and Xu Liangchen had to stand up. Since the person was already in front of him, there was no way to hide, so it was better to get things clear. His cousin was also there, so perhaps things would be easier to understand.
The group sat in the outer hall, and Duan Qiping smiled and greeted Xu Liangchen, who was preparing to leave, saying, ‘Liangchen, Mayor Sun and your sister are here to see you.’
Duan Qiping was well aware of the scene that night, and Xu Liangchen felt a little uncomfortable when he thought about it, so he smiled and said nothing, following her out.
He greeted Wu Wenjuan, his cousin, and his eldest sister. Everyone took their seats, and the maid served fragrant tea. Looking at his beloved’s slightly tired expression, Sun Menglin said, ‘Second sister, everyone has been busy recently and we have seen each other less. Are you okay?’
Pulling the car over, he smiled and thanked him, greeted his grandmother and his cousin-in-law, and Sun Menglin continued, ‘My eldest sister and I want to ask you something. Yesterday, the General and his wife condescended to personally propose marriage. What do you think?’
Has it already happened? Xu Liangchen’s breathing stopped for a moment, and he couldn’t help but look up at Duan Yijie.
Since she had walked in, this was the first time she had looked at him. Duan Yijie looked at the shadows under her eyes with some concern, slightly curled his lips, and gave her a concerned smile. Xu Liangchen didn’t dare to meet his gaze, and his eyes unconsciously moved to the newspaper on the coffee table.
The fourth wife glanced at Duan Qiping as if she hadn’t noticed, and reached out as if casually to fold the newspaper on the coffee table. The diamond ring was suddenly revealed to everyone’s eyes. Looking at the various expressions on everyone’s faces, the fourth wife lifted her hand and picked up the diamond ring, smiling meaningfully, ‘I heard early this morning that my eldest son had a romantic encounter in Zhuyuan. Second young lady, this ring was specially given to the eldest granddaughter-in-law by the old lady. Are you satisfied?’
Xu Meichen’s eyes lit up, and she quickly reached out to take it, turning it over and over in her hands. She sighed with envy, ‘This is a Tiffany coloured diamond that money can’t buy.’ In the 1870s, the American company Tiffany & Co. invented a unique diamond cutting process. Its diamond rings are known worldwide for their flawless brilliance. From this diamond ring, Xu Meichen once again saw the Second Miss’s seriousness and importance in the General’s Mansion, and naturally she couldn’t help but be overjoyed.
Hearing the Fourth Mistress mention that night, Xu Liangchen could not help but flinch slightly, and then her face flushed. She opened her mouth to speak in defence, but did not know how to put it.
Wu Wenxian observed his expression, smiled slightly at the corner of her lips, glanced at Duan Yijie, and then teased, ‘Mayor Sun, you see, our cold-faced young master has really changed a lot for Miss Er. To be honest, he is really sincere about Miss Er. Miss Er, we are all family, so what are you embarrassed about? It’s better for the eldest brother to put the diamond ring on you, isn’t it?’
Wu Wenxuan lightly and casually sidestepped Sun Menglin’s question. This fourth wife was quick-witted and used to making wisecracks, and Xu Liangchen felt that her words, which were half-joking and half-pointed, made him feel very embarrassed.
Sun Menglin looked at his cousin with some confusion. After not seeing each other for so long, had the relationship between Second Sister and Duan Yijie really improved by leaps and bounds? Did she even accept the wedding ring? He thought about it and felt a little more at ease – perhaps it really was meant to be? He looked at Xu Liangchen inquiringly.
The situation in front of him was really not favourable. Xu Liangchen thought that continuing to remain silent would not be helpful. Although she was anxious, she blushed a little under the gaze of the others’ ambiguous eyes. She whispered, ’… Fourth Mistress is joking. This matter is not…’
Wu Wenxian had a quick mind and seven clever thoughts, so she naturally understood that her task today was to prevent Xu Liangchen from saying ‘no’. So she gave a teasing smile, looked at her and Duan Yijie with ambiguous eyes, and laughed, ‘Why, Miss Second, do you still not feel satisfied with the proposal the boss made in the bamboo forest that night? It’s true, the flowers were hastily arranged, but at least there was the wedding ring to make up for it…’
‘…’Why does this person keep going around in circles about that night? Xu Liangchen wanted to speak, but was unable to find the words. Her pretty face went from red to white to red again, as she tried to argue.
The fourth wife smiled as she watched Xu Meichen and Sun Menglin, who were conjuring up the ‘bamboo forest scene’ in their minds. She winked and deliberately pursued the matter with a mixture of surprise and amusement: ‘Oh, I see. Big brother, be honest. Did you get down on your knees? Why didn’t you put the ring on for the young lady?’ Duan Yijie also tilted his head slightly in embarrassment at these words.
For a moment, one was embarrassed and the other was awkward, and the two really looked a little uncomfortable like an unmarried young couple. Sun Menglin felt more at ease watching them, and Xu Meichen beamed with joy. Wu Wenjuan took advantage of the situation and laughed, saying, ‘Forget it, Fourth Aunt is not going to make things difficult for you. It’s better for the young couple to resolve this matter privately. I say, Mayor Sun and Missy, shall we withdraw for the time being? There are some things I still need to discuss with you.’ With that, she stood up.
Meichen had no worries left, and happily agreed, following Wu Wenjuan and smiling happily at her younger sister. Everyone stood up, and Sun Menglin had to get up too, but he looked at Liangchen with some pain and had to go out with them.
Xu Liangchen wanted to catch up to her cousin and whisper something to him, but Wu Wenjuan seemed to have read her mind. Smiling, she pushed Duan Yijie towards the door and said, ‘You don’t need to come with us. I think Miss Er has something she wants to say. Hehe…’ In front of Sun Menglin and her future sister-in-law, she pushed Duan Yijie so hard that he blushed, and he had to stand there sheepishly.
Someone stood stupidly in the doorway, wondering how to get out. Xu Liangchen had no choice but to stop. Wu Wenjuan’s clever tongue kept the conversation flowing, and together with Duan Qiping, who didn’t quite understand the situation but was very kind, Xu Liangchen never got the chance to say what he wanted to say, or Sun Menglin to ask what he wanted to ask.
So, just as Xu Liangchen thought it was just an ordinary visit from his eldest sister and cousin, the marriage was settled.
Soon after, the marriage announcement between the Duan and Xu families was printed in black and white in the newspaper of Yanzhou. No matter what the second Miss Xu thought, her marriage to the general’s family was a foregone conclusion.
On the morning the newspaper published the announcement of the Duan-Xu marriage, Xu Liangchen received a phone call: ‘Miss Xu, this is the general’s office. This is Lieutenant Chen Lei. I have been ordered to report that Dr. Jiang was released unconditionally this morning and has been taken to a safe place by our military government staff. He will be returning to Yanzhou soon.’
Uncle Jiang is fine? Xu Liangchen was overjoyed and thanked him profusely. At that moment, a strong voice came over the phone: ‘Girl, the person has been rescued, so shouldn’t you also focus on marrying the boss? I’m telling you, I don’t have the boss’s patience. People can be rescued, but there can still be other changes! The announcement of the marriage alliance has been officially published. You have to think about whether to marry or not.’
As she listened to the beep from the receiver, Xu Liangchen’s hand holding the receiver trembled. What is there to think about? Uncle Jiang is in his hands, and cousin and eldest sister’s families have also been introduced into the bureau by Duan Fuhe as relatives-in-law. Isn’t this a warning to himself? She hung up the receiver with a ‘bang’, let out a low sigh, and sat down on the sofa.
The news that the young master of the general’s mansion would marry the second daughter of the Xu family, Xu Liangchen, on his grandmother’s 60th birthday caused a sensation in the city.
The Xu family, who had not been in touch for a long time, came to the door one after the other, all with proud smiles on their faces. Even the father of the three sisters, who had fallen on hard times and had not had contact for many years, found Sun Menglin with a sheepish face, expressing his joy and flattery. He was lectured by Sun Menglin and sent away with a few words.
The situation at the general’s mansion was even more lively. The cold-faced young general, who had never been polite to women, was already an anomaly for having a scandalous affair, and it was even more unusual that he would marry his lover so soon. For a time, rumours about this matter raged through Yanzhou City. The general’s mansion even set up a special coordination team in the city to hold a press conference to announce the wedding date and related matters.
Interviewers from domestic and foreign news media gathered around the General’s Mansion day and night, and various reports and news about the wedding, as well as various rumours about the cold-faced young general and the second Miss Xu, appeared in newspapers, and the wedding quickly became the biggest hot topic in southern China.
And the arrangements for the wedding became the focus of discussion in the marketplace after dinner.
According to an announcement from the Marshal’s Mansion Coordination Team, the young marshal’s wedding was going to be the first ‘group marriage’ (i.e. a mass wedding) organised by the Social Affairs Bureau! Moreover, contrary to the usual low-key approach of the Marshal’s Mansion, an etiquette office was set up at the entrance to the mansion to publicly accept gifts from all walks of life, and it was stated that all gifts would be used to provide relief to disaster areas!
The two pieces of news fuelled the fire and caused a sensation in southern China.
In these days of warlordism, with one warlord after another taking over, it’s all about the powerful and wealthy people with guns. The common people, no matter who is in power, have to work hard for a living. The establishment of the Southern Military Government is nothing new to many people.
The newspapers announced the Social Affairs Bureau’s group wedding a while ago, but the public mostly watched and discussed it, but few people participated. After all, it was a new thing, and who knew how it would turn out?
No one expected that the young general of the military government would actually participate in the grand wedding. The Social Affairs Bureau suddenly became lively. People came to consult, register, and watch, and the place was bustling with excitement. People suddenly felt differently: if there were no government, they would never be able to see such a lively event, right?
‘A few days ago, I read in the newspaper that the government was advocating and hosting the first group marriage. I thought it was just a joke, a fashionable new thing. I never expected that the young general would also participate. This is something to watch…’ Someone whispered with a smile.
‘This is great! It’s both solemn and memorable, and it’s not a waste of time or money. I heard that the Social Affairs Bureau is hosting it, the mayor will marry the couple himself, and the head of the military government will be in attendance. It’s a rare occasion.’ The crowd’s chatter rose and fell.
In recent days, the Yan Zhou Daily, the organ of the military government, has repeatedly published news about the group wedding. First, the Social Affairs Bureau published another free wedding announcement, and then a well-known writer opened a column called ‘Random Thoughts on Group Marriage’. Subsequently, the news media published the big news, ‘The first group marriage, today’s rehearsal, the certificate stamping was completed yesterday,’ and gave a detailed account of the preparations. A sample of the couple’s marriage certificate was also published.
Such unprecedented news, especially the announcement by the military government that Duan Yijie and the second Miss Xu family would attend the wedding, quickly attracted great attention from people at home and abroad to this new phenomenon, and many newcomers also began to sign up enthusiastically.
Inside the General’s Mansion, preparations had already begun in full swing. It was both the 16th birthday of the old lady and the wedding of the eldest son. This old and young, but important figures at the beginning and end, were both very important to Duan Zhengxun, and of course no one dared to be negligent.
Since the general’s mansion openly accepted gifts, no matter what use they were collected for, those who normally couldn’t find the door to ingratiate themselves now had a legitimate reason to do so, not to mention the big name: disaster relief? As for whether it was actually used in the disaster area, who cares?
Friends and relatives from as far away as Beijing and Tianjin, who had already prepared to come and congratulate the old lady on her birthday, now had double cause for celebration and wanted to see the fun too. They couldn’t help but bring their families and friends along and they all hurried to Yanzhou by train or ship.
Because Xu Liangchen had only recently returned from the United States and was a low-key person who kept a low profile, not only the general public, but also the various guests from the General’s Mansion, the Sun family and the Xu family, not many of whom had actually met Xu Liangchen. The boiling city of Yanzhou, countless pairs of eyes of the crowd, just waiting for the wedding day, to see the beauty that made the cold-faced young marshal fall in love, what kind of beauty she is.
The Northern Military Government was forced by the pressure from various families to unconditionally release Jiang Zhengyu. Liao Yufeng was overjoyed to hear that her husband had escaped and took the maid to catch up with her husband and son by train. The Marshal’s Mansion announced the marriage announcement, but happened to be out of Yanzhou.
Knowing that Xu Liangchen lives in Zhuyuan, he was stopped at the gate by Duan Yijie’s trusted troops. It was David, who was anxious to see the announcement.
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Chapter 61
Upon seeing the notice, David’s blue eyes widened in surprise. He found it hard to believe. During this period of time, in order to punish Miki and rescue Dr. Jiang, among other things, he had been in contact with Catherine quite frequently. She had never mentioned a single word about the development of her relationship with Duan Yijie, so why was she suddenly getting married?
The more he thought about it, the more uneasy he felt. The phone was not connecting, so David started the car and drove straight to Zhuyuan.
It was already midday, the sun was blazing, and watching the entrance to Bamboo Garden hidden deep in the trees, David accelerated. Before they reached the entrance, two guards in plain clothes rushed out and raised their hands to stop the car.
Looking at the distinctive emblem on their chests, David took out his ID card automatically. The guard looked at it and smiled politely, ‘I’m sorry, but orders from the higher-ups are that no one will be allowed in without a special pass. Please forgive us, Mr. David.’
‘Catherine is a reporter for a magazine, and I have official business. Please inform them.‘ David’s face turned cold. What was this? Could it be that Catherine had been placed under house arrest?
’I’m sorry, please don’t make things difficult for us,’ the guard said, waving his hand. The soldier with the gun flashed out from behind the tree, the black muzzle of the gun pointing at the car window.
David frowned and simply got out of the car, standing in front of the guard, the two sides facing each other. At that moment, a black car approached from afar and Duan Qiping got out.
She had met David a few times and knew that he was Xu Liangchen’s colleague, so she smiled and greeted him, ‘Mr. David, you’re here.’
David returned the greeting politely. He had been here twice before and already knew the pen name of the chief editor Shao Qiping, but he was not sure that this was the young lady from the General’s Mansion. Pointing at the guards, he said somewhat angrily, ‘Miss Shao, why are they here? Are they going to do you and Catherine harm?’
Duan Qiping looked at the guards and shook his head lightly, indicating for them to withdraw. He then smiled and replied, ‘Mr. David has misunderstood. You are looking for Catherine?’ After saying this, he invited David to go in.
Duan Qiping didn’t know much about the relationship between Xu Liangchen and David. They were colleagues and she had seen them often discussing work. Moreover, they were both in the press industry and had worked together on the rescue of Dr. Jiang, so she wasn’t on guard against David’s intentions.
Duan Yijie said that there have been a lot of people and things lately, and he has sent a bodyguard for Liangchen’s safety. Duan Qiping has no objections, but she doesn’t feel that this is a form of house arrest that prevents Liangchen from contacting the outside world. Since she saw David at the door, she naturally invited him in.
The two of them turned around and walked a few steps, and then a car pulled up behind them. Luo Hongyi called out from behind them, ‘Please stay, gentlemen.’
Duan and David stopped in their tracks. Luo Hongyi got out of the car while smiling, ‘Please forgive me, Mr. David cannot see Miss Katherine for the time being.’
Without frowning, David asked, and Duan Qiping already asked in puzzlement, ‘Lieutenant Luo, why is that?’
Luo Hongyi smiled politely at David and explained patiently: ‘The closed negotiations on the loan from the Five Nations Bank Consortium have already begun. Miss Katherine has a special status. She is not only a special interpreter for the military government delegation, but also a contributor to your magazine. In order to avoid the disclosure of some sensitive information, the higher-ups have decided that Mr. David must forgive you for not being able to meet for the time being—though I don’t think this will be for long.’ It seemed that he was trying to ease David’s mood as he continued to explain.
Negotiations on the loan were underway, and David was of course aware of this news. However, he was not yet aware of Xu Liangchen’s role as translator for the delegation. But thinking about Catherine’s talent and her feelings for the country, David felt relieved again.
This reason was undoubtedly high-sounding. Even if he had many doubts about the marriage announcement, David had no choice but to ask Luo Hongyi to convey to Xu Liangchen that he had been here in person and left in great disappointment.
‘Young lady, you almost did a disservice despite your good intentions,‘ Luo Hongyi said to Duan Qiping with a smile as he watched David get into his car and drive off.
’What’s wrong?‘ Duan Qiping looked at him confusedly. Even if the two met, given Xu Liangchen’s character, he would not have been able to negotiate such an important matter without knowing the gravity of the situation. It would not be good if David’s magazine had been delayed by some official business.
’Can’t you see, young lady?’ Luo Hongyi looked at the lively peach blossoms blooming nearby and said with a smile, ’That is also a peach tree in full bloom…’
Duan Qiping paused for a moment, then immediately understood, and couldn’t help smiling in surprise. She had only thought of the young arms expert as a strong competitor for her brother, but she never imagined that this American reporter also had a soft spot for him? It seems that these playboy men have very good taste.
The first secret talks on the loan negotiations of the Five-Nation Banking Consortium have already been held, and as the translator for the negotiations, Xu Liangchen has a large amount of documents to sort through.
Although she appears calm on the surface, she is actually suffering greatly from the marriage. On the one hand is the deep affection, and on the other is the desire for freedom. Xu Liangchen is torn between resignation and resistance. She feels increasingly confused about how she feels about Duan Yijie – but just accept the arrangement of fate like this? She is unwilling to do so.
This state of mind greatly reduced her work efficiency. She worked until midnight and only then managed to finish organising the manuscript so that Secretary Peng could send it out. Since the day the negotiations began, Peng Mingxia had been ordered to move in with her, staying close by her every day. With previous experience, Xu Liangchen accepted her calmly.
Knowing that the marriage was imminent, she did not want to resign herself to fate. In the rush, she could not think of a good solution, so she had to be patient for the time being and secretly look for opportunities. Instead, her thoughts were on the negotiations.
Under the current circumstances, the biggest problem facing both the northern and southern governments is financial difficulties.
The finances of a country are about nothing more than increasing revenue and reducing expenditure. Since the end of the Qing Dynasty, the economic lifeline of China has been in the hands of imperialism—the Manchu government used customs duties and the like to pay off debts, and no matter which regime temporarily failed to recover them, all the government could rely on was unstable local taxation, making it difficult to increase revenue. Furthermore, the regime was still in its infancy, people’s livelihoods were in ruins, and there were countless places where money was spent, making it even more impossible to reduce expenditure.
Without foreign debt, it would be difficult to get by, but taking on foreign debt would mean paying a catastrophic price of giving up sovereignty and the lifeblood of the economy. Both governments understood this. Therefore, the negotiations between the Northern Military Government have been repeated many times, while the Southern Military Government is even more cautious and is only opening negotiations for disaster relief.
‘The domestic regime has not yet been recognised by any country in the world, and the former Qing dynasty’s debts and the foreign debts owed by the provinces have reached a total of 12 million pounds sterling.’ The negotiations are becoming increasingly difficult, and in the end, even Xu Liangchen had to move into the Qiu Yu Garden where the delegation is located.
That day, the head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had dinner with everyone and, while analysing the situation, he said with a smile, ‘According to folk lore, the head of finance of the Northern Military Government is also the head of debt. At first, they borrowed 2 million, then 1 million, then hundreds of thousands, and finally tens of thousands and even tens of thousands. Sometimes they couldn’t even borrow small amounts of 10,000. The government mortgaged everything it could, and the water company mortgaged 40,000, which caused a double-bag case and a big international lawsuit.’
‘The Northern Military Government has set up a separate Finance Committee to find alternative ways of borrowing money. It has issued an order to all representatives abroad to find ways of borrowing money, so that finding loans has become the main task of all personnel stationed abroad. You have to understand that the intermediaries responsible for securing loans receive a commission, and since borrowing money can both save the country and benefit themselves, why wouldn’t they do it? It was quite a spectacle for a time,’ said Xiao Minghua, the Minister of Finance, with a bitter smile.
Everyone shook their heads and sighed when they talked about the difficulties of government finances, and Xu Liangchen didn’t say a word. The more she learned about national affairs, the heavier her heart felt. She never imagined that the country, which she had always considered to be rich in land and resources, was in such a situation.
Unfortunately, after more than half a month of negotiations, there had been no progress. Both the northern and southern military governments were negotiating loans. The northern military government’s money would be used to conquer the south and unify China, and if that plan was completed, the reward for the loan from the five countries would naturally be quite generous.
The southern military government’s loan would be used for disaster relief and development of the people’s livelihood, and the conditions it could offer were far less favourable to foreign parties than those promised by the northern military government, so naturally there had been little progress. Xu Liangchen couldn’t help but feel anxious when she read reports about the disaster situation.
After the negotiations concluded that day, they returned to the residence for dinner. Secretary Peng hurriedly came in and said, ‘Miss Xu, the young master is here.’
Apart from occasionally hearing Peng Mingxia mention the preparations for the wedding, Xu Liangchen had never taken the initiative to ask about the marriage. After the negotiations began, he had not even seen Duan Yijie’s face. Why had he suddenly come?
Before he could ask, Peng Mingxia had already turned around, smiled, called out, ‘Young master,’ and then saw Duan Yijie striding in.
Peng Mingxia served tea and withdrew, and Duan Yijie looked carefully at Xu Liangchen’s face before sitting down on the sofa. ‘You’ve had a hard time recently. I’ve been busy organising the recovery of our water rights and haven’t been able to visit you… Tonight I’ve arranged to meet some American friends about the loan negotiations. Would you like to come with me?’
Duan Yijie started to talk about business, and Xu Liangchen slowly relaxed from her nervousness. She nodded and agreed, and the two of them got up and walked out. Duan Yijie suddenly reached out to take her hand, and Liangchen flinched and quickly stepped back to avoid it.
Duan Yijie’s outstretched hand stopped halfway, and he looked at his hand before looking up and staring at Xu Liangchen. He lightly curled his thin lips into a wry smile and shook his head, but did not force himself forward. He let out a faint sigh and said, ‘Liangchen, do you…blame me?’
Hearing him ask such a topic, Xu Liangchen felt extremely uncomfortable. While walking with Duan Yijie, she deliberately changed the subject by talking about other things: ‘What do you mean by water diversion rights?’
Duan Yijie looked at her taut little face and stubborn expression, shook his head helplessly and smiled, but then he began to answer her question: ‘Reclaiming sovereignty and revitalising the country are things that the military government and people of insight want to do. Customs autonomy, consular jurisdiction, etc. are familiar to the country and people, but pilotage rights are rarely known.’
Piloting, also known as harbour pilotage or river pilotage, refers to the navigation of a ship through a harbour or river. Xu Liangchen nodded, indicating that he understood, and the two of them got into the car. Duan Yijie continued, ‘The navigational conditions of a harbour’s waterways are a natural barrier for a country and are closely related to national defence. Some European countries and Japan only use their own citizens as pilots in their territorial waters, and require foreign ships entering or leaving the country to accept compulsory pilotage services.’
“In this sense, the right to pilotage is an expression of national sovereignty.’ Xu Liangchen picked up the thread of the conversation: ‘So what is our situation in this regard?’
‘Since the late Qing Dynasty, our country has been forced to join the global competition, and our sovereignty has been seriously undermined, and our right to pilotage has also been lost.’ Duan Yijie’s eyebrows were knitted tightly: ‘The Sino-British Five-Port Treaty and subsequent treaties all implicitly stipulate that foreign ships have the right to freely employ pilots when entering and leaving Chinese ports; anyone can apply to work as a pilot in China; and the right to pilotage is in the hands of foreign consuls. In Yanzhou,’ he looked at Xu Liangchen, his voice low and slow, ’for decades from the 1870s, there was not a single Chinese pilot practicing here; this was not only the case in Yanzhou Port, but also in other coastal treaty ports.’
The loss of pilotage rights not only infringed on the interests of Chinese pilots and the shipping industry, but also seriously threatened China’s national defence and security. The Sino-French War in 1884 is a typical example. British pilot Thomas led a French warship all the way up the Minjiang River to participate in the Sino-French Battle of the Matsu. The entire Fujian naval force was wiped out, and the Chinese government was unable to do anything about this kind of behaviour by foreign pilots that aided the enemy.
‘A more serious problem is that most people and government officials do not understand the significance of the right to water. Many people don’t even know what pilotage is, let alone consider it in connection with national sovereignty and national defence.‘ Duan Yijie said with deep concern.
’The government immediately used newspapers and other media to inform the public of their rights, calling on society to take action and support the government in amending relevant laws and gradually recovering relevant national sovereignty, including the right to pilotage,’ Xu Liangchen glanced at him and said softly.
She felt a little heavy-hearted. No one had noticed such an important topic before, not even herself or her fellow journalists. As the saying goes, ‘persistence leads to success.’ If the relevant work had been done a few years ago, the situation might be different now.
‘Well,’ Dripping Soy Sauce looked at her approvingly. She was worthy of the name journalist, and Liangchen was exceptionally perceptive in this regard: ‘I have already written to the government, petitioning the Ministry of Transport and the Navy to jointly establish a committee on the territorial sea and the hydrographic office to begin studying ways and means to recover the right of pilotage. I believe there will be an answer soon.’
As the two men spoke, the car had come to a stop. Xu Liangchen looked up, and the large neon sign of the American Club flickered.
The two men got out of the car, and the adjutant, who had been waiting in front of the door, quickly came up to them: ‘Legion Commander, the guests have already arrived. Lieutenant Luo is greeting them.’
Duan Yijie nodded and led Liangchen quickly up the stairs through a secret passage next to the car. As they walked, Duan Yijie whispered, ‘The guests are from Morgan and Kunlo Company, and Citibank.’
Xu Liangchen’s heart stirred. These were the main representatives of the American consortium. It seemed that Duan Yijie also clearly knew the attitude of the parties to the talks and wanted to break them down one by one.
‘This is still the suggestion you gave to Director General Wang.’ Duan Yijie turned his head and gave a slight smile, and Xu Liangchen didn’t say a word.
Based on his understanding of the Americans and their performance during negotiations, Xu Liangchen intuitively felt that the Americans could be used as a breakthrough, so he passed on the idea to Director General Wang. He never expected that the idea would be implemented so quickly, and it was Duan Yijie who came.
The aide-de-camp walked quickly up to the door of the private room, pushed it open, and the several people sitting around the coffee table, chatting, stopped talking and turned to look over.
They were Morgan’s chief representative Steinhart, Kunlo’s first representative Tommy, as well as Dale from Citibank, Edward from First National Bank, and the military government adviser Cyril and the aide-de-camp Luo Hongwen.
The two sides have been negotiating for more than half a month, and all the representatives are familiar and feel close to Miss Katherine, who has an outstanding appearance, studied at Harvard, and speaks American English. However, except for Lieutenant Luo, even Cyril didn’t know that she was the hotly rumoured future young wife of the general’s mansion. He just thought that she was the interpreter brought by Duan Yijie, which saved Xu Liangchen’s embarrassment and discomfort.
So they exchanged polite greetings and took their seats.
From the relationship between China and the United States, they gradually moved on to the topic of the meeting. Duan Yijie raised his wine to his nose, sniffed lightly, and said slowly, ‘The unsuccessful loan application is of course very difficult for our military government, which has suffered a major disaster. The consequences of this difficulty are also extremely detrimental to the United States, which is about to establish close business relations with South China.’
Steinhart and the others stopped drinking and looked over inquiringly. Xu Liangchen gave a small smile and continued, ‘The current loan conditions set by the banking syndicate clearly undermine China’s sovereignty, which could easily lead to widespread opposition from the Chinese people. Even if the military government agrees, actions caused by popular opposition are also likely to shake the foundations of the military government, which is well worth the attention of all countries, especially the United States, which wants to develop further relations with our government.’
Steinmann finished drinking the red wine in his glass and nodded: ‘To be honest, my personal opinion is exactly the same as the two of you, but as we all understand, the terms of the loan are partly negotiated by the banking syndicate and partly prompted by the foreign ministries of various countries.’
Duan Yijie frowned slightly, looked at the crimson wine in his glass, and nodded lightly. Dale picked up the conversation, saying, ‘I think there are only two policies towards the Chinese government in any country: one is unwillingness to see China annexed by one or two ambitious countries, so all countries must maintain a balance of power in China; the other is unwillingness to see China become a powerful country, and hope that China can maintain the status quo.’
Tommy is a middle-aged man with a beard. His loud voice is full of energy: ‘Since the success of the Chinese revolution, I think all countries have become wary, fearing China’s expansion of state power. Therefore, they also hope to maintain the balance of power among the countries by borrowing money, while at the same time monitoring the finances of various Chinese governments. No one wants China to use our money to build up its strength and expel us, so the use of the loan is very important.’
Looking at the smiling faces in front of him, Xu Liangchen’s heart felt cold. Even the United States, which she considered friendly, was treating China with this kind of mentality, and it was easy to imagine how the other powers would be. Just as she was thinking, she heard Duan Yijie say in a deep voice, ‘Under the current circumstances, China will not be able to engage with the outside world for at least ten years. Some people are too sensitive. My government hopes to borrow money only for disaster relief and improving people’s livelihoods. This borrowing must not be conditional on harming national sovereignty and social order.’
Steinhardt nodded, indicating his willingness to convey the message of the Southern military government to the Five Nations Consortium.
Xu Liangchen raised her eyebrows slightly and glanced at Duan Yijie. This young general is always calm, sharp, and neither humble nor arrogant when dealing with foreigners, which makes her admire him. So, changing the subject, she said in a somewhat solemn tone, ‘If I were just a journalist, I would publish an editorial in the New York Times, advocating the rescue of the Five Nations Banking Consortium and the establishment of a Four Nations Consortium. Because I believe that Japan’s reputation for foreign trade and economic cooperation is secretly pursuing political goals, which is detrimental to the banking consortium itself, and the Chinese government can hardly tolerate it.”
Her soft voice brought the topic to the table, but it made Stenham and the others suddenly straighten up. They glanced at each other, nodded after a moment of contemplation, and Stenham said, ’I think what Miss Catherine said makes a lot of sense. The banking consortium should also pay attention to the current situation.’
‘China has seen large-scale boycotts of American goods, and I think you have all heard and seen it. The Chinese people’s high anti-American sentiment, why is your country still not alarmed? This loan to the Southern government is purely for disaster relief and development of the people’s livelihood. I personally believe that your country should take this opportunity to give the Chinese people a new image and influence of the United States morally and spiritually.’ Xu Liangchen spoke fluently and softly, but what he said moved Stenham and the others deeply.
Before they got involved in the loan negotiations with China, the most influential figure in Congress, James, the president of the University of Illinois, had reminded everyone that the country that could successfully establish the most positive image in war-torn China would reap the greatest rewards, both spiritually and commercially.
James firmly believed that the cost and price of winning the greatest rights in China in the future would be worthwhile even in terms of material benefits – ‘because morality and spirit will more strongly govern business than military flags.’
‘Just as when your country advocated the Gengzi compensation refund for studying abroad, the influence of the United States in China has since risen rapidly, even quickly rivaling Japan.’ x.c continued to persuade, ’Moreover, while most students studying in Japan could not speak Japanese fluently, most students studying in the United States were able to master both Chinese and Western cultures, and many leading figures emerged. This is something your country should be proud of.’
Steinhardt and the others nodded and smiled in agreement. Xu Liangchen took a sip of red wine and smiled: ‘While most Japanese-educated students are passionate about “ideologies” and “revolutions” and behead for the sake of “ideologies” — whether it’s beheading others or their own heads, American-educated students are more concerned about “problems” — caring about culture and education, supporting reforms, and being called the pillars of social change — of course, I’m not trying to praise myself.’
Hearing her deliberate teasing, everyone laughed, and the atmosphere became more relaxed. Duan Yijie looked at her deeply, quite unexpectedly. In the light, Xu Liangchen’s face shimmered with a soft and moving halo. It turned out that she could be so funny, and unconsciously influence others in her humour—this was the first time he had seen it, and such a Xu Liangchen was so respectable and lovely.
Steinhart and the others were also moved by Xu Liangchen’s words. They promised to reflect on the conversation tonight and report back to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The rest of the evening became more relaxed, and the group chatted about some recent hot topics in the news and congratulated Duan Yijie on his upcoming wedding: ‘The young mars is about to get married, so we would like to congratulate you in advance and wish you a beautiful bride.’
Duan Yijie gave a smile and glanced at Xu Liangchen meaningfully: ‘Thank you, Your Excellency, but according to Chinese custom, congratulations cannot be empty. If tonight’s meeting is fruitful, it will be considered a part of the gift. As for beauty, everyone has different aesthetics, so I don’t know if it counts, but it has certainly won me over.’
It was rare for Duan Yijie to speak so lightly and flirtatiously. Everyone raised their glasses in good faith and laughed. Xu Liangchen gave him a quiet glare. This person pretends to be a pig and eats the tiger all day long, and he is also eloquent? Not only did he make a request to the American, but he also had time to flirt with me. I don’t like it.
I’m not flirting, I’m trying to please a beautiful woman, and you’re not even grateful? Everyone got up to say goodbye. Duan Yijie raised his eyebrows and gave Xu Liangchen a sideways glance, and drained the wine in his glass in one gulp.
Although Xu Liangchen’s usual drinking capacity was average, it wasn’t too bad. Tonight, for business reasons, naturally he didn’t deliberately hide his drinking capacity, and he also had a few drinks. I don’t know if it’s because I’ve been worried and sad these days, and my work is busy and intense, my body can’t handle it, and I felt a little dizzy when I got up. She insisted on seeing the guests off, but she felt a little dizzy and couldn’t help but stagger backwards a few steps and lean against a big tree nearby.
Duan Yijie saw this and hurriedly followed: ‘Liangchen, what’s wrong with you? Are you drunk?’
‘I’m not drunk, I’m just…just a little dizzy,’ Xu Liangchen said in a low voice as he closed his eyes and controlled the feeling of vomiting that had risen because of walking.
‘Let me help you over there,’ Duan Yijie said softly, reaching out.
‘No need…’ Xu Liangchen hurriedly dodged, not having learned his lesson yet? If it weren’t for the scandal caused by his entanglement with the cold-faced young master in public last time, he wouldn’t have come to this point today.
He dodged too quickly, and his stomach churned again. Xu Liangchen didn’t dare to move again, reached out to hold the tree, and bent slightly. Duan Yijie glanced around. This was a hidden exit of the club. Apart from one or two waiters, there was no one else. After a moment’s thought, he didn’t hesitate any longer, walked over, took Xu Liangchen’s hand, and bent down to pick her up.
Xu Liangchen let out a low exclamation, and was embraced tightly in Duan Yijie’s princess hug. Her head turned, and in front of her was the starry night sky.
‘Put me down!’ Xu Liangchen said in a low voice, her face flushing. Although it was night, Deputy Officer Luo and the waiters were all there, but, well, there was no one else. She couldn’t act in such an ambiguous manner with this young master either—what was going on?
‘You’re drunk, so just stay put,’ Duan Yijie said softly, then took a few steps towards the car. Xu Liangchen struggled, but despite the feeling of vomiting, he was too weak to move, and was held tightly by Duan Yijie.
Luo Hongyi had already opened the car door and stood aside as if he didn’t see the driver. Duan Yijie gently placed Xu Liangchen in the back seat and still held her in his arms, whispering softly, ‘Drive slowly, she’s drunk.’
The driver nodded and started the car steadily.
Smelling the intoxicating aroma of wine mixed with the faint fragrance of a woman, Duan Yijie felt elated. He never expected that while talking about American men tonight, he would have the good fortune of a beautiful drunk woman.
Xu Liangchen’s body was stiff and she wanted to struggle, but it didn’t look good in front of everyone. Duan Yijie actually took advantage of the situation and got into the car, so why didn’t he let go? Blushing and with her heart pounding, she felt weaker and weaker in her hands and feet, so she did her best to move to the side.
‘Don’t look, I’m going to throw up again.’ Duan Yijie’s voice was soft and full of infinite affection. Xu Liangchen’s goose bumps stood up, and his eyes swept under his eyelashes, but he saw Luo Hongyi and the driver’s faces faintly smiling in the dappled light of the street lamp. Unable to avoid attracting ridicule, he could only stiffen his body and stop struggling.
Duan Yijie tightened his arms in satisfaction, and a faint smile curved his thin lips. As if he had thought of something, he suddenly said softly and seriously, ‘Liangchen, thank you.’
Xu Liangchen understood that he was referring to the meeting with the Americans tonight. This was her hometown and her home country, and she should do whatever she did, so she shook her head lightly.
After a long silence, Xu Liangchen suddenly whispered, ‘I don’t need your thanks…but can you promise me one thing?’
Duan Yijie looked at her with surprise, and said seriously, ‘Tell me, if I can do it, I will promise.’
Xu Liangchen lowered her eyebrows and whispered, ‘…in the future, between the two of us…no matter what happens. Please don’t blame my cousin and eldest sister for anything…can you?’
Hearing her say that in the future, Duan Yijie thought it would be after marriage, and he couldn’t help but feel a surge of warmth in his heart. A smile appeared on his face, and looking at her profile, he whispered, ‘You’re thinking too much. Since we’re family, we’ll naturally solve things at home, whether there’s something going on or not. How could I be unreasonable and blame them? I promise.’
This is your own promise, Xu Liangchen whispered in thanks, without saying anything else. Duan Yijie thought she had figured it out, and couldn’t help but feel full of joy.
A few days later, the American consortium suddenly announced its withdrawal from the Five Nations Bank Consortium, citing ‘a reluctance to interfere with the administrative sovereignty and internal affairs of the Southern Military Government’. It also stated that, on humanitarian grounds, it would not rule out unilateral assistance to the flood and tsunami-affected areas in southern China, and that it would also endorse incentives for individual American investment in China.
The withdrawal of the United States has put considerable pressure on the other four countries. The banking consortium, fearing complications, announced that it would speed up negotiations with the Southern military government and reconsider certain conditions. For a time, the loan negotiations took a turn for the better. Stimulated by the actions of the United States, the attitudes of the four governments had to change. The negotiations were easier than before, and there were concessions on the loan conditions.
Xu Liangchen’s heart settled slightly. That day, while he was organising the minutes of the meeting, Dale from Citibank called on the internal phone and said that he had been entrusted by a friend to tell her that Mr David from National Geographic Magazine urgently needed to speak to Miss Katherine.
The delegation had a strict discipline, and any contact with the outside world, especially the press, needed to be reported to the person in charge. Xu Liangchen greeted General Manager Wang and then dialed David’s number: ‘David, I’m sorry, but I haven’t been able to contact you recently due to official business at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, so…’
The sound of his voice after a long absence rang in her ears, and David’s voice was full of uncontainable joy: ‘I understand, Catherine. Japanese Minister Shigemitsu Taro called. Miki came to the magazine to apologise today. You are the main person involved, so I think you should be there. That’s why I’m in a hurry to find you.”
Damn the Japanese, they’re only thinking about apologising today. Of course I should be there myself, and it would be best if I could make them behave a little more. The negotiations are at a critical juncture, and if the Japanese don’t cause any more problems, there’s a greater possibility that a deal will be done.
So I nodded in agreement and quickly reported back to the top.
Hearing that it was the Japanese apologising, the foreign minister naturally supported the idea of an audience. So, accompanied by Peng Mingxia, Xu Liangchen returned to the National Geographic Society.
David welcomed Xu Liangchen joyfully, his blue eyes tender: ‘Catherine, are you okay?’
Xu Liangchen smiled and nodded, but what he was thinking was, if he asked David to help him leave again, would that be too much trouble for him? …
The National Geographic office in Yanzhou was a large compound in the concession, with dozens of rooms in four courtyards. The view from the southernmost courtyard was the best. There was a path made of green bricks in the middle, lined with cherry and plum trees.
The three entered the courtyard and saw that it was covered in greenery. The grass on the ground had grown from seeds that David’s friend had purchased from England. The walls of the courtyard were painted ivory white, giving it an exquisite and luxurious appearance. Green bamboos and cypress trees stood in the corners, and the acacia trees were in full bloom.
Just as he sat down in the hexagonal pavilion in the courtyard, a servant hurried in: ‘Sir, there’s a Japanese here.’
‘Let him in,’ said David, looking at Peng Mingxia. Secretary Peng smiled and consciously retreated into the house.
‘I’ve already brought him here,’ said the servant, pointing to the courtyard gate. Miki was standing there.
Seeing that Xu Liangchen and David had turned their attention to look at him, he bowed stiffly and walked over. The servant retreated.
Xu Liangchen and David exchanged glances, neither of them saying anything.
Miki had come to apologise, but he wasn’t wearing a uniform, which was clearly a provocation, because what David and Xu Liangchen had originally requested was for him to apologise on behalf of the Japanese Army.
He looked a little incongruous in his attire, a flashy but ill-fitting tuxedo, a wide tie with even some expensive pearls on it, black striped trousers, patent leather shoes, and a top hat held aloft on his right arm.
The two of them didn’t say a word to each other, just looked at Miki with unruffled composure. Miki was a little embarrassed and bowed deeply, with his head, nape of the neck and back forming a straight line, almost forming a right angle with his stiff legs. He maintained this position for a long time, then slowly straightened up and began to recite the prepared apology.
‘I’m sorry, I’m here to apologize,’ he said in a slow, mechanical voice, ‘I thought this was for the good of the empire and His Majesty the Emperor. I’m sorry, I was wrong, please forgive me.’
This Mr. Shōsō, dressed casually, deliberately delayed his apology for so long, which deeply displeased Xu Liangchen and David. David put his feet up on the stone table in front of him, looked at the clusters of horse-tail cherry blossoms outside the pavilion, and said nonchalantly, ‘Saying you’re sorry is no problem, but do you know what you did wrong?’
Miki’s expression froze for a moment, and he quickly glanced at Xu Liangchen.
Xu Liangchen took up David’s words and spoke with a clear and dignified voice: ‘I am a contributor to National Geographic, I am paid by the magazine, and I am also a Chinese national. I must be loyal to my country and to my employer. I will do my best to report accurately. You are paid by the Japanese government and must also be responsible to your country. Now let me ask you this: if I gave you some money and asked you to report false information to your Imperial Army headquarters, in other words, to betray your country, how would you feel?’
Miki’s eyes widened upon hearing this, and his body swayed twice. Suddenly, he closed his eyes and bowed to the end, ‘I’m sorry, I understand.’ He muttered in a low voice, bowing and backing out.
As he watched his figure, David sighed: ‘Do you believe it? Although this guy was complained about by us, his promotion in the Japanese army will not be affected at all. In recent years, Japan has become more and more aggressive in East Asia, and paying with money has become commonplace.’ He looked at Xu Liangchen and said, ‘Catherine, are you okay?’
Xu Liangchen smiled helplessly and said straight out, ‘David, you’ve already seen the marriage announcement, haven’t you?’
David nodded: ‘I was going to ask you, do you… love him?’
Xu Liangchen gave a faint bitter smile and whispered the whole story. David sighed with some understanding: ‘The current overall situation in China predicts a protracted civil war. Warlords holding guns are indeed the local emperors of China. However, if you are willing, I will do my best to help you.’
Xu Liangchen thanked him, and the two whispered for a while. Xu Liangchen then took Secretary Peng to say goodbye.
Two days later, the United States and the military government quietly negotiated a loan of 10 million US dollars. The military government delegation was so excited that they threw a party to celebrate. At the end of the party, Xu Liangchen seemed a little tipsy and went to bed early. In the morning, Peng Mingxia suddenly realised that Miss Xu was gone again!
In a panic, she hurriedly called Duan Yijie, who was also very surprised. He brought Luo Hongyi and came over quietly. After searching everywhere, they really couldn’t find a trace of her.
With a stern face, he instructed everyone not to make a fuss, and Duan Yijie walked into Xu Liangchen’s residence. The bedroom was simply but cleanly furnished, and the unique, feminine fragrance reminded him of the time the beautiful woman was half drunk that night. Liangchen, you still want to leave? !
Recalling and understanding the request Xu Liangchen made that day, Duan Yijie did not cause Sun Menglin and the Xu family any trouble, nor did he tell his father about it. Instead, he secretly sent out multiple teams to investigate and search.
With the wedding only a week away, Duan Yijie’s mood grew increasingly heavy. That night, he sat in his office, staring at the documents in front of him. Some of the loans had already been disbursed, and the disaster area was in urgent need of relief. His troops had already been approved to participate in the relief effort, and he himself would soon go to the disaster area to direct and inspect the relief work. Liangchen, are you really just going to leave like this?
He sighed, wondering how he would explain to his grandmother and father, and how he would explain to the people. Should he use the disaster relief as an excuse to postpone the wedding? Liangchen, are you really forcing me to take by force what I want?
Luo Hongyi quietly walked in, saluted, and whispered a few words. Duan Yijie suddenly stood up and stared at him, ‘Is the news confirmed?’
Luo Hongyi nodded, ‘Yes, our informant has seen the photos and the person.’
‘Good, immediately send troops to surround it!’ Duan Yijie slammed his hand on the table, and Luo Hongyi hurriedly said, “Young master, the legation is not Vaughn’s sphere of influence. If it causes an international dispute, it will be detrimental to us. Besides, the loan has just been negotiated…”
Duan Yijie slowly sat down, contemplated for a while, and sneered with a hooked lip, ’Fine, since she walked in by herself, I’ll let her walk out by herself!’
Jiang Zhengyu returned to Yanzhou accompanied by his son and wife, and received an ordinary welcome from the people. Then the American legation also set up a banquet at the request of the counsellor to comfort and wash the dust off the doctor. After the banquet, Duan Yijie came to the door and said that the unmarried wife who came with Dr. Jiang did not go back, and asked the embassy to assist in the investigation, otherwise he would make the matter public.
American Minister Jackson was both puzzled and surprised. He personally received the young general, who was looking for his wife. When Duan Yijie took out Xu Liangchen’s photo, Jackson hurriedly asked someone to gather the embassy staff to ask about it. The relationship between the United States and the Southern military government had just improved. If the future young lady of the house disappeared from a banquet, it would be troublesome.
Duan Yijie smiled and stopped him, calling on Counselor Daniel by name: ‘Mr. Daniel, how have you been? I’m very grateful for your hospitality towards my fiancée. The wedding is almost here, so please tell her it’s time to go home. Although the legation has diplomatic immunity, this is still Chinese territory after all. ‘Boy, you’re really bold, you still dare to go against me? If it wasn’t for your servant’s drunken blabbermouth, your wife would have been well hidden from us.
Looking at Duan Yijie’s cold expression, Daniel knew that the news of Catherine’s hiding place had been leaked.
In the evening, Duan Yijie received a phone call, and his heart, which had been hanging in the balance, finally returned to its normal position. Liangchen, don’t try again. It’s useless. You won’t get away.
Last time, when you tried to leave, Cold-faced Young Master stopped you, so this time, David suggested that Xu Liangchen stay at the embassy for a few days, wait until after the wedding, and then quietly leave Yanzhou. Who knew that they had always underestimated Duan Yijie’s influence and intelligence network in Yanzhou.
In the following days, Duan Yijie appeared at the Bamboo Garden every day, his eyes shining, watching her try on wedding dresses, and arranging the wedding matters in front of her. Xu Liangchen became more and more aware that she really couldn’t escape this time.
It was the tail end of the rainy season in midsummer Yanzhou, and the warm, moist breeze blew gently.
It was the weekend, and just as dawn was breaking, the main square in front of the military government building, the venue for the first group wedding, and the surrounding area were already teeming with people.
Two flower-adorned arches had been erected in the square, and the band from the military government protocol office, all dressed in their best, were standing in formation, waiting to play. Red satin streamers with the words ‘Congratulations on the grand occasion of the first group wedding’ fluttered from the rostrum, which was decorated with flowers.
The weather was kind, with a clear blue sky. A touch of morning glory hung from the tall flagpole in the military government square, elegantly trailing a veil in the wind.
People came from all directions, crowding to witness this rare group wedding in the south, promoted and hosted by the government, and the grand occasion of the marriage of the most powerful young general of the first warlord family in the south.
As the time slowly passed, the loud sound of the trombone from the military band could be heard. The guests from all over the country who had come to witness the ceremony appeared on the viewing platform one after the other, forming a long line that stretched to the red gates of the military government.
Around the square, the military police were on high alert with guns and bombs, but it did not dampen the lively atmosphere.
From the church across the street, the melodious sound of the pipe organ could be heard drifting in the air.
The newlyweds have already arrived one after the other. The parking area set aside for this purpose is full of all kinds of cars, some with four wheels, some festively decorated, some neat and dignified; there is even a bright red bridal sedan chair. The bands from each family are also very eye-catching, with Chinese and Western instruments playing together, along with the organ and military band, creating a lively atmosphere. The sound of crackling firecrackers can be heard here and there, and the children are laughing and shouting. The atmosphere is gradually getting warmer.
The temporary dressing rooms and the places arranged for the rehearsal the day before were already filled with brides and bridesmaids dressed in different outfits. The scene was a little chaotic, but it exuded an indescribable festive and lively atmosphere. In a short while, the brides arrived one after the other, and with the help of their female friends, they started to apply their makeup in the mirror.
There were a total of 36 pairs of newlyweds. Because the Social Affairs Bureau required a uniform dress code, it was impossible to tell from their appearance whether they were from wealthy or poor families. The wedding dresses were Western-style gowns, all made of the same soft, scarlet-coloured satin, and the bouquets were made of pink roses and green grass.
The dressing room was filled with a joyous atmosphere, and people were whispering to each other, ‘Why hasn’t the bride from the General’s Mansion arrived yet?’
Written by flora840809, please indicate the source if reproduced|www.txt99.com

Chapter 62
Many newcomers later signed up, and the reason was that the General’s Mansion announced that the young marshal would also attend the group wedding, and being able to perform the big ceremony together with such a figure was of course considered a great blessing in life.
The organizer received a secret order from the General’s Mansion to send staff members to the door to strictly check and verify the documents. Many brides and their escorts, while busy with their own business in the powder room, couldn’t help but peek around to see who the luckiest bride of the day was, the little-known second daughter of the Xu family, the future Mrs. Marshall, who was hardly anyone’s idea of a celebrity.
Xu Liangchen, who thought David had a point and had quietly gone into hiding at the American Legation, didn’t expect Duan Yijie to suddenly arrive after just a few days. He hinted at his running away and blamed it on Uncle Jiang and Daniel. Xu Liangchen, who knew exactly what the cold-faced young master was thinking, had no choice but to go to the legation with a heavy heart after much thought.
David, who had fought with Duan Yijie twice, really didn’t want to let go so easily, but he understood that this time the cold-faced young marshal not only went directly to the minister, but also left the matter in the hands of his cousin Daniel, which was to completely cut off his idea of using the American legation to intervene. Catherine, he would definitely raise it to the diplomatic level. The US Minister in Yanzhou would not stand by because of a woman, a love affair, and the military government’s decision. Daniel would definitely be blamed, and even be transferred back to the United States, and he himself would probably not be spared.
Why is Duan Yijie just so unwilling to let go? Is he in love with Catherine? David looked at Xu Liangchen, sad and worried. For the first time, he felt sad that he was not someone in power – because he could not compete with the young general of the military government, who commanded hundreds of thousands of troops. With Catherine leaving, would the two of them still have a future together?
How could Xu Liangchen not understand the mixed emotions in David’s eyes? She sighed inwardly. Her never-ending worries and vague premonitions had come true. How could this fateful relationship be so easily severed? She had seen for herself that the cold-faced young master was a ruthless character who could lead troops into battle and strategise.
As the car drove past the neon-lit riverside, David glanced at Xu Liangchen and softly asked, ‘Catherine, now…where are we going?’ Did he really have to send his beloved to the side of her rival? How could this make his own heart bear it?
Xu Liangchen glanced at him without saying a word. The Bamboo Garden was no longer an option, so where else could she go? But it was her cousin’s house…She smiled wryly, ‘You know, the only place I can go is the Sun family.’
Hearing her bitter words, David felt a pang in his heart. He turned the car around and parked it by the river. He looked at Xu Liangchen with pity and longing in his eyes and said, ‘Catherine, let’s go back to the United States. I will give you a home of your own!’
Xu Liangchen looked at him and slowly shook her head after a long while. ‘David, thank you for your kindness. I have tried, but I can’t be that selfish…’
David looked at her sadly. Catherine, I know, I have always known, Duan Yijie is confident that he has read your mind. You are unwilling to feel guilty towards the motherland, unwilling to take advantage of Japan and Germany, who are willing to help us. You cannot let go of the Sun family, your sister, and even Dr. Jiang’s family. With so many ties, you have long been a bird with its wings bound… Catherine, are you really going to sacrifice your love for all of this?
At this moment, a black car followed and stopped without avoiding. David frowned and looked over, and the car door opened, but it was Jiang Jingwu who got out.
He looked slightly thinner than before, his eyebrows furrowed, his expression solemn. Looking at the car in front of him with the American legation logo, he didn’t hesitate to walk over, raised his hand to say hello, and then reached out and pulled open the car door directly: ‘Xiaochen, I’m sorry, I’m back late.’
Looking at the familiar face in front of him, Xu Liangchen suddenly felt a mixture of joy at seeing a relative and… grievance. She got out of the car and stood in front of Jiang Jingwu, her expression alternating between joy and sadness: ‘Jingwu, you’re back? How is my uncle? How did you know I was here?…’
‘I’ve been following you.’ Jiang Jingwu gave a warm smile and looked slightly over his shoulder at David, who had just got out of the car. “This is your colleague, Mr David?” It seemed that they were more than just colleagues. His mother had said that Meichen had let slip once that this handsome American journalist had followed in Xiaochen’s footsteps to Yanzhou. This was the first time he had seen him, and indeed he was very suave.
‘Nice to meet you, Chief Jiang.‘ Although they had never met before, after rescuing Jiang Zhengyu, David was already very familiar with the composition of the Jiang family. Hearing Xu Liangchen call out Jiang Jingwu’s name, he knew the identity of the man opposite him.
’Mr. David, thank you very much for your great help this time. The huge pressure caused by media reports at home and abroad was an important reason for my father’s escape. Thank you!’ Jiang Jingwu raised his hand and gave David a very serious salute.
The media reports on his father’s arrest were strongly influenced by Xiao Chen, but the American reporter’s influence should not be underestimated. Jiang Jingwu had long since understood the reason from the relevant channels, so he first sincerely thanked him when they met.
‘Dr. Jiang is a scholar who has studied both the East and the West and returned from the United States, and has extremely close ties with the United States. I could not just stand by and do nothing,’ David smiled and returned the courtesy, his gaze turning imperceptibly between Xu Liangchen and Jiang Jingwu.
Xu Liangchen had mentioned many times her connection with the Jiang family and her friendship with Jiang Jingwu from childhood, so David was not unfamiliar with Jiang Jingwu, but he had never been as clearly aware as he was now that this friendship that Xu Liangchen had started as a child might not be purely platonic. The other party had turned out to be such an outstanding young man!
Would such a talented man and beautiful woman, who had developed from childhood, just have a pure sibling-like relationship? Not what the Chinese call ‘childhood sweethearts’? David exchanged pleasantries with Jiang Jingwu while quietly observing the subtle changes in the expressions on the two men’s faces.
It was clear that Catherine did not deliberately hide her concern for this man and Dr. Jiang, and Jiang Jingwu’s dark eyes were full of blatant concern and affection. There was definitely more between these two than just brotherly affection! David’s heart instantly sank. He looked deeply at Xu Liangchen. Had Catherine not been honest with him?
Jiang Jingwu sensed David’s scrutiny and emotional changes. He looked deeply at the other person and smiled slightly, ‘Mr. David, thank you for helping when you saw injustice. In the eyes of the Chinese, this is a righteous act. I will definitely host a banquet with my parents to thank you some day. I also want to thank you for taking care of Xiaochen. My mother has been worried about her. Let me go get her. What do you think…’ He had so many questions for Xiaochen, and it wasn’t convenient to speak with the American reporter nearby.
Hearing this, David frowned slightly and turned to look at Xu Liangchen. Catherine, do you want to go with him?
Xu Liangchen thought about it. He didn’t want to just go back to his cousin’s place, and since Aunt Jiang had just returned from a life-and-death ordeal, he really should go and see her. So he smiled and said, ‘David, Dr. Jiang has returned from danger, I should go and see her. Auntie told Jiang Jingwu to come and pick me up, so you can rest assured.’
Jiang Jingwu? It sounds like a familiar name, but David glanced at Jiang Jingwu sideways. The cold-faced young master is still entangled with her, and now there is this young master Jiang, who is like an old friend. Is his road to pursuing the beautiful woman destined to be difficult and even futile? … There is a Chinese saying, ‘A fight between a clam and a crane.’ I wonder how effective it would be to use it here?
Thinking about this, David smiled softly and said, ‘That’s fine, then I won’t see you off. Catherine, take care. If there’s anything, just give me a call.’
Catherine, since you’re here, I’m not going to give up! It’s okay if there are things you don’t want to do, but for the sake of our future, I’ll see who can stop me from loving you!
Jiang Jingwu couldn’t help but feel a stirring in her heart at the passionate persistence in David’s eyes. She looked at him thoughtfully one more time. The emotions on David’s face had quickly subsided, and he politely bid them farewell before getting into his car and driving off.
Jiang Jingwu opened the car door and said, ‘Xiaochen, get in the car, I want to talk to you about something.’
Xu Liangchen’s smile on her face involuntarily froze. Of course she knew what Jiang Jingwu wanted to say. If he asked about that topic again, how was she going to answer him?
The situation in front of her did not allow her to avoid it, so Xu Liangchen could only smile and sit in the car. Jiang Jingwu closed the car door and started the car. The headlights came on, the car body elegantly turned around for a U-turn, and it slipped into the colourful neon night.
‘Jingwu, how is my uncle’s health?‘ Looking at Jiang Jingwu, who seemed to be fully absorbed in driving, Xu Liangchen decided to avoid that topic and asked first.
’Father’s health is fine. Because the news came out in time, the attention and reactions from all sides were also quick, and the Northern Military Government did not dare to act violently before they had a chance.’ Jiang Jingwu glanced at her and replied with a light expression on her face.
‘And Aunt Liao? She was so anxious on the phone that day that she even cried… Then she went north to pick you up. Can she handle it?‘ Jiang Jingwu didn’t say much, so Xu Liangchen had no choice but to continue.
’Mom’s lost some weight and looks haggard, but she’s fine, don’t worry.’ Jiang Jingwu held the steering wheel in his hands, his eyes staring straight ahead. There seemed to be a hint of fatigue in his voice.
‘…How was your trip to Beiping? Did everything go smoothly?’ Xu Liangchen had grown up with Jiang Jingwu since childhood and was of course familiar with his temperament. Most of the time, young master Jiang was gentle and refined and reasonable, but if he got stuck in a rut, he was extremely stubborn and a headache. With a helpless smile, Xu Liangchen adjusted the atmosphere and continued to ask questions.
The car drove past a busy dock with military vehicles. Jiang Jingwu seemed to be paying close attention to the situation outside, and for a long time he did not reply. After a while, he said, ‘I only hope to save the country with technology, I’m not interested in politics… They just sent someone to lobby.’
So that’s what happened? Xu Liangchen looked at him with surprise and a questioning look, but Jiang Jingwu said no more, his thin lips pursed tightly, and he just drove carefully.
The two were silent. Xu Liangchen felt that the air pressure in the car was a little low, making it hard to breathe, so he tried to find a topic of conversation: ‘Was the journey back uneventful?’
The car swerved sharply and then came to a stop. Xu Liangchen looked up in surprise. After passing the pier, the flashing neon lights gradually faded away. In the dim light of the street lamps, the car stopped at a riverside platform. She couldn’t help but ask Jiang Jingwu, but he turned off the engine, leaned back in his seat, crossed his arms, and looked over with sparkling eyes: ‘Go ahead, what’s going on?’
‘What…what?‘ Xu Liangchen avoided his gaze as he stared at him. “Jingwu, what…what do you want to ask?”
’Xiaochen, there’s news like that in newspapers from the north and the south. How long are you going to keep it from me?’ Jiang Jingwu’s eyebrows were knitted together, his eyes sharp and helpless. ’You don’t know how I’m suffering in Beiping—my father is in prison, and the woman I love is going to marry someone else—tell me, what’s it like inside me!’
Xu Liangchen lowered his head, his mixed emotions including sadness. He couldn’t help but let out a low sigh, but then Jiang Jingwu continued, ‘Xiaochen, you never answered the question I asked you last time. I don’t understand, what are you really thinking about? We grew up together, and you should know how I feel about you.’ Jiang Jingwu reached out and suddenly took her hand, ‘Xiaochen, as long as you say yes, I’ll take care of everything else. He, Duan Yijie, is powerful and influential, but he must be reasonable, and I’m not necessarily afraid of him!”
Xu Liangchen struggled, Jiang Jingwu frowned, and he applied more pressure to her hand, but his voice was much gentler: “Xiaochen, answer me.”
The two were each thinking their own thoughts and did not notice that a car had followed them to the platform. They observed it for a while and then quietly left. Soon after, a mysterious phone call was made to Duan Yijie’s office.
Xu Liangchen moved his lips, then lowered his eyebrows again: ‘…Jiang Wu, I…’ His eyes flashed with Duan Yijie’s piercing black gaze, and Xu Liangchen blinked quickly, unable to finish his sentence.
Jiang Jingwu seemed to sense something, took her hand and whispered, ‘I’m in the arms industry. Several major warlords in China have sent people to look for me in Germany. One of the reasons the Northern Military Government arrested my father this time was to force me to defect…’
Xu Liangchen was taken aback. Was there really such a reason for Uncle Jiang’s arrest? Had something else happened during Jingwu’s trip north? Just as he was thinking, Jiang Jingwu snorted, ‘The Duan family father and son only control half of China. If he is not benevolent, don’t blame me for being unrighteous – a friend’s wife should not be taken advantage of. Duan Yijie will understand this. Xiaochen, if you agree, I will talk to Duan Yijie…’
Hearing this, Xu Liangchen finally understood Jiang Jingwu’s thoughts, and his heart sank. In any case, since the establishment of the Southern Military Government, Southern China has been able to stabilise, and the Duan family father and son are open-minded and generous, paying more attention to people’s livelihoods than the Northern Military Government, and being more independent and autonomous towards the outside world, actively recovering national power. How could Jiang Jingwu have such thoughts after a trip to the north?
As Xu Liangchen thought about it in sequence, his heart became even more worried. If it’s just for himself, what would Uncle Jiang think of Jingwu’s ideas? And this time, Uncle Jiang escaped danger, and the general’s mansion also used its hidden connections. If Jingwu had contact with the Northern Military Government, would they be aware of it… In a flash of realisation, Xu Liangchen took Jingwu’s hand and said, ‘Jingwu, don’t be confused!’
‘I’ve thought it through very clearly,’ Jingwu said stubbornly. ‘I advocate saving the country through science and technology, but I don’t blindly believe that the Duan family represents China. Xiaochen, what I value is your attitude…no matter where we are, I will make you happy, just like my parents.”
Looking at the pretty face of the beautiful woman in front of him, Jiang Jingwu smiled tenderly: “I will earn money to support the family, and you don’t have to work hard at anything—just like my mother, be a happy and virtuous wife, a gentle and loving mother—we will be united in our love…” As if sensing such happiness, Jiang Jingwu’s words were soft and dreamlike.
Xu Liangchen withdrew his hand, and his heart sank slowly – in fact, when Jiang Jingwu proposed, she only hesitated a little: Jiang Jingwu had always been a bit of a male chauvinist like Dr. Jiang when it came to women going out to work. He always believed that men should support their families and make a career, and that a woman’s greatest happiness and value lay in the family – the most acceptable job for him was just a schoolteacher.
But she is deeply affected by the death of her mother, and she knows how hard she has worked to get the chance to study and contribute to society like a man. She loves her work, and she doesn’t want to give it up just because she’s getting married. She hesitates a little, and then she asks again tentatively, ‘Jingwu, when my uncle escaped from danger this time, didn’t you say that the reports in the newspapers also played a role? Have you read that commentary in the New York Times? Do you think it’s accurate?’
‘Well, the public opinion in the newspapers played a significant role in saving my father this time.‘ Jiang Jingwu nodded: “I knew it was your writing as soon as I read that commentary. It was very well written!”
’…I know my uncle very well, and…’ Xu Liangchen looked at Jiang Jingwu and said, ’I…like this job.’
Jiang Jingwu did not pick up on the undertones of Xu Liangchen’s words. He nodded and smiled, ‘My father read it and laughed, saying that you were exaggerating, but he still praised it, saying that the writing was sharp and fluent, and that it was everyone’s writing style.’ He looked at Xu Liangchen fondly, his voice full of compassion, ‘But, Chen, you’re a woman, so it’s better if you don’t do these eye-catching and dangerous things—I’m here for you, so as long as you’re fine, I’ll be happy.’
Jiang Jingwu was just the same as ever. Xu Liangchen sighed and decided to be honest. She looked Jiang Jingwu straight in the eye and said seriously, ‘Jingwu, I study very hard, and I don’t just want a happy life for myself – why can’t a woman have ambitions? Why can’t she take responsibility for the country’s economy and people’s livelihood? I don’t want to just be a good wife and mother…’
Jiang Jingwu smiled helplessly, a little surprised and a little understanding. The stubborn Xiaochen. Whenever they talked about this topic back then, the two of them would argue, and in the end, neither could convince the other, and it would just end there. I never thought that after all these years, she is still the same.
‘Xiaochen, I can’t believe you’re still as stubborn as you were back then,’ Jiang Jingwu laughed as he looked at her. “You understand, it’s not easy to work in society. Women are naturally meant to be pampered and loved by men. Men should of course do the rough work like protecting them from the wind and rain.”
Xu Liangchen gave him a sideways glance and had to argue: ’Jingwu, you studied abroad for many years, why are your thoughts still so conservative? Are the women there also buried in the depths of the harem?’
‘Of course,’ Jiang Jingwu said with justification. ’You know, before the European War, women abroad were completely subordinate to their husbands once they got married, and they also did not go out of the house. When the European War broke out, the men were conscripted to fight, and only the elderly, children, women, and the disabled were left behind. It was the women’s turn to support the family and work—so women went out to work, earning money to support their families, doing the same work as men, but their wages were much lower in comparison. This was still a helpless move under special circumstances, and cannot be used as an example.’
‘What about me? If we were together, would you still object to me working?‘ Unexpectedly, Jiang Jingwu had grown up to be even more stubborn than before. Xu Liangchen sighed inwardly, and stared at him, unable to avoid arguing.
’…’ Jiang Jingwu didn’t expect Xu Liangchen to turn around, as if there was a deeper meaning in his words. He was about to give an affirmative answer, but was unable to speak: ’Xiaochen, what’s wrong with a woman being cared for by her husband? What’s wrong with being a famous lady, a respectable and wealthy wife? Why does she have to go out and work and compete with men? Look at my mother, she’s doing a great job as Dr Jiang’s wife.”
Xu Liangchen looked out the window, where the lights on the river and both banks were twinkling. The high-rises that had appeared in recent years seemed to be shrouded in a veil of light in the hazy lights. The fishing fires on the river shone on the rippling water, like the fleeting years, clearly long gone but suddenly like a dream returning. She smiled half helplessly and half sadly. Jiang Jingwu, we grew up together, you know me, why must you be so stubborn, and always refuse to give a woman a wide berth?
Looking at her dark hair, Jiang Jingwu felt a sudden sense of loss. He felt a vague sense of something being amiss, and hurriedly said, ‘Xiaochen, whatever happens between us, we can discuss it. Nothing is impossible, don’t think too much about it. Marry me, okay?’ He reached over and picked up a rose from next to his seat, and handed it over with deep feelings.
Xu Liangchen looked into his warm, jade-like eyes. His hand felt heavy, but she knew that he undoubtedly loved her deeply and was willing to shelter her from the wind and rain for the rest of their lives. But she did not want to be a vine clinging to a tree…
Xu Liangchen looked at himself without moving. Jiang Jingwu couldn’t help but feel a little panicked. What’s wrong? Does Xiaochen really not want to? He was anxious, leaned over and held Xu Liangchen down, his exhaled breath carrying a sense of urgency: ‘Xiaochen, promise me…’
Xu Liangchen couldn’t avoid it, so he raised his hand to push him away. However, there was a huge difference in strength, and the harder he pushed, the tighter he got. In a panic, he reached over and pulled open the car door. He tried to get up and look up, but he froze!
A tall figure had been standing not far behind him for some time, and although the light was dim, Xu Liangchen recognised at once that it was Duan Yijie.
She froze, and Jiang Jingwu felt something unusual. He followed her gaze and his eyebrows furrowed, but he involuntarily relaxed his grip.
Duan Yijie had seen the car door open and had slowly walked over, standing next to the car. He looked at Xu Liangchen with burning eyes. After receiving the call, he had hurriedly brought someone out to search along the river, and it was only after finding the two of them sitting in the car here that he saw them. He had actually brought Liangchen out from under his nose, and he had never expected that Director Jiang was really something!
Duan Yijie slowly reached out to the beautiful woman in front of him: ‘Liangchen, I’ve come to pick you up.’
Xu Liangchen lowered her eyelashes and neither spoke nor moved.
Jiang Jingwu got out of the car from the other side, walked over and gave a faint smile: ‘Young master, Xiaochen and I have something to discuss, sorry.’
Duan Yijie raised his eyebrows and glanced at him obliquely: ‘I know. Are you done? It’s not early, and I have some things to do tomorrow to meet with Mayor Sun and the young lady. Liangchen, can we go?’
Xu Liangchen didn’t say anything, but Jiang Jingwu laughed and said, ‘Young master, I think that men should solve their problems among themselves. Why involve others?’
‘Oh?’ Duan Yijie’s lips curled slightly as he said in a gentle voice, ‘Director Jiang, you are right. How do you want to solve it? Do you want to turn north? A real man shouldn’t act in such an underhanded way, should he?’
‘The same to you,’ Jiang Jingwu said with a sneer, “Wealth and power are intimidating, but you can’t force a woman to love you.”
Duan Yijie’s eyes darkened, and his thin lips curled up in a cold smile, ’A fleeting feeling doesn’t mean forever; as long as you take care of it, the seedling will eventually grow into a tree.’
‘The tree is already towering in the sky, so why bother waiting for a sapling? Right, Chen?’ Jiang Jingwu gave him a sideways glance. It seems that this guy really likes Chen, a sapling? Hmph, Chen and I have been childhood sweethearts, and the tree of our relationship has long since grown. She’ll wait for you? Dream on!
Xu Liangchen’s mood was fluctuating. He had no intention of getting involved in the jealousy between the two men. Seeing the fire beginning to burn towards him, he stood up expressionlessly and said indifferently, ‘You two chat slowly, I’ll take my leave first.’ After he finished speaking, he turned and walked towards the main road, where there were rickshaws coming and going.
Duan Yijie frowned slightly, turned his head and gave Luo Hongyi a wink.
Luo Hongyi had followed him for many years and of course understood the meaning behind the words, so he quickly took a few steps forward, came to Xu Liangchen, raised his hand in salute and beamed, ‘Miss, the car will be here soon.’
Before Xu Liangchen could refuse, the nimble driver, like a monkey, already stepped on the accelerator. The car, which had been parked not far away, sped up and came to a stop in front of Xu Liangchen in a flash, blocking her way.
Luo Hongyi walked quickly forward, opened the door, and bowed again, ‘Miss, please!’
Duan Yijie glanced at the scene askance, turned to Jiang Jingwu and said slowly, ‘It’s late, I’ll host a banquet to invite Director Jiang to discuss “men’s issues” with me another day. Goodbye!’ With that, he strode towards the car.
In front of him was the car, the door open, Luo Hongyi smiling and inviting him in. Behind him, the sound of Duan Yijie’s firm and powerful footsteps could be heard. Xu Liangchen understood that he had no other way out. He glanced back at Jiang Jingwu, who slowly turned her head, lowered her eyes, and got into the car.
Duan Yijie followed her gaze and glanced at Jiang Jingwu as well, before getting into the car.
The car instantly blended into the hazy night.
Jiang Jingwu put his hand on the car door and sighed. Although they didn’t finish their conversation tonight, he vaguely understood why Xu Liangchen had always refused to agree to the marriage. Was he wrong? Why was Xiaochen so stubborn and refused to agree to such a trivial matter? Looking at the hazy moonlight on the river, Jiang Jingwu closed his eyes and sighed.
Since ancient times, the woman has been responsible for the household while the man works outside the home. Father and mother have loved each other all their lives, and that is how they have lived. As Dr. Jiang’s wife, my mother is always full of pride when she talks about it. They are in harmony and love each other, and they are a model of husband and wife and family in my heart. If you love her, give her a warm home and a stable, happy life. Is that wrong? Xiaochen, what do you really want?
Is working outside the home that important to you? I don’t believe you don’t love me. If you do, why can’t you accept the home and heart I give you? You yourself said that your parents’ love is enviable. Why do you still refuse it? Jiang Jingwu felt that he couldn’t figure it out and was very distressed.
Once in the car, Duan Yijie didn’t say a word. He frowned slightly, his expression serious, as if he was seriously considering something difficult. Xu Liangchen glanced at him quietly from under his eyelashes, but didn’t say a word either.
The car drove straight to Zhuyuan and stopped only after entering the main gate.
After getting out of the car, the two walked slowly, one in front of the other, towards Xu Liangchen’s residence.
The moon was like a silver plate hanging in the clear sky. The breeze blew, and the shadows of the bamboo trees swayed. Xu Liangchen looked at her elongated shadow under the street lamp, her eyes as confused as her own unclear thoughts.
Turning down the path, they reached the inner courtyard. It was quiet all around. Without realising, she looked up, and Xu Liangchen was taken aback again.
Walking into the inner courtyard, the sides of the bluestone path were lit by a little flickering candlelight, forming a light belt. Next to the light belt were roses with dew on their petals, all the way to the door. The breeze blew, the candlelight swayed, and the fragrance of the flowers drifted lightly in the air, creating a dreamlike and romantic atmosphere.
Xu Liangchen looked at Duan Yijie in disbelief. He lightly curled his lips and gave a faint smile: ‘Liangchen, thank you for coming back.’
Xu Liangchen blinked, what did Duan Yijie say? She had originally thought that the cold-faced young master would definitely fly into a rage and settle scores after the autumn harvest, but who knew that he would just say such a lighthearted thing?
Before she could think much more, Duan Yijie’s large hands grasped her small hands, and he pulled the somewhat stiff Xu Liangchen along the light strip and roses towards the interior of the room.
Stepping into the room, they saw a large mahogany dining table in the middle of the living room, with two chairs. The table was covered with a plain cloth, and a bottle of champagne was in the ice bucket. The candlelight created a romantic, almost fairy-tale-like, setting.
‘It is said that proposing with roses in candlelight is the most romantic scene. I hope I will be lucky,’ Duan Yijie pulled out a chair gentlemanly and invited Xu Liangchen to sit down.
Xu Liangchen slowly looked up. This scene almost made her heart unable to defend itself.
Duan Yijie elegantly raised his glass, his eyes shining, and said fondly, ’Liangchen, I will never forget this beautiful moment. Liangchen, will you get drunk with me forever?’
The soft yellow liquid in the glass, illuminated by the candlelight, was emitting fine bubbles like pearls. Xu Liangchen lowered her head in silence, her heart filled with a hundred different emotions, not knowing what to say.
Duan Yijie raised his glass and drank it in one go, then picked up a rose, walked over, and held it up to pin in her long hair. The fragrance of the rose mingled with the wine and her hair, and he bowed his head, as if to kiss her temple lightly.
Xu Liangchen’s heart trembled, and he heard his low, gentle words in his ear: ‘Liangchen, marry me…’
If the two are in love, this moment must be the happiest moment for oneself… Xu Liangchen let out a long sigh and slowly straightened up: ‘…I’m sorry, it’s late at night, I…’
Duan Yijie let out a sigh, as if he were relieved. He nodded: ‘Okay, you get some rest early, I’ll go first.’
After saying that, he looked at Xu Liangchen deeply, turned slowly, and walked away in big strides.
As he listened to the familiar sound of footsteps growing fainter and fainter until they were no longer audible, Xu Liangchen fell weakly into a chair, staring blankly at what was in front of him…
Outside the courtyard gate, Duan Yijie looked at the shadow reflected in the candlelight on the window and also stood transfixed… I wish this moonlight, this candlelight, and this floral fragrance could always be with you… Liangchen, when will you open your heart to me?
The next day, when Xu Liangchen woke up, she was already lying on the soft bed. She touched her forehead, which was a little sore, and remembered that she had been upset last night, so she had drunk two glasses of champagne. Then she seemed to have fallen asleep on the table. When did she come in?
She got up, brushed her teeth and washed her face. When she walked into the living room, she saw that everything was as it had been before: the table, the roses, the champagne, all gone. Then she looked out into the sunny courtyard, where the grass was still green and the flowers were blooming. It seemed as if the candlelight and roses had never been there.
Xu Liangchen was a little stunned when she heard a sound of footsteps outside the door, followed by the joyful voice of her eldest sister, Mei Chen: ‘Second sister, you’re back! Where is there a bride who, with her wedding about to take place, still only cares about work and doesn’t even return home?’
Xu Liangchen turned around at the sound of her sister-in-law Cai Fengqi and eldest sister’s smiling faces. Without thinking about what her eldest sister had said, she hurriedly greeted them: ‘Cousin, eldest sister, why have you come?’
“If you’re too busy to come home, we’ll just have to come here instead,’ Xu Liangchen’s smile trembled with joy, and it was obvious that she was very happy: ‘The wedding is about to take place, but I haven’t tried on my dress yet. My cousin and I were worried about it. Fourth Mistress called and said that you were free these few days, and invited us to stay with you at Zhuyuan for a few days, so that we could take care of some things for the wedding…’
‘Big sister, this…’ Xu Liangchen’s smile froze, and she was thinking about how to explain to her cousin and sister-in-law when she heard Cai Fengqi smile and say, ‘Second sister, are you still unhappy about this marriage?’
‘Second sister, you must not be confused,’ Xu Meichen hurriedly advised, ’In recent days, not only have Mrs. Lu and several other wives of the General’s Mansion repeatedly sought me and my sister-in-law’s advice regarding the marriage, even Old Madam Duan has seen us twice despite her illness, repeatedly urging us that we must not let Second Sister feel aggrieved, and to let us know if there is anything we want… Second Sister, don’t worry, this marriage will surely cause a sensation in most of China… The General’s Mansion has put its heart and soul into this, and there can be nothing that the Xu family would not be satisfied with…’
‘Big sister, no, I…’ Xu Liangchen had a hard time explaining, as her big sister’s happiness, which she had never seen before, made her heart ache.
As the eldest daughter of the Xu family, Mei Chen had never received the blessings and expectations she deserved since the day she was born. In a family with strong feudal thinking, daughters had no weight at all. And the mother who gave birth to a daughter was also ignored and belittled… At a young age, Mei Chen had seen the coldness of the world. Later, two younger sisters were born one after the other. Many of the Xu family’s relatives secretly and contemptuously called their mother a ‘potter’s wife’ (a woman whose husband works in a pottery), saying that she had ‘fired’ them and that they were all worthless. The gentle-natured mother shed countless tears behind other people’s backs…
After their mother passed away, the three sisters were considered even more superfluous in the family. The sensible Meichen protected her two younger sisters at every turn.
The mean fifth concubine falsely accused Liangchen of taking an emerald bracelet from her room and pawning it as an antique. When her father, who had been humiliated, returned home, he picked up a feather duster and hit him without asking for reasons. Meichen knelt down to beg for mercy, but her father picked up a feather duster and hit her anyway. Meichen fell to the ground, unable to defend herself, and her younger sister jumped on top of her to protect her… The sight of her younger sister’s blood dripping down her face will stay with Xu Liangchen for the rest of her life. The older sister also has a small scar on her forehead from that time… At night, the three sisters huddled together, weeping. The young Liangchen made a vow that she would make her older sister happy…
After their mother passed away, their younger sister was still a baby. The hired nanny was a snob who mocked the children who had lost their mother and had no fatherly love, and took poor care of them. In the middle of the night, Jiachen had a fever, but her father ignored the other wives and even looked on coldly. It was still the eldest sister who took her and her younger sister, sneaked out of the house, walked for several hours, and found their grandmother’s house. At least they saved Jiachen’s life… In the night wind, the two small, thin figures leaning on each other were forever etched in Xu Liangchen’s memory…
Later, the three sisters were finally driven out of the house by their father, who was only concerned with smoking opium and taking concubines. They came to the Sun family. The sensible eldest sister was clever and obedient, carefully navigating between the kind grandmother, her cousins and sisters-in-law, and the servants who gossiped behind their backs, trying to protect the young hearts of her two younger sisters. Later, she took the initiative to give up her chance to study to her two younger sisters, married early herself, and used the savings to subsidise her younger sisters’ studies…
Thinking about her eldest sister’s worldly ways, Xu Liangchen can only feel heartache. These things are not innate. How would a young lady brought up in the deep chambers of a noble family deeply understand the vicissitudes of the world? The Xu family is shallow and mean. Her mother died young, and her experience of living under the roof of another family made her, as a woman, tremble with fear and unable to smile.
‘…All these years, Meichen has always worried about you and your younger sister.’ Cai Fengqi sat the Xu sisters down and smiled, patting Xu Liangchen’s hand and saying, ’At least you’ve managed to fight back a bit. These days, the Xu family hasn’t stopped coming to the door, and they’ve all been turned away by your cousin…These people climb high and step on low, never imagining that Liangchen has become the young wife of the grand marshal’s mansion!
‘Second sister, sister has finally regained her pride…’ Meichen’s eyes reddened: ’Even your brother-in-law’s family of villains no longer dare to show their faces like that. These days, who doesn’t smile like a flower when they see my eldest sister?…’
Looking at Mei Chen’s tearful smile, Xu Liangchen’s heart was full of mixed emotions. His sister’s in-laws were not a forgiving family. He heard that several times, his sister was asked to ask her cousin for positions and benefits, but after she refused, they changed their faces. Even her brother-in-law was forced by his family to sometimes turn his face away from his sister. Mei Chen’s life was not easy…
If she agrees to this marriage that she doesn’t want, just from a small perspective, it will bring peace of mind and happiness to her eldest sister. From then on, perhaps she can take care of Meichen and her younger sister; when her cousin and cousin-in-law need help, she will be able to repay their kindness; and at her mother’s grave, she could burn more joss sticks… And if she refused this marriage, even if the Duan family spared her, she would have to leave Yanzhou, and from then on, they would be worlds apart. To her cousin, eldest sister, and younger sister, she would undoubtedly be selfish.
The thought that had been rolling around in her heart once again came to the surface. Xu Liangchen sighed inwardly. She couldn’t be a villain who doesn’t repay a favour.
Just then, the maid came in and reported with a smile, ‘Miss, someone from the Social Affairs Bureau has come to try on wedding dresses for you.’
Someone from the Social Affairs Bureau? Xu Liangchen was a little puzzled. Cai Fengqi laughed and said, ‘The young master said that this marriage needs to be both grand and frugal, so he signed up for a group wedding. You should know about that, right?’
Before Xu Liangchen could reply, Cai Meichen already picked up the conversation: ‘Originally, I was afraid that I was putting you in a difficult position, but the general’s wife personally came to me and my sister-in-law to plead for you. The wedding dress and other things were all personally inquired about by the young master. A French designer was hired to design and hand-make it. Although it is not as noble as a wedding held in the general’s mansion, it is also a good thing to be beneficial to society and contribute to the disaster area.’
Just as she was saying this, the maid brought in two young women, the one walking behind carrying a large box.
The one walking in front was a little older, and it was obvious that this was not the first time she had met Cai Fengqi and Xu Meichen. She greeted them with a kind and respectful smile, then turned her head and looked at Xu Liangchen curiously, a flash of surprise in her eyes. Then she said with a smile, ‘I am Wu Aiying, a staff member of the Social Affairs Bureau. I have brought the wedding dress for Miss Er. Please try it on. If it doesn’t fit, we can fix it.’
Mei Chen and Cai Fengqi politely offered their seats and thanked her, then took the wedding dress and examined it closely. Looking at the scarlet wedding dress before her, the reality of the wedding suddenly felt very close. Xu Liangchen couldn’t help but jump with anxiety, averting her gaze.
‘My young lady, this is no time to be shy,’ she was feeling confused and didn’t know what to do, when Wu Wen came through the door, smiling and teasing. Everyone in the hall couldn’t help but look up, only to see Madame Lu and the Fourth Mistress walking in with smiles on their faces. Wu Wenjuan waved her hand to stop the maid who was about to announce their arrival, and said as she approached, ‘The group wedding is being held in the main square, so the bride can’t hide. Among the dozens of newlyweds, my young mistress has to stand out, and she can’t have a wedding dress that doesn’t fit perfectly…’
As she approached, Mrs Lu greeted the sisters Cai Fengqi and Xu Liangchen with dignity and grace, while Wu Wenjuan just kept circling around Xu Liangchen. She then said with a smile, ‘Miss Wu, you’ve met most of the newlyweds at the group wedding. We’re still from the same family, so be honest with me. Is my bride the most beautiful one?’
Mrs Lu smiled at her, and Wu Aiying hurriedly laughed, ‘Please forgive me, Fourth Mistress… To be honest, I haven’t really compared, but when I saw Second Miss just now, I was taken aback…’
Wu Wenxian pointed at her and laughed, ‘They say you’re famous for being honest in the social circles, and you know how to play these games of ups and downs. Hurry up and say it, don’t be coy, what are you looking at?’
‘Miss Er is not only picture-perfect, her aura is truly unparalleled. I’ve seen quite a few young ladies from wealthy families, but I’m still awestruck.‘ Wu Aiying kept on praising Xu Liangchen as she spoke, looking at him.
Everyone laughed, and Xu Liangchen moved his lips, looking down speechless.
’What are you all looking at?’ There was another voice at the door, but it was Duan Yijie’s.
Wu Wenxi turned around, her eyes narrowing with a smile, ‘What are you looking at? Your wife.’
Xu Liangchen couldn’t help but quietly get up and sit at the back when she said it so openly.
Duan Yijie strode in, shouting, ‘Mom, Fourth Aunt,’ and then greeted Cai Fengqi and Xu Meichen. He looked at Xu Liangchen twice before saying, ‘The wedding dress is done? This time, I originally chose white, but then everyone suggested that I follow the customs of the Chinese people and use the festive scarlet. Fourth Aunt, what do you think?‘
’Oh, you’ve asked the wrong person,’ Wu Wenxuan laughed slyly, ’I’m not the one wearing the wedding dress… It’s a good thing we’re all here. Boss, since you’re here, go try on your wife for us and let us see what it means to be the most beautiful woman in the world…’
Duan Yijie gave a crooked smile, but did not refuse. He strode up to Xu Liangchen and leaned slightly forward: ‘Liangchen, go try on the wedding dress?’ He said that he really wanted to see it.
Xu Liangchen stared at him in silence. What kind of person is this? Fourth Mistress is joking on purpose, can’t you tell? Are you really going to try it on? Wu Aiying had already very tactfully brought the box over: ‘Second Miss, please.’
Everyone looked over with a smile, and Xu Liangchen had no choice but to stand up.
Going upstairs, Xu Liangchen led Wu Aiying into the inner room, turned around, lightly raised his eyebrows and glanced at Duan Yijie, and silently closed the door. Duan Yijie, who almost bumped into him, reached up and touched his nose, looked at the closed door and shook his head with a wry smile. However, he was vaguely curious in his heart: What will the princess behind the door look like?
After walking back and forth a few times in the carpeted hallway, she heard someone behind her laugh, ‘Hey, why is the boss locked out of the door? Hahaha…’
Wu Wenxian walked up with a smile, glanced at the closed door, and said slyly, ‘You got shut out. Wait, Fourth Auntie will help you.’ After saying that, she raised her hand and knocked on the door, ‘It’s me, Miss Wu, please open the door…’
The door opened, and Wu Aiying smiled excitedly, ‘As expected, this is the wedding dress chosen by the eldest young master, and it looks really good on the second young lady…’
Before she could finish speaking, Wu Wenjuan had already walked quickly inside, and when she saw the situation in front of her, she blinked in disbelief. Behind her, Duan Yijie also froze in shock.
The wedding dress was simple in design and a little conservative. It had a long, slender silhouette, a long train, and loose ruffled sleeves. The bride looked beautiful in the scarlet colour of joy and luxury, with snow-white skin. Together with Xu Liangchen’s unique temperament, which was hard to describe, she looked pure and dignified, graceful and elegant, and was indescribably moving.
Everyone was secretly admiring her beauty when Duan Yijie walked over, took a box out of his pocket, opened it, and took out a diamond-encrusted crown. He walked over to Xu Liangchen and held out his hand to put it on her head.
Xu Liangchen slightly dodged, but Duan Yijie grabbed her hand and said, ‘Don’t move, it will hurt if you pull my hair.’ He then clasped her arm and carefully helped her put it on.
He did not hide his love for his future wife in front of others at all. He did it naturally and graciously, but Xu Liangchen was embarrassed and blushed. Looking at the situation in front of her, Mrs Lu at the door smiled thoughtfully, and Xu Meichen wiped her eyes with emotion.
With his sister-in-law and eldest sister by his side, there was always someone to discuss things with before the wedding. Xu Liangchen no longer had the time or space to think about his complicated thoughts. Knowing that he could no longer avoid it, he let go of his worries and allowed himself to be in a daze. Since he had to marry her and since his eldest sister and the others all wanted him to marry her, then let’s get married. What can two people with no feelings for each other do after getting married? What if they get married? Just think of it as a change of living environment.
The night before the wedding, soon after dinner, Cai Fengqi and Mei Chen went home early to prepare for the big day the next day. Xu Liangchen had just sat down in his study when he heard someone knock on the door. Before he could finish the words ‘come in…’, the door was pushed open and Duan Yijie, dressed in casual clothes, walked in.
Xu Liangchen was slightly startled. According to Yan Zhou custom, the couple did not meet for a few days before the wedding, so she did not expect it to be him.
Unnaturally standing up, she looked at Duan Yijie with a blank expression. Duan Yijie walked up to her, stopped, and looked at her face with no smile in his dark eyes. Fortunately, the wedding was about to take place, but if the girl continued like this, it would not do. Her face was getting thinner and thinner.
‘What, did I scare you?’ Duan Yijie gave a crooked smile. “I can’t sleep, and I want to see you before tomorrow… I’ve already spoken to your cousins, so there’s no need to send someone to fetch you. I’ll walk you home later.”
Tonight, Xu Liangchen was going back to the Sun family. After all, there was her grandmother and her cousins there, and they were considered close relatives. A married daughter needs a mother’s family.
‘…’ Xu Liangchen still didn’t say anything, and Duan Yijie didn’t move any further. He turned around and looked at her, picked up Xu Liangchen’s jacket from the chair, and said, ’Let’s go. I’ll accompany you to a place.’
Where are we going? Xu Liangchen looked at him in surprise.
‘To the hillside,’ Duan Yijie said, only three words, but Xu Liangchen couldn’t help but look up at him, dumbfounded.
‘I’ll accompany you to your mother’s grave to offer incense,’ Duan Yijie came over, put his arm around her shoulders, and patted her gently: ‘It’s not convenient during the day… You’ve grown up and are getting married now, you should also say something to your mother, let’s go.’
Xu Liangchen had thought about this before, but seeing that his cousin and eldest sister were both so excited about the wedding, he didn’t say anything. However, he never imagined that Duan Yijie would have such thoughts. His heart warmed, and he couldn’t help but say softly, ‘Thank you.’ Duan Yijie looked at her and said, ‘Liangchen, don’t thank me. Starting tomorrow, I will be your husband, and your mother-in-law will also be my mother.’
Seeing Xu Liangchen’s complex expression, Duan Yijie smiled and took her hand, ‘Let’s go, it’s getting late. Hurry up and go, you go back early and rest, you’ll be tired tomorrow.’ Without waiting for Xu Liangchen to reply, he had already pulled her out.
My mother was heartbroken by her husband and the Xu family. Before she passed away, she left a last wish: to be buried halfway up the mountain, in the family grave of her father’s family. After she died, the Xu family adamantly refused for the sake of face, but it was my cousin and the others who fought hard to fulfil my mother’s last wish…
Xu Liangchen was thinking about something and didn’t notice the compassionate and doting gaze of his cousin Duan Yijie. Yesterday, he went to the hillside with Sun Menglin, and listening to him talk about the suffering and difficulties of the three sisters when they were young, he gained a new understanding of this stubborn girl. Liangchen, I can’t compensate you for your past suffering, but please allow me to take care of you and love you in the days to come, okay?
When they reached the middle of the mountain, the moon was about to rise. In front of her mother’s lonely grave in a corner, white candles had already been lit, and the offerings were neatly placed. A bunch of plain carnations were in front of the grave. Xu Liangchen looked at all this and then looked at Duan Yijie. An indescribable feeling rose in her heart: gratitude, emotion, or… she couldn’t tell.
Duan Yijie walked over, knelt down in front of the grave, bowed sincerely, and said in a deep voice, ‘Dear mother-in-law, thank you for giving birth to Liangchen. Tomorrow she will marry me. Don’t worry, I will take good care of her and love her…’ As he said this, he sprinkled the sacrificial wine, got up, looked at Xu Liangchen, and quietly told Luo Hongyi and the others to go away.
Liangchen lost her mother at a young age and has been relying on her eldest sister and younger sister for support ever since. She has experienced many hardships; recently, she has been chased by her own pursuer, and judging by her appearance, she must be suffering a lot. So, he took advantage of tonight to let her vent and relax, to be with her. He is afraid that in the years to come, she will rarely have any peace. Standing far away, Duan Yijie looked at the trembling back of Liangchen’s shoulders, feeling both emotional and distressed.
Xu Liangchen looked at her mother’s lonely grave, which had been covered with new soil, tears silently rolling down her face. She lit the incense and candles, knelt down slowly, and her tears fell like rain on the soil beneath her. ‘Mother, your daughter has grown up and is getting married. Don’t worry, I will take care of Shuo and my younger sister…’
Listening to the faint sobs behind him, Duan Yijie’s emotions and compassion melted together. He looked up at the moon rising over the hill, and secretly made up his mind: Since I like you, Liangchen, I will never let you cry again in this life!
As if sensing something, Xu Liangchen slowly looked up. In the hazy tears, the upright figure on the hill was unexpectedly clear…
Perhaps she was tired from crying; perhaps she had returned from her mother’s grave and felt a little more at peace. That night, Xu Liangchen slept unusually soundly, and she didn’t wake up until Cai Fengqi came to call her in the morning. She got up and ate breakfast without any appetite. Her eldest sister, Mei Chen, had already brought the wedding attendant to prepare to comb her hair and apply makeup.
She couldn’t describe the feeling in her heart. Xu Liangchen sat silently in front of the dressing table, her head bowed as she let the others do her hair and apply her makeup. The matron of honour smiled as she opened her long hair, the redwood comb gliding gently through her locks. The sound of firecrackers crackling inside and outside the courtyard accompanied the words of blessing: ‘One stroke for good fortune and longevity, two strokes for a happy marriage…’ Xu Liangchen felt her heart and mind empty, confused.
Liao Yufeng, accompanied by Cai Fengqi, walked in through the door with red eyes. Xu Liangchen paused in his breathing and hurriedly got up to say hello. Liao Yufeng took a few steps forward, took her hand, looked at her up and down several times, and then forced a smile and said, ‘I’ve wanted to see you since I got back, but I never had the chance… Good girl, now that you’ve made up your mind, marry well. Aunt Liao treats you like her own daughter…’
Xu Liangchen felt a pang of sadness, thinking of the care she had shown him since childhood and her earnest expectations. He felt guilty, bowed solemnly, and forced a smile, saying, ‘From today, I will call you mother. Please forgive me for failing to live up to your expectations…’
‘Good boy…’ Although she had doubts in her heart, Liao Yufeng’s love for Liangchen was as strong as ever. Looking at her reddened eyes, she hugged her lovingly and comforted her over and over again.
After a while, she personally helped Xu Liangchen change into her wedding dress, and after she had paid her respects to her grandmother, the wedding car from the General’s Mansion arrived at the door.
When the time came, the best man led Xu Liangchen downstairs, where she bowed to bid farewell to her grandmother, cousin, cousin-in-law, eldest sister and other family members. Xu Liangchen got into the car with mixed feelings, and as she watched her figure, Liao Yufeng’s tears finally fell silently… Since that night, my silly son has been silent. He won’t speak when I ask him anything. I don’t know how he will get through this day or the days to come.
In the square in front of the military government headquarters, the wedding is about to begin, and the brides are already preparing to walk out of the dressing room one after the other.
In the past two years, the western wind has gradually spread to the east, and although new-style weddings have further developed in Yanzhou, for the general public, weddings are still undoubtedly time-consuming, expensive and labour-intensive. Duan Yijie not only advocated and promoted such civilized weddings, but also enlightened enough to call for the wedding at the general’s mansion, which was really something Xu Liangchen and many others did not expect.
She was the last to arrive in the dressing room.
Outside, the music was already blaring, and the wedding was about to begin.
The relatives of the newlyweds had already taken their seats in the guest area in the middle of the square with the admission tickets they had received beforehand. On the stage, the head of the military government and the invited witnesses—the celebrities of Yanzhou and the university presidents—were also in place.
The groom, dressed in a dark suit, dark red tie and black leather shoes, found his bride one after the other at the door of the dressing room. Holding hands, the newlyweds entered the venue to the sound of military music.
Countless pairs of eyes and the flashbulbs of the journalists were trained on the door of the dressing room, where the handsome young general was waiting, holding flowers.
Suddenly, there was a gasp from all around, and the noisy corner of the venue suddenly fell silent. Xu Liangchen, accompanied by the bridesmaid, stepped out of the dressing room.
A flash of astonishment passed through Duan Yijie’s burning gaze. He suddenly had a twinge of regret. Had he done the wrong thing? How could he let such a beautiful moment be in the public eye…
│Hand-typed by Xue Fenglin, please indicate the source upon reprinting│

Chapter 63
It was obvious that the wedding dress was the same colour and style, but when worn by the bride, it looked so beautiful like a cloud of clouds. The simple lines accentuated her slender figure and made her look like a willow tree. Her hair was tied up in a beautiful crown, which made her pretty face look like jade, with eyebrows and eyes like pictures. She suddenly appeared in front of the people, and she lightly lowered her eyelashes like a small fan. Her fair face seemed to have a faint blush, and her appearance was stunning.
The lights flickered as the crowd buzzed with chatter. Xu Liangchen lowered her eyes, her heart pounding. She couldn’t tell if she was panicking, worried, or scared, but she felt her heart racing. The bridesmaids on either side walked up to her, one gently holding her hand. A familiar voice whispered, ‘Liangchen, it’s me.’
Xu Liangchen was slightly startled when she heard Duan Qiping’s voice. She couldn’t think of when she had become her maid of honour, but for some reason her heart settled slightly. Calmly, she smiled faintly and slowly walked out with Qi Ping’s support. The crowd couldn’t help but applaud. Duan Yijie curved his lips into a shallow smile and held out his arm.
His eyelashes lifted slightly, and Xu Liangchen hesitated for a moment. Qi Ping pushed her hand over to him, and Xu Liangchen had no choice but to extend his left hand, which was covered in gloves the same colour as his wedding suit, and, with some uncontrollable trembling, he linked it with Duan Yijie’s right arm.
The music got louder, and the emcee announced the start of the wedding and read out the names of the newlyweds. The bride and groom took to the stage in the order of the list, with two pairs taking turns to go up to the stage, bowing once to the podium, bowing to each other, and bowing to the witnesses.
When all the newlyweds stood in a line, Mayor Sun Menglin of Yanzhou City stood up and delivered his speech: ‘Through thick and thin, be happy with your spouse; hold your spouse’s hand and grow old with them. No matter how the world changes, the significance of marriage, this once-in-a-lifetime event, will never change for anyone.”
He glanced at Duan Yijie, who was standing next to him, arm in arm, looking vigorous and full of spirit. Xu Liangchen’s lips curved slightly, a faint wry smile on his face. Holding hands with one’s spouse and growing old together? This marriage of his was what people call a karmic connection, right? How could such a loveless marriage be one that lasts forever and is happy together?
Duan Yijie’s dark eyes narrowed slightly as he glanced at Xu Liangchen, whose angelic face and eyes were framed by the wedding dress. A wry smile played around his lips, but his mind was becoming more and more determined: Liangchen, I will definitely make you open your heart. Since we are holding hands, we will definitely grow old together.
After glancing at his cousin, who was sitting at the bottom of the stairs with a bright and beautiful expression on her face, Sun Menglin continued, ‘For thousands of years, traditional Chinese marriage has been based on the six rituals of “accepting the bride’s family’s proposal”, “asking the bride’s name”, “accepting the groom’s family’s proposal”, “accepting the betrothal gifts”, “setting the wedding date” and “the groom’s family welcoming the bride at the wedding”, which are extremely cumbersome. In order to improve these customs, promote simplicity, and respect weddings, we have drawn on Chinese and Western etiquette and absorbed the grandeur and simplicity of Western wedding rituals to advocate this group wedding… Love is the most precious and beautiful thing in the world. A marriage born of love is the world’s most beautiful smile. Today, we celebrate this wedding.’ Sun Menglin’s deep and bright words continue to ring in my ears: “Now, the officiant asks you, when the secret of the heart is about to be announced, please the grooms answer—”
He looked up at the grooms, his gaze stopping on Duan Yijie’s face: ’Do you take this woman by your side as your wife, love her and cherish her, in sickness and in health, until death do you part?’
‘Yes, I do,’ the grooms answered, Duan Yijie’s voice firm and calm. Liangchen, did you hear my heart?
Because they were close together, they could hear the sounds around them resonate in their chests, as if they were coming from the depths of their hearts. Xu Liangchen was slightly startled, and she lifted her eyebrows slightly under the light veil to take a quiet look at the man beside her. She accidentally caught a glimpse of Duan Yijie’s bright black eyes, and the burning gaze made her heart tremble uncontrollably. Her heart pounded rapidly, as if it had missed a beat.
Just as her heart was swaying, she saw Sun Menglin take his seat. Mr Yu Muzhi, President of Southeast University, representing the witnesses, loudly recited the vernacular lyrics of ‘Moon over the Xijiang River’ to congratulate the wedding:
In the past, she was a weak willow in the Zhangtai district; today, she is a beauty from the southern country. The mandarin ducks are messing up the music score and renewing their partnership; the mayor’s surname is Sun. A few pairs of red candles are heading west; a spring night is worth a thousand pieces of gold. Why must marriage be bound by rules? Red tape and formalities are better saved.
Then, the bride and groom exchange tokens of love and rings, and the witnesses present the couple with a marriage certificate and souvenirs. The bride and groom thank the officiants and witnesses, and bow to the onlookers, who applaud and fire off firecrackers.
After the ceremony, the bride and groom take photos to commemorate the occasion to the sound of music, and walk out of the venue.
Duan Yijie curls up his lips in a smile, takes Xu Liangchen’s hand, and slowly walks out with the rest of the group.
Above their heads, a shower of pink carnations fell. The music of the band continued to fill the air like sunshine, as the flowers rained down.
Looking at the government officials on the stage applauding, the smiling faces of the surrounding people, and the cameras of Chinese and foreign reporters, Xu Liangchen suddenly understood. With this change in wedding customs, the Southern Military Government had, for the first time, intervened in the lives of ordinary people as a national force.
The presence of the state at the wedding quickly infiltrated the government’s advocated ideology into the daily lives of the people, allowing them to truly feel the existence of the ‘state and government’ and thus identify with the authority of the government.
From this point of view, group marriage is also a political ritual, conveying the will of the government to the people through the transformation of marriage rituals. It turns out that the group marriage advocated by the Duan family father and son was also a practice of the military government’s hidden power techniques.
Thoughtfully looking at the handsome man beside him, Xu Liangchen couldn’t help but wonder: at such a young age, how is Duan Yijie able to be so far-sighted and watertight?
Through the colourful flowers and the bustling crowd, the car drove into the Plaza of the General’s Mansion. Today was the 60th birthday of the General’s wife and also the wedding of his eldest son, so it was a double celebration. The happiness that overflowed from within was unparalleled, and of course a feast was held to treat the guests.
Sitting on the top floor of the Imperial Hotel, looking out at the sea of people around the General’s Mansion in the distance, and the sound of firecrackers filling his ears, Daniel sighed: ‘David, things have come to this, you mustn’t be stubborn. In Chinese, this is called being married to another man. What else can you do? If she loves you, why would she marry someone else? You’d better not make things difficult for yourself…’
David tilted his head and took a sip of his beer. His face, which had been sleepless all night, was a little haggard, and his eyes were red and bloodshot. He stared straight at the hubbub, and after a long while, he said, ‘Daniel, do you know what I regret most in this life?’
Daniel looked at him in confusion and shook his head.
‘I shouldn’t have entered the news industry,’ David frowned, ‘I should have gone into politics like you. Power is indeed a good thing… Daniel, she has her reasons and she is helpless. I can’t help her…’ After saying this, David staggered and walked downstairs.
Daniel looked at his back and sighed, then quickly caught up to him and asked, ‘Do you really want to go into politics?…’
The sun rose above the roof of the National Hotel, its dazzling light illuminating the countless joys and sorrows of the world.
The marble-paved square was full of all kinds of vehicles, and the cars were flowing like a river. The crowd was endless, and the soldiers and police were keeping order with guns and ammunition.
The most eye-catching thing was the colourful canopy erected in front of the vermilion main gate of the General’s Mansion, with eight large characters written on it: ‘Double Happiness for Relief Efforts’. Below these characters were several desks, and the staff sent by the General’s Mansion were busy registering the gifts received for the relief efforts. Behind them was a small mountain of gifts.
The car stopped in the square, and Duan Yijie gave a slight smile as he tilted his head to one side: ‘We’ve received quite a lot of congratulatory gifts, which is also a way of contributing to the disaster area. Liangchen, let’s add the icing to the cake today, shall we?’
Before Xu Liangchen understood the meaning of his words, the crowd had already gathered around. Through the car curtains, Xu Liangchen could only see the crowded legs and feet of people wearing clothes of various colours. She heard the bustling sound of the crowd. Duan Yijie took her hand and whispered, ‘Follow me.’
Xu Liangchen was helpless and got out of the car with him.
All kinds of gazes focused on them from all directions. Xu Liangchen’s heart was beating a little fast, so she lowered her eyes and pressed down on her heartbeat as she followed Duan Yijie through the crowd.
After walking for a short distance, Duan Yijie stopped, and Xu Liangchen was a little surprised to find that they were standing at the reception desk for registering gifts. Obviously, the staff hadn’t expected the young general to bring his new wife here, and they hurriedly stood up, applauded, and smiled as they congratulated them.
Duan Yijie nodded and greeted them, then turned to the reporters and the crowd who had gathered to interview him and shouted, ‘Thank you all! Today Yijie is getting married, and I thank you all for coming. All these gifts will be used for disaster relief. Mr. and Mrs. Duan Yijie would like to contribute what they can to show their willingness to overcome the difficulties together.’ After he finished speaking, he took out all the items on his person, such as his pocket watch and gold pen, and asked the staff to record them as disaster relief items.
Xu Liangchen listened with his head bowed, vaguely guessing what he was thinking. Without waiting for Duan Yijie to speak, he automatically and consciously took off the jade bracelet on his wrist, the necklace around his neck, and even the beaded crown in his hair, and placed them all on the table. The crowd fell silent in an instant, and countless pairs of eyes looked at the beautiful bride in amazement.
How could the bride donate her wedding accessories? According to the customs of Yanzhou, these gold, silver, jade and pearls used during the wedding are the bride’s precious private belongings. Everyone will treasure them, and apart from taking them out from time to time to reminisce about the good old days, the most important thing is to pass them on to the next generation solemnly when their daughter gets married or their daughter-in-law enters the house.
Unexpectedly, this bride from the general’s mansion donated them all to the disaster area. Of course, the general’s mansion did not lack these jewellery, but gold and jade have a price, and they represent a deep meaning of happiness.
‘Catherine, is that you?!‘ Suddenly, an overseas reporter exclaimed in surprise, “So the young marshal married Catherine!”
’Which Catherine?‘ The reporters nearby perked up their ears, and people asked in a flurry.
’The most beautiful reporter from National Geographic, the editorial in the New York Times…‘
’The young marshal married our beautiful reporter? Then someone will support us in the press association in the future…’ The crowd discussed this.
Xu Liangchen was slightly startled, not expecting to be recognised here. She couldn’t help but glance at Duan Yijie.
Duan Yijie slightly curled his lips and gave her an unnoticeable reassuring wink. Liangchen had been recognised, which he had long expected. Since she was his wife Duan Yijie, there was no way she could hide in the depths of the harem. Liangchen was also a new woman with aspirations and ideals, and he was willing to join hands with her to face the years to come together.
Feeling his calm and supportive gaze, Xu Liangchen looked up and gave the crowd a faint smile. The crowd applauded again, and the reporters who recognised her crowded to the front, offering their pocket watches and fountain pens while saying, ‘Miss Katherine, congratulations on your happy marriage. May we ask you a few questions?’
Before the reporters had finished speaking, they had already thrown their questions at her:
“The General’s Mansion is donating all the wedding gifts to the disaster area. What do you think?’
‘May I ask if you will continue to work in journalism after the wedding?’
‘How did you and the young marshal meet? What are your thoughts on this wedding?”
…
Duan Yijie looked at the crowd in front of him, and without a word, he hid Xu Liangchen next to him. He said, ’I’m sorry, today is also the birthday of my grandmother. Please allow us to wish the elderly a happy birthday before answering everyone’s questions… The people in the disaster area are having a hard time. Please call on the people of the community to take action. Everyone’s support in a difficult situation is the best blessing for us. Thank you!’
After saying this, he raised his hand and gave the crowd a military salute. Xu Liangchen also bowed. Duan Yijie took her hand and, escorted by the guards, walked through the noisy crowd and entered the general’s mansion.
People were talking about it, and many reporters had keenly found the news angle, exchanging news with each other. The guests congratulating the couple saw that the couple had attached such importance to disaster relief, and some followed suit, and the registration office was suddenly busy again.
In the distance, in the car park, a lonely figure in a black car watched Xu Liangchen, surrounded by the crowd, with his eyebrows knitted. Things had changed so quickly that Xu Liangchen, you could be so heartless, to break off years of affection in one fell swoop? Are you really willing to do that? …Or, did I really do something wrong?
In contrast to the desolation of the people in the car, the Da Shuai Mansion was bustling with activity. A group of laughing and chatting men and women had already come out to greet them from inside. They gathered around, bustling and bustling, and the place was full of flowers and colours. They said congratulations and joked around. Xu Liangchen lowered his head and, led by the best man and Duan Yijie, Xu Liangchen bowed his head as he was led through the corridors with colourful streamers fluttering and palace lanterns hung with painted silk, and into the courtyard full of flowers. He entered another set of doors and then walked up the steps, where a burst of drumming and music sounded. Xu Liangchen was confused but was surrounded by the crowd and stepped onto the thick red carpet.
It seemed to be a hall inside, luxuriously decorated and festively arranged. There were about a hundred people, young and old, men and women, all chatting and laughing as they gathered around a large armchair in the centre of the room like a group of stars surrounding the moon. Xu Liangchen raised her eyebrows slightly, but it was the old lady Duan, dressed in dark red and beaming from ear to ear, accompanied by her husband and wife, the second, third and fourth wives behind them, and on the other side was another man who looked quite similar to Duan Zhengxun and his family. Xu Liangchen knew that these were the Duan family members and relatives.
Duan Yijie took her by the hand and stopped, then whispered softly, ‘First, bow to your grandmother and wish her a happy birthday.’
Seeing that a dark red brocade mat had already been placed in front of the old lady Duan, and the emcee next to her tugged at her sleeve, Xu Liangchen followed suit when she saw Duan Yijie go over to kneel and pay his respects. Old Madam Duan hurriedly smiled to stop him, saying that in the new society, these old rituals were unnecessary, and that a bow would suffice. With the persuasion of Madam Lu and others, she reluctantly accepted the grand salutations of Xu Liangchen and Duan Yijie. Duan Zhengxun observed Xu Liangchen’s mannerisms and expressions from the sidelines, smiling faintly.
Then, he bowed to the strange middle-aged man next to the old lady, who had difficulty walking. It was only when he saw the person accompanying him that Xu Liangchen realised that this was Duan Zhengxun’s eldest brother, Mr and Mrs Duan Zhengshao. They and the Duan couple only received three bows from the two of them, smiling and nodding. Then came the several aunts. Before the bows could be exchanged, the second, third and fourth wives and the others had already stood up with a smile and held out their hands in a false show of support: ‘You are too kind, please rise.’
Then came the rest of the Duan family’s relatives and friends, most of whom were meeting for the first time. Xu Liangchen simply bowed as instructed by Duan Yijie, while the old Madam Duan occasionally chimed in. Finally, it was the turn of the peers, who exchanged a simple bow. After the introductions were over, Duan Qiping turned from behind with his twin sisters, Duan Qifang and Duan Qiyu, and said with a smile, ‘After all, we knew each other before, so let’s dispense with the formalities today.’
The twin sisters had met Xu Liangchen once at the hospital and had a very good impression of this beautiful sister-in-law who had once been a school teacher. At this time, they also stood next to her with smiles on their faces, introducing her second sister Qi Ning. Xu Liangchen smiled slightly and didn’t say much.
Taking advantage of the gap between the jokes of the crowd, Xu Liangchen slightly raised her eyebrows and peeked at these people in front of her. Otherwise, she felt fine, but she felt a piercing gaze sweep over her from the side, causing her to suddenly feel a pinprick-like illusion. She couldn’t help but raise her eyebrows slightly and look over. A pretty face flashed in the crowd, with a corner of beautiful clothing, but she didn’t see it very clearly.
After everyone had finished their bows, Madam Duan smiled and said, ‘Everyone has worked hard today, please take a break for now.’ She turned to Mrs. Lu and said, ‘Let them accompany the bride to the bridal chamber.’
Mrs. Lu smiled and agreed, turned her head and instructed Qi Ping and Qi Fang and Qi Yu, and the few of them led Xu Liangchen to the new room.
‘You’ve been to the house before, and your brother has always liked the West Garden, so the new room is over there,’ said Duan Qi Ping with a smile.
Xu Liangchen smiled slightly, and followed them through several courtyards, past several corridors, and past the pool of water, before entering the West Garden. Xu Liangchen had been here several times before, so he was familiar with the place, but today it looked different.
Apart from the fake rocks and trees, which had been decorated with colourful ribbons, streamers and red palace lanterns, the folding fan doors and windows had all been freshly painted vermilion, the window screens had been replaced with new ivory yellow ones, and the window paper was now Western-style floral paper. Duan Qiping said that for convenience, the new room was temporarily placed on the first floor. The carved rosewood moon gate was draped with a lotus-coloured double-fold curtain. Behind the curtain, a fake red candle with an electric bulb hidden inside was inserted into a pierced brass candlestick, creating an atmosphere of joy.
Without the maid’s help, Duan Qiping helped her take off her wedding veil and sat her down by the bed. Qi Yu had already told the maid Qiulan to bring some honey water over. Xu Liangchen had not drunk much water since waking up that morning, so after thanking her, he used it without further ado. Qi Yu smiled and took the cup, and the maid asked Liangchen to go change into his wedding attire.
A scandal suddenly broke out involving the cold-faced young master. No one knew whether the second Miss Xu, who had always been able to turn down the young master, had a round or flat face. Before long, however, there was good news: it turned out to be a marriage that had come to fruition. Most people were naturally curious, and outside they heard reporters gossiping about how the bride was the crowning achievement of the foreign media’s selection of the flower of female journalists. They thought that she must be extraordinary, and they couldn’t hold back any longer, and they all rushed over.
Soon the hall and the bridal chamber were packed with people, standing and sitting, laughing and chatting, all in a great commotion. Duan Qiping, with her quick wits, saw the situation was not good, so she hurriedly told the maid to pour some fragrant tea, and led Xu Liangchen to serve tea to everyone, being very attentive and polite. Many of the young ladies and wives who had wanted to make trouble in the room were a little embarrassed when they saw how self-possessed the bride was.
Just as they were on the verge of doing nothing, they heard a light, flirtatious giggle from the side: ‘You really can’t help but believe that there is a law of karma in everything in the world. It’s really enviable that the eldest sister and the second young lady get along so well… The second young lady lived with the eldest sister before, and now it’s even better, they’ve become one big family; and you can see that the two younger sisters are also very close to the second young lady… This is truly a thousand-mile connection, and the eldest young master and the second young lady are a perfect match. But before, when all the gossip was going around, who would have thought that there would be this marriage…’
Hearing a voice that was both charming and somewhat familiar, Xu Liangchen couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow and look. He never expected it to be Geng Wenqing. Looking at her cheongsam with the light purple dark-patterned silver peonies that looked somewhat familiar, Xu Liangchen’s heart stirred.
Hei Liangchen, who was serving tea, didn’t take her words to heart, thinking that she was just joking. Qi Ping and her sister had always seen clearly what Geng Wenqing was thinking, and understood that there was a hidden meaning in her words. It seemed that she was saying that Hei Liangchen had followed in the footsteps of Duan Qi Ping and got close to Duan Yijie, which was why there had been the subsequent artificial scandal. However, she never expected that it would make her dreams come true. But since there were so many people in the room, it was not good to argue, so they looked at each other and smiled.
An unknowing female guest picked up the conversation, smiling, ‘Before, I thought the young master always kept his distance from women, but now it seems that was a false impression—with a beauty like the young mistress by his side, he can’t possibly see everyone else as plain and unattractive. Where would he find the eyes to do so? But he hid it well, and this love story must be interesting.’
Geng Wenqing smiled meaningfully: ‘This love story is even more interesting than a novel. The second young lady really shouldn’t hold back on the details. Do you all agree?’ Her voice was soft to begin with, and now she deliberately softened her tone, making her proposal even more tempting to hear.
Many wives and young ladies laughed in approval, some even applauded enthusiastically, urging, ‘Although you haven’t met before, you mostly know each other. The bride doesn’t need to be shy, the more details the better…’
Some even offered to serve tea and water, smiling and saying, ‘The bride doesn’t need to worry, she’s had enough tea already. Please sit down and report.’
The atmosphere grew even more lively. Xu Liangchen looked at the smiling faces of the men and women in front of him, his heart pounding. This was the bride’s first time in the bridal sedan chair, and despite having dealt with many big scenes in the past, she didn’t know what to do in a situation like this. Qi Ning was already married and understood the situation. She secretly told her maid to get some sweets and other things and help her deal with the situation with a smile: ‘These are English specialties brought by a friend. Please try them…’
Some people took them, but some understood her intentions: ‘Miss, of course you have to try the sweets, but the report still has to be done. Don’t try to get away with it.’
Qining looked at Liangchen helplessly with a smile. According to the customs of Yanzhou, no one should interfere with the newlyweds in their room, not even one’s own sisters. What could she do?
She was worrying about it when she saw Lady Lu and Fourth Mistress Wu Wenjuan walk in with smiles on their faces. Geng Wenqing greeted them obediently. Lady Lu nodded slightly and saw that with the help of her maid, Xu Liangchen was serving tea to the guests. She couldn’t help smiling and said, ‘Please forgive us, the bride is new here and the hospitality is not good enough.’
Everyone laughed and said flattering things, and then asked to report on the love affair. Wu Wenjuan took over the conversation and said teasingly, ‘Everyone knows the nickname for our young master, right? Why is he cold-faced? Naturally, he has a thick skin, and he can’t even pass on the temperature. So, about this matter, I think everyone should not make things difficult for the bride…’
The crowd laughed in agreement, but someone else said, ‘Fourth Mistress is wrong. I heard that the bride used to be a journalist, and her writing and speaking skills are rare. Reporting on her love experience might be easier than writing a report…’
The crowd laughed and jeered, ‘It’s the bride’s first time meeting everyone, so please be considerate, Fourth Mistress and Mistress. It’s hard enough for the bride to report on her love experience once, so how can we all still have any face sitting here?’
Even Lady Lu and Wu Wenjuan couldn’t help but exchange glances, feeling a little awkward. Just as they hesitated, a group of male guests poured in through the door, with Duan Yijie at the centre of the group. Wu Wenjuan laughed as soon as she saw them, saying, ‘The person reporting is here, so you all don’t have to be polite this time.’
They were a group of young men, rushing in noisily. Many of the wives and young ladies were timid and had thin skin, so they backed away. Duan Yijie came up to them, lightly curled his lips, and greeted his mother, Fourth Aunt, and the elders at the table. He gave a slight smile and said, ‘What did Fourth Aunt just say to report?’
Wu Wenxi glanced at the crowd and smiled as she told everyone what they had requested. Duan Yijie stood there with arms akimbo, narrowing his dark eyes as he looked at the male guests who had followed. Seeing that everyone had already taken their positions as he had instructed, he said, ‘There are some places where you have to report on your relationship history when getting married, but…’ He glanced at Xu Liangchen: ‘She just returned from the United States, so I haven’t really met her. Could someone please demonstrate?’
His gaze was like lightning, sweeping across the room. The cold-faced young master had always had a deep and profound authority, and most people were naturally a little intimidated by this young general who never smiled or laughed. Hearing him half-jokingly and deliberately make things difficult, they knew that he was actually here to protect the new couple. For fear of being targeted by him, everyone put a smile on their faces, and no one dared to speak.
Seeing her son’s demeanour, Mrs Lu understood what was going on. She was both moved by her son’s budding romance and worried for him. The second Miss Xu had married, but it was still unclear whether her heart had followed. How would the couple’s future days be like? It was hard to say. Thinking about this, she couldn’t help but glance at Xu Liangchen.
Back in the bridal chamber, the bride, who had already changed out of her wedding dress, had put on a slim-fitting scarlet cheongsam embroidered with gold. She looked beautiful as jade and delicate as a flower, with lightly curved red lips. There was a kind of childish innocence in her luxurious appearance that made people feel compassionately towards her. She lowered her eyes slightly in front of the group of laughing and noisy men, making people feel compassionately towards her.
No wonder her son won’t let go. Mrs Lu looked around the room, which was full of flowers and greenery, but there was none that could compare to her new daughter-in-law. The beautiful ones were vulgar, the cute ones weren’t pure enough, and the demure ones weren’t gentle enough. That body was suitable for both the East and the West, for anger and joy, and indeed was hard to come by…
As she thought about it, she couldn’t help feeling a mixture of pride and joy. Seeing that her son was being stubborn and giving everyone a hard time, she was afraid that the guests would be unwilling to stay, so she laughed and said, ‘This place is cramped and it’s hard to talk. Mrs. Chang, Sister Jiang, why don’t we all go sit in the front? The kitchen has just made some new dim sum, and they’re quite good, so go try some.’ She asked a few of the wives who knew each other well and had led the way, deliberately trying to relieve the pressure on her daughter-in-law.
Wu Wenxun was a charming woman who of course understood what Mrs Lu meant, and she also smiled and invited, ‘The movie has just started in the front room, and it’s a new Hollywood movie starring Shirley Temple.’
Although she regretted that the bride had not spoken, the room was not warm enough, but the couple had already seen it. At this time, the invitation from the wife of the general was also a rare face. Besides, the cold-faced young master with dark eyes was guarding the new room, so she was afraid that there was no chance anymore. So, the female guests took advantage of Mrs. Lu’s proposal and followed her out one after another. The rest of them sat quietly behind the male guests, smirking, wanting to see the fun.
Xu Liangchen had heard Duan Qiping say that the Duan family had many relatives and friends, and that the bridal chamber would definitely be a riot. Seeing that the hall was full of men and women, he couldn’t help but worry about how to get through it. Fortunately, Qiping’s sisters helped to hold them off for a while, and when Mrs. Lu and the others came, they took some of the female guests away. But Duan Yijie and the male guests he brought with him had no intention of leaving. What should he do?
She wanted to ask Qi Ping and her sister for help, but after looking for a long time, she didn’t see Qi Ping’s shadow anywhere. It seemed that she had followed Madame Lu and the others. Just as she was thinking about this, the maid brought a tray over, and Xu Liangchen wanted to continue serving tea to the guests. Just as she brought a teacup, two men next to her rushed over with smiles on their faces, ‘How dare we trouble the new sister-in-law with such a trivial matter? Come, brothers, take it.’ While handing over the tea, they smiled and said to Xu Liangchen, ‘New sister-in-law, you have worked hard, please sit.’
Xu Liangchen felt a little embarrassed, so he smiled and thanked them. Unwittingly, he glanced at Duan Yijie, who gave him a reassuring look with a slight tilt of the lips.
Someone noticed the two people exchanging glances and was about to speak up when Sheng Laoliu, who was next to them and had greasy hair and powdered face, gave him a smile and a glare. The skinny tall man who was being glared at was a little puzzled, but he still swallowed the words in the back of his throat and leaned over to ask with a smile and a low voice, ‘Sixth Young Master, the new house is so noisy today that it’s suffocating, so are you saying that we’re not even allowed to tell jokes?’
Sheng Laoliu gave him a look and grinned: ‘Lao San, you have the guts to make trouble, but you have to give me face today. You know full well about the six foreign letters. Luo Hongyi just said that I should find an opportunity to turn hostility into friendship. How dare I do that on my own?’
‘Haha, so you have a hold on the boss, but I don’t. It would be a shame if such a pretty bride didn’t make a scene…‘ The third brother looked at the beautiful figure in front of him and giggled.
’No hold? Hmph,‘ Sheng Laoliu narrowed one eye and looked at the third brother: “You really think the boss doesn’t know about the club where you do the ”dirty work’?’
Er… Lao San was at a loss for words, mumbled, looked at the group of people who had been called in to act as the protectors of the bride, and suddenly realised that it was all because the cold-faced boss had the upper hand. No wonder the group of people, who would have been hell-bent on causing trouble elsewhere, had come here and were all obediently sitting and drinking tea, and even when they saw the pretty girl, they didn’t dare to stare at her.
You’re just realising it now? Sheng Lao Liu gave him a disdainful glance. The third brother gave a self-deprecating thumbs-up, cold-faced boss, you’re something, ruthless! You don’t even let your buddies make a fuss in the new room.
But we can’t just sit here, can we? Just as he was thinking, he saw someone standing up in front of him, wearing a long robe and holding a top hat in his hand. He raised it high above his nose and made a circle of bows. The third brother couldn’t help but whisper, ‘Great, bring out the jar of vinegar, it’s bound to sour the rest of the people away.’
However, Yang Guangzong, nicknamed ‘Jar of Vinegar’, had already walked up to Xu Liangchen and made a big, exaggerated bow, grinning and saying, ‘Congratulations.’
Here it comes, Xu Liangchen’s heart skipped a beat, but he didn’t dodge, and he smiled broadly, ‘I’m new here and haven’t been very hospitable, please have some tea, sir.’ With that, he took the teacup from the maid’s hand.
The most satisfying thing about wedding crashers is to meet a shy bride, and after a few words, they can make her blush. The wedding crashers feel a sense of achievement and get excited. The thing they fear most is a beautiful woman who is easygoing and unassuming. How can they make jokes when she is politely and formally serving them? Tan Zi Wei secretly praised the bride for her composure, but he was entrusted by everyone to back off, so he had to grit his teeth, smile, and bow, saying, ‘My new sister-in-law.’
Xu Liangchen quickly ducked, ‘I don’t deserve it, please enjoy your tea.’
Tan Ziwei deliberately coughed, straightened his face, and bowed again, ‘New sister-in-law, you have been troubled by serving tea and water today. My brothers and I have elected me to sing a song for you…’
Xu Liangchen was slightly stunned when he heard this. Didn’t this person come to cause trouble in the bridal chamber and embarrass himself? How did he…sing for himself? He was confused, but then he saw Tanci Vinegar sing in a falsetto voice, ‘The bridal chamber will stop the red candles tonight…’
Not only was his voice ridiculous, but his body language and movements were also very funny. Xu Liangchen couldn’t help but burst out laughing. When the others saw this, they applauded and cheered. Danzi Vinegar turned around and saw that Duan Yijie was also smiling with a thin mouth. He couldn’t help but become more and more pleased, swaying and humming ‘The depth of the painted birds changes with the times’, and his exaggerated expressions and movements attracted Xu Liangchen to laugh again. The crowd burst into laughter: ‘Brother Vinegar is amazing, he finally made the bride smile…’
Liangchen was repeatedly made to laugh, and her rosy cheeks were flushed with laughter. Against the background of the scarlet and gold embroidered wedding dress, the happy expression of a bride filled her eyebrows and eyes, and Duan Yijie couldn’t take his eyes off her as she beamed.
Duan Qining, who was standing nearby, couldn’t help but blink thoughtfully at the look on his brother’s face. He never would have imagined that his brother would do something like this. Not only did he not shy away from sitting in the bridal chamber, sparing the new couple the embarrassment of pranksters, he also managed to win over all these young masters and gentlemen, playing funny pranks just to make the new couple smile! It seems that what Qiping said was true. As Qining was thinking, Qifang came up to him and whispered, ‘Second sister, where did my eldest sister go?’
‘Where else can she go?‘ Qi Yu shrugged, “Didn’t you see Brother Sima just now? Your sister has finally returned, and if he sees her, he’ll be able to tell. He just dragged your sister away, dead or alive.”
’Oh,’ Qi Fang laughed, secretly pointing at Duan Yijie, “Dumb goose.”
Qi Yu laughed out loud, and Qi Ning smiled and gave her a sideways glance, ’Watch out, your brother might hear.’
As the three sisters were whispering, Xu Liangchen, who had let out a sigh of relief, was already serving tea again with a humble and polite manner. Neither could he offend the cold-faced young master, nor could the new couple be overzealous in their attentiveness. The crowd could no longer make trouble, so they just laughed among themselves for a while and then left.
Soon after Duan Yijie left, it was lunchtime. The General’s Mansion hosted a banquet for the guests, and Xu Liangchen in the new room hastily ate with the company of the Qi Ning sisters.
In the afternoon, most people had already heard about the cold-faced young master’s defence of his new wife, and the pranksters dared not be too arrogant. Fortunately, there were many places to go to have fun, so everyone went off to have their own entertainment. However, there were still many people sitting in the new room, laughing and talking. Many people gathered in one place, making a fuss, telling jokes, and drinking tea, slowly passing the time.
Before long, it was already evening. After dinner, the mansion was even more luxuriously decorated than during the day, with lanterns and streamers. Guests called on their friends and relatives, and those who had been invited to the banquet drank wine, while others went to the opera or the movies. Everywhere there was a sea of flowers and a buzz of noise.
The new room was even more brightly lit than day, and the outer and inner halls were still packed with people, with men and women laughing and joking until the early hours of the morning. It was the second, third and fourth wives, Wu Wenjuan, who came over, smiling, saying, ‘It’s still lively outside, so why don’t you all go listen to opera or play cards? Sitting here is meaningless…’
Those who understood the situation nodded in agreement: ‘What the wives want to say is that the wedding night is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I think we should go, so as not to ruin the young master’s good fortune.’ Everyone laughed and joked, and when they saw that the three wives of the general’s household had intervened, they knew that they could no longer sit there, so they also laughed and joked, and they left in groups of two or three.
After everyone had left, Wu Wenjuan instructed her maid to tidy up the house and make the beds, while she sent someone to the kitchen to fetch a late supper. Turning to Qi Ping and Qi Yu, who had followed her, she said, ‘The young mistress has had a long day and I hear she didn’t eat much dinner. You two stay here and keep her company while she finishes tidying up the house. I’ll send the eldest daughter over to you.’
The Duan sisters smiled and agreed. The three wives walked out, followed by Xu Liangchen. Wu Wenjuan smiled and stopped them, saying, ‘It’s getting late. Eat some supper and get some rest.’
Xu Liangchen nodded in agreement, watched as the three women led the maidservants out, then turned around, sat down in a chair, and rubbed his forehead. Duan Qiping asked with a smile, ‘Are you tired?’
Xu Liangchen gave a faint smile and, while taking the jade chopsticks passed to him by Qi Yu, said, ‘I’m fine. All these people have been making a racket all day, and it’s giving me a headache.’
‘This is the imperial bird’s nest that Grandma asked the kitchen to make especially for you, along with congee and a few side dishes. It’s quite refreshing and delicious. Have some. You have to serve tea early tomorrow morning, and there are many relatives and old friends at home, so it’s a lot of work.’ Qi Ping poured some congee into a bowl for her and spoke gently to comfort her.
Although she had been told to eat lunch and dinner, there were always people in the new room at that time. Even if she ate in the inner room, she was still uneasy. Xu Liangchen only drank some tea. At this time, he was really hungry, so he didn’t bother with the formalities and took two bowls of fragrant rice porridge with the side dishes.
Qi Ping opened a jar sealed with clay: ‘This is Fragrant Snow Daughter Red that Grandma had someone bring from the old hometown. Try it.’ The clay head was opened and the fragrance filled the nose.
Xu Liangchen quickly declined, but Duan Qiping persuaded him on both sides. Xu Liangchen could not refuse, so he had to drink it. It was mellow in the mouth, not like the ordinary sweet, sour, bitter and pungent daughter red, but rather a little sweet and mellow, extremely soft. After drinking it, there was a faint warmth in the depths of the lungs, so he could not help but drink another cup.
The maid cleared the table and went downstairs. The room was already tidied up. The curtains were drawn, the candlelight was reddish, and the maid was told to leave. Duan Qiping and Qi Yu got up to say goodbye. Xu Liangchen wanted to stand up to see them off, but Duan Qiping wouldn’t allow it and walked out with a smile.
Looking at the figure of Xu Liangchen sitting with his hands on his forehead as it was reflected in the window screen, Duan Qiping couldn’t help but smile…
│Hand-typed by Xue Fenglin, please indicate the source when reprinting│

Chapter 64
The longer she spent time with Xu Liangchen, the more respect and affection Duan Qiping had for this talented woman who had studied abroad. It was rare to have a connection with her eldest brother, and of course she was happy for Duan Yijie. Two upright and ambitious people together, this was a blessing for her eldest brother and also for the Duan family.
In order to help Duan Yijie, who had never been good at relationships, win the heart of a beautiful woman, she had secretly tried to match the two of them up. Candlelight, flowers, a diamond ring, she had gone to a lot of trouble, but unfortunately Xu Liangchen never relented, and Duan Qiping could only sigh in frustration. Unexpectedly, the plot took a turn, and my father didn’t want to miss out on such an outstanding daughter-in-law either. He resorted to the bandit-like act of cleverly taking her, and made a final decision that Xu Liangchen would marry him immediately.
While happy for her brother, Duan Qiping could not help worrying. Liangchen was not a weak girl who meekly submitted to her fate. She was a thinking, ambitious Western-style character. Although she did not know why she had silently consented to the marriage, such bullying and weakness would surely make her think differently. Would she be at ease being the young wife of the Duan family in the days to come?
Knowing that the bride is very tired today, she can also see the waves in Xu Liangchen’s heart and the difficulty in calming down. Duan Qiping knows her alcohol tolerance, so she deliberately persuaded her to drink two cups, thinking that this might help her rest. As for the bridal chamber tonight, Duan Qiping is slightly curious about how her brother-in-law will treat his newly-drunk young wife, but she is not worried. From the incident of disturbing the room, it can be seen that he loves this new wife and should not make things difficult for her.
As Qi Yu and Qi Ping were just about to leave the house, they saw Duan Yijie’s figure appear at the entrance of the courtyard. Qi Ping quietly pulled her sister, and the two of them turned into the corridor silently and ducked into the corner. They waited until Duan Yijie had entered the house before stepping out quietly.
Qi Yu tugged her sister’s arm, and Qi Ping followed her gaze to see Luo Hongyi leading a group of guards secretly stationed outside the courtyard gate. She couldn’t help but smile. In order to let Liangchen avoid the noisy house, silly brother really goes to great lengths. Where is there such a domineering groom who doesn’t let people listen to the gossip? This is a happy event.
The two of them avoided Luo Hongyi and stood under the back window, like children who had done something bad, both afraid and looking forward to it with their hearts racing. They put their ears close to the window frame.
A lot of laurel trees have been planted in the courtyard recently, and because they have been well looked after, they are in full bloom. The crooked branches are densely covered with yellow flowers, and when the night wind blows, they fall to the ground, filling the air with a light fragrance and adding to the charm of the moonlit night. Duan Yijie stopped on the garden path, looking at the fine golden yellow flowers. His heart was captivated by the faint fragrance in his mind, and he gradually became lost in thought.
That light, ethereal, faint fragrance is finally in his hands, but when will he be able to enter her heart? Tonight, as the two of them face each other, what will their state of mind be like? Should he follow his own wishes, or her own nature…
After thinking about it for a long time, Duan Yijie shakes his head, laughing to himself that he is becoming more and more indecisive in front of her, and he walks into the living room. The red candle was burning brightly, but there was no one in the room. He felt a little strange in his heart. According to Liangchen’s character, she would not take the initiative to go to the bedroom at a time like this tonight. So where could she be?
He walked softly, turned around, and as soon as he entered the inner hall, he saw his beloved sitting on the side of the sofa, resting her chin in one hand, her eyes closed, her breathing calm and exhaling like orchid fragrance. Under the candlelight, a pretty face floated with a layer of rosy radiance. There was no sound, as if she had already fallen asleep.
Duan Yijie’s breathing stopped for a moment, and he stared blankly for a while before walking over gently. He bent down, and a woman’s faint fragrance, mixed with the smell of wine and flowers, came to his nose. It turned out that the girl had been drinking. Duan Yijie smiled with crooked lips, got up, and took a thin blanket from the side and put it over her.
Xu Liangchen let out a soft moan, moved a little, but did not wake up.
Staring at her picturesque eyebrows and eyes, Duan Yijie felt his heart beating like a drum. He reached halfway out to her, but then stopped, pressing down on the throbbing thoughts that were becoming a little hard to bear. After a moment’s thought, he slowly sat down on the sofa opposite her, put his arms around himself, and stared at the person in front of him without blinking. His heart was filled with warmth and swaying.
As long as she was there, no matter when or where, it would be a beautiful moment…
After standing outside and listening for a long time, there was not a sound in the house. Duan Qiping and Qiyu could not help but look at each other, surprised and amused, and a little puzzled. On their wedding night, how could these two be so quiet? The two of them poking their heads around finally attracted the attention of Luo Hongyi. He walked over to take a look at the two sisters, raised his hand in salute, and chuckled, ‘Ladies, it’s late, please rest.’ The eldest brother had instructed that no one was allowed to disturb them tonight.
Qi Yu made a face, and tugged her eldest sister away with a pout. It wasn’t funny that she, the younger sister, couldn’t find out any gossip about her brother getting married.
The wine tasted great, but it had an unexpectedly strong aftertaste. By the time the Duan Qiping sisters left, Xu Liangchen was already feeling a little dizzy. Her thoughts had been racing recently, and she was very tired. Coupled with being woken up early in the morning, she had been exhausted all day, and she was feeling a little mentally drained and sleepy. The room was quiet, and the curtains and light gauze looked warm and hazy in the flickering candlelight. Liangchen’s restless heart seemed to be seduced by the dim reddish light, and before she knew it, she had fallen into a deep sleep.
It seemed like she hadn’t slept like this for many days. She didn’t know how long it had been before she was woken by some noise. She opened her dazed eyes and her body couldn’t help but stiffen.
What caught her eye was Duan Yijie’s handsome face with a faint smile on his lips. His dark eyes were smiling faintly, gazing at her with affection and tenderness. It seemed that she was…was being carried in his arms… Xu Liangchen couldn’t help but lower her eyes as her heart pounded like thunder. She felt a flush on her face and couldn’t help but whisper, ‘You, put me down…’
Seeing that she still hadn’t woken up, Duan Yijie wanted to carry her to bed. The sofa was soft, but it wasn’t comfortable to sleep on. He thought she would sleep soundly, but she woke up as soon as he picked her up.
Holding a beautiful woman in his arms, he couldn’t help but feel his heart racing at the soft, warm fragrance of her. He was feeling a little uncomfortable, but Xu Liangchen woke up and told him to let go. Hearing her voice, he looked down. The young general, full of blood and spirit, couldn’t help but swallow. The beauty was embarrassed and had already turned her face to the side, but she saw the pale jade-like neck, the sleepy eyes, the slightly messy hair, and the flushed face, which added a blush of shame. For a moment, he felt an ambiguous and indescribable atmosphere flow through his heart.
‘Sleeping on the sofa…is uncomfortable,’ Duan Yijie’s hoarse voice sounded lowly. Xu Liangchen felt as if her heart was about to jump out of her chest. She couldn’t help but squirm awkwardly and said lowly, “I’ll go myself…”
She raised her body, and the warmth in her arms was suddenly gone. Duan Yijie couldn’t help but tightly hold her arms, ’Don’t move…Liangchen, you won’t forget that tonight is our wedding night, right?’
Upon hearing this, the delicate body in her arms stiffened again. Duan Yijie gave a low laugh with a crooked mouth: ‘Drunk in the arms at the tortoise shell banquet, what can you do about your beloved in the lotus flower tent…’ Before he could finish his sentence, he felt the body in his arms stiffen even more.
The embrace beneath her was so broad and strong, different from the woman’s tenderness, with strength and toughness. In such a panic, Xu Liangchen could still feel the temperature of that body, which was transmitted through the clothes, burning hot.
Xu Liangchen studied in the United States and had some understanding of Western culture. She knew about men and women. From the day she accepted her fate, she occasionally thought about the two of them getting along, but she still rather ostrich-like ignored some things she didn’t want to think about.
She was well aware that ‘this’ was still an issue, but then she pretended to ignore what had happened in the past, including the fact that that morning, her eldest sister, Meichen, had taken advantage of the situation to give her sister, who was about to get married, some words of advice: ‘…Second sister, I know you’re not at ease… In fact, for a woman, the most most important thing is to find a husband who loves you dearly… Some people say that when it comes to lovers, you should find someone you deeply love, because only when you love him will a woman go crazy and not care about anything else; but when it comes to a husband, you should marry someone who loves you, because only when he loves you will you be able to live your life carefree. Without deep love, a woman will never be free.’
It was rare to hear her sister talk about such profound topics, so Xu Liangchen was a little surprised but didn’t say anything. After a long pause, she sighed quietly in her heart. Perhaps her sister didn’t really understand; she just had her own considerations and difficulties.
Her usually plain-looking younger sister was dressed up in a beautiful wedding dress, and even she couldn’t take her eyes off it. There were many brides who looked beautiful in their wedding dresses, but Liangchen’s was so graceful and elegant that it was really hard to hide in the crowd.
Meichen sighed with relief, ‘My sister has made a mistake. I thought that a man from an ordinary family who is not too outstanding would be humble and careful with the people around him. But who knew that not only does he have plenty of shortcomings, but he also lacks the kind of heart that can accept others. As the saying goes, the poor must have something to be hated…’
Xu Liangchen was momentarily stunned, but then quickly understood that Meichen was talking about her marriage. It was said that many people had courted her sister back then, and perhaps it was also due to her frustration with the cold-heartedness of the wealthy family, that Meichen chose her humble and polite brother-in-law, who came from an ordinary family. Who knew that he, too, had unspeakable difficulties.
‘My second sister, I know you’ve never had a good impression of the wealthy, but you must remember that it’s not where you come from that matters, but who you are. With the Marshal’s family valuing this marriage so highly, I’m sure my sister, with her character and talent, will not be unloved… However, men’s minds are different from women’s, and if you marry into the Marshal’s family, my sister, you must change your personality a little. Being gentle and considerate and winning your husband’s love is the key. Oh yes, remember what your little cousin told you last night?’
Last night, when I got home, my younger sister-in-law Yang Ruolan came quietly in the middle of the night and sat by the bed, half-concealed, and told me some secret things that made people blush. Hearing my eldest sister ask, Xu Liangchen suddenly realised that my younger sister-in-law was quite uncomfortable talking about it, and that most of this was probably entrusted to her by my eldest sister… Unable to help but lower her head in embarrassment, her ears even turned a little red.
Seeing her look, Xu Meichen also felt amused, but her face remained calm as she whispered, ‘Since you’re married, of course you have to make your husband feel good about you…there’s nothing to be ashamed of…’ As she spoke, her face grew hot. Looking at her younger sister, who looked rather embarrassed, she said no more, but her heart was aching. These words should have been quietly spoken by a mother to her daughter before she got married, but now, her sister had to take her mother’s place.
Today, I was only thinking about the wedding, and I didn’t think much about it. Now, I’m facing this embarrassing situation. Xu Liangchen couldn’t help but feel nervous inside, and he was a little at a loss.
Unwittingly, he raised his eyebrows and couldn’t help but look into a pair of deep dark eyes. The lights and shadows made them seem deeper and lighter, which made her inexplicably nervous.
Seeing her face full of embarrassment, Duan Yijie’s heart stirred, and the look in his eyes that he cast over at her grew more and more burning. Xu Liangchen, who had averted her gaze, was at a loss as to where to place her eyes. The strength and danger exuding from the man made her feel it even without looking.
Duan Yijie stared at her, and Xu Liangchen froze and held her breath, not realising that he was walking towards the room step by step. A feeling of anxiety and panic arose in her heart. What should she do? Should she fight back?
She blushed, her heart beating like a rabbit’s, and even her body felt a little weak. The man was too strong, and she couldn’t break free from his iron-like arms, no matter how hard she tried. Before she could figure out what to do, she felt herself sink and was already placed on the bed.
In the position of holding her, Duan Yijie lowered himself and looked at her. Xu Liangchen was trapped between him and the bed, with no room to move. In her panic, she had to make a fist and push: ‘… let go of me!’
In his panic, the clarity of his voice diminished a little, but it took on a thin, matte-like quality that sounded extraordinarily seductive in Duan Yijie’s ears.
‘Liangchen…’ The sight of the scene in front of him made his eyes darken, and his breathing grew heavier. He felt his body grow hot, and it felt as if something in his heart was about to explode. The tide in his dark eyes surged and surged, and it was difficult to contain. Unwittingly, Duan Yijie’s face pressed down, and he clasped the softness in his arms and kissed her.
Xu Liangchen’s breathing stopped, and he was caught off guard by the kiss. Gradually, he couldn’t breathe, and he couldn’t help but push and resist with punches and kicks, but the more he pushed, the tighter he was held. Both of their breathing gradually became heavier, and someone’s hand couldn’t help but become dishonest, slipping under the thin shirt.
Xu Liangchen felt only the heat of his palm, as if it were burning, and the hot, moist breath on his ear and neck, which sent a tingling, pricking itch through his body. The hand, with its urgent, youthful heat, slipped into her loose sleeve, stumbling along her arm elbow, Xu Liangchen was flustered and confused. He felt like he had lost the battle and was losing ground. He didn’t realise the urgency of the situation and kicked hard. Unexpectedly, he kicked right on something, and Duan Yijie let out a muffled grunt, and he was in pain and leaned to the side.
Xu Liangchen was startled, and then immediately let out a sigh of relief. He hurriedly sat up and backed up a little, looking at Duan Yijie who had not moved for a long time, his sword-like eyebrows knitted together. He thought that he had kicked him too hard, and could not help but stammer and ask in a low voice, ‘Are you… are you okay?’
Duan Yijie looked at her expressionlessly without saying a word. Xu Liangchen swallowed nervously, ‘Where did I kick you?’
Duan Yijie still looked at her with that kind of look, and it was only after a while that he squeezed out a sentence between his teeth: ‘…it’s fine.’ When he met Xu Liangchen’s eyes with a complex expression, Duan Yijie’s face turned suspiciously red, and he turned his gaze away a little uncomfortably.
Xu Liangchen suddenly understood something, and his face turned as red as a boiled shrimp; for a moment, the two felt a little embarrassed.
‘Right… I’m sorry, I didn’t mean it,’ he seemed to be staring at her with a direct and resentful gaze, and Xu Liangchen felt so nervous that she could hardly breathe. There seemed to be an invisible string taut between the two of them, and it was getting tighter and tighter. Unable to help herself, she whispered with a lack of confidence, and then she remembered how inappropriate the words were. Her face immediately turned red, and she wished she could dig a hole and crawl into it.
‘If you’re married, why?’ Her embarrassment was naturally visible to Duan Yijie, and his dark eyes narrowed slightly. He straightened up, the side of the bed sank, and he sat down, raising his hand to cover Xu Liangchen’s cheek.
Xu Liangchen’s side face avoided, hearing his voice right behind her ear, she didn’t dare to turn back, his breath was right next to her face, the warm breath came at her face, a faint tobacco smell, it was his unique breath.
Xu Liangchen felt her heart beating out of rhythm.
‘…I, for the moment, cannot accept it…’ Liangchen knew that this was not a strong or reasonable excuse, but at this moment, where could she find a good reason to stop Duan Yijie? Even if he used force, no one would help her… Xu Liangchen racked her brains for an idea, while also trying to avoid the lecherous advances of someone who was following her. She felt ashamed, embarrassed, angry, and powerless.
‘Since you’re married, you should know that I’m Duan Yijie’s wife.’ Duan Yijie’s voice was slow and slightly cold. The heat in his eyes and the expression on his face made her unable to look him in the eye. Xu Liangchen turned her face away, her pretty face turning red and then white, white and then red again, her cherry lips leaving deep bite marks.
Looking at that rosy, pretty face and the stubborn expression in her eyes, Duan Yijie’s heart softened. The girl is really stubborn. It’s the wedding night, and she’s still clinging to her heart… But I, in the end, feel that I can’t bear it… His thumb gently stroked the flower-like lips, his movements extremely gentle and compassionate, causing Xu Liangchen’s heart to tremble slightly.
The Duan family was of high social standing, and Duan Yijie had always had high standards. The women he had spoken to in the past were all outstanding and refined. Xu Liangchen was gentle and kind-hearted, but also stubborn, and she had never been nice or polite to him. She was not originally a candidate to become the young mistress of the Duan family, but she had won Duan Yijie’s heart.
Not only was he moved, he was also willing to tolerate her and was willing to devote his heart and soul to this woman. She is kind and upright, but she also has passion and dreams in her heart. Duan Yijie is willing to spend the rest of his life with her.
He knew that he liked her, but when he held her soft, warm body in his arms, Duan Yijie realised just how strongly she attracted him. The embarrassment and confusion in those bright eyes was so enticing, and the rosy pink of her lips so seductive, that his desire, his heartbeat, was no longer in his control.
He really wanted to just do it, to cover her deeply and recklessly, to reach the peak and never let go.
However, the last shred of reason prevailed in his heart.
Duan Yijie grasped the thin shoulders and stared intently into her eyes. ‘Liangchen…’ he whispered, and for some reason, Xu Liangchen’s heart trembled, and she couldn’t help but look stunned.
The room seemed to be getting a little hot, and the nervous Xu Liangchen had a fine layer of sweat on her forehead, which made her cheeks flush, pink as peach blossoms. Her watery eyes were hazy but intelligent, and her stubborn expression hinted at innocence. With a careful look of exploration, she seemed to be both uneasy and flustered, and I felt inexplicably attracted to her helplessness.
Duan Yijie’s heart softened. These bright eyes had already captured his heart, and they would continue to do so for the rest of his life…
‘… Liangchen, don’t be afraid,’ Duan Yijie mused for a moment, looking at her, his words as if they were hammering into her soul: “I won’t force you.” He raised his hand to fix her messy hair, his face full of tenderness. For many years, he had always forged ahead, fighting through the hail of bullets, but never had he had such an urgent desire to have someone by his side.
What made him want it so desperately must have been something that moved his heart and touched his emotions, something that he cared about deeply and could not let go. He wanted Xu Liangchen, and he didn’t know if he liked her kindness or her talent. He just knew that he had never been so eager to get the woman he liked.
He wanted more than just her body; he wanted her to willingly give him her hand, her body, and her heart.
Xu Liangchen was taken aback by the unexpected words. He felt confused, and in his sight, those eyes were exceptionally bright, full of affection and helplessness.
He was in a daze when suddenly a handsome face came close without any defence. Then the slightly cool and thin lips left kisses on his cheeks, sides of his nose, and eyes, gentle and lingering, all faintly showing the tenderness of treasuring.
The kisses became denser and denser, moving to her lips, which he took in a little tremulously, tasting them lightly and tenderly, his tongue dancing slightly awkwardly on her lips. Suddenly, his breathing intensified as his lips met hers, and before she could react, the tongue stopped dancing, forcefully advancing, leaving a trail of honeyed fragrance and hidden springtime colours, and with a bewitching tenderness that made Xu Liangchen tremble with irresistible resistance, nearly losing her composure and letting out a soft cry.
When Xu Liangchen came back to her senses from her daze, she was already covered in peach blossoms. She tried to struggle, but the aftershocks from Duan Yijie’s words and a passionate kiss, as well as the gentle movements of the man, made her mind go blank.
Duan Yijie stopped his movements on her lips, looked at her face, which was both embarrassed and shocked and at a loss, adjusted his heartbeat, and said, ‘I’ll let you off tonight…but I have a condition,’ quietly gathered the somewhat stunned beauty into his arms, leaned close to her rosy ears and whispered, his deep, unfathomable black eyes gazing at her dark night star-like eyes, his face a mixture of seriousness and teasing.
His eyes were deep and honest, his heart was full of passion. Duan Yijie struggled to suppress his longing, took a deep breath, withdrew his thoughts, and bowed his head.
‘Huh?…’ Xu Liangchen looked up with a puzzled expression, but he didn’t know that Duan Yijie had just bowed his head, and the two of them were about to press their faces together, their eyes meeting, so close that the heat of their breaths brushed against each other’s faces. Xu Liangchen couldn’t help but blush with shame.
Under the candlelight, there was a slender neck and faintly beautiful collarbone in front of him. This single touch of snow-white was already stunning, and coupled with the lingering and husky tone that seemed to ask a question but not really, unlike the usual round and soft tone, Duan Yijie’s Adam’s apple couldn’t help but slide up and down.
Looking into those dark eyes, which seemed as deep as a blue pool, Xu Liangchen felt a little dazed. In the midst of her confusion, her heartstrings resonated with a light sound. She lowered her eyelashes in a panic, but then she saw the large red lilies printed on the red silk quilt on the bed. The soft pink colour shone through the faint red light.
Xu Liangchen’s breathing stopped for a moment, and she felt like she couldn’t breathe. She knew in her heart that the cause of this feeling was the man beside her, who was full of tension… Liangchen, who had come back to her senses, pushed again, but the man, who was straight and upright, did not move an inch. The pretty face close at hand was rosy and translucent. Seeing the spring scene in front of him, Duan Yijie’s heart stirred, and he couldn’t help it…
│Hand-typed by Xue Fenglin, please indicate the source when reprinting│

Chapter 65
Duan Yijie’s hot eyes almost glued themselves to her body. The suddenly heightened ambiguous atmosphere made Xu Liangchen fidget immediately, and her eyes looked left and right timidly: ‘I’m going to the bathroom…’
‘Where are you going?’ Duan Yijie’s face revealed an unmistakable longing in the dim red light, and his voice was playful: ‘Are you afraid of something? Liangchen,’ he shouted her name lowly, the ending soft.
Xu Liangchen’s heart skipped a beat, and when she turned around, she tripped over something and stumbled. She was quickly caught by a strong hand. Xu Liangchen looked at him with some panic, raised her eyebrows, pursed her lips and tried to pull her hand back, but she couldn’t pull it out no matter how hard she tried. Unexpectedly, her hand was suddenly tightened and she couldn’t pull it out.
Duan Yijie raised his eyebrows slightly, looked at the beautiful woman who was blushing and struggling, lightly curled his mouth, tightened his grip a little more, and whispered, ‘Don’t move.’ Xu Liangchen was silent for a moment, and then he violently struggled, but Duan Yijie then firmly wrapped his hand around hers, laughingly not allowing her to break free again.
He endured it with great difficulty!
After a slight drunkenness and light sleep, her bright eyes were rippling, and her pretty face was flushed with pink, like a ripe peach. In a trance, it was as transparent as if it could be blown up, and it must be very sweet to suck on it—this thought had been torturing him. Duan Yijie felt a little hot and couldn’t stand it anymore, and he was about to lose control.
The breath that hit his face was as hot as a blast of air, and Xu Liangchen lowered her eyebrows unconsciously under his scorching gaze. Duan Yijie, however, didn’t want to let her go just like that. He tilted his head to the side, and no matter where she turned, he would follow. She was embarrassed and flustered, her blush tinged with timidity, her cute little girlish appearance making Duan Yijie more and more dizzy and unable to take his eyes off her.
The silhouette of her side, outlined by the flickering candlelight, had a hazy quality to it. A faint fragrance wafted from her, carrying with it a sweetness that was uniquely hers… Before he knew what was happening, Duan Yijie’s lips had fallen upon those ruby lips. It was like the most tender and beautiful petal had bloomed in his heart, instantly intoxicating him.
He had clearly said to spare himself… Xu Liangchen’s head exploded with thoughts, and he froze, his blood rushing to his head… The kiss just now had been tender and lingering, but now he was almost irrepressibly predatory.
He held her firmly in his arms, and she felt as if she could not breathe, as if the air in her lungs was about to be squeezed out. He attacked her with raw but strong passion, and she could only retreat in panic, feeling scared. He was panting heavily, rolling and sucking, wishing he could crush her to pieces… It seemed that once a certain longing woke up, it could never be quelled, and there was only a greedy, deep engulfing… It wasn’t until she was so panicked that tears came down her face that he stopped, somewhat in a daze.
The two of them froze there, not moving. Held firmly in his arms, Xu Liangchen’s heart was pounding. She took a few deep breaths and, while he wasn’t looking, panted out the words, ‘You said that you wouldn’t force me… I’m not… not ready…’
Duan Yijie narrowed his eyes slightly, leered at her, and spoke in a low, hoarse voice that sounded a little strange, ‘Not ready? You mean, when you’re ready, you can?’
What do you mean? Xu Liangchen was a little shocked by him, and what he said made her heart race. She blinked, biting her lip, and nodded hesitantly before shaking her head.
Duan Yijie laughed lightly and asked mischievously, ‘So what now? What do you want to do?’ He leaned over to her ear, nibbled her soft earlobe, and held her tightly, making Xu Liangchen feel the strength of his young, powerful body ready to go. ‘I’m a little sorry, Liangchen, to let you go, what about me…’
Hot breath brushed against his lips, and one hand travelled along his back. Xu Liangchen was embarrassed and flustered, and he used his hands and feet to resist: ‘Duan Yijie, let go…’ His low cry of pleading was once again swallowed up. His senses were overwhelmed as he felt his body move closer and the touch of his stomach.
Their lips and tongues entwined, and the man’s heavy breathing and the strength of his grip made it impossible for her to resist. Xu Liangchen froze under his scorching embrace. Her face flushed with embarrassment. For the first time in her life, she was held like this in his arms. Her mind went blank, and she could only subconsciously push against his chest, feeling panicked and desperate. She whispered anxiously, ‘Please…let me go…’
Duan Yijie looked up at her, his eyes full of longing, and watched her without moving.
The beautiful thoughts in his eyes made Xu Liangchen afraid to look again. She wanted to struggle with all her might, but she was afraid of annoying Duan Yijie and making him retract his promise. She was both anxious and helpless. The blush on her face was dyed with rosy clouds, highlighting the snow-white and delicate skin. Her pair of watery eyes were hazy and misty, her eyebrows and eyes like flowers, with a kind of charming and touching beauty that made him dry out.
Unable to resist, he chuckled softly, breaking through her feeble struggles and pressing up against her again. His voice was low and deep, ‘I won’t go back on my word, but Liangchen, you have to give me something in return, right?’
‘What do you mean by something…’ The little white rabbit blinked stupidly, nodding and shaking his head. He vaguely felt that there was something wrong with his words…
‘You don’t know? Then let me tell you, okay?’ The low tone trailed off, with a distinct dullness. Xu Liangchen’s heart suddenly skipped a beat, and she looked up in panic, only to see the flames ignited in his eyes.
Before she could figure it out, her waist tightened, and she was already pressed against the man’s chest. The two of them were pressed close together, and she felt as if she were about to dissolve into his body. The man’s strong body pressed against her, making her unable to move. A pain on her lips, and he had already broken into her mouth…
Liangchen’s body stiffened with pain from his somewhat rude actions. He held her tightly, awkwardly but unbearably, like a hungry beast. He kissed and licked her face and neck, calling her name in a low, hoarse voice. She felt as if she was about to be crushed by the heavy, towering body, and she could hardly breathe.
After gnawing on her enough, Duan Yijie looked up at her, smiling lowly as he watched her flustered and helpless struggle. He lowered his head and gave her a kiss, nibbling affectionately on her upturned nose.
Xu Liangchen’s face and body felt as if they were burning.
‘No matter what, we’re already husband and wife, so don’t ever push me away again, got it?’ Duan Yijie simply rolled over and pressed down heavily on her.
He was as heavy as a pig… Xu Liangchen nearly couldn’t breathe and had to turn his face sideways and plead, ‘Get up… You’re so heavy…’
Duan Yijie let out a low chuckle, ‘No way, you’ll have to get used to it anyway.’
Get used to it? Xu Liangchen’s face turned dark, and she couldn’t help but give him a fierce glare. Her heart raced as she mourned and blushed at the years ahead of her, but he was so heavy that she couldn’t move anymore, so she had to force herself to turn her face away.
Duan Yijie leaned down proudly, pressed against her reddened ear, and whispered almost in her ear, ‘Liangchen, promise me first that you will never run away again, and never push me away…’ With that, he opened his mouth and captured her lips, aggressively rushing in to suck and chase. Xu Liangchen shook her head and tried to dodge, but he held her jaw in place and his relentless tongue, which seemed to want to devour her, tangled with hers endlessly, kissing her until her lips were swollen and sore.
He really scared him, and Xu Liangchen, who just wanted to escape, could no longer care about anything else. With a red face, he whispered softly, begging for mercy, ‘Let go…um…I…won’t run, I won’t push…’
Xu Liangchen breathed heavily, and Duan Yijie let out a long breath, seemingly satisfied but also dissatisfied. He buried his head on the side of her neck and took a few deep breaths, then rolled over and pulled her up.
The few night lights outside the window gradually dimmed, and there were only two red candles left in the bedroom. The hazy starlight could not penetrate the thick curtains, and the bedroom was enveloped in a dreamlike halo of light. The curtains were drawn low, and the light was entangled, floating and floating in the air, adding a touch of charm and tenderness.
Duan Yijie tightened his grip on her hand, let out a long sigh, raised the corners of his thin lips slightly, and a rare faint smile appeared on his face, like the cool moonlight. On this beautiful night, he looked exceptionally handsome.
Xu Liangchen, whose body was limp and had to lean on him, was enchanted by the smile and froze without moving. It took him a while to suddenly remember what had just happened, and his face could not help but flush. He swallowed and pressed down on his still chaotic heartbeat, struggling to get up.
A few muffled chuckles came from above her head. She turned her body and was lifted up by Duan Yijie’s chin. The two of them looked at each other with their eyebrows and eyes. They could only hear the low, smiling voice by their ears saying, ‘Okay, I keep my word and let you go. We’ll talk all night with candlelight, but you must answer my questions properly. No silence, no anger. Those are my conditions. Sound good?’
The danger had passed, and Xu Liangchen suddenly felt relieved. She moved her lips, looked at his smiling face, and the unease in her heart slowly subsided. A complex feeling inexplicably surged through her heart.
The previous entanglement had made her feel extremely embarrassed. She was ignorant of the situation, but she probably knew in her heart how desperately he longed for her. This man, who had always been domineering and strong, had tolerated her insistence on such a wedding night and had not forcibly claimed his rights as a husband… It was impossible for her heart not to feel even a little thought or even moved.
On the carved-wood bridal bed, the two sat one on the inside and one on the outside, not too close and not too far apart. Duan Yijie got up, poured a glass of water and handed it to her, looking at her and saying, ‘Liangchen, even though you didn’t want to, I’m still very happy that you agreed to the marriage and that you chose to be with me… Liangchen, I just realised that in this world, one person is always the fool of another…’
He was not unsaddened when she refused on their wedding night, and he did not struggle. In the end, he just smiled and backed down. When he thought about it, it seemed that this was more than just tolerance. What kind of feeling made him act so magnanimously? Xu Liangchen’s hand that was about to take the teacup paused.
‘In your heart, what kind of person do you think I am? Can you tell me? Or is it just disgust?’ Duan Yijie asked softly, sipping his tea. Xu Liangchen looked at him in surprise, shook his head slightly after thinking for a while, and then whispered, ‘No…’
Duan Yijie was delighted to see her raise her eyes at her unclear words. After a while, he smiled and stopped asking, but changed the subject, saying, ‘Anyway, we are husband and wife now. I think you definitely don’t want to be a young lady who only cooks and doesn’t do anything else. But it’s not very convenient to work in the news industry again…’
Xu Liangchen looked at Duan Yijie with some surprise. The man opposite him had dark, thick black hair, a face with distinct features and a sword-shaped eyebrow, and in the faint light, there was a strange kind of charm. Xu Liangchen’s heart was pounding, was he planning his work after marriage for him?
‘Do you remember the compound I took you to last time? It’s where the government’s new radio station is located. Now that the construction work and equipment are all in place, you have a soft and sweet voice and are proficient in multiple languages. Would you be willing to take on some of the broadcasting work?’ He habitually twirled the cup in his hands and raised his eyebrows slightly.
This little habit of his made Xu Liangchen feel a little dazed. How could Duan Yijie know and be so understanding of him? He understood his ideals and knew his strengths, but on their wedding night he was talking about his future work!
‘……So I have to hand over the work I’m doing?’ Xu Liangchen asked in a low voice, but Duan Yijie said that part of her broadcasts were for external audiences and came under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, so there was no conflict with her work.
As the two engaged in a question-and-answer session, the atmosphere in the new room gradually became soft and warm. As Duan Yijie talked about the military government’s next steps, the current situation and his thoughts on training, education, agriculture, etc., Xu Liangchen’s mood alternated between heavy and passionate. It turned out that there was so much to be done and so many important matters that needed to be taken on.
Compared to these things, one’s own affairs are so trivial and unremarkable… As they chatted, time passed unawares. Xu Liangchen, leaning against the head of the bed, gradually grew sleepy, and finally couldn’t even lift her eyelids. However, she didn’t dare lie down, so she just leaned lightly against the head of the bed. Later, Duan Yijie helped her pull the thin quilt up, and she herself lay on the bed in her clothes and fell asleep. She slept until morning without a dream.
Duan Yijie was used to living in the barracks and woke up on time every day. As usual, he opened his eyes and, in a daze, was about to get up when he felt a soft hand grasp his left arm. Looking down, he saw Xu Liangchen clinging to his arm and still fast asleep.
This had never happened before, so Duan Yijie couldn’t help but blink, and a faint smile appeared on his thin lips. He had followed his father and fought in battles since his teens, seeing nothing but gunpowder smoke and gunfire, and waking up to the sight of cold guns most of the time. It had never happened before for him to be softly embraced by a woman.
The unique, feminine fragrance came from her nose, and he was momentarily enchanted. Looking at the sleeping face of the lotus, he knew that from the moment he saw her, he had an extraordinary desire for her. However, she still kept her heart closed.
Looking at the faint light behind the curtains, he smiled half-self-deprecatingly. Duan Yijie shook his head slightly. No one was allowed to disturb the bridal chamber last night. No one thought he was in a happy mood, but who knew it was actually a hard ordeal. After lying silently for a while, he was about to gently pull his arm out when he heard Xu Liangchen murmur something in a low voice. Duan Yijie was startled, his face changing, and he looked straight at her face, his hand that was holding Xu Liangchen’s wrist unconsciously tightening.
As if feeling uncomfortable, Xu Liangchen moved and opened her dazed eyes. It took her a while to come back to her senses, but she just stared blankly at the man in front of her, as if she didn’t know where she was for a moment.
‘You’re awake?‘ Duan Yijie’s deep, magnetic voice came from overhead. He looked calm, his tone indifferent, no different from usual.
’…Good morning.’ Xu Liangchen lowered her eyes, suddenly remembering last night’s events, and her face flushed slightly.
Duan Yijie nodded, thoughtfully surveying her, and suddenly gathered her in his arms, leaning down and asking, ’Last night was our wedding night, remember?’ His dark eyes were unfathomable, gazing into her eyes, and there was a rare teasing meaning on his face.
‘What?’ Xu Liangchen looked up with a confused expression. As soon as he lowered his head, she looked up, and the dark, shining eyes made him catch his breath. Countless times in his dreams at night, these star-like eyes had always twinkled, but now they were close at hand. Those cherry lips closed, and that glance was the warmth he had thought about so many times.
The moist heat of his breath brushed against his cheeks, and Xu Liangchen suddenly flushed. Duan Yijie playfully tightened his grip, brushing the soft red lips like a dragonfly. Xu Liangchen trembled with embarrassment, and hurriedly pushed him away with his hand. Duan Yijie let out a muffled laugh and tightened his grip. ‘I’m sorry, did I wake you? Do you want to sleep some more?’ He had slept late at night, so he was afraid that Liangchen had only closed her eyes.
Xu Liangchen broke free from his hand and heard a noise in the hall outside. She understood that the maids had probably come. As the bride, there was no reason for her to sleep any longer. So, she glanced at Duan Yijie and got up from the bed. The maid outside heard a noise in the bedroom and turned her head. Liangchen had already opened the door.
They were the maid Qinghua and an old maid, Liangma and Qinghua, who had both been close to Madam Lu. Liangma, in particular, had been Madam Lu’s maid when she was married, and had seen the couple through their marriage and the birth of their children, and then through Duan Yijie’s marriage. She had been sent to serve the couple because she understood that her son’s marriage was a bit special, and she could not guess her daughter-in-law’s thoughts at the moment.
Upon seeing Duan Yijie and Xu Liangchen, the two of them smiled and greeted them. Liang’s mother said, ‘The young mistress is up so early.’
Xu Liangchen had seen the two of them serving by Madam Lu’s side, and she understood their status a little. Moreover, she had studied in the United States and had long since embraced the concepts of freedom and equality. She nodded and said with a faint smile, ‘We got up as soon as we woke up. Thank you.’
‘You’re too kind, young mistress,’ Liang’s mother said with a smile, while watching the corner of Duan Yijie’s mouth.
Although Xu Liangchen had already changed her clothes, she was still astute enough to notice something. Did the young master not get what he wanted last night? Then why is he not smiling? She was a little surprised, but still smiled on her face and prepared tea and other things with Qinghua.
After Xu Liangchen had washed up, Liang’s mother took a tray from the young girl who had come over and handed it over with a smile. There were two thin-walled blue-and-white bowls with intertwined branches of plum on it. Xu Liangchen wanted to raise his hand, but when he saw that Duan Yijie was unperturbed and raised his hand, Liang’s mother smiled and told the maid to take it out again. Her heart suddenly stirred, and she glanced at Duan Yijie, glad that she hadn’t been quick enough to take it and make a fool of herself.
The two of them quietly enjoyed the refreshments. After a while, Duan Yijie looked up at the large clock in the hall and smiled slightly, ‘Let’s go, Grandma and Father should be up.’
Xu Liangchen understood that newlyweds had to serve tea to their in-laws the next morning, so she didn’t say anything and followed him up and out of the West Courtyard.
The sun was just rising, and the light was shining through the green bamboo, casting dappled shadows. Looking at the upright figure of Duan Yijie beside her, Xu Liangchen suddenly felt an inexplicable sense of unreality. It wasn’t until she noticed the shadows of people in the flowers and trees along the road that she felt a sense of amusement.
Knowing that this morning, the bride must go to the upper room to serve tea to Madam Duan and the general and Madam Lu, some mischievous maidens, or young female guests who are either unusually curious about the bride or have a different feeling for the cold-faced young general, came to the garden early to take a walk, and they all looked up at the entrance to the Western Courtyard from time to time without saying a word.
Looking at those curious or scrutinising, especially some resentful, gazes, Xu Liangchen raised her eyebrows slightly and looked at the man beside her. Duan Yijie seemed a little impatient, frowned slightly, and did not look away. Seeing her looking over quietly, he suddenly raised his hand and grasped her delicate wrist. His thin lips curled up slightly in a faint smile.
Xu Liangchen was very surprised by his actions and looked behind her, a little flustered, at Liang Ma and Qinghua following her. She struggled to get free, and with so many pairs of eyes on them, Duan Yijie was really brazen to do such a thing.
She was thinking this when she heard someone laughing in front of her: ‘Good morning, big brother and sister-in-law! Grandma woke me up early in the morning, saying that you would be coming over in a while. I never thought she was a fortune teller.’
It was Duan Qiping’s smiling voice. Xu Liangchen hurriedly looked up and saw that they had already reached the gate of the old lady Duan’s residence. He walked over, smiled and said hello. Qiping’s teasing eyes looked straight at her pretty face: ‘Did you sleep well last night? …Did your brother bully you? Just tell me, and I’ll tell grandma to scold him…’
Xu Liangchen blushed at these words, and Duan Yijie glanced at Qi Ping and said in a neutral tone, ‘Let Luo Hongyi go and receive the ten military canes himself later. Obviously, a guard was arranged, but the thief still managed to sneak in…’
Duan Qiping’s eyes widened at these words. Big brother, you’re amazing, you even know that! Not daring to tease Liangchen anymore, he smiled sheepishly, took Liangchen’s hand, and walked into the courtyard. Several maids greeted them and the three of them were escorted inside.
Old Madam Duan had already risen and was sitting in her rocking chair. She saw the two smiling faces like chrysanthemums, took Xu Liangchen’s hand, and lovingly chattered about things, telling her not to overwork herself and that the eldest son was not allowed to bully his wife. The maid brought over a tea tray, and Xu Liangchen took the teacup, offered tea according to etiquette, and Old Madam Duan smiled and gave her a red envelope, saying, ‘You are already family, so come and talk to Grandma when you have time. You should go to your father-in-law and mother-in-law’s place first, I’m afraid they are waiting.’
Xu Liangchen nodded in agreement, exchanged a few words, and Duan Qiping accompanied them as the three of them headed to Duan Zhengxun and Mrs Lu’s place.
Duan Zhengxun and Mrs Lu had already risen and had just finished their breakfast. A maid brought in some fragrant tea, and Duan Qiping quickly walked over, smiling as she offered it to Mrs Lu. Duan Zhengxun put down the newspaper in his hands, glanced at her, and turned to look at his son and daughter-in-law as they walked in.
Duan Yijie, who was in the habit of standing straight, called out to his father and mother. Xu Liangchen stopped, bowed, and followed him in a low voice. Seeing that she was wearing a dark red cheongsam today, with a touch of powder on her face, and that she had an indescribable elegance and charm in her dignified appearance, Mrs. Lu couldn’t help but nod in approval. Although this daughter-in-law is a bit stubborn and out of step with the times, she is indeed a rare talent, not to mention her good education. She smiled and put down the teacup: ‘Another group wedding was added yesterday, and you must have been tired. You probably had trouble sleeping last night, and there are still many guests today. Besides, according to the customs of our hometown, there are still some things I have to do in the afternoon. The eldest son is also the same, he didn’t let you rest for a while.’
Mrs Lu said one thing, and Xu Liangchen replied with a low ‘yes’. After the last sentence, he came back to his senses, blushing involuntarily and not noticing what Mrs Lu had said about something in the afternoon.
Mrs. Lu looked at her slender and beautiful daughter-in-law, who was young and dignified with a childlike air. She sounded a little frightened when she heard herself speak, and now she was a little embarrassed. She couldn’t help but feel a touch of pity in her heart. She said in a kind tone, ‘You can sit down. You don’t need to set all these rules. Your father and I don’t like these hypocritical pretensions… The eldest son grew up in the army and is a bit old-fashioned. You returned from studying abroad, so teach him more.’
│Hand-typed by Xue Fenglin, reprint please indicate the source│

Chapter 66
Xu Liangchen did not dare to continue with this sentence, so he sat down vaguely and passed it off. The maid brought tea on a stick, and Mrs. Lu asked a few more irrelevant idle words about the relatives and friends who had come to congratulate them on the two happy events in the house. Seeing the way the son and daughter-in-law looked at each other, she felt slightly relieved. She felt that no matter how reluctant Xu Liangchen was at first, she had married into the family after all, and perhaps she could rest assured that she would live a good life with her son.
Thinking about it, he turned to Duan Qiping and asked him to help Liangchen with the afternoon’s affairs. Seeing that Qiping had agreed, Fang smiled and said to Xu Liangchen, ‘There are still many guests today, so you will be busy. Go home and rest first.’
Xu Liangchen agreed, looked at Duan Yijie, stood up, and just as he was about to go out, Qi Yufang and Qi Fang smiled and walked in, saying, ‘Hello, big brother and sister-in-law.’
After greeting their parents, they wanted to accompany the two back. Duan Yijie glanced at the two and said, ‘Why aren’t you going to school? Are you looking for an excuse to skip class again?’
Qi Fang pouted, tilting his head and laughing at his brother and sister-in-law, ‘Brother is so happy that he doesn’t even remember that today is the weekend.’ Qi Yu also giggled.
Duan Yijie looked at Xu Liangchen a little uncomfortably, and Duan Qiping laughed to break the tension, ‘I think you two are also very happy, running around like little monkeys. You didn’t even eat breakfast, did you? Mom, here’s some leftover milk, Qing Liu, pour two glasses for them… Brother, you and sister-in-law go back first.’
Qing Liu agreed, and brought the milk. Qi Yu and Qi Fang naturally understood what their eldest sister meant, so they also smiled and let the two of them go back.
When they walked out of the courtyard, they saw that everyone they met on the road, whether they were guests or servants in the house, looked at them with ambiguous expressions in their eyes. Xu Liangchen felt a little uncomfortable, so he quickened his pace. Duan Yijie’s thin lips curled slightly, and he let go of his long legs and chased after them, whispering flirtatiously, ‘What, do you want to get rid of me?’
Xu Liangchen gave him a sideways glance, a blush rising on her face, and she didn’t say anything.
Duan Yijie gave a low laugh, ‘Fine, I won’t cause you any trouble. I’ll go take care of some business first, you go back and rest.’ After he finished speaking, he stopped walking and watched Xu Liangchen slowly walk away.
In the depths of the willow shade, a slender figure was hidden in the thick shade, and she frowned as she watched the scene before her. I never thought that those things were true, that Xiao Jie really liked this cold beauty who never smiles or speaks? Over the years, many people in the household have known about my feelings, but no one has ever mentioned it in a righteous way. No matter how I try to please them, after all, I am just an orphan living with someone else… I thought it was because of her family’s status that the second Miss Xu was brought in, but after looking at her carefully over the past two days, it turns out that Xiao Jie really likes her?
After all, they were childhood sweethearts, and all the thoughts he had had over the years had come to nothing. Men, after all, are all fickle. In the swaying shadows of the green willows, the drama of joy and sorrow played out in the sunlight, always the same.
Back in the new room, the maids had already packed up and left, and it was still early, with no guests yet. There was a silence in the room. Xu Liangchen sat on the sofa, watching the sunlight through the sheer curtains, casting dappled shadows on the floor. Gradually, he became lost in his thoughts. Liang’s mother came in to remind him of something, but seeing him sitting silently behind the sofa, she tiptoed out again. After another long while, she came in to report that the female guests were arriving at the new room one after the other.
Duan Yijie never returned, but after yesterday, everyone who came to the bridal chamber knew that the cold-faced young master doted on the young mistress. The bridal chamber was much more polite than yesterday, and no one dared to make things difficult for Xu Liangchen. Time passed as everyone laughed and joked. At noon, Duan Qiping and her sister accompanied Xu Liangchen as the host and treated the female guests, of course, with meticulous hospitality.
In the afternoon, the female guests in the room began whispering and giggling, looking at her with excited and curious eyes from time to time. Xu Liangchen was momentarily at a loss, vaguely remembering what Madame Lu had said about ‘what would happen in the afternoon’, but she couldn’t think of what it was. The expressions of the female guests, who were watching the show with great interest, made her feel a little uneasy.
Just as she was feeling anxious, Qi Ping walked over, chatted with the female guests in the room for a while, and then walked over to her. While talking, she quietly pulled her arm. Xu Liangchen’s heart stirred, and without making a sound, she apologised to the crowd and walked into the bathroom. Duan Qi Ping followed her in.
‘Qi Ping, is there something going on this afternoon?’ Xu Liangchen asked without preamble.
Duan Qiping smiled and said, ‘You really don’t know? Did Liangma not tell you?’
Xu Liangchen shook her head and said, ‘No, what is it?’
‘It’s nothing,’ Qiping looked at her and winked, ‘There’s a custom in our hometown, the afternoon after the wedding, the bride goes into the kitchen to wash her hands and make soup…’
‘…’ Xu Liangchen was shocked. If there was such a thing, why didn’t these people say something earlier? When she was at Sun’s, her grandmother doted on her and never allowed her to go into the kitchen. Later, when she went to the United States, she liked to cook Western food because it was simple and convenient and the nutrition was obvious.
Now she’s actually being asked to cook, and there’s such a large audience…If she cooks her specialty, Western food, not only will the ingredients not be available, but also Madam Duan and her in-laws definitely won’t be used to it. If she cooks Chinese food…She looked at Duan Qiping with some difficulty. What should she do?
Duan Qiping understood her meaning from her expression and laughed, ‘You are indeed a practical person. This ancient custom has been passed down to the present day, but it is just for show. Besides, you have the help of the cook, so where is the need for you to actually cook the food yourself?’ Seeing Xu Liangchen relieved, she added, ‘Only one dish, Shui Ru (forbidden word, so you have to use a different character) fusion, requires you to do it yourself, so remember.’
‘What is ‘water and egg blending’?‘ Xu Liangchen asked confusedly.
’Haha, it’s steamed egg,’ Duan Qiping explained with a smile, “In our hometown, the new wife making this dish means that she has integrated into her husband’s family life, so it must be the new wife who makes it herself.”
This is a dish she likes to eat, but she has never researched how best to make it. Xu Liangchen looked at Duan Qiping with a headache, and Duan Qiping shook his hand apologetically, ’I don’t know how to make it either… why don’t I go and ask the chef in the kitchen?’
While the two were talking, Liang’s mother walked over and said, ‘Young Mistress, Miss, the time is up.’
Unexpectedly, at this moment, Duan Qiping was also taken aback. After thinking for a moment, he took Xu Liangchen’s hand and whispered as they walked outside, ‘You go first, I’ll quietly tell the kitchen, don’t worry.’
What else could be done? Xu Liangchen had no choice but to go along with the crowd.
In the customs of Yanzhou, it was considered a traditional practice for the bride to enter the kitchen. In recent years, many modern weddings have dispensed with this tradition, but the General’s Mansion still adheres to it because many of the bride’s relatives and friends are from the old country and it would be inappropriate to omit this past practice.
The young wife, who had returned from studying abroad, was going to cook, which of course caused a sensation among the guests in the house. For a while, layers and layers of people gathered in front of the kitchen door. Liang Ma accompanied Xu Liangchen over, and the crowd laughed and made a path for them. After they passed, the crowd gathered around again. Wu Wenjuan and the others behind the crowd laughed.
The kitchen had been tidied up, and a dozen cooks stood around, bowing. Liangma gave a wink, and everyone busied themselves quietly preparing the dishes that had been arranged earlier. In a short while, Xu Liangchen was left with only a plate of egg mixture. Liangma came over with a smile and helped, putting the plate in a pot of boiling water to steam. Xu Liangchen didn’t have to do anything else.
This is indeed the style of the General’s Mansion. Xu Liangchen sighed inwardly, but then he turned his head and saw some western-style biscuits, chocolates of various shapes, butter, and other items in a basket next to him. He couldn’t help but ask Liang Ma, ‘Is there a particular use for these things?’
Liang Ma glanced at the cook, and Wang Shao, who was in charge of the kitchen, laughed and said, ‘This was brought by Officer Luo. He said it might be useful this afternoon, but we don’t know where it’s going to be used.’
Brought by Luo Hongyi? Xu Liangchen was taken aback by this news, and when he looked at the contents of the basket again, he picked it up and carried it over, since it didn’t have a specific use, he might as well give it a go. He asked Sister Wang for some almonds and started to make the dessert himself.
Mama Liang and Sister Wang exchanged glances, each secretly sighing that the young master really cares for the young mistress, even arranging things like her only being good at Western cooking and pastries in advance. Over the years, has the young master ever been this considerate and doting towards any other woman?
Then she looked at Xu Liangchen, who had taken a chocolate with a rounded top and a cone-shaped bottom. She used icing to attach a piece of round marshmallow to the rounded end, placed it on a round biscuit, inserted an almond slice between the chocolate and marshmallow, and then used icing to draw eyes, a nose and a tail on the chocolate cone and marshmallow. It turned out to be a lifelike little mouse!
Wang Sheng couldn’t help but smile in amazement, ‘Oh, young miss has such dexterous hands!’
Xu Liangchen smiled slightly, and without stopping, a bunch of mice gathered around in the blink of an eye.
While they were talking, the cooks had already finished cooking the dishes and steamed the eggs. Wang Sheng called everyone to load the plates and dishes and distribute them to the masters, such as the old lady and Madam Lu. She wanted to put the ‘mice’ on the plate, but Xu Liangchen stopped her: ‘These are just things for children, it’s better to give…’
Before she could finish speaking, Qi Fang rushed over with a smile, ‘Give it to me!’
Without waiting for Xu Liangchen to say anything, she grabbed the tray and turned around to leave. A group of children at the door cheered and followed her, and in an instant, they were gone. Xu Liangchen couldn’t help but smile.
The bright smile from the bottom of her heart made Liang Ma and Wang Sheng unable to breathe. They couldn’t imagine that this beautiful and dignified young lady would smile so brightly like spring flowers and morning sun. No wonder the eldest young master takes such good care of her.
After a short while, the elderly Mrs. Duan and other elders brought over the red envelopes and rewards, and the etiquette of the new bride entering the kitchen was considered over. Liangma accompanied Xu Liangchen back to the new room, and then it was time for the dinner.
After accompanying the guests to finish their meal, Xu Liangchen had just returned to the bridal chamber when Duan Yijie hurriedly came over. Xu Liangchen looked up and saw that the maids were all in the outer hall, so she couldn’t help but glance at him and whispered, ‘Why did you come back?’ If the people in the bridal chamber saw this, wouldn’t there be more teasing and joking?
Duan Yijie didn’t say anything, just looked at her with a faint smile on his thin lips. Xu Liangchen felt a little flustered when he looked at her, and when she thought about the situation earlier, her face turned red: ‘You should go…’
Duan Yijie smiled slightly: ‘You want me to go?’
He smiled slightly, his eyes were moving, and when she was looked at by him with those kind of eyes, Xu Liangchen just wanted to find a crack to hide in. Duan Yijie couldn’t help but say, ‘Blushing again?’ Seeing that she seemed a little embarrassed, he stopped talking and just kept looking at her, inexplicably cute in a childish way.
After a while, Duan Yijie let out a long sigh and suddenly said, ‘Okay, I’ll stop teasing you and get down to business. I don’t need you to chase me away, I’m leaving anyway—Xu Liangchen, I’m sorry, I have urgent business and I have to go now…’
│Hand-typed by Xue Fenglin, please indicate the source when reprinting│

Chapter 67
What? Xu Liangchen was taken aback by the news. Although he didn’t feel married, after all, today was only the second day of his marriage, and he was leaving? A hundred emotions welled up in his heart, and he looked at Duan Yijie without saying a word.
She was clearly feeling something in her eyes, and Duan Yijie felt a mixture of joy and sadness. He was happy that Liangchen did have feelings for him, even if she didn’t know it yet; he was sad that they would be separated so soon after their marriage, and that he wouldn’t be able to spend a few days with her.
Reaching out, he took those slender hands in his palms and whispered, ‘I’m sorry, Liangchen… There’s been an urgent telegram. Due to the heavy rain over the past few days, the Minjiang River has overflowed its banks and is threatening to flood again. The Minjiang Dam is in danger at any time. The troops originally sent to deal with the disaster belong to the First Group Army under my command. Father’s point is that this is a major flood, and it’s better if I go up there myself…’
His voice dropped even lower: ‘After the Weimo Lake incident last time, the military government has stepped up inspections of arms and drug smuggling, but due to the huge profits involved, it is always impossible to stop it. Recently, a large amount of arms and opium trading was discovered in Yanzhou. Investigations have shown that none of it is not related to the Japanese or even the Japanese army. This trip is not as simple as disaster relief…’
His hands were held by him, and Xu Liangchen couldn’t help but subconsciously struggle, but he was quickly attracted by the information he was giving out, and it wasn’t until he had finished listening that he understood the whole story. With a formidable enemy at their side, a country that is impoverished and weak has to be careful all the time. Even during the floods, the Japanese took advantage of the situation to loot and add insult to injury. As fellow countrymen, can they put up with this?
As my emotions surged, I couldn’t help but nod: ‘…I understand…’
Duan Yijie slightly raised the corners of his lips and smiled with relief. Regardless of our relationship, he knew that Liangchen was always reasonable and patriotic. Since we met, whenever it came to matters concerning the country and people’s livelihood, she would always understand and be understanding, even if it meant that her husband had to leave the next night after their wedding.
Thinking about this, he couldn’t help but stretch out his long arm and take Xu Liangchen into his arms. Xu Liangchen’s heart ‘pounded’ with a sudden rush of excitement, and she pushed him away while hiding her face, saying, ‘Let go…someone’s coming…’
Looking at her face, which was both shocked and blushing with shame, and her cheeks already flushed from the struggle, Duan Yijie’s smile grew even stronger, saying intimately, ‘Good girl, where’s anyone…who would dare ruin our good fortune!
Xu Liangchen’s body trembled at the sound of his words. He looked up and saw that the outer hall was indeed empty, and he could vaguely see Luo Hongyi’s straight figure standing in the doorway. Seeing this, he couldn’t help but blush, and secretly thought to himself, ‘This is really like someone trying to hide something. With the lights dimmed, they let Vice Officer Luo stand guard at the door. Anyone with a brain would want to know what’s going on inside.’
So she broke free from Duan Yijie’s grasp, took a step back, looked up at him with eyes as dark and bright as stars, and whispered, ‘I understand now. You can go to the disaster relief with peace of mind, and I will take care of things at home…’
I haven’t trusted you in vain, and you really are my soulmate, Duan Yijie smiled slightly. But did he have to hurry me off like that? He raised an eyebrow, his dark eyes sparkling, deliberately conveying his sense of loss with his gaze, and just stared at her.
That gaze was so deep, warm, and aggrieved that Xu Liangchen, who understood it, could not say anything else. He could only feel that the face in front of him was very good-looking, with thick, bushy eyebrows, a nose with clear, high-arched curves like a sculpture, full, moist lips, and a face with clear angles, such an heroic appearance…
She was in a daze when Duan Yijie came over gently, gave her a hug, and placed a gentle kiss on her pure and beautiful forehead. Before she could react, he had already taken a step back, raised his hand, and solemnly saluted: ‘I’m leaving, so please take care of things at home! Please apologize to my grandmother, eldest sister, and cousin for me, and I’ll go see them when I come back.’
He was going to help with the disaster relief, but still remembered this small thing of returning to his wife’s family… Xu Liangchen looked at him wordlessly, watching his thin lips lightly curled, leaving a faint smile and a thousand expressions of concern, watching him turn without hesitation, watching him walk out of the bridal chamber on the evening of the second day of his marriage, towards the disaster area and the silent battlefield… His hand gently lifted, stroked his forehead, where it seemed to still retain the warmth of his moist touch…
I don’t know when, the moon had already risen, and the moonlight shone through the window screen, filling the bridal chamber with a quiet radiance.
After a while, there was a sound of footsteps outside, accompanied by a woman’s low laughter. Xu Liangchen turned around, telling himself to pull himself together. Since Duan Yijie had left quietly, it meant that he didn’t want outsiders to know about it yet. He had fulfilled his request, and no matter what, he should let him have no worries.
He stood up and walked over to the mercury dresser mirror, looked at his appearance, and stared for a while. His red lips curved gently into a gentle arc, and he turned and walked over to the outer hall.
On the second night of their marriage, there were still many people disturbing the room. Xu Liangchen perked up and was much more attentive than last night. He knew that his eldest brother had taken his troops out, and his sister Duan Qiping and his fourth wife Wu Wenjuan had coincidentally come to the new room. Together, they dealt with the situation, and there was laughter and chatter inside and outside the room, which made the room lively.
In the early morning, Qiping took the initiative to stay and keep Liangchen company in the new room. Lying in bed, the two of them talked about disaster relief and about an article that Qiping was preparing to publish in the newspaper revealing the Japanese team’s smuggling of drugs into China.
‘Japan was a participant in the 1909 International Opium Conference in The Hague and a signatory to the opium ban, and I never would have imagined that they would be so brazen as to engage in large-scale drug smuggling in China. No wonder foreigners used to say that drug smuggling was one of the most profitable businesses for Japan.’ Xu Liangchen frowned, looking at the flickering candlelight. If she didn’t understand the Japanese’s ambition to covet this land before, she does now, and she finally feels the same way as Duan Yijie and his siblings.
“Japan’s drug smuggling to China is not an individual’s unplanned act, but a premeditated and organised government act. After seizing Taiwan at the end of the Qing Dynasty, Japan implemented an opium monopoly system in Taiwan. The year before last, they sent troops to Qingdao and couldn’t wait to occupy and control the customs, also to seize the initiative in drug trafficking. It is said that thousands of Japanese companies in China, under the protection of extraterritoriality, produce drugs such as morphine day and night, and the opium smuggled in each year is worth hundreds of millions of yuan,‘ said Duan Qiping indignantly.
’These cheap drugs not only plunder wealth, but also make the Chinese people lose their will and become willing slaves under semi-colonial rule.’ Xu Liangchen felt heavy-hearted. He himself had an empty desire to serve his country, but he never thought that the words he used to write were just empty talk. These evils are happening all around us. When will our impoverished and weak motherland be able to hold its head high and let its hair down? As he thought about this, he unexpectedly gained a deeper understanding of Duan Yijie and his sister. So he happened to mention to Duan Qiping that Duan Yijie had asked her to go to the foreign radio station.
‘In this world, China has never had its own voice,’ Duan Qiping said with a twinkle in her eyes. ’Sister-in-law, I know that although you have been abroad for many years, you have a completely Chinese heart. This radio station was not easy to come by… In the world, radio is still not very common. My brother went to great lengths to set up this radio station. Since you have been asked to go, it must be because they believe you can do the job. China is sending its own voice out to the foreigners for the first time, which is something to celebrate. I will definitely treat you to a grand dinner on the day the radio station starts broadcasting!’
Qi Ping was very easy-going, calling her ‘sister-in-law’ over and over again. Xu Liangchen felt a little uncomfortable outside, but seeing her so excited, he decided to let it go and focus on the important things. The two then talked about the control of the concession authorities over the domestic news industry, the neglect of Southeast Asian affairs by European and American countries, and the impact on the domestic and foreign news industries after the establishment of the radio station. They didn’t go to bed until late.
On the third day, according to southern customs, the newlyweds had to return to their parents’ home together. Since yesterday, the guests in the family had gradually left, and today the General’s Mansion, which had been lively for several days, finally quieted down. During the honeymoon, for several consecutive days, guests had played in the new room during the day, and at night they had tossing and turning, and Xu Liangchen almost couldn’t hold on.
However, he couldn’t sleep soundly when he had something on his mind. In the morning, when Liang’s mother and the maids came in to pack things, Xu Liangchen almost couldn’t hold on.
He couldn’t help thinking about something, but he could never sleep deeply. In the morning, when Liangma and the maids came in to pack up, Xu Liangchen got up of his own accord. Duan Qiping moved drowsily and mumbled, ‘Why are you up so early?’
Xu Liangchen smiled slightly and said gently, ‘I’m already awake, so what’s the point of sleeping? You go back to sleep. Yesterday, Qinghua said that Grandma might have fainted and wasn’t feeling well, so I’m going to go check on her…’
Duan Qiping rolled over, rubbed his eyes, and stuck his head out the door to look. Su Liangchen changed his clothes and walked out: ‘What are you looking at? It’s past ten o’clock, and Liangma and the others are here.’
Duan Qiping agreed: ‘I shouldn’t have talked to you for so long last night. You’ve had a hard few days.’ He said this and rolled over to sit up, stretching, and laughing: ‘Your new bride gets up early every day.’ She got dressed and got up, went to the bathroom to freshen up, and saw Liang Ma smiling and carrying two glasses of milk. She smiled and took them, gulping them down in one go before asking, ‘How is Grandma?’
Liang Ma put the empty glasses on the tray and replied while tidying up the shop, ‘She drank the medicine last night and went early this morning. I’m afraid she’s still there. The young mistress and the eldest daughter are going to visit, so they might be able to meet her.’
Duan Qiping nodded, took Xu Liangchen’s hand and said, ‘Why don’t we go over there first? Let Liangma go to the kitchen and tell them that my wife and I want to eat xiaolongbao, and they’ll be ready when we get back…’ Liangma of course agreed with a smile, told the little maid to go run an errand, and the two of them walked out of Xiyuan and went up to the room.
When they entered the courtyard of the room where Madam Duan lived, they indeed heard the maid say that Madam Lu and the others were all there, so the two of them went upstairs and greeted the old lady and Madam Lu. Old Madam Duan was sitting by the bed, looking a little tired. When she saw Xu Liangchen and her eldest granddaughter come in, she couldn’t help but feel happy. ‘Girl, Xiao Jie left last night, I’m sorry for you,’ she said, reaching out to pull her sit next to her. She asked in a rambling voice if they were still getting used to living here.
Xu Liangchen hurriedly smiled and asked about the old lady’s health, saying, ‘Grandma, I’m sorry for troubling you with my granddaughter’s affairs. Who is in charge of the country’s economy and people’s livelihood…Yi…Yi Jie should go up there, I understand. Please take good care of your health, Grandma. Your happiness and well-being is our blessing.”
Mrs. Lu also smiled at these words: ’It’s hard for you to understand these men. Over the years, I have also become accustomed to it. Outsiders look at us women and resent our boundless wealth and glory. No one understands the hardships behind it. Your daughter-in-law has returned from studying abroad and is well-travelled and knowledgeable. She may really be able to help Yijie. It’s not easy for them men to want to do something.’
Duan Laomusi nodded indifferently and said to Liangchen, ‘Your mother-in-law’s words are blunt, but they are the truth. Girl, since you have this fate, help Xiao Jie well. I leave it to you…’ Xu Liangchen hurriedly smiled and humbly thanked her, but Duan Laomusi held her back: ‘What Grandma says is the truth. If the girl appreciates this old woman, she should not be polite and just say yes.’ She then gave the maid a wink, and the maid nodded and walked over to the bed, holding up a small object for the old lady.
The old lady took it and handed it to Xu Liangchen: ‘Take it, girl.’ Duan Qiping leaned over to have a look, a little surprised and a little delighted. She looked at her grandmother with eager eyes. Her eldest brother had actually taken it upon himself to make this again, but it seemed that apart from her sister-in-law, there was no one else.
Xu Liangchen took them over with some confusion, but they were two wooden carvings of pendants. One was a bit old and inconspicuous; the other was very bright and detailed, and it turned out to be a cute little pig! It was only about five or six centimetres long, but it was cute and lifelike.
Seeing her face of surprise, Madam Duan smiled slightly: ‘When Xiao Jie was little, he followed me around the countryside. He wasn’t in good health, and that year he had a serious illness. He prayed at Longquan Temple for a small peach-wood tiger, which he kept close to him at all times. A while ago, when you said you were getting married, I wanted to go and pray again for a few more, but I never got around to it because I wasn’t feeling well. Then, Xiao Jie said he didn’t want me to go, and that he would carve one himself. Isn’t the girl a pig? You see, he carved it himself, and he likes it, don’t you?‘
’There are more than ten, even dozens of processes involved in creating a piece of wood sculpture like this. First, you need to conceive of the preliminary image of the work, draw a sketch, then select the material, place the sketch on it, trace it on the material, and solve out the blank. Then use methods such as gouging and drilling to hollow out the work until it is basically formed.’ Duan Qiping explained from the side, ‘Then the roughly shaped work is filed and polished, carefully polished until it reaches the desired luster before being painted.’ My eldest brother hasn’t played with this for many years, and I never thought he would pick it up again for my sister-in-law.
Xu Liangchen has seen even more exquisite wood carvings, and these two pieces of old and new peach wood carvings in his hands are not considered fine products, but they have a strange weight. One was something that Duan Yijie had carried close to him for more than ten years, and the other was made especially for him – with all his official duties, how did he find the time to carve this little pig so carefully? What kind of feelings did he have while carving it?
It is obvious that the carving is very detailed and smooth, and the little pig’s eyes are very expressive. Such a work of art requires not only solid basic skills, but also ingenuity and hard work.
‘Take it, girl. You understand Xiao Jie’s feelings. Your in-laws and I hope that you will love each other…’ Old Lady Duan understood Xu Liangchen’s complex emotions, smiled, and joined her hands together. Just then, the fourth wife’s smiling Wu dialect came from the door: ’In the future, you will have a granddaughter to dote on, and no one will dote on you and me.’
Before she finished speaking, Wu Wenjuan entered with the small food box in her hands, greeted the old woman and then teased her, ‘I just came back from the kitchen, they said the eldest lady commanded that the xiaolongbao be used, for fear that it would get cold, so I brought it myself…’ Then she told the maid to get a plate, and before Duan Qiping could say anything, she first held up a basket and offered it to the old lady, ‘Old lady, let’s try some too…’
There was a lot of laughter and busyness, and everyone couldn’t help but laugh. Duan Qiping glanced at her sideways and said, ‘Fourth Aunt is just saying nice things, but she’s just trying to rob us. This is the breakfast for my wife and me…’
“Yes, yes, Fourth Aunt, how dare I forget the breakfast for the young lady and young master? Even if you eat it all, do you think the old lady hasn’t saved some for you? I’ve been busy in the kitchen today, so it’ll be hard to please me…’ She kept talking while turning her head around looking for something, “Qingying, where’s the old lady’s private food? Hurry up and bring it out…”
Before Qingying could respond, the old lady was already laughing and coughing: ’That monkey has a clever tongue! Ying girl, bring it out quickly, or the fourth wife will confiscate it…’
‘You can’t say things like that about me, Old Lady, when my eldest sister is sitting here. She won’t let me off lightly later…’ Wu Wenjuan took the dishes handed over by the maid with nimble hands and feet, and as she arranged them on the Kang table, she said, ’Young Madam, please eat quickly. Just now, when I came over, I heard Secretary Song say that the General wants to see you.’
The General is looking for his new daughter-in-law? Not only was Xu Liangchen taken aback, even the old woman was a little surprised. Mrs Lu thought for a moment and said, ‘It’s probably something official. Last night, the head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Wang, and the deputy officer, Liang, talked for a long time in the General’s office. When the General returned, he laughed and said that he never imagined that his eldest son would marry not only a woman of great talent, but also someone who has conquered such a difficult talent.’
Since they worked together, they stopped joking and had a good meal of dim sum and fragrant rice porridge. Xu Liangchen got up to say goodbye, and Duan Qiping volunteered to escort her. Looking at their backs, Madam Lu mused. The women married into the Generalissimo’s household have always followed behind their men. Even Wu Wenjuan and I only accompanied the army during the most difficult war years. But this daughter-in-law doesn’t seem like a woman who stays at home. Will it be good or bad for Yijie to marry her?
Duan Zhengxun’s office was located within the high walls to the east of the General’s Mansion. The two walked past the heavily guarded cloisters and flower gardens, and up the steps, where they saw Liang Yuwen in full military uniform waiting anxiously. He was the former head of the Special Operations Unit and Xu Liangchen’s immediate superior in deciphering codes, so of course they were familiar with each other. Just as he was about to say hello, Liang Yuwen hurriedly saluted: ‘Xu…young lady, the eldest daughter, the General and the Chief are upstairs, please!’
Not only did his pronunciation stumble, Xu Liangchen also felt that it was unnatural, so he said with a smile and respect, ‘Team Leader, you’d better call me Katherine.’
Liang Yuwen smiled, and Duan Qiping secretly tugged Xu Liangchen’s arm and stopped in her tracks. ‘Sister-in-law, Lieutenant Liang, you’re busy, I’ll go first,’ she said, turning to leave. Unexpectedly, Liang Yuwen stopped her: ‘My lady, the General said if you come over, you can go up together.’ Duan Qiping was taken aback, looked at Xu Liangchen, and laughed heartily, ‘Let’s go then.’
The three of them walked upstairs to the office on the east side, where Liang Yuwen knocked gently on the door. Duan Zhengxun’s strong voice came from inside: ‘Come in!’
The guards outside the door pushed open the door and the three of them walked in.
Duan Zhengxun was at the back of the large office, talking with the head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Wang Zhengxin. Seeing them walk in, he stopped and looked up as if he had half a mind to do so. ‘Sit down. I want to discuss something with you. Chief Wang, you go ahead,’
Wang Zhengxin gave a soft smile, nodded, and listened to what he had to say. Xu Liangchen pondered in secret, thinking that it was not easy being the daughter-in-law of a warlord. She hadn’t thought about it, but she hadn’t expected the warlord to be so generous!
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Chapter 68
It really is official business, just like Mrs Lu said.
‘…Recently, some of the disaster relief loans from the United States have arrived, but rumours have spread from nowhere that these funds have not been used effectively, causing various countries to write to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to raise questions. The United States in particular has requested a delay in the payment of the second instalment, and this kind of public opinion is very detrimental to the current disaster relief.’ Wang Zhengxin pointed to the newspaper on the table and said:
‘The third day after the last flood and tsunami, the government held a ‘Flood Remembrance Day’, and students and the military took to the streets to raise funds. The situation was very enthusiastic. The general also donated thousands of dollars, and the prime minister called for disaster relief. The Ministry of the Interior set up an international unified disaster relief association. Overseas institutions also contributed generously, and the international community acted humanely in the disaster relief. I don’t think the newspaper intended to hide the truth,’ Liang Yuwen said, taking up the conversation.
‘Some of the disaster relief loans from the United States have already been disbursed. The president of the International Disaster Relief Association (at the time, the term ‘relief’ was often used, which implied revitalisation) called the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and asked the government to announce the disaster relief distribution plan. The government announced the funds allocated to each affected area and stipulated that their use be supervised by the relevant committee. From the perspective of procedures and operations, there was no ‘black box’ operation, and the news media could also track the progress of the funds, which demonstrated considerable transparency and the role of public opinion supervision. However,‘ Wang Zhengxin paused before continuing, “the fact that such rumours could arise shows that, on the one hand, there are still flaws in our work, and on the other, the government needs its own voice.”
’So we decided that not only government departments, but also private donation activities should make their operations open to the public. Detailed reports on the distribution of relief funds and goods in the disaster areas were published in newspapers, and foreign media reporters were organised to go to the disaster areas in person. External broadcasts were immediately opened, and the content should be sent from the disaster area site.’ Duan Zhengxun stood up, walked back and forth a few times with his arms crossed, and looked at Xu Liangchen: ‘Things are too rushed, so we can only make temporary arrangements. Before leaving, the boss said that you could temporarily take over the broadcasting position… If you go to the disaster area with the broadcasting team, do you have any objections?’ This girl is a good writer, but unfortunately, it is not appropriate for her to follow the press corps in her current capacity.
Duan Zhengxun rarely asked his subordinates for their opinions. For one thing, Xu Liangchen was his daughter-in-law, not just a subordinate; for another, his daughter-in-law had only been married for three days, and now he was not only sending his son to the disaster area, but also her. So if Xu Liangchen really had an opinion, Duan Zhengxun would definitely consider it seriously and even cancel the arrangement.
If it weren’t for the fact that the announcer was secretly being recruited and trained, and that the matter was of great importance, he would never have trusted inexperienced recruits and would never have personally come out to discuss it with his daughter-in-law.
Although he had appeared in an interview, he had no experience in broadcasting, and Xu Liangchen was a little hesitant. Duan Zhengxun looked at her and then at his daughter, and Duan Qiping understood and interjected, ‘Chief Wang, do you want me to join the broadcasting team too? I can’t do other languages, but I can try my hand at English scripts.’
Wang Zhengxin smiled a little in surprise and looked at Duan Zhengxun: ‘I certainly welcome it! With you as the chief writer, the quality of our articles will certainly not be underestimated.’
Xu Liangchen of course understood that Qi Ping was actually cheering herself up when she said that. So she looked at her gratefully, gave a slight smile, and then turned to Duan Zhengxun and Wang Zongzhang and said, ‘I don’t have any experience in broadcasting, but since the master and the director trust me, I’m willing to give it a try.’
Duan Zhengxun raised his eyes without saying a word. This daughter-in-law was most pleasing in this way. She was unassuming and dignified, and no matter what the matter was, she was always serious and humble. Sitting back behind the desk, he tapped his fingers on the table to conclude, ‘In that case, please arrange the rest as soon as possible. Yu Wen should lead the team this time, the sooner the better!’
Wang Zhengxin and Liang Yuwen agreed, and seeing that someone was already waiting outside to report back on work, they led Xu Liangchen and Duan Qiping out of Duan Zhengxun’s office and down the stairs. Wang Zhengxin said, ‘Oh, I want to ask you to meet someone. If it weren’t for him developing the experimental radio broadcasting station this time, our actions wouldn’t have been so fast. He will go to the disaster area with everyone.’
Xu Liangchen, who was walking down the stairs, paused for a moment, and something vaguely appeared in her mind. Before she could think about it, the guards in front of her had already pushed open the door to the meeting room.
Looking up, she saw Jiang Jingwu’s handsome eyebrows and eyes. Xu Liangchen had also thought about meeting him many times, but when she really saw him again like this, it felt like a dream. She felt a little dazed, and the people and things in front of her seemed less real. It had only been a few days since she last saw him, so why did it feel like a lifetime ago?
Wang Zhengxin had already taken his seat, and Liang Yuwen was introducing everyone to each other. When he said Katherine’s name, Xu Liangchen’s heart felt slightly relieved. Jiang Jingwu looked at her, and neither of them said anything. It was a beautiful day, and there was a little bit of sunlight on the large conference table. She who loved and hated him wore a light pink cheongsam, and her bare hands looked a little warm in the sunlight.
He said lightly, ‘Hello.’
How are you? In the days of our youth, on the day we said goodbye, I thought you would never leave. But who knew that with one turn of the head, you would already be someone else’s wife. His eyes were no longer as bright as usual, with some broken shadows floating in them. Xu Liangchen’s heart stopped as he looked at them. Seeing that everyone was looking at him, Duan Qiping’s eyes had a trace of worry in them, and he couldn’t help but slightly curve his red lips and nod lightly to say hello.
Jiang Jingwu sighed. Her smile was still very pretty, with snow-white, perfectly aligned teeth, a little blush on her cheeks from the sunlight, and a face as delicate as a lotus flower.
He thought to himself that he would never forget this scene. The door to the meeting room opened and she slowly walked in, slowly raising her head. The treasure he had been so worried about was suddenly there in front of him. A pale pink, almost plain white cheongsam, and openwork flat satin shoes. She looked so graceful, as if she were still the same person from yesterday.
But he knew that in fact it was already different. In the past, she never wore clothes in this colour scheme, and today she looked feminine and charming. It was as if she were a water lily, once just a bud, but now beginning to bloom. Jiang Jingwu was also a little dazed, but the moment he turned around, had he really missed her forever?
Liang Yuwen was distributing documents and explaining the arrangements for the operation. Xu Liangchen stood there motionless. The meeting room was spacious and bright, and she seemed to be surrounded by a halo. Jiang Jingwu couldn’t see her slightly downcast face clearly. The sun was angry and high in the sky, and the light streaming into the room through the windows brought a touch of orange, illuminating Jiang Jingwu in his military uniform. He looked tall and straight, like a tree.
Xu Liangchen couldn’t help but narrow his dark, bright eyes slightly, feeling a little uncomfortable. At this moment, Wang Zhengxin asked everyone to take a seat, and Xu Liangchen couldn’t help but smile slightly. This was the second smile she had given since they met, and it was no longer the carefree smile of brother and sister they had shared before.
Wang Zhengxin’s words fell on the radio. Although she didn’t understand why General Manager Wang had brought Liangchen and Duan Qiping here, and even talked about the secret radio in front of them, Jiang Jingwu still smiled and introduced, ‘The new technology of the wireless broadcasting room is not yet mature. Therefore, the power of the radio is not very high, only 16 watts, but we have tried it, and the reception effect is quite good in Yanzhou City. In other words, wireless broadcasting can be used to convey the latest disaster relief news to foreign media groups in the interview area in a targeted manner…’
Perhaps it was because he was thirsty, but his voice sounded a little hoarse. Xu Liangchen couldn’t help but glance at him, and gently nudged the other glass of water on the table towards him.
Jiang Jingwu inadvertently saw her movement and paused, but when he saw that she seemed to be thirsty, she lowered her head and sipped the water in the glass. Her pretty face looked like a lotus flower in the sunshine, slightly flushed, and was exceptionally beautiful.
Jiang Jingwu sighed silently. Whenever they met, he felt an unspeakable bitterness in his heart when he thought that she had not accepted his marriage proposal and married Duan Yijie. He knew that he did not resent her, but when they met, he could no longer resent or hate her. Liangchen, in your heart, where exactly do I rank?
The feelings of the first meeting gradually subsided. He gave a detailed introduction to the radio station. When he heard that Liang Chen and Duan Qiping would go to the disaster area together, Jiang Jingwu looked at Wang Zhengxin in surprise. Liang Yuwen took the opportunity to explain: ‘The radio station’s announcers are still in training, not to mention the fact that there are not many people who are proficient in multiple languages. The regiment commander recommended Catherine to the general, and the general agreed. The eldest daughter volunteered…’
Jiang Jingwu was a little confused. Duan Yijie went to the disaster area the day after his wedding, and Duan Zhengxun sent his daughter-in-law up there again? From the rumours outside and the newspaper gossip, it was said that the father and son were very satisfied with and valued their new wife. If that was the case, why did they want Liangchen to go to such a dangerous place? Did Duan Yijie not care about her? Looking at Xu Liangchen’s composed expression, he hesitated and closed his mouth… Even if he had something unfair to say, where did he stand? She is now the young master’s wife of the Duan family.
After everything had been explained, everyone parted ways. Wang Zhengxin went to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Liang Yuwen hurried to arrange for other personnel, and only Jiang Jingwu and Xu Liangchen walked out together. The two of them didn’t know what to say because everything seemed to have been said. The sun shone through the gaps in the trees. Duan Qiping raised her face and laughed, ‘Sister-in-law, you go back and rest first. I’ll see Director Jiang out.’
Although they were walking together, Liangchen and this Jiang Gongzi had after all been childhood sweethearts. Seeing them together would inevitably lead to arguments, so it was unnecessary. Moreover, her mother had said in private that Liangchen should go back and see the old man, explain what had happened, regardless of whether her brother was there or not.
Liangchen looked at Jiang Jingwu and nodded slightly. Not knowing where to start, she simply said, ‘Have a good trip.’
Jiang Jingwu nodded slightly, looking at her. He felt a hundred different emotions in his heart, a mixture of pain, depression and hopelessness. He suddenly wondered if there would be a chance for love after all this, if he could start over with a different person. Feeling the pain reach its peak, he turned around wordlessly.
Qi Ping looked at Xu Liangchen reassuringly, hurriedly catching up to him. At this moment, someone behind them said with a smile, ‘Pingzi, are you free today? Your brother has been waiting for you with bated breath…’
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Chapter 69
Two men turned from the cloister. The one speaking was wearing a navy blue striped suit, not very tall, with bushy eyebrows, big eyes, and a sturdy and honest appearance. The man behind him was wearing a white suit, with white three-day-old dandruff, a red tie like fire, and a cigar in his hand. He smiled broadly and said half-jokingly to the navy blue suit next to him, ‘Xiaowuzi, what nonsense are you talking?’
Who is this person? How can he be so carefree even in the general’s mansion? Xu Liangchen looked at Duan Qiping in front of him with some confusion. Unexpectedly, Duan Qiping not only did not stop when he heard the sound, but also took Jiang Jingwu’s arm in a somewhat urgent manner, seemingly affectionately leading him away at a brisk pace.
Behind them, not only was Xu Liangchen taken aback, but the two men were also a little taken aback when they saw what was going on. However, they soon laughed. They had wanted to catch up, but then they saw Xu Liangchen. They exchanged glances, stopped in their tracks, smiled quite friendly and bowed slightly: ‘Hello, madam!’
As they got closer, Xu Liangchen felt that the music of the two men was a little familiar, as if she had seen it before among the Naxi men in the room. So she gave a faint smile, nodded lightly, and said, ‘Hello, both of you.’ Without saying much, she walked over with grace.
He heard the man in the navy blue suit behind him whisper, ‘…You’re right, Boss, you’ve got a good eye. This beauty is a beauty, whether it’s under the lights or…’
His words, which carried a smile, were interrupted by the man in the white suit, ‘…She’s a mess. If the Boss hears this, you’ll be in trouble… I was wondering if the guy with Pingzi is Jiangchuan? When did Pingzi start hanging out with him?’
‘You’ve been gone for a few years, and your brother Sima has been abandoned,’ the man in the navy blue suit said with glee.
‘Let’s go. If that girl takes a fancy to him, you can bet your life that I’ll be the one crying myself to sleep. What about you? I heard that Qing is busy preparing for the wedding of the boss’s younger brother, and she’s not feeling well.’ The two men gradually drifted away as they talked.
Xu Liangchen overheard a few words and probably understood the identity of the two men. He then knew that the man in the white suit was the son of the famous wealthy merchant Sima family from Yanzhou, who was very close to the Duan family.
The people who came and went from the general’s mansion were of course the well-known people in the foreign settlement of Shili, but in terms of relationships, the Sima family, who had become rich by selling fuel during the European War, came to Shanghai most frequently. First, both families were from Minzhou, and second, the elderly of both families had once shared difficulties together.
During the Xinhai Revolution, Madam Duan took her eldest son and others on a boat to Yanzhou. At that time, Duan Yijie had already left her side, and Duan Zhengxun was facing the revolutionary forces head-on. The old lady and the Sima family, who had yet to become wealthy at the time, travelled together on the Minjiang, a ship of the China Merchants’ Agency. It happened to be heading from Minzhou to Yanzhou for repairs, so the two families travelled together.
When the ship reached the outskirts of Yanzhou, Zhang and Dang confronted each other. The river was full of shells flying around all night, just like the sound of firecrackers on New Year’s Eve. The people on the ship watched as many of the surrounding ships caught fire and the flames soared into the sky. Fortunately, the next day, when Duan Zhengxun heard the news, he sent someone to meet him as soon as the shelling stopped. The Minjiang sailed through the battle zone and rushed into the naval camp.
A life-long friendship is of course incomparable to an ordinary friendship, and the two families have always been close. Sima Liang, the eldest son of the Sima family, studied at a school run by the church, and not only was he fluent in English, but he also had a broad perspective. He set up a fuel company that represented German products. After the outbreak of the European War, German businesses in Yanzhou packed up and severed ties one after another, and the supply of imported fuel was tight. The Sima family, who had a large amount of the hot-selling goods in stock, became a dye giant overnight and one of the wealthy families in the foreign settlement.
The person who called Duan Qiping ‘Pingzi’ was the eldest son of the Sima family, because they were the same age and had studied together as children. When they grew up, some friends teased them about their relationship, but the eldest son of the Sima family quite liked Duan Qiping in private, and after she returned, he was even more amazed . Whenever they met, he would smile and cling to her – the ultimate move for a rich young man in the foreign settlement to woo a woman, whether it was a sea of flowers or dazzling diamond rings. Whenever this scene appeared, it caused a commotion around them, and everyone knew that the second young master Sima was crazily courting the eldest Miss Duan.
Qi Ping couldn’t decide whether to laugh or cry. She never had a good impression of rich kids like Sima Dang, but the two families had different levels of friendship and they had been childhood friends, so she couldn’t be careless. She was tired of his half-true, half-exaggerated grand gestures, but she couldn’t avoid them, so she had no choice but to run away whenever she saw Sima Dang.
Xu Liangchen had no idea that there were all these stories between them. He was only a little puzzled and a little surprised by Duan Qiping’s sudden closeness to Jiang Jingwu, and also a little pleased with himself. Qiping was an outstanding woman, talented and beautiful. If she and Jingwu were destined to be together, he could let go of his worries early too—Aunt Liao and Uncle Jiang would be happy to have such a daughter-in-law. But Jingwu didn’t like women working outside the home. Qiping was a famous chief writer. Would he accept it… Thinking about things in a daze, Xu Liangchen returned to the Western Garden. As soon as he entered the door, Fourth Mistress Wu Wenjuan came out to greet him: ‘According to what the old lady asked, everything is ready. Big Sister and I will accompany you back to Mayor Sun’s house. You must explain to the old man and apologise.’
Xu Liangchen hurriedly thanked her, a little surprised that Mrs. Lu had come in person. After packing up, they walked out the front door together and got into the car. Wu Wenjuan looked at her thoughtfully for a moment, feeling very emotional.
Duan Yijie liked this daughter-in-law, and the general and Mrs Lu also valued her highly. This time, Sun Menglin could not have possibly not known about the eldest son going to the disaster area to help. But in order to give the in-laws face, Mrs Lu still personally went to explain the situation… Sigh, a woman who is held in the palm of her husband’s hand is the one who will be given the most face by her in-laws. This second young lady is really lucky.
Mrs Lu and the two of them took one carriage, while the other two carriages pulled the gifts sent from the General’s Mansion. Xu Liangchen returned home after three days of marriage without being accompanied by Duan Yijie.
Duan Yijie took his soldiers to help with the disaster relief efforts, and Sun Menglin had specifically told his mother that the family thought that Liangchen probably wouldn’t be back today. Cai Fengqi then knew that a banquet had been prepared to invite Xu Meichen and his wife to congratulate them. Little did they expect that Mrs. Lu would personally accompany Xu Liangchen back to visit the elderly and offer her apologies. The gifts were not only generous, but also a great boost to their reputation. Sun Menglin and Xu Meichen could finally let go of their worries, and the Duan family valued Liangchen very much.
Although the groom was not there, it was after all the three-day gift for the bride returning home, so Mrs Lu and Wu Wenjuan insisted on accompanying Madam Sun for lunch before taking Xu Liangchen back. Their manners were courteous and their attitude gentle. Even Xu Liangchen was a little confused. Did Mr and Mrs Duan Zhengxun give the Sun family such face because they really thought that she was that important to the Marshal’s Mansion?
As the car pulled out of the Sun residence, Xu Liangchen inadvertently glanced sideways and saw that the car that had been parked not far from the entrance when she arrived had still not left. After the car turned a corner, a figure flashed by, and it was strangely familiar… Her heart stirred, and she couldn’t help but turn back to take a closer look.
Wu Wenjuan looked along with her, and asked, intentionally or unintentionally, ‘I heard that you and the eldest daughter are going to the disaster area?’ Seeing Xu Liangchen nod, she said to Mrs. Lu, ‘Eldest sister, is the disaster area safe? The eldest son is going, after all, he is a man, but the young wife and the young lady of the general’s mansion are also going, can you and the general really rest assured?’
Mrs. Lu sighed slightly and frowned: ‘I heard that the disaster situation is not optimistic, and the general has been tossing and turning these few nights. At present, the warlords in the country are fighting their own battles, most of them fighting for power and wealth. The major powers are watching with greedy eyes, all wanting a piece of the pie. It is difficult to do anything big even if you want to. Disaster relief is, after all, a major livelihood issue. If it weren’t out of necessity, the general would not have made this arrangement. It’s good that Liangchen and Qiping can help, and there’s still Yijie, isn’t there? Even if it’s just us, we must do a good job of the fundraising at the Red Cross.’
She is truly a remarkable woman who accompanied her husband in conquering the world. Mrs Lu’s words made Xu Liangchen admire her secretly. The official wife of the general’s mansion usually doesn’t say much, and she rarely seems to care about the affairs of the house. It is no wonder that she has raised a son like Duan Yijie and a daughter like Duan Qiping.
Soon after returning to the general’s mansion, Duan Qiping came looking for him and said that Liang Chen had been arranged by Liang Yuwen to audition and familiarise himself with the equipment, and the team was ready to set off immediately.
This was a major event, and although it was a bit unnatural to face Jiang Jingwu again, Xu Liangchen did not dare to delay and immediately got into the car with Qiping and went to the radio station. However, Jiang Jingwu was not there, and one of the technicians under him was waiting there.
Although he had no broadcasting experience, Xu Liangchen was in excellent condition, and his foreign language was fluent and his voice was soft and slightly light. Even after the equipment changed the sound, it was still very pleasant to the ear. It was almost dinner time, and all the work had been completed.
He returned to the Da Shuai Mansion with Qi Ping to accompany the old lady for dinner. The villain changed into ordinary female soldier attire, met up with the team and got into the car in the darkness of the night.
The car left Yanzhou and headed south. It was midnight when they felt the sky was getting dark and thought there might be a light rain. Although Qi-ping was worried that Xu Liangchen had rarely slept well in the past few days and kept persuading her to rest, there was no way to make her feel sleepy. She covered her mouth with her hand and yawned softly, looking outside with her eyes against the faint light from the car.
It wasn’t until 3am, when the bus stopped for a rest, that Jiang Jingwu heard Duan Qiping whispering to Xu Liangchen, saying unintentionally, ‘If you don’t get enough rest, your voice will be affected.’ Xu Liangchen then fell asleep for a short while. As dawn broke, she woke up and looked outside again in the faint light.
The car was passing through a county called Jintang. The city was not large, and there were intermittent remnants of the old Ming and Qing city walls around it, which gave it an antique charm. It was still early in the day, and there were not many people walking around. The car passed through the main street in the city, and the number of young people with school bags on their backs gradually increased. Presumably, they were students attending morning classes.
A short while further, the car saw the rather spectacular sign for the National Jintang High School, which looked like a tall and spacious school building with a tidy appearance. It could almost be said to be the iconic building of this small county town. Not far from the school was a low stone cottage that was dilapidated and in disrepair, as if it were in danger of collapsing at any time. It had to be propped up with tree stumps. Looking again, the sign turned out to be the location of the county government.
Duan Qiping woke up. In the morning light, he saw Xu Liangchen’s serious and confused expression, and couldn’t help but look out the window as well. He smiled softly and said, ‘Since the establishment of the military government, it has focused on three public services. First, it has built roads to facilitate the flow of goods and people. Second, it has built parks in some towns, which is considered a new thing in the gradual spread of Western influences in the East. Third, it has focused on education. The military government not only established primary and secondary schools, but also merged several universities, including the National Yanzhou Normal College, to establish National Yanzhou University.’
At the beginning of its establishment, Duan Zhengxun served as the first president, and then he was replaced by Duan Yijie. After a short period of time, Duan Yijie hired Dr. Hu, who had studied in Germany, as the president. The father and son laid a solid foundation for the development of Yanzhou University, one after the other. Later, they even clearly emphasized the implementation of free compulsory education. The Ministry of Education stipulated that tuition fees would be waived for senior primary school, normal school and higher normal school. Free tuition at normal school became the best way for many students from poor families to receive education.
Duan Jia and his son attached great importance to education. Xu Liangchen had heard about it before. Once again, the news of Duan Yijie’s inspection of Yanzhou Normal College was published in the newspaper. He had once spoken to the students: ‘You will be the gardeners of the future. Our country needs you. You and the cause you are engaged in are the future pillars of the country. Yanzhou set a precedent for the gradual spread of Western culture in the East, but it is also a symbol of the country’s compromise. I hope you will study hard and do your part for the rejuvenation of the country and the nation.
To show the importance he attaches to education, this young cold-faced young general even once put aside his busy official duties to personally substitute for a primary school class as an example. Hearing this, Xu Liangchen couldn’t help but slightly curve her lips. She could never imagine how this usually cold-faced guy would look teaching as a teacher. And what expression would the students have on such a teacher?
Duan Zhengxun also had his own distinctive characteristics in running education. A reporter once asked why the government buildings in various places were shabbier than the school buildings. A county magistrate replied quite matter-of-factly: ‘The warlord has decreed that if the government buildings are better than the schools, the first official will be executed on the spot!’
In the colourful and bustling foreign settlement, in an era when the one with the gun was king, the Duan father and son valued education, even going so far as to prioritise it over other areas of spending. Xu Liangchen couldn’t help but feel moved by this. Neither father nor son were scholars, but they did their best with pure hearts. In this respect, no matter how overbearing and domineering they were, they are a heartwarming memory in the history of education.
‘Although my eldest brother did not formally attend university, he received systematic training in Western-style education and military concepts under the guidance of several foreign consultants hired by my father at high salaries. Therefore, unlike the old warlords who were stubbornly conservative, selfish and corrupt, he had a strong ideal of strengthening the country and its people and was willing to make every effort to try to achieve it.’ In Duan Qiping’s heart, her eldest brother was an idealistic young man, and Liangchen was a woman with a sense of national duty. They should have common ground. Xu Liangchen was interested in this, and of course she was willing to tell her.
‘After the military government was established, the situation was very serious. Throughout the south, except for the prosperous metropolises such as Yanzhou, most of the areas had extremely poor natural conditions, poor transportation, and were inhabited by mountain ethnic groups with a fierce folk custom. It was not uncommon to see thousands of people gathered with gongs, holding guns and fighting to the death. What’s more, after the collapse of the old warlord system, foreign forces entered the country one after the other, and autonomous armies rose up, each claiming to be king and dominating the chaos.’ As they chatted, Duan Qiping gradually talked about the old days when the Duan family father and son established a military government.
Xu Liangchen had not only heard about these events, but had also witnessed them when he was young. He understood that for ordinary people, the constant banditry that accompanied the war was indeed a problem. With the political situation out of control and years of war, many people took desperate measures and became bandits. Bandits rose up in droves, and the city often became in ruins. Those who fled fled, those who died died, and all that was left were dry bones, broken wells and ruined homes… I remember the old people in my family saying: ‘Commanders were walking the streets, and there were as many leaders as there were dogs.’ How could the common people feel safe?
However, a few years after the military government was established, this situation of bandits running rampant and social collapse improved. At that time, my cousin recorded in his travel diary: ‘When entering the town, the first impression is that the people of Nandi seem militarised… Apart from women, children, the elderly and the weak, the men are dressed in grey or black clothing – military uniforms – and wearing grey or black hats – military caps. They are crowded together, chatting and laughing, still giving the impression that the whole population is a military force.’
Later, Xu Liangchen realised that this was the result of Duan’s vigorous promotion of the militia system.
‘The entire territory under the control of the military government was divided into 20 militia districts. Each district selected a strategic location to set up a command headquarters, with the headquarters based in Yanzhou and the overall commander being the eldest brother,’ Qi Ping explained with a smile when Xu Liangchen asked.
At the county level, there was a county militia headquarters, with the county magistrate serving as commander. Below the county level, there were militia reserve units in villages and streets, militia reserve brigades in townships, and militia reserve battalions in districts. The organisational system of the militia at all levels was closely linked to the administrative system, and the person in charge was the same person in both roles. From top to bottom, a network was formed, which ensured the strict and effective issuance and execution of military orders.
The new militia system was not only tightly organised and effective, it also abolished the old mercenary system and replaced it with a compulsory system – because mercenaries were of mixed quality and could be of varying integrity, whereas conscripts were all of the same quality. The military government required all men between the ages of 18 and 45 in the territory to be conscripted into the militia and required them to participate in militia training. In this way, most of the residents in their daily lives entered the militia network, heralding the beginning of an era of universal conscription in Nandi.
Qi Ping’s explanation was very detailed and organised, and Xu Liangchen soon understood the reason why Duan Yijie valued the militia construction so highly: for the military government, the militia construction served several purposes. It allowed the government to exert in-depth control over the grassroots, eradicate bandits, expand military strength, and save a large amount of military expenditure. ‘More importantly, in Big Brother’s words, the militia construction can promote the comprehensive development of military, politics, economy and education in the Southland,’ Qi Ping concluded.
‘The training content of the militia includes three main aspects: military, production and politics. In addition, there is also literacy training. The military government attaches particular importance to political and cultural training. It is said that the militia is not only a tool for maintaining rural security, but also a social force that promotes the construction of all aspects of the South. In addition to traditional military training projects, training projects also include agricultural technology, general knowledge about China and the world, general knowledge about society, general knowledge about science, etc.’ Jiang Jingwu, who had been sitting quietly and sleeping in the back row since last night, suddenly spoke.
At that time, not only the Duan family father and son sent someone or asked someone to ask Germany to invite him back, but Jiang Jingwu also chose the Southern Military Government without hesitation because of this powerful and refreshing trend of the times involving the entire South, which not only aroused waves and enthusiasm in the hearts of ordinary people who had experienced the disasters of war and were close to despair, but also aroused his ambition to save the country through science.
Since the late Qing Dynasty, ancient China had been destined for nothing but humiliation and invasion. Jiang Jingwu clearly remembers that, having just returned to China, he often went to public stadiums to watch the militia training. There were always many ordinary people watching, often thronging the area. In Jiang Jingwu’s opinion, the actions of the Duan father and son had inspired and given hope to the people of the South, which was especially precious at a time when the country and nation were being humiliated and coveted.
Not only that, but the militia was also the main force behind the construction of public schools, roads and bridges, and the government’s financial investment and military spending were also greatly reduced. Jiang Jingwu, who was well versed in modern military theory, of course understood that although it was called a militia, it was actually the embryonic form of a modern army. Duan Yijie’s vision was extraordinary and his thoughts were profound.
Looking at the thick clouds in the eastern sky, he sighed inwardly. No matter what, he had to admit that the Duan family father and son had worked hard and made a difference for peace and construction in the south. However, that was no reason to lose her forever.
The car continued to move forward, and the further it went, the more gloomy the sky became. Not a single ray of sunshine had been seen all day. As evening approached, a shocking sight appeared on the road.
On both sides of the road, the trees that should have been full of leaves were stripped of their bark. The branches and leaves had already fallen off, leaving only the tops high up, swaying nakedly in the night. Did they see refugees fleeing for their lives, dusty and hurried, staring at the convoy as if it were a piece of sweet dessert?
Seeing that everyone was feeling the same way and wanted the driver to stop, Liang Yuwen sighed and said, ‘We are approaching the disaster area, and it’s getting late. We need to hurry. The victims cannot be rescued without missing a single one by just a few people like us. We are following military orders and can only join the main force first and talk about it later.’
Everyone of course understood the reasoning behind this, and could only watch as the car drove away. All they could do was give the victims whatever supplies they had on hand. Liang Yuwen looked at the darkening night and continued, ‘The government has already allocated relief funds, opened the granary to release food, and set up a small number of temporary hospitals to treat the wounded. On the way here, I heard that the Minjiang Dam has been in danger in recent days, and the headquarters of the first group is located in Yuhe Town. These victims are likely heading there.’
Later, the driver stopped the car and stopped a couple with two small children to ask for directions. The man said, ‘The Minjiang Dam has already leaked, and now even the people there are rushing out. The worst thing is that we are those who are rushing to the Yu River to get food. We haven’t even eaten yet and we have to escape the flood. Our luck is really bad.’
The car continued to move forward, and rain began to fall from the sky. It started to drift and became denser and denser. The rain and fog swept across the sky, and there wasn’t even a single star. The car stumbled and crawled along the road. Looking around, under the faint light of the car, there were endless puddles of water, big and small, glistening.
Rumbling – a loud rumble came from the ground, followed by a dazzling flash of blue light. Then the drizzle suddenly intensified, and the raindrops fell with a crackling sound, splashing water everywhere.
The rain and fog blocked the road, and the cars gradually slowed down. The trucks carrying military supplies and fuel crawled along like giant turtles. Xu Liangchen felt as heavy as the rainy night sky.
Everyone was sleepless in the middle of the night. It was only in the early morning that they slowly approached the Yu River. The original appearance of the town was completely unclear in the rain and fog. Water accumulated everywhere in the distance, creating a desolate scene. There were almost no people walking on the streets, and the atmosphere was dull. Everyone was facing the heavy burden and worry of the flood in their hearts.
Perhaps it was because the military government had previously attached importance to road construction, or perhaps it was because Duan Yijie was stationed here, the road behind was still relatively unobstructed. After entering the town, the car stopped not far from a large brick courtyard in the middle of the town.
Two teams of guards with guns and bombs, officers, soldiers and vehicles coming and going, the lights shining like daytime, and an inexplicable tense atmosphere permeating the busy bustle.
Liang Yuwen got out of the car and was immediately approached by a guard, who asked him questions. After clarifying the situation, the guard beckoned to a soldier, who soon was followed by an officer who ushered everyone into the courtyard.
Xu Liangchen followed the group wearing a raincoat. Just as he stepped through the gate, he saw an officer running up to him, wiping the rainwater streaming down his face as he spoke hurriedly, ‘Chief Wu, there is a danger at the dam. The army commander has ordered that an additional regiment be deployed to protect the dam!’ After saying this, the officer turned around and walked quickly away.
Chief Wu frowned, turned around and summoned the adjutant, then smiled apologetically at the crowd: ‘Sorry, the regiment commander is personally commanding at the dam, and I have urgent military affairs. Here, the adjutant Sun will help you arrange things.’ After saying this, he also hurriedly saluted and left.
Looking at his back, Xu Liangchen suddenly felt an urge in her heart, and she couldn’t help but hurriedly follow him. The military commander Wu stopped with some confusion and displeasure: ‘Excuse me… is there something the lady needs?’ These people from the city are so annoying. What time is it? Who has time to listen to trivial matters?
‘I…’ Feeling his frown, Xu Liangchen felt a little embarrassed, looked up and said in a low voice, “My surname is Xu, I am Duan… Duan Yijie’s… wife… wife. Could you please take me to the dam to have a look?” Although he was not sure if the other party knew his identity, Duan Yijie had entrusted him with this matter, so he must be a trusted person. In that case, even if he revealed his identity, it should not be a big problem—if he didn’t say who he was, the brigade commander definitely wouldn’t pay any attention to him.
The military commander was indeed taken aback by this news. What? The newlywed wife of the military commander? She…she is also here in the disaster area? He stared at the woman across from him with wide eyes. She was dressed in the uniform of an ordinary female soldier, with a military raincoat covering the outside, leaving only a face as picturesque as a painting in the rain and fog. Water droplets were dripping from her forehead and hair, and her pair of dark eyes were as black as stars…a little tired and haggard, but still dignified and elegant.
Thinking of the phone call from his brother and the fact that Duan Yijie had not told him that the young lady was coming, the military commander raised his hand in a military salute and whispered, ‘Hello, young lady! I don’t know if you know, but I have been rude. I can understand that you are concerned about the commander, but the dam is dangerous, so please wait here. I will report to the commander as soon as possible.’
He really refused her, and Xu Liangchen was a little disappointed, but at the same time, his heart suddenly stopped for a moment. He said…worried about Duan Yijie? I’ve never been impulsive, why did I rush up when I heard the dam was in danger? Maybe I’m not worried about Duan Yijie, but the safety of the dam?
The military commander did not dare to delay military affairs, and solemnly arranged again for the adjutant to settle the distinguished guest before bowing again and leaving. Xu Liangchen was arranged to enter the courtyard with everyone else. Jiang Jingwu did not say another word, and led the people to debug the equipment. Qi Ping went into the bathroom, but Xu Liangchen in the hall could not sit still. He really could not stand it anymore. He looked out the window and saw that the rain had somewhat subsided. After thinking about it, he put on his raincoat and rushed into the rain.
The adjutant walked over from the side, because the military commander had just ordered that he would not let Xu Liangchen out no matter what. Xu Liangchen tried to persuade him, and the two argued in a low voice. Soon Liang Yuwen walked over.
As the secretary of Duan Zhengxun, Liang Yuwen knew more about Duan Yijie and the new wife than anyone else. Moreover, when Duan Zhengxun came, he also had secret orders, so Xu Liangchen’s idea of going to the dam to take a look made him a little curious. What did the young wife want to do? Is she worried about the young master, or does she want to see the floods for herself to be useful in her work?
After thinking about it for a while, he didn’t ask any more questions. Liang Yuwen pulled the adjutant aside and talked for a while. With his help, Xu Liangchen finally fulfilled his wish and soon got on the bus to the dam.
The dam was not far north of the town. From a distance, the area around the high embankment was full of activity. Soldiers carrying sandbags and logs ran back and forth through the muddy water. The raindrops in the sky, the muddy water on the ground, the dark night, and the faint light from the car headlights created a strange but powerful scene.
It was still uncommon for the military to participate in disaster relief in China. Xu Liangchen hurried past the crowd, but he never found the tall figure.
Suddenly there was a burst of shouting on the embankment, and the sound of water roaring. The soldiers gathered around, and when Xu Liangchen saw this, she hurriedly walked up too, with Liang Yuwen close behind her.
The Minjiang River, after days of heavy rain, had turned into a raging dragon. The water was vast, frantically pounding against the riverbank. Xu Liangchen carefully avoided getting too close. The light was hazy, but she saw at a glance Duan Yijie, who was in the water with the soldiers reinforcing the riverbank.
He no longer had his usual neat military appearance, his cap was gone, water was dripping from his hair, his clothes had long since become soaked and stuck to his body, and the mud water made it impossible to see his original colour. His face was a mess of sweat, rain and mud, only his dark eyes were still bright and his sword-shaped eyebrows still slightly furrowed.
His upright posture and calm demeanour made Xu Liangchen unable to ignore him among the thousands of men.
The soldiers and officers worked together, and the biggest loophole had just been plugged. Duan Yijie stood on a sandbag in the water, commanding the soldiers to reinforce other places. When he turned around, he saw Xu Liangchen standing not far away in a raincoat. He raised his eyebrows and said sternly, ‘Bastard, what are you doing standing there? Remember this: a soldier, once he puts on a uniform, is no longer your father’s son! The man of your wife! You are the fucking man of the country! …’ A wave came over, and he seemed to glare fiercely at Xu Liangchen, turned around, took the soldier’s sandbag, and once again charged at the embankment…
Xu Liangchen never expected this bandit to come up and scold him, and he was suddenly a little stunned. He couldn’t help but pull the raincoat hat down. Did he know who he had just scolded?
Liang Yuwen saw clearly that Duan Yijie had not recognised him at all, mistaking his new wife for the lazy soldier. He hurried over, afraid that Xu Liangchen might misunderstand.
Duan Yijie went through another round of busy work, straightened up and subconsciously glanced over. He vaguely saw the lazy soldier turn into a woman with long hair. He couldn’t help but pause, his sword eyebrows wrinkling into the character ‘chuan’. He thought it was the nurse accompanying the team, and couldn’t help but scold, ‘Who told you to come here! bastard! Hurry back and take care of the wounded! Before the male soldiers are all dead, all female soldiers get the hell back here! …
Facing the barbarian’s rude roar, Xu Liangchen was stunned…
|Black and white. Hand-typed in grey, please indicate the source if reprinting|

Chapter 70
Unexpectedly, apart from his cold demeanour, this young master has also grown in temper in just a few days, and he can scold people like cutting melons… Let him go back and take care of the wounded? Xu Liangchen wiped the rainwater from his face, gave him a fierce glare, and said, ‘I’m not a medical student, so I need to know how to take care of the wounded, right?’
As he muttered to himself, Liang Yuwen arrived in a hurry, and when he saw this, he whispered anxiously, ‘Catherine, let’s go back first, shall we? The regiment commander is busy, and there’s nothing we can do here…’ Not only can’t they help, everyone thinks these two are lazy. Liang Yuwen was very unhappy with the disdainful looks from the surrounding soldiers. If he wasn’t on another mission, if he wasn’t concerned about protecting the young master’s precious young wife, he would have thrown off his raincoat and carried some sandbags. What are you looking at! I’m not a wimp either!
Duan Yijie glared angrily at the incompetent ‘nurse’ not far away, then turned around to go about his business, leaving a solid and proud back to Xu Liangchen, making her cross glance lose focus. Xu Liangchen angrily frowned in frustration. After listening to Liang Yuwen’s words and looking around at the busy officers and soldiers, she understood that she really couldn’t help, so she sighed helplessly and nodded.
Liang Yuwen hurriedly led her through the crowd. The moment they stepped off the dam, Xu Liangchen couldn’t help but look back again. She knew that the scene in front of her would be etched in her heart for a long, long time. In the distance, the tall figure had already turned into a black dot that appeared and disappeared from time to time. As if their hearts were connected, when she looked back, he also stood up and looked over this way. Even though she knew that person could not possibly recognise her, Xu Liangchen’s heart still couldn’t help but skip a few beats.
Watching her look so worried, Liang Yuwen was intrigued. The general might as well rest assured. It seems like the young couple have a deep bond.
Duan Qiping was sitting in the room, looking at the data by the dim oil lamp. When he saw Xu Liangchen come in all wet, he hurriedly got up to help her take off her raincoat and asked anxiously, ‘Where have you been? I came out of the shower in a hurry and you were gone… Look at how wet you are, the hot water is still in there, go and rinse off quickly. You haven’t had a good rest, and if you get wet in the rain, you’ll catch a cold, I’ll tell someone to prepare some ginger tea…’
‘It’s still dark, don’t trouble everyone.’ Xu Liangchen pulled her back, a little embarrassed, and said, “…I went with Team Leader Liang to have a look at the dam, it’s fine… Achoo!” She sneezed, and Duan Qiping would not let her explain any further, hurriedly pushing her into the bathroom, then finding someone to prepare ginger soup and noodles. After finishing her tasks, she remembered what Xu Liangchen had said and realised that she was a little surprised.
It seems that getting married is different. Liangchen looked the same as ever, but in her heart she saw the shadow of her big brother. As soon as she arrived, she hurried to the dam first. Her big brother was overjoyed to see her… As she thought about it, she became worried. Her big brother saw his sister-in-law but didn’t come back with her. Could it be that the dam is really in a critical situation? Looking out the window at the sky, which had already brightened slightly, and the sound of the rain tapping on the roof, Duan Qiping’s heart lifted again.
Xu Liangchen’s thoughts were still on the scene earlier, and he came out absent-mindedly after washing his hair. Duan Qiping handed him a stack of documents: ‘This is the disaster relief data provided by the headquarters. I have basically completed the English translation, and I’ll rely on you and the other colleagues for the rest.’
Xu Liangchen nodded, put down the towel in his hand, took it and flipped through it, and then sat directly in front of the desk. Duan Qiping drank the ginger soup after much persuasion, and after eating a bowl of noodles, she began to write furiously to translate without taking a break.
Seeing her solemn and serious expression, Qiping felt helpless and simply gave up the idea of persuading her. She gently closed the door and walked out of the room.
Outside, Jiang Jingwu was commanding a group of soldiers to set up cables. When he saw Duan Qiping come out, he nodded slightly and said hello, ‘Good morning.’
Duan Qiping smiled a little unnaturally and said, ‘Good morning, Director Jiang.’
That day, because of Sima Dang, she used Jiang Jingwu as a shield and walked out of the general’s mansion with an intimate attitude, taking his arm. At that time, she just wanted to avoid the horse’s entanglement, but she didn’t expect that the situation was seen by many people. Since then, not only has she been subtly hinted at by friends with a smiley face, but Sima Dang also made a special phone call, half-truthfully saying that it was her who had fallen for the Director, that he would not give up, and would chase after the beautiful woman forever. Director Jiang should be prepared for all sorts of things.
Duan Qiping then knew that Jiang Jingwu must have heard similar strange things there as well. This was trouble that she had caused herself, but she had also dragged Jiang Jingwu into it. So Duan Qiping, who was originally open and generous, looked a little embarrassed when she met Jiang Jingwu afterwards.
At first, Jiang Jingwu was a little puzzled by Duan Qiping’s sudden intimacy that day, but she took it as a woman’s temporary whim and didn’t pay it any mind. Later, when she heard those inexplicable words, she couldn’t help but feel a little uneasy. After understanding the whole situation, she felt both angry and amused. Seeing Duan Qiping’s appearance, she realized that this famous editor also had such a cute and feminine side.
‘Do you think it will rain for long?’ Duan Qiping asked, changing the subject and smiling, to adjust his own uncomfortable emotions. It is said that the Director of the Jiangsu Provincial Government had a particularly sensitive nose, and the people in the equipment department all said that he was like a meteorological station.
It is said that when the Equipment Department was first established, Jiang Jingwu, after returning to work in China, brought rain gear to work on a sunny day with clear skies. His colleagues were both surprised and confused, so they secretly made fun of him. Who knew that at the end of the day, on the way home, it actually started to rain heavily. Everyone’s clothes were soaked and they all became drenched, except for the debonair Jiang Gongzi, who was safe and sound because he had brought rain gear.
The next day, his colleagues asked him in amazement why he had thought to bring rain gear when it was such a beautiful day. Jiang Jingwu said mysteriously that his nose could predict the weather, so he had been prepared. Later, when it rained, a colleague jokingly asked him when the rain would stop. Jiang Jingwu went outside, took a few deep sniffs, and said, ‘The rain will stop at noon tomorrow and the sun will come out.’ Strangely enough, it did come true, so everyone jokingly called him the ‘barometer’.
Jiang Jingwu could not believe that Duan Qiping also knew this interesting story. He looked at her with sparkling eyes, sniffed deeply, and said very seriously, ‘In the next two days, there will still be rain in the Minjiang area. Today will be cloudy, with heavy rain turning to light rain; tomorrow will be showers, with occasional sunshine, and the end of severe convective weather such as short-lived thunderstorms and high winds.’
Hearing him seriously forecast the weather, Duan Qiping couldn’t help but laugh out loud, and the atmosphere quickly became more relaxed. The two chatted about the disaster situation in the south and what they had seen on the way, and the sky gradually brightened.
The launcher was installed on a tree in the backyard, and the two watched the engineers climb the tree without noticing that Duan Yijie, who had been in the front yard holding out at the dam all night, had returned.
The information provided by the headquarters was very detailed, not only including disaster relief, but also clearly describing the affected conditions in the disaster area. Xu Liangchen frowned at the descriptions: … the low-lying river valleys are filled with dirty water, and from time to time the bodies of people or animals float by. It is now summer, and the temperature is high, so improper handling of these floating corpses will inevitably lead to epidemics… The advice on what to do next was: the corpse must be disposed of quickly to ensure that the water source is not contaminated. After the floodwaters recede, rat and mosquito extermination efforts should be stepped up to prevent the spread of the plague.
Looking at the vigorous and powerful calligraphy, Xu Liangchen knew that it was Duan Yijie’s comments, and he couldn’t help but let out a sigh of relief. Only then did he continue to read the information below, recording useful notes as he went and translating them into the required text.
It had been raining all day, so the sky was overcast. Even after dawn, it was hard to tell if it was morning or midday. After a while, Xu Liangchen felt his eyes ache and his head spin. He leaned over his desk to rest for a moment, but then he fell asleep.
Duan Qiping hurried over after hearing Liang Yuwen say that his brother had returned, but found that Duan Yijie was already feeling unwell from the fatigue of the past few days, and after spending the whole night in the water, he had a slight fever and felt dizzy. The adjutant persuaded him repeatedly, and he didn’t return until the meeting time. After holding out until the end of the emergency meeting on disaster relief, he could no longer hold on, and after the military doctor in his entourage prescribed some medicine, he fell asleep.
Duan Qiping looked after him for a while, then hurried back to tell Xu Liangchen. After all, she was the wife of his older brother and the love of his life, so seeing her brother would definitely make him feel better. The two had been separated just one day after their wedding, so it was good that they would be able to see each other sooner.
When they returned to their room, it was still a little dark. A yellowish light flickered, and the door opened, bringing in a hot, humid breeze that blew the papers on the table around. Xu Liangchen was asleep, leaning over the table. Her long, feathery eyelashes cast a pale shadow on her slightly pale face, like jade. Due to lack of sleep, there was a circle of bruising under her eyes, which made her look even more charming and young.
Looking at the woman in front of him, Duan Qiping felt a surge of pity. In the bustling city, who didn’t envy this second young lady for marrying into the general’s mansion and living a life of wealth and luxury? Who knew that the young couple would part ways the day after their wedding, and that they would meet again only in a place devastated by floods? They were clearly so close, yet they both looked so tired?
She sighed quietly, walked in, picked up the papers on the floor and put them on the table. When she looked away, she saw Xu Liangchen’s hand still tightly grasping the edge of the translated material, not letting go even in his sleep.
Perhaps he heard a noise, because Xu Liangchen’s feathery eyelashes trembled slightly, and he slowly opened his eyes. After a while, he saw that it was Duan Qiping, let go of the fingers holding the material, and smiled apologetically and sheepishly, ‘Sorry, I fell asleep… Is the data in a hurry to be used? There is one more thing, I can finish it quickly…”
Duan Qiping smiled compassionately, and said softly with some hesitation and some experimentation, “I’m sorry, I woke you up…the data is not in a hurry…my brother is back, he may have been overworked these past few days, he has a slight fever…don’t worry, he just took some medicine and went to sleep…why don’t you rest first, the transmission equipment has to be installed, and there is also the broadcast, you need to rest too…” Both this husband and wife were exhausted, but they must not give in.
Xu Liangchen’s heart tightened at the news, and he looked at Duan Qiping but didn’t know how to ask. He raised his eyebrows and looked at her. Although Duan Qiping never said the words, ‘Should we go and see him?’ they were written on her face, and Xu Liangchen knew exactly what she meant. After all, that rude bandit was her nominal husband, and now his sister was telling her about her brother’s illness. How could she remain indifferent?
Seeing him standing in the water like an ordinary soldier, risking his own safety to rescue others, it was impossible for Xu Liangchen not to be shocked and moved. He was running a fever, and Xu Liangchen dared not be careless… In those days, medicine was not yet well developed, and there were no quick-acting medicines. A fever could be a serious matter if not treated properly… No matter how strong you are, if you have a fever that doesn’t go away, you could die in just a few days.
Although Cold-Face is a young master with high status and power, he has no worries about finding a good doctor or someone to take good care of him. But after all, this is a disaster area, and she is his nominal new wife, so it would be really hard to justify not taking care of him. And if the news were to spread back to Yanzhou and they heard that she had ignored Cold-Face, wouldn’t the general’s parents be furious with her?
Seeing Xu Liangchen’s expression change several times, as if worried, distressed, and troubled, Duan Qiping thought she was still a newlywed, worried and inevitably a little embarrassed. So she gave a soft laugh and comforted, ‘You don’t need to worry too much… This guy has been leading troops for years, and he’s young and strong. Although he has a slight fever, it’s just a case of overwork, and he’ll be fine after a few days of rest at the dam…’
Xu Liangchen’s red lips curved slightly and she smiled quietly, ‘I…might as well go over there and take a look…I can take the documents over there and go through them, it won’t take long.’
Duan Qiping looked at her deeply, smiled and nodded. She was both happy and relieved. After all, they were married now, and Liangchen was starting to worry about her eldest brother. If that idiot knew, wouldn’t he be overjoyed? That was good too. When he opened his eyes, wouldn’t he be ecstatic to see his beloved in front of him?
So she quietly led Xu Liangchen through the back corridor to Duan Yijie’s bedroom. As they walked, Xu Liangchen realised that the two of them actually lived so close to each other! It was just that they didn’t use the same entrance, so it felt like they were far away. In fact, if you went through the connected corridors, they were just two houses one after the other.
There were guards with guns and ammunition outside the door. Luo Hongwen, whom Yu He had first met at the river, was hovering at the door. He saw Xu Liangchen and his eyes lit up. He saluted and whispered with a smile
‘My lady has had a long journey! The young master has probably gone to bed… You may go in. Thank you, my lady…”
Xu Liangchen smiled and greeted him, but Duan Qiping nudged her, and Xu Liangchen said nothing more, just nodded and pushed open the closed door as quietly as she could. Luo Hongwen followed a few steps behind, but at Duan Qiping’s signal, he stopped very tactfully.
The room was quiet, with no lights on. Xu Liangchen stood by the door for a moment, waiting for his eyes to adjust to the light and dark inside. When he looked again, he saw that the furnishings were very simple: there were a few desks next to the window, with piles of files and documents on them; there were wooden hangers on the wall, with two sets of military uniforms hanging on them; and there was a wooden dining table for four people on the opposite wall. Apart from that, there was just a bed.
There was a faint smell of medicine in the humid air.
Xu Liangchen walked over gently, slowly approaching, and surveyed the man in the bed, who was asleep, in the insufficiently bright light. His gaze, containing inexplicable emotions, slid over the familiar yet strange, sharply defined face, over the tightly knit sword brows, the straight nose, the tightly shut eyes, and the thin lips that were tinged with an unnatural red.
For some reason, looking at the fine beads of sweat on his forehead and listening to his somewhat hurried and rough breathing, Xu Liangchen’s heart inexplicably ached slightly, and he couldn’t help but reach out his hand… But then it seemed as if he suddenly remembered something, and as if he was afraid of disturbing him, the outstretched hand stopped halfway.
Duan Yijie’s breathing was slightly rapid, and he did not move, still deeply asleep.
Xu Liangchen stood in front of the bed for a long time, until she felt her legs go numb and her feet weak. She looked up and saw the chair a little further away. She walked over, took out a piece of paper and a pen, and then went back to the bedside. He was sleeping, so she didn’t want to disturb him. She decided to finish the homework first… There was no light in the room, and she didn’t want to disturb the man’s sleep. So she wrote as best she could in the dim light. It was hard to see, and she wrote slowly. It took a long time to finish.
She raised her hand and pressed her aching shoulders, rubbed her sore eyes, but heard Duan Yijie muttering nonsense: ‘…… Hurry! Block it! Bastard! …… Liangchen, I’m sorry…… Hold me…… Did you miss me? ……’ It was intermittent, and she couldn’t make out what he was saying. Xu Liangchen hurriedly put away the materials, walked over to the bed, and wiped the sweat off him with a towel. Duan Yijie rolled over and fell asleep again.
Xu Liangchen did not dare to walk away, and after thinking about it, she gently sat down by the bed.
She had not had a good rest for two nights in a row, and she was also very tired. Leaning against the side of the bed, she did not move, watching the person in front of her. Unconsciously, her eyelids began to fight, but she could not walk away. After holding herself together for a while, she finally gave in and thought that a short nap would be good. Finally, she closed her eyes.
It seemed like I hadn’t slept so peacefully for a long time, and I even had a good sleep without dreaming. I don’t know how long it was, but Xu Liangchen felt something move beside her, and she couldn’t help but move and turn her face to the side, preparing to go back to sleep.
Suddenly, someone whispered in her ear, ‘Liangchen…’
The voice was a little familiar, low and a little hoarse, which made her feel at ease. Xu Liangchen subconsciously let out a low ‘hmm,’ His eyes did not open, but his mind was hazy, as if he were half asleep. A faint, warm breath came to his ear, and Xu Liangchen subconsciously flinched away, but then he realised, a little dazedly, that he had lain down on the bed at some point and a thin blanket was covering him. Although his consciousness was still hazy, he could feel that he was being held in the arms of a patient who was sound asleep.
A sudden thought made him react slightly, and he immediately came to his senses. His face flushed, his body stiffened slightly, and he let out a cold breath. He hurriedly pressed down on his rapid heartbeat, held his breath, and gently lifted his hand up. Xu Liangchen was very careful, and tried to quietly pull away from the hand placed on his body.
Naturally, the arm resting on his waist showed no sign of letting go, but instead seemed to tighten a little more with her movements.
Xu Liangchen’s breathing stopped, and her hand moved away in shock like a frightened rabbit. Her face burned with heat. Then her body stiffened, and she couldn’t help but look up at someone.
What met her eyes were thin lips slightly curled, slightly flaring nostrils, and then closed dark eyes… It was the usual appearance of that person. Xu Liangchen repeatedly confirmed that he was indeed still asleep before she felt slightly relieved… She let out a long breath, but dared not move. Soon after closing her eyes, a wave of drowsiness hit her, and she fell asleep again.
Unconsciously, she leaned into someone’s arms, feeling that she had found a more comfortable position, and fell asleep with her head tilted to the side…
The rain gradually subsided, and the fine rain drifted through the window, making a rhythmic ‘s沙沙’ sound. The dark room was warm and quiet, the best kind of sleep you can get on a rainy day.
Time passed silently. Although it was cloudy and rainy, and it was difficult to distinguish between day and night, the darkening sky and the dim lights that gradually came on in the light rain were all signs that night had fallen, and that the people in the house had slept the whole day through.
The door frame reflected the helpless smile of Duan Qiping and the low, contented sigh of Luo Hongwen.
There was not a sound in the house. Were these two people not hungry?
Duan Qiping waved his hand to leave, and Luo Hongwen lingered for a long time before finally knocking softly on the door and asking in a low voice, ‘Young Madam? The young master should take his medicine…’
Inside, there was complete silence.
Luo Hongwen waited for a while longer, looked at the nurse who had been waiting there for half a day, and then, somewhat helpless but undaunted, knocked on the door again: ‘Young Master…Young Madam?’
After a short while, Duan Yijie’s low voice came: ‘…bring it in.’
Luo Hongwen was taken aback, but he nodded and took the tray with the medicine and water from the nurse’s hands. He whispered to the nurse to go and get the warm Chinese medicine and went in himself.
‘This is the Western medicine prescribed by Dr. Hu, and the Chinese medicine is already warm…’ Luo Hongwen walked to the side of the bed, and with the light streaming in from the window, he handed over the medicine while whispering, and took a cautious glance at the bed.
Duan Yijie nodded in agreement, gently sat up, took the medicine and water, and passed them over. Someone on the bed was sleeping soundly, and because of the slight movement in the room, they even rolled over… The young master’s face had no expression, but his eyes were adoring. Not only did he find time to warningly glare at himself, but he also pulled the blankets for someone.
Luo Hongwen looked at Duan Yijie with some helplessness and grievance. It was dark in the room, and I was only able to see a little of your face with the meagre light coming in from the window. Big Brother, you don’t need to be so nervous, do you?
Duan Yijie tilted his head to swallow the pill, handed the glass back to Luo Hongwen, and asked lightly, ‘Anything else?’
‘The launch equipment is installed, and Secretary Liang asked if you want to…,’ Luo Hongwen whispered, looking at his face.
Duan Yijie frowned slightly and looked at him: “Well, I know.” He didn’t give a concrete answer as to whether or not it would be broadcast. Luo Hongwen didn’t ask again. After a while, the young master would have to drink his least favorite Chinese medicine, so he would solve this problem first and then talk about anything else… Hopefully, with this young lady at his side, the boss wouldn’t be so difficult this time…
Xu Liangchen was finally awakened by the noise. He opened his eyes. At first, everything was blurry, then he saw the dim light. Gradually, his surroundings became clearer. He turned his head slightly and saw a pair of bright black eyes.
Duan Yijie’s lips curled slightly, and a shadow of a smile of affection appeared at the corner of his mouth. He reached out and straightened the hair on her forehead. ‘Why are you here? How could it be you? You must be exhausted…’
She subconsciously tried to push his hand away, but felt the burning heat from it, which spread to her face…
Their hands met, and before she could push him away, she was suddenly embraced in someone’s arms, so tightly that it felt as if they were trying to rub her into their bodies. A low voice passed by her ear, breathing in wet heat, hurried, joyous, and with an indistinct hoarseness: ‘…Liangchen, I’ve missed you… This time it’s for real…’
The joy and satisfaction in his words made Xu Liangchen catch his breath, but his hands could no longer muster the strength to push away. Duan Yijie gently rubbed the small hands in his palms. He felt that the bitterness of longing, which was comparable to several years of suffering, the aches in his body, the headache and dizziness, and the mental and physical exhaustion, had all been transformed into nothingness in this small action and snuggling.
‘Liangchen, Liangchen…‘ Duan Yijie whispered, and Xu Liangchen’s face flushed. She couldn’t help but bury her body deep in his arms, afraid to, and unable to, look up.
’Liangchen, have you missed me?’ Hearing him ask, Xu Liangchen couldn’t help but glance at him slightly, only to see someone smiling with eyes that wouldn’t blink as they gazed at her.
‘…’ She swallowed, his smile made her breathless, and Xu Liangchen hurriedly looked away, unable to say a word…
He looked down slightly and saw that the woman in his arms was disheveled, and a button on her military uniform had come undone at some point, faintly revealing the plain sash around her chest. Although he had not personally experienced it, Duan Yijie could guess what it was. His eyes darkened, and he swallowed, looking up and seeing that someone’s eyes were bloodshot, their long hair messy, their sleeping face flushed, an attractive look of confusion after waking up…
Is this person deliberately trying to cause me trouble? The hand on his back continued to press harder, and then, as if he was being seduced, his head dipped slightly…
In an instant, their lips met, and his unique breath came through his nose.
His heart beat so hard it felt like it would jump out of his chest. Was it pain? Was it sweet? Was it longing? Duan Yijie felt only a sour sense of satisfaction in his heart, and a dreamlike numbness around his lips…
This was the most tender kiss since they met. It was as if it was just a sigh lingering on the lips, as if it was just a chance encounter in a dream, misty and shallow, like a dream and like smoke… As he kissed the slightly dry lips so gently and affectionately, Xu Liangchen felt his soul tremble in the haze…
Half asleep, she couldn’t help being aroused by his lips and tongue. Unconsciously, her cheeks burned, her heart beat like a surging river, about to break through the embankment.
Xu Liangchen felt as if even her breathing had stopped, and all that was left in her nose and mouth was his cool breath, tenderly attached to her. Until he reluctantly moved his lips away, her eyes were still confused and shocked. She could no longer look at him, her whole body like a burning ember, about to burn herself out.
It was completely dark, and a ray of light shone through the window, like a dream. Xu Liangchen, limp in someone’s arms, still held onto the lapel of his shirt with her small hands, her eyes closed as she breathed heavily, her mind a blank…
Someone chose this moment to whisper: ‘Just… you really came… are Grandma and the others okay?’
Someone’s mind was a blur, and when he heard the words ‘Grandma is fine,’ he answered without thinking, ‘Yes.’
‘…Qi Ping is here too, right?‘ Someone continued to nag.
Qi Ping? Xu Liangchen nodded again, confused: “Hmm.”
’You’ve been tired lately, are you still sleepy?‘ Someone transformed from a cold-faced grey wolf into a little grey rabbit, tender and indulgent.
Sleepy, really sleepy, I didn’t feel anything when I insisted on staying up, but once I fell asleep, I didn’t want to get up again… Someone nodded again.
’…’ “Are you ready?” Someone continued to ask what seemed like an idiot question.
Ready? Broadcast… It’s all been translated… Someone’s mind didn’t react at all, still thinking about pure work, and then continued to obediently nod, ‘Yes.’
‘Really?’ A certain rabbit was excited, almost revealing its wolf’s tail. The hot breath was sprayed on the side of her ear, and she was startled and trembled. Gradually, she calmed her breathing and regained her consciousness. Xu Liangchen, who was confused, went over what had just been said in her head again. In the haze, she felt that there seemed to be something wrong, and she couldn’t help but open her eyes.
After adjusting to the indoor light and seeing the situation between the two, Xu Liangchen suddenly blushed even her ears. She avoided the burning gaze in those dark eyes, her face burning. She hastily closed her eyes, not looking at the shadow of a smile on his lips.
‘What’s wrong? Are you still sleeping?’ Duan Yijie asked softly in her ear.
‘…‘ Xu Liangchen’s face turned even redder, and after a long while, she closed her eyes and sheepishly whispered, “……. I……I accidentally fell asleep……I should get up……”
’It’s already night, so if you’re sleepy, just keep sleeping…’ Duan Yijie grabbed her hand as she pushed him away, and said half-jokingly and half-truthfully.
Xu Liangchen wanted to insist, but then there was a low knock on the door: “Young Madam, the eldest young master’s medicine is ready.” It was Luo Hongwen’s voice.
Xu Liangchen had never been so conflicted by this voice: she thanked him for saving her, but in her current state, how could she face anyone? …When Luo Hongwen called a second time, she had to steel herself and softly answered, pushing aside someone’s overbearing arm, getting up, fixing her somewhat messy hair, pulling on her crumpled clothes, calming her irregular heartbeat and breathing. Only then did Xu Liangchen slowly walk over and open the door to her room
Luo Hongwen stood in front of the door holding a steaming, dark-coloured cup of Chinese medicine. When he saw Xu Liangchen open the door and come out, he flashed a smile and said, ‘Excuse me, madam, this is the medicine…’
Xu Liangchen did not dare to look at him, and with a low brow she nodded and took it in her hands. Luo Hongwen raised his eyebrows slightly and glanced around the room. As he turned around, he added in a low voice that Xu Liangchen could barely hear, ‘It’s just that… when I was young, I drank too much Chinese medicine, and the young master hates drinking it…’
Xu Liangchen paused for a moment, then quickly understood. Madam Duan had said that the young master had been unwell as a child, and had been seriously ill. I think he drank more medicine than food at that time, and got scared of it… Thinking about this, he glanced back at Luo Hongwen, who had hurriedly left… Why is this guy running so fast? It must be that someone was scared of drinking medicine at that time… So he threw it to himself? Xu Liangchen smiled helplessly. Is this relief for his adjutant?
He can’t just stand there at the door all night. Xu Liangchen had no choice but to slowly turn around with the cup in his hand, go back inside, feel for the oil lamp and light it, and walk to the bed with a stiff upper lip, and hand the cup to a certain gentleman leaning half-reclined against the bedside. ‘…You, drink the medicine…!’
Duan Yijie raised his eyebrows and looked at her, then looked at the large cup of dark liquid and frowned.
The smell of the medicine made him nauseous.
Seeing his helpless expression, Xu Liangchen, although somewhat contemptuous in her heart, had no choice but to be patient and coax him, even though she resented Luo Hongwen for giving her the task. ‘It’s got sugar in it, so it’s not bitter.’
Really? Duan Yijie looked up at her, very sceptical. Xu Liangchen was at her wits’ end, so she took the cup and took a small sip, trying to set an example, but…
It’s so bitter… Frowning, Xu Liangchen hurriedly adjusted his expression sideways, gritted his teeth, and very seriously coaxed someone, ‘It’s really not bitter!’
Duan Yijie carefully took the cup, took a small sip, and while moving the cup away, glared at Xu Liangchen with a bitter face and accused, ‘It’s even more bitter than the past few days, and you actually said it wasn’t bitter!…’ As he said this, he coughed straight away, annoyed by the bitter taste.
… I know it’s not good to lie, but… you have to drink the medicine… Xu Liangchen lowered his head at the medicine he was being made to take, secretly thinking to himself that such a big man was actually afraid of taking medicine…
‘You tell them to get some honey…’ Duan Yijie took the opportunity to put the cup aside and said in a serious tone.
‘You should drink the medicine first…’ Xu Liangchen handed him the cup again, actually playing tricks to avoid taking the medicine.
Duan Yijie took the cup with a pout, looked at the dark-coloured medicine, and looked up at her… Xu Liangchen had to grit her teeth and continue to persuade him: ‘It’s still warm, drink it quickly, and you’ll get better…’ It’ll be even harder to drink if it gets cold…
Duan Yijie frowned, stared at her, and then said, suddenly in a pouty voice, ‘If I drink the medicine, you promised, so you can’t go back on your word…’
What did you promise? Xu Liangchen blinked, wondering if she could detect a hint of a fox in the frown on someone’s brow… Before she could figure it out, Duan Yijie said resolutely, ‘Remember, I’ll drink it!’
He frowned, held his breath, closed his eyes, and lifted the cup like a brave man breaking his wrist, and began to pour it into his mouth. Watching his nervous appearance, he didn’t dare to breathe, and gulped it down… The cup quickly reached the bottom, and Duan Yijie raised his hand to cover his bitter-looking face… Unless he had to find a reason to beat up this military doctor, the medicine became more and more bitter as he drank it, and tears came out. Isn’t this embarrassing for Lao Tzu…
The cold-faced young master’s appearance as he drank the medicine made Xu Liangchen stare in amazement, enjoying the spectacle. For a moment, he forgot to think about the conditions the big bad wolf had laid down…
I remember… What do you remember…
| Yan Yan. Hand-typed, please indicate the source|www.txt99.com

Chapter 71
What did he remember? Xu Liangchen was of course confused. She watched as someone with a long face finished the medicine in the cup. She felt that she had completed her task, so she put the cup on the tray and wanted to take it out. However, the person with the long face suddenly put an arm around her waist… Xu Liangchen’s smooth movements came to a halt, the cup on the tray tilted, and it almost fell to the ground. She was so flustered that she didn’t bother to push away his furry hand. After finally stabilising the tray, Xu Liangchen turned her head and gave him a shameful, angry glare: ‘What are you doing? You almost knocked over the cup…’
‘I feel dizzy, can you help me to the bathroom for a moment?’ Duan Yijie said innocently and matter-of-factly, without noticing the piercing gaze fixed on him.
Xu Liangchen was furious. Although she didn’t know if the man was telling the truth, she had no choice but to put down what she was doing and very unnaturally helped Duan Yijie out of bed.
Perhaps he really was feeling unwell, as Duan Yijie’s feet were unsteady and he staggered to and fro, causing her to have to use her full strength to support him. When they returned from the bathroom, she was already panting after just twenty short steps. Glancing at the tall and straight ‘pillar’ beside her, Xu Liangchen couldn’t help but secretly purse her lips in resignation: ‘Growing up to such a large size, but you actually have no stamina…’
Before he could finish speaking, he felt his body lurch, and Duan Yijie looked down, his eyes full of curiosity and disbelief. For a moment, he seemed to be choking on his own saliva, and coughed softly, asking gently, ‘Liangchen, what did you say…who has no stamina?’
When did this person start stuttering? Xu Liangchen felt the weight of his body on her lessen slightly, his dark eyes sparkling. He paused in his footsteps, suddenly feeling a foreboding that he had said the wrong thing. He hurriedly covered it up by lowering his head and whispering, ‘You…you’d better go lie down on the bed…’
Before she could finish her sentence, it was as if the world had turned upside down. A low scream brought her back to reality, and she found that she had already been carried onto Duan Yijie’s shoulders. Xu Liangchen was shocked and didn’t know how to react for a moment.
The bed was right in front of them, and Duan Yijie put her on the bed. The two of them looked at each other, and Xu Liangchen froze there, unable to move. His hand supported her side, and his sword-brow slightly raised as he said half-truthfully, ‘There are some things that you can’t say to a man. Liangchen knows that, right?’
His body slowly leaned down, and his hot breath entwined around her ear: ‘…Do you want to try how weak my stamina is?…’ Xu Liangchen’s face flushed, and she turned her face away and tried to break free.
Duan Yijie looked at her with a smile, but unexpectedly, he did not make things difficult for her anymore. He only gave her a gentle kiss on the forehead and let her go. He rolled over and lay on his back, stretching out his long arms and legs. He sighed quite comfortably, ‘It’s been a long time since I’ve been able to sleep so peacefully…’
For a long time? It’s true, the Minjiang River is flooding, and the dam is in danger. I guess this person hasn’t had an easy life either. Xu Liangchen thought to himself while hastily avoiding the long arm that was about to press down on him. Seeing that he was rarely relaxed, some words were on the tip of his tongue but he couldn’t scold him. His eyes were full of light, but he was unwilling to let go of someone.
Duan Yijie’s heart fluttered when he saw this, and he was about to make a move when there was a gentle knock on the door. Xu Liangchen took the opportunity to roll over and get off the ground, hurrying to open the door. Tonight, this cold-faced young master had gone crazy due to a fake illness, leaving her a little flustered and at a loss.
Standing outside the door was Duan Qiping. Upon seeing Xu Liangchen, her smiling eyes quickly looked up and down twice, and she whispered, ‘How is Big Brother? Is he still running a fever? Team Leader Liang asked me to take the manuscript to him. After reading it, he wants it first thing in the morning.’
Duan Yijie…still have a fever? Xu Liangchen didn’t know how to answer. That annoying guy was always messing things up, and he never got a chance…In fact, he didn’t even think about trying to find out if he still had a fever…His face turned red, and he nodded vaguely, ‘Um…ok, I’ll bring you the manuscript…’
With that, he turned around, went back inside, got the manuscript, and handed it to Duan Qiping: ‘Why don’t…I go with you, and if there’s anything that needs to be changed, I can just do it on the way.’
Duan Qiping smiled knowingly and shook her head: ‘No, come back when your brother has no fever.’ She didn’t even know if the man had a fever or not? Qiping looked at her with a little smile. What exactly had her sister-in-law been doing in the room just now, and how had she been tending to the patient…it was really curious.
The two of them chatted for a while at the door about the group’s arrangements. After Duan Qiping left, Xu Liangchen returned to the room. The room was quiet in the light, and Duan Yijie seemed to have fallen asleep again. It seems that he is really exhausted… Xu Liangchen looked at the man in the bed with closed eyes with mixed emotions. The room was a little stuffy, and a thin bead of sweat had appeared on the corner of his forehead.
Thinking about what Qi Ping had just asked, Xu Liangchen tentatively walked over, raised his hand, and with a slight tremor, gently placed it on Duan Yijie’s forehead. But who knew that his palms were so sweaty that he could not tell whether they were hot or not. He retracted his hands, wiped them again and again, and tried twice more, all to no avail. Xu Liangchen frowned in distress, thought hard, and with some hesitation and embarrassment, went over to the bed and sat down. After half a day of making up his mind, he hesitantly lowered his forehead and pressed it against the forehead of someone in bed… This was the only thing she could think of. When she had a fever before, her grandmother and eldest sister always used this method, so it should work, right?
The moment their skin touched, the man’s strong, burning breath came towards her, and Xu Liangchen blushed uncontrollably. She tried hard to calm herself and frown to check. After a while, she sat up straight and slightly frowned, her heart relaxing. It seems that this really is a good remedy for a bitter taste. After trying it, Duan Yijie actually didn’t feel much fever, and his temperature was only slightly higher than her own…
Duan Yijie, lying on the bed with his eyes slightly open and closed, looked at the woman who was lost in thought by the bedside. His lips curved slightly, and he smiled joyfully in his heart. He never expected the beauty to have pressed her forehead against his to check his temperature. It seems that she is gradually accepting of him. It was indeed a wise move not to force her on the wedding night.
A smile did not appear on his face, but Duan Yijie habitually frowned slightly with a pang in his heart. Just now, the two of them had their foreheads touching, and the closer he looked, the clearer he could see. The long eyelashes of his beloved cast a shadow, which was even more obvious against her fair, jade-like skin. She hadn’t had a proper rest for who knows how long, and she had grown so thin.
I have already sent someone downstream to modify the river course, hoping that the water level of the Minjiang River will drop soon. If the weather improves and there are no more torrential rains, the elimination of floods will be just around the corner. Then I can accompany her in this beautiful place with beautiful mountains and rivers, and spend a few days of the floating life as a happy couple.
Thinking that he no longer had a high fever, Xu Liangchen quietly stepped out of the house. Luo Hongwen came up from afar. Xu Liangchen briefly told him about Duan Yijie’s condition and then returned to the residence – he would never be careless again. If he fell asleep like that just now, where would he find the face to face Duan Yijie in the future? But what about tomorrow’s work if he just stayed with him like this?
Qi Ping had not yet returned, and she did not ask the guard outside the door. She fetched water, washed again, and tired, lay down on the bed… It was already late at night, and she still had to work tomorrow. She didn’t know if her voice would hold out… Thanks to the fact that she had slept there shamelessly,
She slept so soundly that she didn’t know when Duan Qiping had returned. It was only when the soldiers’ drill call woke her up in the bright light of day that she hurriedly finished washing and drinking. The guard then brought breakfast and woke up Duan Qiping, who was still asleep. After they had finished eating briefly, Liang Yuwen already sent someone to wake them up.
Walking into the east courtyard, which was used as a broadcasting studio, Jiang Jingwu stood in the courtyard and greeted the two of them with a slight smile. His face was a little haggard, and black stubble had appeared under his chin. Xu Liangchen couldn’t help but think of the man’s face from last night sliding past his ear, the hard, prickly sensation under his chin… His face flushed slightly, and he avoided Jiang Jingwu’s complicated gaze.
Her actions made Jiang Jingwu’s heart ache. Once upon a time, the two of them were so close as children, but when did they become so awkward and unfamiliar with each other? Last night, he had led the men to erect the cable near the dam, but he had inadvertently witnessed such a scene… She was standing on the dam, looking across at the man, as if they were the weaver girl and cowherd by the Milky Way, without the magpie bridge… His heart ached, and he was puzzled. That man was the young commander of the military government, but he had left her behind to join the ordinary soldiers in disaster relief… Did he like her or did he simply not care…
The male announcer in charge of Chinese news in the room had finished broadcasting, and Xu Liangchen walked in and began to broadcast foreign news. This was the first time the military government had broadcast to the outside world, and the target audience was the press corps that had already arrived in the disaster area and the supervision staff of the Huayang Disaster Relief Association for the use of disaster relief funds.
As usual, Xu Liangchen’s voice was clear and full of emotion. Listening to her sadly describe the situation in the disaster area and logically and convincingly talk about the military government’s disaster relief arrangements and implementation, and the soldiers and officers working day and night to protect the Minjiang Dam… Jiang Jingwu suddenly realised that her heart was so calm yet so agitated. She wasn’t sad or sentimental about her own personal situation at all; her heart was filled with sorrow and joy for the people in the disaster area… Could it be that she really hadn’t understood her?
Due to equipment and other constraints, the daily broadcast only lasted two hours. After all the work was done, Xu Liangchen came out of the broadcast room, only to find Duan Qiping anxiously pacing outside. Thinking that there was a problem with the broadcast, he asked what was wrong, and was told that another flood wave was approaching the Minjiang River. Duan Yijie led the team up there, and Jiang Jingwu rushed over despite her advice.
Even though he had some experience of rescue work, when he arrived at the dam, Duan Yijie felt a chill down his spine. This flood was even more dangerous than the previous ones… The water was surging upstream, and as far as the eye could see there was nothing but a vast expanse of water. The dam was in grave danger under the onslaught of the raging river. It was summer, but the wind was blowing fiercely, and it felt cold to the bone.
The conscripted civilian labourers on one side of the embankment went back and forth with the soldiers, carrying bamboo cages filled with stones or sandbags to block the water and protect the embankment. Everyone was in a heavy mood. The water level rose sharply after the flood peak passed, and the consequences would be unimaginable if the embankment broke.
Standing tall in front of the dam, Duan Yijie looked up at the sky, his eyebrows knitted in a stern expression. He looked at the young faces around him and said solemnly, ‘The Minjiang is the mother river of our southern land. If the dam collapses, millions of lives will be in danger. Life is finite, but if we can fight against the Dragon King, it will not be in vain! Brothers, follow me!’ Luo Hongwen let out a low cry, reaching out to stop them, but was swept aside by Duan Yijie.
Life is short. Watching the rich Minjiang Plain be destroyed in an instant is not something Duan Yijie can do. Liangchen, I like you, but life cannot be wasted. If I cannot fulfil my lifelong wish, I will always regret it. Liangchen, if things don’t work out, please forgive me. I had no choice… The soldiers responded with a shout and leapt into the river, forming a bloody dam to stem the raging waters.
The river wind whipped up the waves, which crashed against the shore. Jiang Jingwu, who had followed, looked at Duan Yijie’s cold figure. The river water washed over his strong arms, running through his hair over his tightly knit eyebrows and high nose bridge. The silhouette against the light and shadow was like that of a knife or axe, stern, sharp and resolute like a mountain.
Since the warlord chaos, the lives and deaths of the domestic population have been in the hands of those in power with guns. And the powerful play with power and politics, all for their own selfish ends. No matter what the purpose of the Duan father and son, they can value people’s livelihood, and they are willing to borrow from loan sharks and even send soldiers to protect the dikes during disaster relief. This young general also leads by example, so how could Jiang Jingwu remain indifferent?
Carrying a sandbag, Jiang Jingwu also rushed into the crowd. After going back and forth countless times, he gasped for breath and threw a sandbag with all his strength. Unexpectedly, the muddy water was soft and he slipped under it, and he immediately fell in. Fortunately, Jiang Jingwu was an excellent swimmer, and he quickly calmed down and surfaced. However, the river was fast and furious, and for a while, he couldn’t find a place to hold on, and he was washed far away. No matter how calm Jiang Jingwu was, he couldn’t help but panic a little.
At that moment, an arm reached out and just managed to grab his left arm. A calm voice shouted, ‘Use your strength!’ Jiang Jingwu gave a strong kick with his legs and, with the help of the person’s pulling force, he managed to stabilise himself. The people around them all lent a hand, and the two stumbled back to the shore. Wiping the mud and water from his face, Jiang Jingwu could only see that the person who had reached out to him was actually Duan Yijie.
He gasped for breath, glared at him viciously, but didn’t say a word. After a while, he staggered back to his original position. Under the water, no one saw that when Duan Yijie was walking back, there was a sharp pain in the sole of his foot, as if an iron nail had been stuck in it… With his foot in pain, what kind of face would he put on to Jiang Jingwu?
In the end, Luo Hongwen, who was by his side, sensed something was wrong and asked Duan Yijie. Duan Yijie didn’t say a word, turned around and climbed onto a rock on the shore. Luo Hongwen let out a cry of alarm when he saw what had happened, and wanted to send someone to find the army doctor with the team. Duan Yijie grabbed him by the arm and said, ‘No need!’ He lowered his head and pulled the nail out with one hand.
Blood gushed out, and he frowned, tearing off a large piece of cloth from his sleeve and tying it firmly in a few movements. He turned around and rushed back into the water. Luo Hongwen’s eyes watered, and he followed suit and jumped in…
Xu Liangchen was stopped far away from the embankment. She stood quietly, her eyes deep. What kind of world is in the heart of this cold man? The river roared, life and death in an instant, and nothing seemed to be able to shake his resolve. His persistence in some things made people feel compelled to give in and even fear… In the face of this persistence, he is equally cold towards himself…
His upright figure is like a pine or cypress, with a strong and upright character… Xu Liangchen let out a soft sigh. In a poor and weak country, with a chaotic situation, there are still so many big and small things waiting to be done by ambitious people! If it weren’t for the awkward and strange relationship between the two, and if they could work together with such a person to exchange for a peaceful Shenzhou, what a blessing in this life!
Duan Qiping, who was standing behind them, looked at the surging river and the crowd battling with nature on the dam, her heart surging with emotion. ‘Life is so fragile in the face of natural and man-made disasters… To hold on to one’s ideals is perhaps a kind of bravery, but it gives meaning to our short lives…’ She didn’t know if she was talking about the people helping with the relief effort or herself, but Xu Liangchen heard her insistence that the truth of journalism is the truth. Her heart was unrepentant despite being on the wanted list several times.
In the evening, the water level finally began to slowly drop, and the signalmen from downstream also brought reassuring good news: several blocked tributaries had been dredged and water released. The weather was also right on the money, as Jiang Jingwu, who had a good nose, had predicted: the rain had stopped! The Minjiang Dam was saved.
By noon the next day, the long-awaited sun finally made a rare appearance. The soldiers, who were covered in bruises, began to take turns resting, and the mud-covered Duan Yijie limped back to his quarters.
His wounds were re-bandaged, and in the following few days, the superficial wounds healed quickly, but he kept having intermittent fevers. The military doctor prescribed a number of remedies, but none of them cured him, so he kept persuading Duan Yijie to go to the nearby Tangkeng to rest for a few days.
After much persuasion, the boss finally agreed. On this day, he was just about to arrange to go the next day when Luo Hongwen came to report that the press corps was about to arrive at the Yu River. Should he meet them or not?
In the past few days, Xu Liangchen has spent all his time apart from translating materials and broadcasting, looking after Duan Yijie. Looking at the ugly wound on his foot, he felt a little pain in his heart. In particular, after hearing from Luo Hongwen that the wound was caused by saving Jiang Jingwu, he felt an inexplicable emotion. He tolerated someone’s occasional ‘indiscretion’ with a good temper. Although the two still didn’t speak much, they got along much better than before.
When he heard that a group of reporters was coming, Xu Liangchen paused in his actions of tidying up the teacups. He glanced at Duan Yijie and continued with his work without saying a word. The group of reporters must have heard the recent broadcast. I wonder how they will react to my work… Duan Yijie looked at her without expression and said to Luo Hongwen, ‘In that case, let’s wait until after the group of reporters has been here.’
Luo Hongwen promised to make the arrangements, and Duan Yijie looked at Xu Liangchen nonchalantly. It seemed that she cared a lot about the fact that the press corps was coming. Was it because the American reporter was also among them? Of course she felt differently about Jiang Jingwu, but what about this American reporter? They had a common language, and they were also alumni and colleagues, so they could not be ignored…
Xu Liangchen didn’t care about his thoughtful gaze. Over the past few days, the cold-faced young master had often looked at her like this, as if trying to understand her better. She was already used to it. After tidying up the things at hand, she took them out of the room, not noticing that someone had frowned behind her and let out a quiet sigh.
The longer they spent time together, the more reluctant she became to part. That day, the soldiers rescued a little girl. She took the skinny child in her arms, fed her bite by bite, and when the little girl was full and shyly smiled with tears in her eyes, Liangchen also smiled. She smiled gently, her teeth were neat and white, and her eyes were like jewels, full of light and radiance. Seeing this, Duan Yijie’s heart swayed and it was difficult for him to hold himself back. The usually aloof person unexpectedly smiled from the bottom of her heart, and it was so bright and moving.
Duan Yijie exclaimed in his heart, ‘My, this girl is really beautiful when she smiles. That smile, like the sunrise and the blooming flowers, fills the garden with spring. Duan Yijie felt that it was hard to resist. Did she know that her smile was so beautiful? Had anyone ever told her? She must not have. Otherwise, she wouldn’t smile like that so occasionally.
Looking at Xu Liangchen, who was just opposite, Duan Yijie felt an inexplicable inexplicable fondness and indulgence in his heart, which slowly gathered into a desire to get her. He wanted to love her, to protect her, and to see her happy and bright smile every day.
In the past few days, he had seen a gradual habit and acceptance in Xu Liangchen’s eyes. Duan Yizha understood that she had slowly begun to integrate into his life and even his life, and that she no longer hated or was used to his presence. However, this acceptance was still a long, long way from the unity of the heart that Duan Yizha wanted.
He can’t let go anymore.
She is a woman with a strong sense of responsibility. For the daily broadcast of less than an hour, after she has translated it, she humbly hands it over to the other translators in the team for careful checking.
That day, when having lunch with Qi Ping, he kindly picked up the spicy shredded potatoes she liked, but she didn’t say anything and left them at the bottom of the bowl. At that time, I thought she didn’t like it, and Duan Yijie’s face turned dark. Still, Duan Qiping knew him very well and explained that his sister-in-law was extremely serious about her work. She heard that stimulating things were bad for the throat, so now she won’t even eat this… Whether it really stimulates the throat or not, this is a disaster area with a shortage of vegetables. This dish is often on the table. If she doesn’t eat this, what else is there to eat?
When translating the telegrams, she had the patience and ability to become the ‘bookkeeper’; when doing the broadcast, in just a short time, she once again became the much-praised ‘Southern Thrush’… Apart from the information provided by the headquarters, her broadcasts often included on-site reports written by herself, which were factual and objective, and full of emotion, and were liked by the officers, soldiers and civilians alike… When she occasionally went out these past few days, she would bump into the only few radios the headquarters had during broadcast time, and a crowd of people would gather around them, quietly listening.
She is a woman with great charisma. If there is someone like this to accompany and spend the years ahead together, no matter how difficult life is, it will be a rare blessing, so how can he let go?
The press corps arrived in the afternoon, and everything started off smoothly, following the usual routine: interviewing local people, learning about the distribution of disaster relief supplies, the resettlement of refugees, the emergency rescue of the dam, etc. The press conference was also held in a temporary hall arranged according to the requirements of the press corps.
The questions the journalists asked were very pointed, especially about the use of the disaster relief loan, so that the secretarial staff of the command headquarters spread out a stack of information, and the data were verified one by one. Later, the situation became a bit excessive, and the contribution of several Japanese journalists was highly questionable.
Xu Liangchen arrived late, and she and Duan Qiping stood in an inconspicuous corner at the back of the crowd. A Japanese reporter was passing around some unknown photos in front of several British and American reporters. The reporters whispered to each other, and after a while, it seemed that the crowd selected two reporters to ask questions.
A Japanese reporter looked contemptuously at the information brought out by the Secretariat and said, ‘Although it is said that according to the information, the disaster relief loan was indeed used for disaster relief, how can your army guarantee the authenticity of the information provided? I have heard that your country has had some bad habits since ancient times.’ He waved the photos in his hand and said, “I have some photos here. How do you explain them?”
Duan Yijie sat in the host seat. After listening to the Japanese translation, he frowned, stared coldly at the Japanese reporter, but did not say a word. He signalled Luo Hongwen to take over the photos, looked at them for a moment, then casually placed them on the table, and then signalled for another reporter to ask a question.
As soon as he spoke, Xu Liangchen was surprised to discover that this person was actually David!
While he was still in a state of surprise, David’s fluent Harvard accent could already be heard rising up from the crowd: ‘I’m sorry, but the loan comes from my country, so my people and government, along with I, would like to know even more about whether the use of the funds complies with the provisions of the contract.’
Although David’s words were not as unreasonable as the Japanese reporter’s, he was clearly also questioning the answer given by the Chinese side. After listening to this, Duan Yijie’s thin lips curled slightly, and he looked at David with an ambiguous meaning, but still did not speak.
The secretariat personnel sent by the First Group Army were not lacking in English and Japanese speakers, but they were all military personnel and did not have officials who were good at handling diplomatic affairs. Everyone had been working hard to provide disaster relief during this period, but here they were being contemptuously questioned about their integrity. Many of them immediately looked unhappy. The head of the secretariat looked at the silent Duan Yijie and, suppressing his anger, politely but briefly answered their questions: ‘Since our government has arranged for you to interview the disaster area on site, it shows that we have nowhere to hide. The current situation in the disaster area is right in front of you, so please trust your own eyes.’
Another Japanese reporter stood up.
‘Yes, I only believe my own eyes, but my eyes tell me that the facts may be different…’
It was downright deliberate provocation. The reporters from all sides began to argue again, expressing their doubts to each other in their respective languages. Xu Liangchen knew that the secretariat did not have suitable interpreters. If this went on, wouldn’t it be like talking about chickens and ducks, getting more and more confused as they spoke?
Anxious, she couldn’t help but take two steps forward. Duan Yijie’s gaze turned and he saw her, giving her a half-encouraging, half-affirming, deep look. His gaze inspired Xu Liangchen, and on impulse, she couldn’t help but say, ‘Excuse me, please allow me to interrupt.’
Everyone turned around at the sound and saw a young woman in a light grey cheongsam, dignified and graceful, walking through the gap made by the crowd. She was dressed plainly, in the usual everyday clothes of a woman from a well-off family in this area. The pale grey fabric had no floral pattern embroidered on it, but she had a dignified and noble air about her.
The crowd exchanged glances, whispering to those around them, not understanding. This was the disaster relief headquarters of the First Group Army of the military government, and although there were women here, there weren’t many of them. How could a woman be at this press conference? They were both puzzled and a little curious.
Dai Wei obviously didn’t expect to see Xu Liangchen here. He was so excited that he wanted to rush up to her, but when he saw Duan Yijie’s cold and indifferent gaze, he froze in his tracks, both in his movements and his surprise. At this point, some reporters had already recognised Xu Liangchen, and they began to whisper about her identity again. Why was the young wife of the Generalissimo here, and what was she doing here?
Xu Liangchen walked out with a composed manner, a faint smile barely visible on her lips. She took the stack of photos that Luo Hongwen quickly handed her, casually flipped through them, then stood still and looked expressionlessly at Duan Yijie, who kept his hands together and remained calm as usual. His eyebrows were slightly furrowed, but Xu Liangchen sensitively noticed that his expression had already relaxed somewhat. Luo Hongwen had also quietly walked out.
He looked up slightly and scanned the seated reporters. Xu Liangchen’s gaze paused for a moment on David’s face, and he nodded slightly. He then turned to the two Japanese reporters, gazing at them for a while, before turning back to David. In clear, perfect English, she said, ‘Mr David, I have no doubt that your views on my country and its people are based on a fair and objective foundation, because we have once shared a common position.’
David could not believe that Xu Liangchen had confronted him directly. For a moment, his thoughts were in turmoil and he could hardly make sense of the deeper meaning of her words. He just nodded in recognition of what she had said… The two had always been colleagues, and it was true that their stances on China were almost the same. Catherine was not wrong.
Xu Liangchen gave him a slight smile and continued, ‘As you all know, Southland has suffered severe flooding. In order to tide over the difficulties with the people to the greatest extent possible, the military government has not only used its limited finances, encouraged donations from all sectors of society, and proposed disaster relief loans to friendly countries,
What did the so-called allies do? Xu Liangchen unconsciously did the same thing as Xuan Yuejie, lightly curling his lips: ‘We are grateful to the US government for lending a helping hand. But…’ A pair of clear eyes swept over the faces in front of him like water: ‘The Chinese have always known that there is never a free lunch in the world. For the disaster relief loan, the military government paid an interest rate that was half of the normal bank loan rate!’
If it wasn’t an emergency, which government would be a fool for taking on such harsh conditions for a disaster relief loan? And the creditor, after charging a high interest rate, still doubts your character. What kind of humiliation is this?
Xu Liangchen waved the photo in his hand and continued, ‘Since the Opium War, China’s political system has been in decline. After that, warlords fought each other, and there was fighting everywhere. The armies in the hands of the gun belonged to different forces. There were those who bullied the people and those who did evil. I think it is completely understandable that you do not fully trust the Southern Army.’
The Japanese reporter’s face broke into a smug smile. Xu Liangchen gave him a cool look and then said decisively, ‘However, I can tell you from my own personal experience that this relief force here is trustworthy! A government that is willing to endure such conditions and propose a special disaster relief loan should not be doubted!’
She raised her eyebrows slightly and glanced at Luo Hongwen, who had just walked in. Luo Hongwen nodded slightly, and Xu Liangchen continued, ‘Please turn around. In the courtyard are a group of ordinary soldiers who participated in the flood rescue. The scars on their bodies, not a single one from the battlefield of gunfire…’
The crowd turned around as they were told, and Xu Liangchen was also taken aback when the door opened. He had originally thought there would only be a few dozen people, but who knew that the courtyard was actually filled with young Southern Army soldiers. Some of them had taken off their military uniforms, while others had rolled up their trousers. Their bare skin, whether brown or white, fat or thin, was covered in scars of varying depths and shades. Some of the scars were from being cut by tree branches while saving people, while others were from being stabbed by stones while carrying sandbags… Xu Liangchen couldn’t help but look at Duan Yijie, who had stood up and solemnly saluted his soldiers. Only then did he understand why he had insisted on continuing despite his injured foot… Most of his soldiers were like him!
Echoing the salute of the regiment commander, the soldiers, who were not in perfect military order but undiminished in their momentum, returned the salute in unison. For a moment, there was silence in the large hall. It was rare to see Chinese troops participating in disaster relief, and even rarer to see those who had been injured in the process. The journalists from various countries looked at the scene before them as if they could hardly believe their eyes.
Xu Liangchen calmed his fluctuating emotions a little and continued, ‘These are some of the soldiers from the Southern Army participating in disaster relief. There are many more just like them. If you wish, you can continue watching! If you still have any questions, look behind you. He is the commander of the First Army Corps, and he has the same wounds!”
Duan Yijie didn’t expect Xu Liangchen to suddenly turn the conversation to herself. He looked at her in surprise, but saw that Xu Liangchen’s expression was solemn, and her eyes were slightly red. The crowd was even more surprised. No one could imagine that the young commander of the mighty Southern Army government would personally participate in disaster relief. How was this possible?
In the silence, Xu Liangchen pointed to the window with a slightly lowered and husky voice tinged with an unnoticeable sob: ‘…If you still don’t believe me, look at the forest next to the Minjiang Dam. There are more than ten new graves there, and his name is engraved on the cold stone tablet… They are Chinese soldiers who lost their lives in the rescue. Some of them had families in the far north, some had just married their new wives, and some had old mothers with white hair… Each of these vibrant lives has been reduced to cold dust, without the laughter of the past, without expression or words, simply because they were Chinese soldiers, and this is their country and their compatriots!
Looking at the upright figures in the courtyard, Xu Liangchen paused for a moment, let out a long sigh, and then her gaze slowly slid over the various faces in front of her. ‘Who has the right to doubt that disaster relief is futile, when looking at them? That the data is fabricated?…’
Feeling a little emotional, she paused again, then said softly with emotion:
“Mum, don’t cry.
Natural and man-made disasters are a scourge on the Holy Spirit. No one’s weak body can protect us.
As long as you’re alive, it’s heaven’s blessing on us.
Because of you, every year on Qingming Festival, we’ll have an extra shovel of soil on our graves.
Mum, don’t cry. In heaven, we’ll help each other.
We’re no longer in pain.
The storm came so suddenly, there was nothing to protect us, just our bodies;
we can’t walk with you on the road ahead,
we are so worried that you will grieve and cry, we so long for you to be happy…’
This is a poem that Xu Liangchen often recited during broadcasts. Many people, including many reporters, remember it clearly, and the soldiers have been reciting it for a long time. Xu Liangchen whispered, recited, and recited in different languages with deep feeling… When reading in English, David couldn’t help but follow along; the Reuters reporter followed, and more and more people followed… Different languages did not prevent people from expressing their same feelings…
Several Japanese reporters couldn’t believe what was happening. After looking at each other in disbelief, they looked around quietly. The soldiers and their compatriots, with reddened eyes, read out their remembrances of their comrades-in-arms and their blessings to their mothers and their motherland like an oath. The young young commander stood straight and tall, saluting solemnly. The reporters were completely moved. Some of the photos they had been distributing had already been discarded on the ground, and a few muddy feet had trampled on them wantonly.
In the distance, Duan Qiping looked at his young and beautiful sister-in-law with red eyes, admiring her. What a touching scene! What a well-reasoned and sharp rebuttal! She is worthy of being the one dear to her brother’s heart. This patriotic love and love for compatriots is touching!
Jiang Jingwu watched his childhood sweetheart with unblinking dark eyes. They had grown up together since childhood, and he thought he knew her best, but did he really understand her at all? Was this the quiet and demure Xiaochen? Was this the Xiaochen he thought he loved, the one he thought he could give a warm home to and who would make a good mother and wife? …It turns out that the sky in her heart is so high and far, and her embrace is so generous. There is not only a home there, but also a country… Did he really miss it? …
Dai Wei opened his eyes wide and watched the charming figure in front of him, who was so close, without moving. Catherine had always been the embodiment of beauty and kindness in his heart, representing the mysterious charm of the East. Today, she once again made him fall in love and sink…
Encouraging her to go up, Duan Yijie had originally only been impressed by her genius foreign language skills… His own staff’s language was unable to cope with these reporters, who seemed to have come prepared and with ulterior motives. Who knew that Xu Liangchen would make a stunning debut, speaking with dignity and righteousness, with passion and reason, and touching the depths of the heart. His burning gaze gazed unabashedly at his beloved, this is the wife I, Duan Yijie, will have! With a heart for the country and boundless love; never servile or subservient, standing tall and upright!
The voice was so familiar that many reporters had already understood that this woman was the recent broadcaster on government radio. Such a noble and beautiful young woman, for the sake of disaster relief, went to the disaster area during her honeymoon. Can this not show the sincerity and determination of the Southern Military Government in disaster relief?
Furthermore, judging from the entire loan application process and operation, it still shows the efficiency of a modern country. The institutional relationship between the constitutional government and the parliament of the Southern Military Government meant that the possibility of a ‘black box’ operation in the loan application was extremely low. Now the military government has specially set up a radio station to continuously broadcast the progress of the disaster relief on site, and with the timely reports from the reporters, it has demonstrated a considerable degree of transparency and the role of public opinion supervision. After that scene, the journalists from various countries had already been emotionally swayed towards the military government, so no matter how much lobbying the Japanese journalists did in private afterwards, it no longer had any effect. A few Japanese journalists with ulterior motives had no choice but to slink away and keep quiet.
The interviews conducted by the press corps, with Xu Liangchen’s participation, had garnered the greatest support for the military government. For a time, newspapers from various countries successively reported positively on the floods in southern China and the government’s relief efforts, garnering the greatest external support and assistance for the people in the affected areas.
Duan Yijie could finally rest assured and take his beloved to Tangkeng for a few days of respite.
Tangkeng is a famous scenic spot in the Minjiang Plain. The entire canyon is nearly two kilometres long, densely covered in jungle, with rushing waterfalls and rapids. It is known as the ‘Eighteen Falls of the Sky’, with countless clear pools. The terrain is extraordinarily beautiful, and it is the oldest hot spring area in the south.
Tangkeng Hot Spring is famous for its hot springs, which have been gushing for thousands of years. According to the local geographical records, ‘Tangkeng Hot Spring is 60 li southwest of Minjiang River. The spring flows from a stone whale, its colour is green, its heat is like that of boiling water, and bathing in it can cure stubborn diseases.’ The villagers settled around the spring and formed Tangkeng. Later, Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty visited Tangquan Pool during his southern inspection tour, and personally inscribed the two characters ‘Tangkeng’ with his imperial pen and erected a stele to commemorate the event.
Since the late Qing Dynasty, many celebrities and missionaries from various Western countries have built villas in Tangkeng as holiday homes. The military government also had a sanatorium here, but it was not the private property of the general’s mansion. As the wife of the regiment commander, Xu Liangchen could not refuse to accompany someone who had a low-grade fever to the sanatorium called Bantangju, as the military doctor had naturally done.
The sanatorium is built on the hillside of Shigu Mountain. The mountains are green, the water is clear, the scenery is beautiful, the buildings are quaint, and in the back, the two waterfalls of Heilongtan and Xiangshuitan plummet from a height of 100 metres, making three bends on the way down, with a sound like drums being beaten, hence the name. The name ‘Bantang’ comes from the fact that the hot springs here are a mixture of hot and cold springs. They are clear and bright, and can be bathed in or drunk.
After driving for nearly an hour, the car slowly climbed up the mountainside. The afterglow of the setting sun shone on the mountain peaks, and the dark green pines cast a few golden rays, making the Half-Hot Spring Resort seem like a paradise.
A member of staff greeted them and the car drove straight in, stopping only when it reached a small two-storey building with a gabled roof at the back. The two of them walked up to it, and Luo Hongwen and the driver brought up their simple luggage. Duan Yijie went into the bathroom, and Xu Liangchen stood by the window. He saw steam rising from the back of the building, and a pool of hot spring water the colour of jade, and couldn’t help but take a second look.
“Tired, are you? Do you want to rest for a while?’ Duan Yijie came out of the bathroom, took off his military cap, and grinned as he said, ‘Dr. Hu is making a big deal out of nothing. What’s the big deal about a low-grade fever? It’ll naturally go away in a few days… Since you’re here, you’ll stay with me for a couple of days. You’ve been tired lately…’
It seemed that she was a little reluctant, so Duan Yijie started off with a big topic and apologised tactfully, which made Xu Liangchen not know what to say, so she just smiled faintly and didn’t say anything. What’s the point of saying all this when you’re already here? What made her uneasy was that no matter how she tried to persuade him, Duan Qiping resolutely refused, saying that he would not accompany them here, leaving Xu Liangchen very depressed…In this kind of environment, if it’s just the cold-faced young master and a few guards with him, and they have to keep eye contact all day, it’s very uncomfortable.
Just now, for example, there was silence in the room, and all you could hear was the chirping of birds outside the window. How could she bear to be in the presence of that man with his burning dark eyes? Xu Liangchen grabbed a shirt with some trepidation and hid in the bathroom.
When she came out, distracted, it was already getting dark, and Luo Hongwen was bringing someone up to serve dinner. Duan Yijie smiled and pointed across the room: ‘Let’s eat first, and then go for a nice bubble bath afterwards.’
Xu Liangchen gave him a glance, said nothing, and sat down across from him, a little hesitantly. She had just finished bathing, her cheeks were flushed, and she seemed a little uneasy. Her cute, little girl-like appearance made Duan Yijie dizzy, and he couldn’t help but smile. He thought to himself, let’s just do this, let’s just make up our minds not to let you leave again. Life is short, and there are many changes. This time it’s a flood, and next time I don’t know what it will be. I’ll feel better if you eat it first and then calm down.
The two of them ate dinner in silence, each with their own thoughts. The dishes were cleared away. The two of them brushed their teeth and gargled, then took a shower. After that, Duan Yijie leaned back on the bed, while Xu Liangchen leaned against the bamboo bench by the window and rested quietly for a while. When he opened his eyes again, the night sky outside the window was already quiet, with stars that were gradually brightening up, piling up and shining brilliantly like summer flowers, low and bright, as if they were right above their heads, within reach.
It was a beautiful night sky that I had never seen before. I was so mesmerised that I didn’t notice the lights come on, and then Duan Yijie’s deep voice sounded behind me: ‘This is my favourite night. Let’s go out and look at the stars together…’
How could the cold-faced young master do such a romantic thing? Xu Liangchen was momentarily stunned, and couldn’t help but look up at him. In the light of the night, those eyes were like stars twinkling. Due to the light sleep he had just had, a blush spread across his face… Duan Yijie was in a daze and once again thought of the peach, the skin of which was so thin that it would break if you squeezed it, so you could only suck it with your mouth. It was very sweet… Duan Yijie swallowed with difficulty.
After holding back for a long time, he gave a light smile, his eyes sparkling, his smile innocent and pure: ‘You don’t need to be 100 feet tall to pick the stars by hand here. Let’s go, Yanzhou doesn’t have a starry sky like this.’
His words were gentle, and with his bewitching eyes, Xu Liangchen really couldn’t bring herself to say no to what he was suggesting. But on a night like this, with a man of his status, to go do something so romantic…she felt an inexplicable unease in her heart.
Duan Yijie stopped smiling, and just looked at her earnestly. He knew that at this time, there couldn’t be too much emotion in his eyes, or the timid little rabbit would be scared; but there also couldn’t be a lack of tenderness, for without tenderness, how could he impress this delicate-minded Liangchen?
Xu Liangchen was about to look away, but Duan Yijie turned and went into the bathroom, changing his clothes before coming out. He took off his uniform, and it was hard to see what he was wearing underneath. He was wearing a blue bathrobe, with bare feet and a bare calf, looking very casual and carefree. He was holding another dark red bathrobe in his hand, and handed it over in a normal manner
‘Sitting in the hot springs and watching the stars is the most comfortable enjoyment here, you won’t refuse, will you?”
Since you’ve come, you might as well be comfortable, you’re not that pretentious and unable to let go, are you? But Xu Liangchen really wanted to refuse, but that person seemed to know what she was thinking, and the twinkling eyes clearly expressed such a smile.
Looking at him nervously, Duan Yijie looked at the night sky outside the window as if he were yearning for something. This person still had a low fever, so since he wanted to go, let him go. After all, they were under the night sky, and he was hiding in the water, so what could he do… Xu Liangchen calmed down, took the bathrobe, and turned to go into the bathroom.
On the clothes rack in the bathroom hung a set of swimwear that was still rare in China: dark red, one-piece. The bathrobe also seemed to have been tailored to fit, and no matter the length, thickness or thinness, it fit perfectly. The slightly long hem covered everything, revealing only a pair of bare feet. And as she had expected, there was a pair of wooden clogs next to it. Putting them on made Xu Liangchen’s unease ease up a lot.
Pulling her collar together, Xu Liangchen opened the door, and Duan Yijie’s gaze swept over her body. She tilted her head slightly, ran her hand through her black hair, which was a little damp from the water and stuck to her forehead, and lightly curled her lips: ‘Let’s go.’
His indifferent reaction completely reassured Xu Liangchen, and she walked up with her eyebrows slightly lowered. She seemed a little distracted, and she stumbled as she was caught off guard by something under her feet. She was quickly caught by a firm, slightly sweaty palm, which said, ‘Be careful.’
‘…Thank you.’ Xu Liangchen pursed her lips and hurriedly tried to pull her hand back, but she couldn’t pull it out no matter how hard she tried because her fingers were suddenly squeezed.
Finally, I’ve got you. Would I let go… Duan Yijie tilted his head and watched her secretly exerting strength and tugging against him, unable to help but tilt his lips up a little, and tighten his grip a little more. Girl, you don’t know how seductive you are. A faint fragrance came at him, fresh and gentle, and Duan Yijie felt a wave of heat…
The dark red bathrobe contained a soft and beautiful body, faintly revealing the beauty of the collarbone like jade, the skin like snow, with a soft luster shining through the whiteness… His heart already aches with longing. The longer he waits, the more he misses her. Her occasional smile is etched in his memory, blossoming like a flower in his mind from time to time.
When will he be able to hold her in his arms and make her smile shyly in his embrace? Duan Yijie longs for this moment with all his heart. He knows that he can no longer wait. She will be his in this life, and he will be hers in this life… Liangchen, you can’t push me away anymore… Looking at her pretty face with its painted eyebrows and eyes and her effort to look calm, he whispered, ‘Don’t move.’
Xu Liangchen was taken aback, and after a moment of silence, she suddenly made a strong effort to break free again. Duan Yijie was prepared and firmly clasped her hand, not letting her break free again. Xu Liangchen looked at the faint, ‘sinister’ smile on the corner of his lips, and although she wanted to say something, she had no choice but to let him take her hand and walk into the night.
From a hidden corner door downstairs, they walked out onto a log and wood boardwalk. At the end of the boardwalk, the air was filled with mist and steam, and there was the semi-hot spring pool, the water as green as emerald.
Duan Yijie was tall and straight, while Xu Liangchen was slender and delicate. The two of them, holding hands, were an unexpectedly harmonious match between the active and the passive. Duan Yijie tilted his head slightly, secretly surveying the beauty beside him, imagining that if he reached out his arm at this moment, he could just wrap his arm around her softly-defined shoulders, and she could just put her arms around his waist, their heights and lines matching so harmoniously.
Duan Yijie straightened his back. He was confident that there would come a day when he would let someone know that they would be the perfect other half for each other.
Duan Yijie didn’t let go of her hand until they reached the pool. Instead, he turned to her and laughed, ‘This pool is half passionate and half cold-hearted. You can’t go in the wrong half. If you had to choose, Liangchen wouldn’t want the cold-hearted half, would you?’
Xu Liangchen felt that there was a hidden meaning in his words, but she couldn’t figure out what he meant, so she looked at him without saying anything. Duan Yijie didn’t pursue the matter, took off his robe, walked into the pool, sat down, and let out a comfortable sigh.
Then he raised his eyebrows and looked at Xu Liangchen, still not coming down? Xu Liangchen, however, was greatly embarrassed by the scene in front of him, and a wave of heat rose: someone was wearing nothing but a pair of shorts! The tanned skin glistened clearly under the starlight, making people can’t help but wonder, would it be as sweet as honey…? A firm and toned waist with not an ounce of flab, arms, a flat but firm and powerful belly, long legs… Xu Liangchen’s face turned red, her eyes darting around, unable to settle anywhere, her heart beating so fast she could hear the ‘thump, thump’ sound. This was the first time she had seen a man’s near-naked body up close. It made her hold her breath, deeply shocked and embarrassed.
Taking the opportunity to support herself by the poolside, Xu Liangchen quietly turned her face to the side… The situation was too ambiguous, the atmosphere was somehow dangerously charged, and she thought it best to stay away.
‘It seems you have the habit of wearing a bathrobe in the hot springs? You didn’t say earlier, I forgot to ask him to prepare a few more, otherwise what are you going to do when you go up there?’ Duan Yijie said half-seriously, not knowing if he was doing it on purpose or trying to catch her off guard. For some reason, Xu Liangchen seemed to hear a hint of schadenfreude in his words?
Unwittingly, he frowned. After enduring it for a while, in the teasing gaze of Duan Yijie, he had no choice but to look up, blushing and whispering, ‘…you, you turn around…’
Oh, Duan Yijie understood and hooked his lips, but obediently turned his body. Xu Liangchen hurriedly pulled down his bathrobe a few steps and quickly buried himself under the water… Duan Yijie quietly glanced at her sideways. Wouldn’t it be a loss not to see such a beautiful sight?
Xu Liangchen wore the swimsuit he had carefully selected. Although it covered his beautiful collarbone, his two long, white, delicate legs were exposed without reservation, giving him a full view. His skin was as beautiful as jade and his lines were graceful, which was really seductive. Duan Yijie couldn’t help but stare at him for a few more seconds. Who could wear a swimsuit with such grace, except for his own beautiful wife, Duan Yijie thought proudly.
The water temperature was slightly higher than body temperature. Xu Liangchen sank suddenly and was quickly enveloped in the warm water. She was so comfortable that she couldn’t help but shiver. She sucked in a breath and leaned against the pool wall.
The water was misty, the stars twinkled, and the shadows were a little blurry in the mist. Neither of them spoke. After a while, the heat on Xu Liangchen’s face subsided, and she felt that the tense and ambiguous atmosphere in the air seemed to slowly dissipate. Unexpectedly, he saw a pair of eyes as dark as the stars in the sky, staring at him unblinkingly.
Under the starry sky, she was frozen in Duan Yijie’s eyes like that.
The windows of each other’s hearts reflected the other’s shadow, gazing deeply.
In a flash, Xu Liangchen thought blankly, when did he…get so close to her? Why didn’t he notice? She slowly slid away, half-covering herself and half-embarrassed, and gave Duan Yijie a wry smile, ‘It’s so hot…’
Duan Yijie didn’t respond to her. Seeing her bow her head without moving, he was curious and wanted to go closer to see what was wrong with her, but he didn’t expect Xu Liangchen to suddenly look up, and their gazes met like that. Those dark eyes, like a deep blue pool, seemed to have a soul-capturing allure. Duan Yijie felt that if he looked at them for much longer, he would instantly be unable to extricate himself.
He covered up his momentary loss of composure with a forced smile, and dared not let his beloved discover his longing. ‘Are you hot? Let me help you up…’
He held out his hand, and before Xu Liangchen could refuse, he had already helped her up on his arm, which was like a piece of fresh, tender lotus. The two of them couldn’t help but tremble when they suddenly encountered the golden wind and jade dew. Xu Liangchen felt creepy in his scorching gaze, and she felt a warm breath that made her feel restless. She couldn’t help but suddenly get up and leave.
Who knew that his foot slipped and, in his haste, he grabbed someone’s underwear. He let go in a panic, but was about to fall into the water. Someone reached out a long arm and Xu Liangchen was caught in his arms.
The wonderful feeling of being caught made Duan Yijie hold him even tighter, and his hot, burning eyes almost glued to someone. The sudden intimacy between the two made Xu Liangchen feel as if every inch of her body had fallen into the man’s burning embrace. She could hear the hot, wet panting in her ears, and her body was fused together seamlessly. It made her body feel hot and her heartbeat quicken, but her palms were cold with sweat. She wanted to struggle, but she was afraid of making too much noise. She was anxious, timid and helpless, and she felt indescribably embarrassed.
As she looked away, she suddenly met his gaze. Xu Liangchen’s breathing stopped for a moment, and she felt the adoring and anxious look in his eyes, which made her feel inexplicably… She couldn’t bear it… Many years later, she still often remembered that night under a sky full of stars, his complex yet simple gaze, warm like spring water, leaving no room to hide or escape. Then her whole person, her whole heart, softened and warmed…
Under the starry sky, Duan Yijie did not hesitate to lean in and kiss the red lips he had thought about day and night.
The kiss was tender, urgent, and kissed her brow, her forehead, her eyelashes, her hot cheeks, her trembling lips… Xu Liangchen’s eyes were wide open, stunned. The unexpected but expected plunder made her tremble with weakness. The strong body on top of her left her with no place to hide. Her mind went blank, and she could only stare at his thick eyelashes and cool lips… The fingers and palms that wandered over her body, the warm touch on her lower abdomen, had already exceeded the scope of her thoughts…
The sucking and friction continued, and before Xu Liangchen could defend herself, she was already penetrated. The watery tenderness between her lips and tongue, the burning sensation that was both strange and familiar, made Xu Liangchen tremble with uncontrollable desire… When she came to her senses, the only thing she could think of was her regret at having given in without a word… Tonight, he seemed to have been carrying the desire of a hunter, and she was already distracted.
‘You promised me, didn’t you? Liangchen,‘ Duan Yijie let her go, took a deep breath, and spoke in a low, lingering tone that carried an indescribable intimacy.
Xu Liangchen’s body trembled slightly as she pretended to be dumbfounded, “I…I don’t understand, what are you talking about…”
’What, my Liangchen wants to renege on the deal?’ Duan Yijie laughed softly. Xu Liangchen’s mouth twitched, this person…why is he being such a scoundrel tonight…
‘No more,’ Duan Yizha looked down at the beauty in his arms, his words low and hoarse, with an indescribable longing, “…you don’t even know…how hard it is for me to endure…For the sake of our sexual happiness, you mustn’t suffocate me…”
Xu Liangchen’s head exploded, his heart pounding, as if his whole body was going to explode and blood was rushing to the surface. Suddenly, his vision went dark, and he was suddenly lifted up and thrown onto the rockery by the bath tub… ’You… You let go…’ Her mouth was quickly covered, her feet were in the air, and the man pressed her straight into the belly of a rockery.
He rolled over, and she struggled beneath him, kicking and punching with her hands and feet. She didn’t want to, but it ignited a fire. He took a sharp breath, his movements suddenly rude, and his wet, hot tongue travelled wantonly with desire.
‘No, don’t…’ Xu Liangchen gasped, intermittently turning his head to dodge, as he persistently chased after her lips and teeth from different angles, his kisses fierce and powerful, leaving her breathless. Xu Liangchen pushed his hands against his chest, trembling and weak, but to no avail.
After struggling under him for half a day, she finally managed to let out a breath, only to have it greedily swallowed back by him immediately. A pair of large hands stroked along his waist. During the struggle, the side of the swimsuit was pulled off. Xu Liangchen winced slightly, but Duan Yijie actually had the heart to notice it. He let go a little, but his arms still clasped the slender waist as he sank into the pool. The warm water rose, and his hot fingers explored downward.
Xu Liangchen’s body stiffened, and he could no longer pry his hands loose from around his waist. He was shaken by a sudden turn of events, and before he could let out a low cry, his hands trying to pull the top of his swimsuit were clasped behind his back by one hand, and his chest was pressed tightly against by his rising chest… Without realising what he had done, the strap at the back of his swimsuit had been undone at some point, and his hands were probing and rubbing above his thighs. His rapid breathing and pounding heart made Xu Liangchen’s mind go blank!
The hot, wet, rapid panting of his breath was in her ears, and she couldn’t help feeling embarrassed, unable to help but kick him under the water with her feet: ‘…you let go…’ The short, low cry was once again drowned out…
‘Liangchen, you promised me…we’re husband and wife, don’t refuse me again, okay…’ Duan Yisong coaxed softly, ‘I’ll be careful, very careful, gently…’ He murmured tenderly in her ear, but his actions did not stop… He pressed against her, his thighs pressing hard into her legs. Xu Liangchen’s senses were tingling with his intimate movements, and her body stiffened with the sudden touch between her legs.
She was a little shocked, and her body stiffened under his hot caresses.
Her mouth was covered and blocked, her lips and tongue entangled and entangled again, she wanted to struggle, push away, plead… She wanted him to let her go… At that time, when she agreed to marry, she knew exactly what it was, but she trembled, she was afraid… It was useless, Duan Yijie was determined to eat her up… His heavy breathing and the strength that held her body tightly made her body weak and unable to resist.
‘Liangchen, my Liangchen…’ He kept murmuring her name over and over again. “Relax, Liangchen, it’ll be over soon… I’ll be very careful…” He slightly loosened his grip on her hand, and his fingers and palms continued to roam over her body…
His movements were gentle but awkward. Xu Liangchen tensed up and shook her head, ‘No…no, no…’ Duan Yijie let out a low sigh, raised his hand and placed it behind her head, kissing her lips soothingly back and forth. His low, hoarse voice could not suppress the pounding of his heart and the heat in his body: ‘Liangchen, trust me, I won’t hurt you, don’t be afraid…’
Xu Liangchen felt aggrieved, how could she not be afraid? Being held so firmly in his arms… They were so intimate. Although it was a dark night, the stars were shining brightly, twinkling and blinking, so how could she not feel nervous? She took the opportunity while he wasn’t looking and pushed his face away hard. Panting, she managed to squeeze out a sentence: ‘No, not here…really not…’
Duan Yijie paused at the sound and looked away from her, licking her long fingers while asking in a low voice, ‘Does Liangchen mean that she doesn’t want to be here, just like that?’
Xu Liangchen was burned by his scorching gaze, and she nodded hesitantly with a pout, not quite sure what to say.
‘My Liangchen really knows how to torment people…so what now?’ Duan Yijie leaned down, breathing heavily in her ear, and hugged her tightly. His young, ready body made Xu Liangchen feel faint with fear, so strong and powerful… ‘I can’t wait, what should I do…’
It was the first time she had heard a man say such ambiguous yet seemingly understandable intimate words. Xu Liangchen was confused but also understood. There was no room for thought in her head, and she subconsciously put her hand on his shoulder, trying to put some distance between them, but she was at a loss as to what to do.
Her innocent look, like that of a frightened little white rabbit, made him want to bully her. He couldn’t help but break through her fragile support with a muffled laugh and lean in again, speaking softly as if he were not there, ‘Okay, I promise, not here… But I need to test the credibility of your words…‘
…What?
’You can’t refuse again, huh?’ His voice was low and slow, but the fire burning in his eyes was so blazing that Xu Liangchen couldn’t help but look away.
Without allowing her to say anything else, Duan Yijie clasped her waist…but he just couldn’t get in.
One, two, fledgling.
He tried awkwardly and endlessly, panting heavily as he held her tightly, kissing her on the head and face like a little animal, calling her name softly.
Xu Liangchen let out a sigh of relief, thinking that this inexperienced guy should stop now.
| Yan Yan. Hand-typed, please indicate the source|www.txt99.com

Chapter 72
Xu Liangchen secretly harboured a faint hope, but she had forgotten how determined someone could be when they were determined to do something. After toiling for half a day, Duan Yijie finally looked up, breathing heavily. Half embarrassed and half in a hurry, he caught the soft body in his arms and whispered apologetically, ‘Liangchen, I… I will definitely make you like it…’
Happy, like it? …Like this embarrassing and embarrassing thing? Xu Liangchen was shocked and embarrassed, and couldn’t help but let out a dark line. He really wanted to say something soft like it’s fine to just let it go and let someone let himself go, but unexpectedly, he suddenly felt his body become lighter, and he was actually forcefully picked up by Duan Yizha’s arms.
Before she could catch her breath, she had been carried by Duan Yijie into a back room in the building. She only realised that she was in a Japanese-style hot spring room when she was put down. Not far away, in the dim red candlelight, was a hot spring with billowing steam, and the floor was covered in soft tatami mats. But that wasn’t all that surprised her. Looking up, she saw stars twinkling in the latticework of the glass ceiling…
A faint floral fragrance drifted lightly. Looking around, she saw that every corner of the room was filled with bunches of blooming plain-coloured small flowers. The branches and leaves were beautiful and the flowers had a strong fragrance. It was the common Jiu Li Xiang in the mountains… Xu Liangchen looked at the man with the hooked lips staring at her with some surprise, some emotion and some confusion. Was this his arrangement?
Duan Yijie smiled faintly. How could the intelligent Liangchen not understand his feelings? …I am this fragrant Jiu Li Xiang, the prisoner of your love (the flower language of Jiu Li Xiang). Liangchen, please open your heart for me…’
Xu Liangchen had a hundred different emotions. A man who cared about his country and family had gone to great lengths to please her, but it was all because he was in love with someone who did not love him back. He had been careful, he had been tender and precious, and he must really have loved her very much to have had the courage to… offer her his heart, hot or cold. And she, having already agreed to marry him, even if she did not love him, where did she get the right to raise her hand and overthrow him?
Her thoughts kept turning, and she suddenly lost the strength to resist. Duan Yijie seemed to sense something, his eyes darkened, and his tall body lowered down. The damp clothes of the two people carried a trace of coolness, mingling with the mist rising from the indoor hot spring. Their skin touched, but it transmitted a seductive heat. The hot and cold mingled together. Xu Liangchen was too embarrassed to look away.
Duan Yijie clasped her hands above her head and used his mouth to unfasten the straps of her swimsuit, revealing her jade-like skin inch by inch. His eyes slowly grew hot, but Xu Liangchen’s struggles grew weaker and weaker, and her face grew redder and redder… The gentle flow of tension and release, controlled and measured, was hard and painful for him, but he was keeping firmly in mind the ‘true teachings’ he had learned from those foreign balls… The precautions that made him blush secretly were that one must be gentle with a woman on her first night… Duan Yijie frowned slightly, unable to understand why they also said that it was fine if she was a little pushy and overbearing… Now, should he be gentle or overbearing?
He gently brushed his lips over her moist, red lips, then looked up, only to see a face with a picture-perfect appearance, looking both shy and helpless, frightened and stubborn, weak and submissive, yet also conflicted and unruly. Her normally clear eyes and long brows were tightly knit in confusion . The plump breasts were heaving beneath him as she gasped for breath, causing Duan Yijie’s throat to catch and he leaned in again, slowly exploring with his lips and teeth: ‘Liangchen, you make me think so hard…’
His voice was low and hoarse, drifting in and out of her ears like something real and yet not real. Xu Liangchen felt her body heat up and burn, and the hot breath on the side of her neck and the lingering whispers made her feel strange and restless like she had never felt before.
He let out a long breath, suppressed the boiling desire in his heart, and continued to kiss her tenderly. He firmly remembered that this was their first time, and he didn’t want her to suffer. He wanted her to always remember this night… Like a diligent and good student, Duan Yizha used his own lips and tongue to carefully depict her and his own happiness. He was a little clumsy but followed his instincts to tease her to the extreme. The feeling of lingering weakness spread throughout her body like electric current.
Her clothes opened silently, and her jade-like skin amazed him. His fingers, with a few thin calluses, brushed past her beautiful butterfly-like collarbone, along the smooth curve of her neck, slowly sliding down with a tremor. The soft and plump feel made him reluctant to let go. Her body was tense, and her skin was flushed like a pale pink flower petal.
He let out a low sigh, and his kisses fell like spring rain. She breathed heavily, and the delicate body beneath him went from stiffness to gentle trembling. She closed her eyes in resignation… Some things are instinctive, and he didn’t seem to be unprepared. How could she find the strength to resist? She closed her eyes and bit her lip, but she didn’t want to let her body’s instincts take over her mind…
Unconsciously, the dark red swimsuit fell to the ground. She tried to suppress the lips that were still ravaging her, and suppressed the light moans that she could hardly hold back, but unexpectedly, it aroused the already burning someone even more. The hands that carried the flames swam around, igniting desire and confusion. He wanted more, more.
He can’t wait any longer. His fingers follow the wonderful curves downwards. Xu Liangchen’s body suddenly stiffens, and even her breathing comes to a halt. He senses this faintly and stops, kissing her tenderly once more. She trembles, flinching in embarrassment, and Duan Yijie calls out softly, ‘Liangchen, I love you…’
The low, hoarse whisper, accompanied by the hurried breathing, seemed to go straight to her lungs. She felt only her heart burning and sinking, and the man’s breath surrounded her with a strong sense of love and obsessive possession, leaving no room for doubt. She sank helplessly into a world of just him… A world of just his breath, his love, his obsession, his madness and entanglement.
A hot current surges through her body, the breathing in her ears becoming more and more heavy and disordered. His lips, tongue, and fingers become increasingly domineering and sensational. She struggles helplessly, unable to bear the warm hands that make her gasp in surprise. But he seems to understand her sensitivity and will not let go.
A thick, unblushing blush covers her face, and her delicate skin is like a peach blossom in full bloom, bright and unparalleled. She bit her lips, gasped, closed her eyes, and was no longer able to stop the trembling of her body, and the surging waves of passion.
He loved her enchanting beauty at this moment. Relentlessly, he kept the flames burning high, until she was about to reach the peak of beauty she had never reached before, and then he relaxed a little, embracing her limp body with an irresistible temptation she could no longer bear. He paused between movements, giving Xu Liangchen a moment to catch her breath. His gentle calls and awkward but overbearing actions made her feel like she was being cooked in a fire of ice and fire…
Suddenly, there was a tearing pain beneath her body.
The pain made her flinch and then curl up. Tears instantly slid down her face, and she almost bit her lips. Unable to help herself, she pushed against him, ‘No…let go…’
He stopped at the sound, trying his best to control himself. He frowned and hugged her, breathing heavily as he kissed her earlobe lightly and whispered tenderly, ‘Liangchen… Liangchen… I’ll be gentle, it’ll only take a moment…’ Xu Liangchen couldn’t help but whimper as the dull pain in her body made her break out in a light sweat.
That low, shallow voice sounded in Duan Yijie’s ears, stimulating every nerve. After struggling to hold on for a while longer, he heard her sobs gradually subside. Unable to bear it anymore, a low growl of pleasure that wanted to live and die quickly rose from somewhere in his body… He spoke softly to comfort her, but he never relaxed his grip. Unable to push him away or hide, Xu Liangchen, who was biting her lip, let out a low sob and an uncontrollable groan.
She experienced a special feeling that she had never had before in her life. It was painful, fluctuating, high and low, mountains and rivers, confused and infatuated… The pulse of life surged like a tidal wave, but in an instant it was like a light feather, rising and falling between ebb and flow, with no return. Helplessly, she had to follow his rhythm, floating and sinking, in the sky and at the bottom of the sea…
In the hazy vision, the juliang flowers in the distance and near by bloomed more and more wantonly in the dark night. The flowers on the stretched branches exuded an unrestrained, ethereal fragrance, filling the room with springtime colours…
Xu Liangchen could not remember much about what happened afterwards. The only feeling she had was that someone was unwilling to let her go, knowing how to get what they want. The murmuring never stopped, and he whispered softly in her ear, deliberately affectionate, doing this and that, making her unable to help but dance with him. She could only close her eyes, gasping and crying softly in supplication, but this only attracted tender and loving kisses and even more fierce advances, endlessly and insatiably… Until she could no longer bear it and passed out from exhaustion.
In the hazy sleep, a warm feeling spread through her limp body, as if it were her mother’s gentle embrace, soothing her. Xu Liangchen let out a low sigh, rubbed himself, and found a comfortable position to continue sleeping.
After stepping out of the hot spring, Duan Yijie took a towel to gently blot the water from her body. He placed the person in his arms carefully on the tatami mat, kissed her tenderly, pulled the thin quilt over her, and then leaned over her, watching her with unblinking eyes. The moonlight shone through the skylight, casting a silver haze of light. His gaze was full of adoration and love.
She was finally his! A shadow of satisfaction appeared at the corner of Duan Yijie’s lips.
Smelling her hair, he closed his eyes. Since when had she started to stir his emotions and desires, his worries and yearnings? Had he fallen in love with her the first time they met? For the first time in his life, he had lowered himself to treat a woman gently, to dote on and seduce her patiently. He had never expected to fall deeper and deeper, weaving a net of tenderness like never before, only to have his heart captured in the net.
Originally, he thought that as long as he got her, it would be fine. But now, he finds that he is thinking a lot more. Because he really is in love with her. However, her mind is still as unpredictable as ever. When will her heart finally be completely his? Sighing softly, he fell asleep with a heart that was both content and apprehensive.
Late at night on the mountain, there was complete silence all around. The fading starlight and the vast moonlight shone on the joys and sorrows of the world. As the mountain wind blew, the shadows of the bamboo trees swayed.
Birds chirping, Xu Liangchen slowly opened her eyes. Her thoughts paused for a moment, and then gradually woke up. The aching all over her body, and her skin without clothes, quickly reminded her of what happened last night. Her face was burning, and her heart was full of mixed emotions. Unable to help herself, she closed her eyes, let out a low sigh, pulled the quilt up, and covered her face quietly.
Now, how was she going to face him, and the years to come?
‘You’re covering yourself up so tightly, aren’t you afraid you’ll suffocate yourself?’ A light laugh came from above her head, a low, pleasant voice belonging to Duan Yijie.
| Yan Yan. Handwritten, please indicate the source|www.txt99.com

Chapter 73
Xu Liangchen’s breathing stopped for a moment. This person is actually right next to her? Her heart was beating rapidly, and she remained silent.
The quilt was gently pulled, and she quickly grabbed it. However, a slightly cool hand came through from the other side of the quilt. She hurriedly dodged, and when she let go of the quilt, it was suddenly lifted up a corner, and Duan Yijie’s face, with a faint smile, appeared in front of her.
His thin lips curved, his handsome face fresh and spring-like. Thinking of her own miserable situation, with her body aching and her heart full of fear and embarrassment, Xu Liangchen couldn’t help but bite her lip and glare at him fiercely. Then, in the midst of his smiling gaze, she very unheroically tugged the quilt back up and continued to hide.
She thought to herself, this man is truly hateful! He didn’t come here to recuperate, but to use every means possible to exhaust her and devour her. It would be so much better if they were just nominal husband and wife. But he had to make an awkward relationship even more complicated and difficult to deal with. She couldn’t beat him in a fight, and he just ignored her when she scolded him. How could she deal with such a villain other than avoiding him?
‘Are you angry?‘ Someone pulled the quilt and whispered with a smile, “I’m sorry for last night, I… I promise to study hard in the future…”
’…What did this person say?’ Xu Liangchen’s face flushed, and she suddenly lifted the quilt and gave him a fierce look. She regretted not noticing this person’s thick skin and rascality before. It was too bad that she could say nothing now that the die was cast.
Duan Yijie looked at her embarrassed, indignant but helpless appearance with interest. This girl is usually quiet and dignified, and it is rare to see her so uneasy and childish. He felt both pity and love for her, and almost wanted to act foolishly again. But he was afraid that she was really annoyed, so he raised his eyebrows innocently and promised again, ‘For our happiness, I will definitely work hard!’
Xu Liangchen’s face was burning, and he opened his mouth, but all he could do was angrily pull the quilt up and turn his back to him, his heart beating like a drum. Duan Yijie let out a low, muffled laugh, and together with the quilt, he embraced her from behind and held her in his arms, gently rubbing the top of her head. ‘Liangchen…’
Seeing that she ignored him, he simply narrowed his eyes and began to feel pleased with himself as he became more and more handsy. Xu Liangchen’s body stiffened, and she was anxious and angry at the same time: ‘What are you doing? !’
Duan Yijie let out a soft grunt and pulled the quilt down with his hands. ‘Don’t you know what I’m doing, Liangchen?’ The night’s events quickly came to mind, and Xu Liangchen was a little shocked. Her face turned even redder, and her eyes, hidden under the quilt, darted around aimlessly without focus. She hurriedly pressed down on the quilt with her hands and said, ‘You, don’t…’
Just listening to her words, Duan Yijie could also imagine the lovely and moving expression on the beauty’s face at this moment. Unable to help himself, he tightened the iron-like arms around her slender waist, and a smirk of amusement formed at the corner of his lips. He kissed her on the bulging quilt, saying, ‘Then don’t cover yourself up, I want to look at you when I talk.’
After struggling for a long time, Xu Liangchen could only carefully pull the quilt down to reveal his face. He saw the person in the quilt with messy black hair and a flushed face. Her bright eyes were like stars but also shimmering with water, with a trace of anger and embarrassment, and an indescribable charm and beauty.
Duan Yijie’s dark eyes twinkled, and he laughed quietly. He suddenly leaned in and kissed the tip of her nose intimately. Xu Liangchen’s face burned again, and she quickly hid her body under the thin quilt.
Naturally, Duan Yijie would not give her this opportunity again. He grabbed the quilt and simply rolled over and pressed down on it, ‘Still trying to hide?’
Xu Liangchen felt a weight on her body, and she turned her head in embarrassment, unable to bear it. She glared at him, her face flushed. What was this person’s problem in the early morning, acting like a scoundrel again: ‘…get up!’
Seeing her in such a state of embarrassment, Duan Yijie became even more unrestrained. He held her down, then let go, and then looked again with raised eyebrows. The person in his arms had rosy cheeks and dazed eyes, her hands clutching the thin quilt on her chest as she breathed heavily. He was both ashamed and annoyed, and it was hard for him to let go. Xu Liangchen had a hundred different emotions in her heart, and she could not think of anything. She could only bury her head and hold the quilt tighter and tighter, not daring to look at him again. After a while, he said resentfully, ‘You…don’t bully people…’
Duan Yijie laughed lightly, shamelessly taking it for granted, ‘It’s okay, you’ll get used to it if you’re bullied a lot…’
‘…,’ Xu Liangchen was speechless. How had he not noticed before that this person could smile like that? Could he really justify such a thing?
Seeing her embarrassed and helpless, Duan Yijie couldn’t help but squeeze her nose with a smile, and then leaned in to blow air into her ear, ‘Aren’t you already getting used to it?’ Seeing her blush and raise an eyebrow, his heart blossomed.
After hugging her a few more times and breathing heavily, he let go with a smile, ‘Had enough sleep? Then sit up and eat,’ he said, getting up and carrying over a small table, on which sat a bowl of plain porcelain with inlaid flowers: “I made this, try it.”
Xu Liangchen had wanted him to avoid it, and he himself should have got up long ago. Where could he eat on the tatami? But after hearing what he said, he was so stunned that he couldn’t say a word. He just looked at the man in front of him with curiosity and disbelief: this person can… cook?
‘What, don’t you trust me?’ Duan Yizha slightly raised his eyebrows and looked at her with sparkling dark eyes. That gaze fully expressed the meaning of “if you still don’t want to get up, I’m happy to help,” and Xu Liangchen dared not delay any longer. Helplessly, he gathered the thin quilt and got up.
While he was bowing his head to get a spoon and stir the contents of the bowl, Xu Liangchen sat up, supporting her aching and nearly broken back. Unexpectedly, she didn’t manage to straighten up before letting out a muffled grunt and slumping back down. Her pretty face flushed with anger. If it weren’t for this man’s domineering and reckless behaviour, she would never have…
‘Liangchen, are you okay?’ Duan Yijie’s eyebrows furrowed slightly as he rushed over to support her: ’What’s wrong? Are you not feeling well? Do you want me to call the doctor to take a look? …The taste he had never experienced before made him lose himself in passion last night. He ignored her pleas and had her again and again. He knew that she had not been getting enough rest and was tired from the trip, and that he should let her rest, but he just couldn’t control himself. Duan Yijie looked at her with a heart full of pain. He didn’t regret it, but he couldn’t help feeling heartbroken.
‘… Xu Liangchen slowly got up while using his hand to help her up, and couldn’t help but blush as she glared at him. Calling a doctor? He didn’t want to be a human being, but he still had to live. He carefully placed the quilt and pillows behind her, and took the opportunity to rub her waist. ‘It’s still hot, let me help you massage it.’
Without waiting for Xu Liangchen to say anything, his hands had already started to work with gentle skill. Although unprofessional, his hands were strong and caring. As the cool fingers and palms covered her, Xu Liangchen’s heart suddenly tightened. The various feelings of tension and torment she had experienced last night, the intertwining of palpitations and fear, all came flooding back, and she couldn’t help but swallow.
Duan Yijie slightly glanced to the side and saw it. Unable to help himself, he lightly curled his thin lips up. The charming and delicate curves rising and falling under his palms, the sensation of sliding into the glistening white flesh, had already made his heart race. He rubbed his palms together to warm them up. Then he placed the palms of his hands on her waist and slowly began to massage.
‘Don’t worry, I used to help my grandmother massage her body when she was unwell, so I know what I’m doing,’ Duan Yijie said softly to comfort her. Xu Liangchen repeatedly refused, but as she had to be careful not to expose herself under the thin quilt, she was unable to push him away. She could only bite her lips and remain silent, picking up a pillow and burying her face in it. Her body trembled slightly involuntarily.
Duan Yijie was momentarily taken aback, but then quickly understood that he was not the only one suffering. He couldn’t help but feel secretly pleased. The skin under his hands was soft and pliable, and he used a completely different technique than when massaging an old person. Everywhere his palms went, they would first knead deeply, then he would raise his palms and switch to lightly tapping his fingertips against the skin. His palms would vigorously knead the skin, while his fingers would lightly stroke it with a sense of pity and concern. Then, his fingertips would gently glide to the side, and his palms would land again to start over.
This alternation of heavy and light, rubbing and stroking, is interwoven like a whisper, or an implicit tease. The person under the palms is unconsciously limp, unable to stop, and their heart is like a little cat nibbling. They long for the pain to erupt, but it is like a slow fire, a dull knife cutting finely. A clear mind is suddenly being rubbed up and down, surging like a tide that is hard to suppress.
Her body slowly began to warm up. She didn’t know if it was the burning temperature of his palm that was tormenting her, or if it was her heart that was experiencing its first taste of the boundless beauty of the peak of passion that was burning itself. Gradually, the heat spread to her limbs and bones. She was restless and could hardly bear it. Xu Liangchen’s heart palpitated with excitement, and she couldn’t help but hum softly.
‘Is it hard, Liangchen?’ The culprit seemed to be oblivious as he asked in a low voice, making Xu Liangchen blush and bury herself into the pillow with all her might. After last night’s ordeal, she was no longer naïve enough to be unable to tell the difference between what was uncomfortable and what was yearning, so where was she still embarrassed to answer?
Duan Yijie didn’t pursue the matter, and softly said, ‘It’s all my fault, I really tired you, bear with it for a while, you’ll feel relaxed soon.’ After that, he concentrated on his own business.
Xu Liangchen buried her face deeply in the pillow. Because she was horrified to discover that her body, which had just experienced the language of love, had an uncontrollable desire for Duan Yijie. Originally, she had thought that last night was what people commonly referred to as ‘the first time’, and that was already the ultimate between a man and a woman. Who would have thought that these hands, this person, and this deep voice could awaken her body at any time? ! She was in a complex state of mind, unable to say whether she was feeling an inexplicable fear or an unknowable, faint hope.
The beauty stopped moving, but that didn’t mean Duan Yijie knew nothing. At least after last night’s actual combat, he had wisely learned a lot of things that he had previously only guessed. He could see clearly the somewhat uneven breathing that was slightly scattered, and the body that couldn’t help but move closer under his fingers and palms, as well as the momentary desolation and disorder of the delicate body that had lost the comfort of his fingers and palms. If it wasn’t for the food in the bowl about to cool down, he really wanted to lean over and love her, care for her, and satisfy her.
Unwittingly, his hands slipped down automatically, and Xu Liangchen’s body stiffened… When he came back to his senses, those hands…you…couldn’t help but blush, and he said, ‘How could someone be so kind? It really is a beast…’
Realising her reaction, Duan Yizha felt a little embarrassed and gave her a gentle pat twice. His voice was a little hoarse as he said with a smile, ‘Okay, get up and eat.’ Xu Liangchen was relieved, and with difficulty suppressed her rapid heartbeat. The sweet and lingering torture was finally over.
When she slowly sat up straight and looked up, she saw that someone had already brought a bowl over with all due respect, holding a silver spoon in one hand, with a faint smile on her thin lips, ‘Here, open your mouth.’
Xu Liangchen’s face, which had already turned red, turned even redder. She turned her head and whispered, ‘You…leave it, I’ll do it myself…’
‘Why bother? Let me serve you today,’ Duan Yijie said firmly with a slight smile, and the spoon in his hand promptly followed, firmly placed by Xu Liangchen’s lips, as if he would never take it back if she didn’t eat.
Xu Liangchen looked at him very uncomfortably, quickly averting his gaze to the side. She looked embarrassed and blushed, looking like an awkward child. Duan Yijie looked at her with a smile, and the spoon in his hand chased after it without hesitation, straight to her lips. Xu Liangchen was forced to lean back, and she had no choice but to half-open her cherry lips.
It was smooth and delicious, what was he making? Xu Liangchen couldn’t help but look over, and realised that Duan Yizha was making a bowl of cat ears! This is a famous snack in the Yuhang area, named after its resemblance to cat ears. It is similar to a type of pasta in Western cuisine that is made in the shape of a seashell. It is said that this type of Italian product was made by Marco Polo after he learned to make cat ears in China and imitated it. How could this young master make this?
As he thought about it, the spoon was passed over again and again, and Xu Liangchen couldn’t help but open his mouth. A bowl of delicious cat ears was quickly finished. Duan Yi smiled: ‘If you can get up, you might as well go to the hot springs and soak. I’ll put the dishes away.’ With that, he walked out.
It wasn’t until his figure disappeared out the door and she looked at the closed door that Xu Liangchen let out a small sigh of relief. Someone was looking at her with eyes full of affection and tenderness, like the warm autumn afternoon sun, making her heart overflow with an irrepressible warmth. She didn’t understand, but she just accepted it? Her thoughts were mixed.
When she had finished dressing, the door opened and Duan Yijie came back, carrying a teacup and other things: ‘This is a special tea from here, please try it.’
Xu Liangchen felt that she could no longer sit there and let him wait on her, so she stood up, supporting herself with her arms. She was unsteady on her feet, but almost tripped because her legs were weak. Duan Yijie quickly reached out to support her, and gave her an ambiguous look up and down. Xu Liangchen’s face flushed again, and she hurriedly took the teacup from his hand and pretended to drink as she bowed her head.
The tea in the cup was slowly unfurling its green leaves, and a faint floral fragrance that was similar to jade but not orchid or osmanthus filled the air. Xu Liangchen was momentarily stunned. Could this be the natural fragrant tea that is commonly known as having a hint of floral fragrance than tea and a touch of tea fragrance than flowers?
Watching her thoughtful expression, Duan Yijie slightly curled his lips. It seems that Liangchen is not only intelligent but also knows her stuff. This fragrant tea is a treasure of this mountain. So he rambled on about the produce of the mountains and the lives of the mountain people. Although Xu Liangchen rarely spoke, her restless heart slowly quieted down. Duan Yijie wanted just this effect, and couldn’t help but smile secretly. He asked someone to bring over newspapers and so on.
Xu Liangchen felt the same way. Now that she was facing this man, she really needed to do something to feel calm and at ease. So, Duan Yijie got up and opened the curtains and windows. Suddenly, the fresh air filled the room, and the sunlight shone through the trees above, casting dappled shadows. The fragrance of flowers was faint, and the years were quiet and peaceful.
The two of them stopped talking, but the atmosphere in the room grew more and more peaceful, quiet and beautiful. Whenever Duan Yijie saw an international event or relationship, he would whisper about it and let her comment with him. At first, Xu Liangchen refused to say anything, but as she gradually let go of her worries, she started to discuss the matter objectively. When they agreed, the two of them would not say anything, but when they argued, her usual easygoing nature would become stubborn, and she would insist on her own opinion without giving in.
After Liangchen took a break in the afternoon, Duan Yijie took her to climb to the back of the mountain again. Standing high and looking far, they looked as far as the eye could see, and the vastness of the world made them marvel at their own insignificance. The mountain path was not easy to walk on, with some parts so narrow that only one person could pass sideways at a time, while in other places the ground had collapsed. In some places, the angle of the rocks was so steep that they almost hung vertically. Xu Liangchen was greedy for the mountain scenery, but her strength gradually failed her. Whenever it became difficult to walk, Duan Yijie would always offer his hand early. At first, Xu Liangchen would refuse, but in the end, she could no longer hold on and could no longer care about anything. She could only be half-carried and half-dragged down the mountain by him.
It was already evening when they reached the bottom of the mountain. The setting sun was like fire, shining on Liangchen’s flushed and somewhat tired face. Behind her was a tree full of blooming green peaches. The breeze scattered the petals, and a few landed in her hair, while some fell on her pale pink cheongsam. Duan Yijie pictured her features in his heart. If the two of them could just hold hands like this, growing old together in the years and eternity to come, what happiness it would be!
I don’t know if I’m tired, but Xu Liangchen only feels the tenderness in those dark eyes, making her a little dazed. A gust of wind passes by, and the rain of flowers falls more and more rapidly, as if a spring breeze came overnight, and the sunlight turned the dry trees into clouds and mist.
For dinner, there was something Xu Liangchen liked and Duan Yijie was good at making… cat ears. After dinner, the two returned upstairs. In the following days, they grew more and more comfortable with each other. During the day, they hunted or went for walks in the mountains, and in the evenings they read the newspaper and books. When they agreed, they would exchange a silent glance; when they disagreed, they would each stick to their own opinions. Xu Liangchen was always eager to see the beauty argue passionately, and she would blush prettily whenever she argued with reason. Duan Yijie often teased her on purpose, and slowly the atmosphere no longer felt awkward and ambiguous as before. It became quiet and peaceful, and gradually improved.
The only time it was awkward was at night.
From that night on, the two of them had a completely different relationship overnight. Faced with Duan Yijie’s natural intimacy and tireless eagerness, Xu Liangchen didn’t know how to adjust and adapt for a while. Just like now, someone’s hand holding the newspaper had been still for less than half an hour, and it was starting to creep over again. Could this person really be the cold-faced young general who didn’t like women? Xu Liangchen was both helpless and depressed. How had he spent his days in the past? Can a man change from a sheep to a wolf in just one night?
Unable to resist, she glared at him, blushing. The wolf sheepishly withdrew his hand, looked at her innocently with eyes full of longing and passion, and whispered breathlessly, ‘My dear, I’m suffering…’
Although Xu Liangchen had already seen someone shameless, she still blushed uncontrollably. Choking on her own saliva, she coughed, ‘Cough…’
Duan Yijie looked at her pitifully, leaned over and rubbed against her: ‘Liangchen…it’s getting late, let’s go rest…’
Seeing that Xu Liangchen looked at the clock, which was pointing to less than eight o’clock, in disbelief, and then looked at him in surprise, someone seemed to be a little embarrassed: only…eight o’clock, hehe, that’s right, how about going to the hot springs? ‘Feeling that this excuse was more acceptable, someone nodded in self-approval: ’It’s rare to come, let’s go…’
Before the words had finished, there was a cry of alarm: ‘Ah! What are you doing? !…’
| Yan Yan. Hand-typed, please indicate the source|www.txt99.com

Chapter 74
It turned out to be Liangchen who couldn’t help but stretch out his leg and give Duan Yijie a kick.
The wolf certainly didn’t expect this sudden move from the usually demure and elegant lady. And with his smirking face, Xu Liangchen felt extremely embarrassed when she heard it, and she felt extremely hateful, so she actually used her strength. Duan Yijie was caught off guard and couldn’t help but let out a ‘ouch’. Then he bent over, raised his hand, and stroked his calf, which had been kicked painfully. He tilted his eyebrows slightly and glanced at Xu Liangchen with a sneer, ‘You really didn’t hesitate to kick.’
His face was half-smiling, half-scowling, and it made Xu Liangchen want to kick him again:
You deserve it!
This time, it made Duan Yijie laugh. While dodging her shadowless kicks from Foshan, he said, ‘Ouch, you kicked me so hard that my leg hurts and I can’t walk. Carry me on your back.’ While saying this, he leaned over and suddenly pressed down.
Xu Liangchen subconsciously reached out to help, and the two of them were pressed close together. A light tremor in her body made her remember last night’s situation, and her face suddenly flushed. She raised her foot and tried to get angry again: ‘…… Go away!’
Of course, someone would not be so obedient. He took her in his arms with a backhand, and Xu Liangchen immediately blushed and struggled like a little duck flapping in a pond. However, Duan Daxiao was tall and strong, and he held her tightly. He lowered his head and unintentionally pinched her waist lightly. Xu Liangchen’s body stiffened as she pushed back while trying to get rid of the hand around her waist.
Duan Yijie raised his eyebrows, and after confirming that she was indeed ticklish, he laughed while pinching her waist and asked, ‘Still going to kick me?’ Xu Liangchen dodged, but failed repeatedly. There was nothing she could do but look at him with a blush on her face, ‘Let go… I won’t… kick…’
Duan Yijie stopped but grabbed one of her delicate wrists. Xu Liangchen hurriedly took a few steps away from him, turned her head and looked at him with raised eyebrows. She was naturally no match for this young man, and she really had no idea what to do with this cheeky young man who was smiling. Helpless, she could only express her dissatisfaction with her expression, while secretly trying to break free from someone’s confinement.
A tug-of-war between their fingers began amidst the two of them’s silent intimacy. Just as Xu Liangchen was happy that he was about to break free, he heard Duan Yijie’s low chuckle: ‘It’s fine if you want to break free; but let me tell you, as soon as you get away from my hand, I’ll put my arm around your waist. Liangchen, you decide.’
Xu Liangchen looked up, suddenly with a face of being choked. She saw Duan Yijie smiling with a crooked lip. Perhaps he was in a hurry, or perhaps he felt that someone talking like that was a bit unreliable, so he still struggled to break free from Duan Yijie’s grasp.
Duan Yijie didn’t even look at her, and his arm wrapped around her waist in an extremely direct manner, picking her up and walking out. Xu Liangchen tried to escape again and again, but he was held down tightly. Helpless, he could only glare at Duan Yijie half in embarrassment and half in anger, and then his struggles weakened until he gave up obediently.
Noticing that the backyard hot spring was surrounded by silence and no one was around, Xu Liangchen slightly relaxed a little. However, Duan Yijie tilted his head, leaned over and tried to kiss her. His thin lips were about to touch her soft, red lips when he suddenly held his fingers in a crossed position, his eyebrows slightly raised, and whispered, ‘Daughter-in-law, you have to change your tactics in the future. Don’t always try to escape. But did it ever work?’
Xu Liangchen glanced at him sideways, a mixture of embarrassment, curiosity and naivety in his eyes as he blinked. Heh, he’s fallen for it, Duan Yijie thought to himself with a smile.
Frowning, he pretended to think hard for a moment, then glanced over. The little white rabbit was still looking at him very seriously, as if waiting for the best answer to the switcheroo. Duan Yijie curved his lips: ‘Well, for example…’ Saying this, he pulled the already close distance between the two even closer, and kissed the place he had been thinking about. Xu Liangchen’s hand, which was being held, moved forcefully, and he inwardly blushed in embarrassment, thinking to himself, this person is really annoying.
Duan Yijie felt that those red lips had extraordinary magic powers. A light touch gave him the warm feeling of wanting to kiss for a long time. Liangchen’s breathing was very light, but it unconsciously aroused Duan Yijie’s endless passion. He relentlessly kept entwining with her, not showing any sign of stopping. In the end, Xu Liangchen really couldn’t breathe anymore, and she pushed him hard, half out of embarrassment and half out of stubbornness, until she whispered his name.
Hearing the beauty’s soft whisper in a slightly embarrassed voice, calling out her own name, Duan Yijie was a little surprised, and couldn’t help but let go of her hand. He looked at Xu Liangchen with a crooked smile, but in the light of the moon and the shadows, the beauty looked like she had been bullied, her pretty face flushed. She saw him looking at her and smiling, and she turned her face away a little embarrassed.
Someone was immersed in a happy mood, happily soaking in the hot spring for a while. While the little white rabbit was still feeling dizzy, the big bad wolf immediately declared his sovereignty.
‘…You!’ Xu Liangchen blushed and gave him a fierce glare. What kind of person is this? Apart from…apart from this, is there nothing else in his head? !
He looked up at Xu Liangchen and gave a low, muffled grunt. He didn’t let up on his actions in the slightest, pressing a certain little white rabbit against the shadows by the pool and eating his fill.
For some reason, this person has become increasingly overbearing and domineering recently. If it weren’t for his relatively good adaptability, the young rabbit’s body, which is experiencing its first love affair, would suffer greatly… His powerful and brutal movements were really hard to defend against. Xu Liangchen gasped heavily, and unknowingly, his hands, which were propped against the edge of the pool, grew weak and lost their strength.
Mist billowed up from the dark surface of the water, and the pool water rippled like waves under the dim lights in the distance, as if weaving a hazy dream.
With no way to struggle, the little white rabbit, who had been floating in the water, gave up after a long struggle. Feeling that he really couldn’t take it anymore, he couldn’t help but tilt his head back slightly to avoid Duan Yijie’s endless kisses and give in again, ‘I…can’t take it anymore… You, go easy…’ She whispered these words twice before Duan Yijie stopped slightly. His body was still tense, but he didn’t pursue it any further. He lifted Xu Liangchen with both hands to the edge of the pool, pulled the bathrobe next to her and wrapped her up tightly, and then he threw on some clothes himself and carried the beauty into the house.
He first took her into the bathroom, where he carefully washed the almost exhausted girl, and took advantage of the situation to finish the ‘meal’ that they had not finished outside… He took advantage of her again. When Xu Liangchen was finally released from the bathroom, she was so tired that she had difficulty lifting her hands. Helpless, she could only scold him in her heart and use her eyes to glare at him… Why didn’t this person know what it felt like to blush and be embarrassed?
The young master was complacent, with a spring in his step, and helped her pull the thin quilt back up. The temperature difference between day and night in the mountains is great, so don’t let your beloved Liangchen catch a cold. Before going to sleep, he brought over a cup of warm milk again, saying that it would help sleep and warm the body.
Xu Liangchen was really speechless. What was wrong with this person today? Does he want to live? Rouyi desperately pulled the quilt, buried her head in it, and said angrily, ‘If you make a scene again, I’ll…I’ll die for you to see!’ Only then did the young master stop, half-regretful and half-displeased, unwillingly embracing her and falling asleep in his arms.
Early the next morning, Xu Liangchen finally understood the reason for Duan Yijie’s madness the night before. The Minjiang flood had subsided, and someone from the Yanzhou military governor’s office had come to tell them to go back as soon as possible.
Recently, some vehicles used by the Japanese to smuggle drugs had been purposefully intercepted and confiscated by the Southern Army. The people involved had been trying to find a way out for a long time without success, and some of them had become desperate. They had secretly tried to curry favour with the relevant Southern Army officers in Yanzhou and Minzhou. Duan Zhengxun had therefore arranged for Duan Yijie to go to Minzhou to meet with the Japanese and act according to the situation.
Xu Liangchen felt a little uncomfortable, half-covering his face, forcing a composed appearance, and walked out with an awkward gait. Duan Yijie saw this and slightly raised his eyebrows, then walked over as if he had suddenly understood, ignoring everyone else, and picked up the beauty in one arm and put her in the car. The driver on the side did not look away, as if he hadn’t noticed; Luo Hongwen smiled meaningfully.
Xu Liangchen flushed, but he couldn’t argue in front of others, so he had no choice but to bury his face in Duan Yijie’s chest. Later, the car and the entourage reunited, and the military vehicle carrying the guards circled down the mountain road, heading straight for Minzhou.
‘It has been confirmed that the Japanese, under the guise of business, have newly established the Nishida Co., Ltd. in Yanzhou and Minzhou, etc., which is a drug transit base supported by the military and the embassy. Recently, they have repeatedly tried to visit the general with embassy personnel to entice him with benefits and open up channels for drug trafficking. Because the situation in the north is a bit tense, the general just gave them a perfunctory response…’ After Luo Hongwen got into the car, he whispered to Duan Yijie about some of the details of the meeting. Duan Yijie listened with a frown, and quietly reached over and took Xu Liangchen’s soft hand in his palm.
Luo Hongwen continued talking as usual, and Xu Liangchen tried to get away a few times, but his hand was held even tighter. So he let him be, and just listened to their low discussions all the way, falling asleep slowly without realising it.
When she woke up, it was already noon. The group had lunch in a small town and then continued on their way. Before evening, they entered Minzhou City.
This was the second largest city under the control of the Southern Military Government and one of the famous ancient capitals. The city is surrounded by rivers and mountains, with beautiful mountains and rivers and numerous historical sites. It has always been known as a wonderful place. Since the late Qing Dynasty, it has suffered many disasters from military uprisings, and it was not until the establishment of the military government that it was rebuilt from the rubble and ashes.
When they reached the north of the city, the car drove straight into the Army Officers’ School, which the Duan father and son regarded as the cradle of military officers. Although he had heard of it before, Xu Liangchen was still walking into this modern higher military academy for the first time, which was said to have been established since the late Qing Dynasty and was not to be underestimated in terms of its scale.
What he saw along the way was a solemn brick and tile building complex built in the style of a Japanese military academy. There was a tall wall on all sides, which was protected by the river outside, with rows of green willows on the banks. The main gate of the military academy is opposite a tall wall across the river. The imposing height and grandeur of the wall can be compared to the Yanzhou Marshal’s Mansion, which shows the importance that Duan Yijie and his son attached to the military academy. A horizontal plaque with the six characters ‘陆军军官学校’ (Army Officer Academy) is hung above the lintel of the vermilion door. The font is rough and similar to the handwriting of Duan Zhengxun.
‘The military academy is divided into the North and South campuses. The North Campus is the living area, the South Campus is the centre of the military academy and the teaching area, and the East and West sides are classrooms and student dormitories…’ Duan Yijie saw that Xu Liangchen was looking out of the car window with some curiosity, so he pointed to the rows of green brick and tile houses with verandas on both sides and explained in detail the plans for the establishment of the military academy and his expectations. Xu Liangchen felt as if he was interested in the career he was so fond of, and was very happy.
‘…With a desire to serve the country, I have enlisted. The sons and daughters of China all share this hope…’ As the car passed the magnificent Martial Arts Hall, Xu Liangchen looked at the couplets on either side of the hall door and glanced at Duan Yijie. After spending so much time together, regardless of their relationship, she could not help but admire this man who cares about his country.
The car stopped in the large courtyard to the north of the Martial Arts Hall. Under the two ancient poplar trees, which stood side by side and were more than 5 zhang (about 16.5 metres) high, there were several men in military uniform. The car stopped, and before anyone outside could reach out to pull the door, Duan Yijie had already alighted with a flourish and shook hands with the first man, a middle-aged man: ‘Principal Zhang, it’s been a long time.’
The light and enthusiasm in his eyes made Xu Liangchen look at the principal Zhang again. After a while, he suddenly realised that this person was the legendary general who had caused the Japanese to lose face that year.
It is said that the Japanese Army Academy held a graduation ceremony that year, and the Japanese emperor attended in person and personally presented the graduates of the infantry department with swords. At that time, there were more than 300 Japanese students among the graduates, four international students from China, and a number of international students from Thailand and other places.
The names of the graduates were announced in order of merit, from the best to the worst. When the name of the first graduate was read out, there was a tense moment, with countless pairs of eyes focused on the stage. When the graduation officer finished reading the name, the audience was stunned!
It was the name of a Chinese person, and out of the four Chinese students, one had come first in the infantry division of all of Japan!
This person was none other than the future Chief of Staff of the military government, the president of the military academy in front of Xu Liangchen, and the legendary general Zhang Zhengguo.
Under the astonished and admiring or angry gaze of the participants, including the Japanese emperor, Zhang Zhengguo ascended the podium and took into his hands the emperor’s sword, which symbolised the highest honour for Japanese soldiers.
Second place went to General Cai E, who is known to posterity for his rebellion against Yuan Shikai.
The Japanese officers found it hard to bear that the sword bestowed by the emperor had been taken by a Chinese person, and they were even more shocked to find that the second place went to a Chinese person!
The future officers of the Imperial Japanese Army, who were known for their strict discipline, became agitated. In the face of this extraordinary embarrassment, the graduation officer became cautious and looked at the name of the third place winner.
To his dismay, the third place was also taken by a Chinese student!
In his panic, the graduation officer felt that he could not explain to the emperor, so he reluctantly and temporarily replaced the two Japanese students in the back with the third and fourth places. Among the Japanese graduates of this period were future Japanese army generals and other figures who could be called the elite of the Japanese army, but they all lost to a few Chinese students.
To avoid any further embarrassment, the Japanese Army Academy added a rule that Chinese students must take classes separately from Japanese students.
After Zhang Zhenguo returned from his military inspection tour of Germany, he soared like a phoenix, choosing only the highest perches. In the midst of the fame and fortune, the Duan father and son paid him three visits to the thatched cottage to invite him to take up important positions such as Chief of Staff and President of the Military Academy.
Xu Liangchen was lost in his thoughts, while the people who heard that the woman in front of them was the newlywed wife of the cold-faced young marshal could not help but look at her with curiosity. Xu Liangchen quietly and elegantly smiled. Thinking that they had official business to discuss, she wanted to hide behind Duan Yijie, but unexpectedly, as if he didn’t want anyone to know, the young master reached out and pulled her over, and introduced her seriously, which made Xu Liangchen feel both surprised and add some inexplicable feelings.
This is still a man-centric world. To be honest, she is only the woman behind him, but he never seems to realise that…Inadvertently, they talked about major events at home and abroad, the curriculum of the military academy, and the future of the country in his heart…Everywhere, she placed herself on an equal footing with him. Xu Liangchen looked at her with mixed feelings. In this man’s heart, does she really have such an important position?
| Yan Yan. Handwritten, please indicate the source|www.txt99.com

Chapter 75
Principal Zhang had already arranged a place for the two of them to stay. Duan Yizha personally escorted Xu Liangchen back to the courtyard in the back, and had someone fetch dim sum, tea, and hot water. He repeatedly and earnestly told her to get a good night’s sleep, arranged for the guards to stand guard, and then reluctantly continued to discuss official matters.
Xu Liangchen had already had a nap in the car, so he was not too tired. Looking at the cold-faced young master of the past, who was as meticulous and concerned as a hen protecting her chicks, he could not help but agree with mixed emotions. He watched his upright back as he left the courtyard, and then slowly took a shower, changed clothes, sat on a bamboo chair in front of the coffee table, and had some soup and dim sum.
The sun slowly set, and from somewhere came the deep and sonorous sound of a bell. Then, faintly, from outside the courtyard, Xu Liangchen heard the youthful and energetic dismissal call of the military school students. For some reason, Xu suddenly felt at peace and secure.
This ancient oriental power has inherited a traditional culture of harmony and courtesy. However, since the late Qing Dynasty, it has been repeatedly humiliated by the powerful nations with their iron ships and cannons due to its poverty and weakness. The deep-sounding bell and the youthful voices sounded so contrasting yet harmonious, as if symbolising that this sleeping lion is already gathering strength.
Xu Liangchen stood in front of the window. In the afterglow of the colourful sky, a faint smile unconsciously appeared at the corner of his lips.
It was about to get dark when Duan Yijie hurried back. As soon as he entered the door, he saw Xu Liangchen sitting on the sofa with a thick book in his hands, his mind on nothing else. He had already changed his clothes, and after washing his hair, he hadn’t tied it up. His long hair hung down his shoulders, carrying a hint of fresh laziness and the charm of a beauty.
Duan Yijie couldn’t help but raise the corners of his thin lips slightly, walked over gently, put his arms around her narrow shoulders from behind, and asked softly, ‘Why aren’t you resting?’
Xu Liangchen was caught off guard, her body stiffened, and a familiar scent came over her. She slowly looked up and gave him a sideways glance. The indulgent smile on his angular face made her lower her eyebrows slightly in confusion, ‘I’m not tired.’
Duan Yijie laughed softly, nodded, leaned down and kissed her gently on the ear: ‘Then accompany me to the meeting with the Japanese?’
Xu Liangchen was momentarily stunned and couldn’t help but look up at him again. For something like a meeting with the Japanese, does Duan Yijie also want her to accompany him?
Duan Yijie understood her question and let go of her hand, standing up straight and smiling faintly but seriously, ‘Liangchen, you are the other half of my life. I have no secrets from you, and there is nothing I cannot tell you.’ Seeing Xu Liangchen’s hand tremble, and the thick book almost fall to the ground, he narrowed his dark eyes slightly and continued, ‘Besides, meeting with the Japanese is not just my personal business. The Japanese never understood that they were dealing with an entire nation, an entire people.’
Xu Liangchen could hear the hidden strength and profound meaning in his simple and unadorned words. She looked up at him with her big, dark, bright eyes, which were clear and distinct, looking at the man before her with a heart that couldn’t help but think, ‘Our country is in great trouble, surrounded by powerful nations. He bears a weight unlike any other person. If I can do anything to help, I should do my best.’
Duan Yijie’s dark eyes faintly flashed with a gentle look of appreciation and approval, and he reached out to take the book from Xu Liangchen’s hands, indicating that she should go and get changed. It was getting late, and the Japanese were already waiting at the agreed place.
The Japanese representative who came forward to show goodwill towards the military government, hinting that if the two sides could cooperate, not only would they benefit equally, but the Japanese side was also willing to sell the latest weapons of the army to the Southern Army. The go-between was the Japanese military attaché at the Japanese legation in Yanzhou, Lieutenant Colonel Nakamura, who shuttled frequently between Yanzhou and Minzhou during this period.
Duan Zhengxun had met with Komura once because of the legation. He did not respond to Komura’s explicit and implicit conditions, but Komura reported to his superiors triumphantly that although Duan Zhengxun might have other conditions, the Japanese side’s wishful thinking still had a good chance of success…After all, the temptation of lucrative benefits and new weapons, how could the military government, which was not wealthy, refuse outright?
So, through the legation, they secretly invited Duan Zhengxun to discuss cooperation between the two sides. Duan Zhengxun excused himself for being busy with official business, and after a few times, he passed the matter on to Duan Yijie. The Japanese side thought they had understood each other, so after hearing that the cold-faced young marshal would inspect the military academy, they sent a five-person delegation headed by Komura to Minzhou.
Xu Liangchen changed into a moon-white cheongsam, and the two of them walked hand in hand out of the courtyard. President Zhang was already waiting by the car with a few subordinates. After exchanging greetings, they gave the order, and the car drove out of the side entrance of the military academy and headed straight for Xiao Xihu.
Minzhou West Lake is located in the city centre, and in history it was once known as ‘Little West Lake’ along with Hangzhou West Lake and Yingzhou West Lake. The so-called Hangzhou West Lake is ‘Wu Gong Xizi’, and Min Lake is ‘Mang Luo Xizi’. The style is like a small and beautiful woman, and it became a scenic spot for a time.
After driving for a while, the ripples of the lake could faintly be seen in the distance at night. Fishing boats dotted on the lake surface flashed with fishing fires like dazzling eyes; the bamboo arch bridge was like two half-moon crescents across the lake surface. This is the famous scene of Xiao Xihu, ‘Double Moon Arch Bridge’.
Everyone got out of the car. Luo Hongwen looked around without saying a word. The security battalion commander, hidden in the shade of the willows, gave a sign, then turned and opened the car door.
Xu Liangchen followed Duan Yijie as they walked with Principal Zhang across the double-arched bamboo bridge, illuminated by the light of the setting sun. On the island in the middle of the lake was a three-storey Western-style building with a roofed terrace. Duan Yijie turned his head and looked at her and laughed, ‘This is the Yuelan Residence, where you can dine on fine food and enjoy the beautiful scenery…’
Principal Zhang laughed and picked up the conversation: ‘This is the first century-old shop in Minzhou to have a fan and a telephone, and it has a bit of a modern feel. It’s very prosperous.’
Xu Liangchen looked at the couplet on the door, which was written in a bold and flowing style under the bright electric light: ‘On the first floor, the wind and moon are drunk with joy; the ten-mile lake and mountains fill the eyes with drunkenness.’ He couldn’t help smiling and nodded his head. The Yuelan Residence has beautiful mountains and water, whether lightly or heavily made up. The owner is also good at running a business, and cooks delicious dishes with fresh lake fish. Naturally, the business is booming and the reputation has spread far and wide. It is hard to believe that it is also the first to install a fan and telephone, which seems to indicate that these new technologies from the West are slowly entering the ancient land.
The restaurant had already been instructed to close its doors to guests this evening, and only one elegant seat by the window on the second floor had been arranged as a place for the meeting.
The five-member Japanese delegation was accompanied by the military attaché Toyoda and first secretary Sakai, who were stationed at the legation in Yanzhou. They were familiar with Duan Yijie, so when they saw the figure downstairs, they hurriedly greeted him.
After a few words of greeting, the group politely exchanged courtesies and went upstairs. President Zhang had studied in Japan, so of course he spoke fluent Japanese, so Xu Liangchen followed Duan Yijie without saying a word. Until everyone entered and took their seats.
Much to everyone’s surprise, Xiaocun Taro, who had smuggled drugs such as opium into China and earned huge profits for his own country’s government, was actually a small, lean, middle-aged man with a somewhat gentle and refined appearance. He was smiling from ear to ear before he even spoke. He was dressed in a Chinese-style long shirt, giving off a very gentle air. If it weren’t for the occasional flash of brilliance in his small eyes, people would mistake him for an ordinary scholar.
Duan Yijie’s youthfulness seemed to have taken the small village by surprise. Underneath his smile, he thoughtfully gazed at the young Southern military government commander-in-chief, whose name he had long heard, and the beautiful and elegant wife by his side. Duan Yijie greeted him lightly, and the gentle and concerned look in his eyes towards Xu Liangchen did not escape the small village’s notice.
He quickly made a decision and gave a quiet wink to Fengtian. While everyone was seated, Fengtian invited Duan Yijie to sit down beside him. Sakai respectfully handed over a map and Fengtian whispered as he pointed.
Duan Yijie looked at Liangchen without saying a word. Knowing what he was thinking, Liangchen quietly stood behind him and whispered the translation. What Toyota was saying was to the effect that the Empire of Japan advocated Sino-Japanese goodwill, that the Minjiang River had recently flooded in the south, and that the Northern Military Government had also suffered a severe drought. Therefore, if the Southern Military Government agreed to ‘economic’ cooperation, they would be willing to share the benefits of both sides, and provide new ships and weapons developed in several ports where the Japanese army was stationed.
Finally, Toyota lowered his voice and smiled, ‘The young marshal is newly married, and my country would like to send a congratulatory gift, which will be deposited in the bank account designated by you and the marshal. And, this money will continue to grow according to the state of our business…’
Duan Yijie folded his arms across his chest, looked at Toyota with a somewhat knowing expression, and kept his face expressionless. Xu Liangchen, however, saw the sarcasm and amusement at the corner of his lips, as well as a hint of indignation, in the quick glance he gave him. I never thought these Japanese people could be so shameless.
Xiao Cun observed the situation and wanted to give Duan Yijie some room to think. Seeing that Toyota had finished speaking, he hurriedly stood up and invited Duan Yijie and Xu Liangchen to sit down and treated them with great hospitality.
Duan Yijie held a wine glass in his hand, looking indifferent and polite, but he never spoke a word. President Zhang responded to the probing words of the others with sharp words. Halfway through the wine, Xiaocun began to talk about the benefits of Sino-Japanese goodwill.
As he spoke, Takakura, sitting to his right, suddenly blushed with a drunken face, stood up nervously and said angrily, ‘What Sino-Japanese goodwill? In my opinion, this is nonsense! China will never sincerely befriend Japan!”
He looked at the guests, including Duan Yijie, with contempt, then sneered, “China will never befriend on its own initiative. You have to fight, and once you fight, you’ll befriend!” He stumbled a couple of steps, then held up his paw: ’In the years Jiawu and Gengzi, China lost, and then befriended. That’s China’s so-called nature!’
The insolence and arrogance shown in his words and body language made Xu Liangchen frown involuntarily. She couldn’t help but turn her head to look at Duan Yijie, but saw that his expression was as usual, cold as frost. Only an extremely uncommon arc was raised at the corner of his lips. Principal Zhang also frowned with knitted eyebrows, obviously greatly dissatisfied and indignant.
Upon hearing this, the Japanese in the small village also thought that Takakura had lost his temper. In order to save face, Toyota hastily stopped him in Japanese. Duan Yijie watched their performance without expression. After Takakura was pulled and sat down, he glanced at him with dark eyes and lightly curved his lips and said, ‘Listening to this speech, I regret the friendship between China and Japan that has existed in the history of the two countries.’
He glanced at Xu Liangchen, and after she had finished translating, he continued, ‘I have difficulty understanding the “friendship” your government and this gentleman are talking about. China has always looked at its neighbours with friendly eyes. If there really was friendship, Japan should have helped China become strong and prosperous, instead of behaving like a robber shouting for blood. To take the simplest example, my government advocates drug prohibition, but who are the people who traffic in drugs? The Japanese are opening opium dens all over the neighbourhood, using airplanes to transport drugs to poison the Chinese people. Is this goodwill? ! Apart from that, just the aggressive, unreasonable and tyrannical demeanour of Mr Takakura, is that goodwill? This is already more than just a loss of composure, isn’t it? It is an insult to China and to us, and it also insults what your country advocates, the ‘Sino-Japanese Goodwill’!
As Duan Yijie’s cold and composed words fell, the anger rising in Xu Liangchen’s heart slowly subsided. She had finished translating appropriately, and Principal Zhang looked at the young couple with surprise and appreciation.
The Japanese were speechless at these words, and looked at Takakura with shame and embarrassment. In his heart, Komura regretted bringing such an asshole here. A few words had become a provocation to the young general in front of him. Could the plan that had taken so long to put together still be carried out?
As expected, before he could say anything, Duan Yijie stood up and said indifferently, ‘I’m sorry, but we’re in a hurry today. My wife isn’t feeling well, so we’ll be leaving now.’ After saying this, he ignored the ugly faces of Xiaocun and the others, as if they had been slapped, took Xu Liangchen’s hand, and together with Zhang and the others, they left.
Xiaocun glared at Takakura viciously, hurriedly put on a smile, and saw them off. As he watched the crowd walk out of the island in the middle of the lake surrounded by guards, he turned around and gave Takakura a hard slap in the face—the Japanese understood in their hearts that if the talks were to continue, it would be impossible without a major bloodbath…and all because of a few words from this bastard!
Soon after returning to the military school residence, Luo Hongwen led someone to bring in dinner. Together with the Japanese, who were up to no good, no one was in the mood to eat, and they were still hungry.
After dinner, two guards were clearing the dishes when Luo Hongwen walked in, looked at Xu Liangchen sitting on the sofa flipping through the newspaper, and said in a low voice, ‘Young master, Director Jiang is here.’
Duan Yijie looked up, but in the blink of an eye, he saw Xu Liangchen’s hand flipping through the newspaper, and his eyebrows lifted slightly, and the long eyelashes on his small fan-like face trembled twice.
She never expected the relationship between herself and Duan Yijie to have changed so much after this trip, even beyond her wildest dreams. As she felt a hundred different emotions well up in her heart, she occasionally thought of the gentle and refined figure of that man. But what puzzled Xu Liangchen was that she had never dreamed of him before, so why did this impending reunion feel like a dream?
These past few days with Duan Yijie, she has felt dazed from time to time, feeling as if the whole world, including Fang Fo, is illusory and unreal, as if love and hate, right and wrong, are from another world… She raises her eyebrows slightly and sees the corner of Duan Yijie’s eyes slightly curved. Neither of them speaks, and the room is filled with the faint light from the table, and even a little dappled moonlight filtering through the window lattice.
She was wearing a pale pink dress, and her slender fingers were a little absent-minded as they ran over the jagged edges of the newspaper. Duan Yizha had sent Luo Hongwen away at some point, and he came over gently, leaned down and took her hand, feeling the slight sweat on her palm and the lightness of her fingers.
Xu Liangchen’s heart skipped a few beats, and she trembled slightly. She raised her eyebrows and looked at him. Her dark eyes were bright like the stars in the night sky, with deep and shallow shadows floating in them.
‘Are your eyes tired?’ Duan Yizha sat down next to her and, with a strong arm, pulled her into his arms.
‘Well, there was a bit of a protest in the newspaper about Japanese drug trafficking…’ Xu Liangchen softly responded, trying to escape from his embrace, but she was unexpectedly held tightly by someone.
| Yan Yan. Handwritten, please indicate the source|www.txt99.com

Chapter 76
Xu Liangchen looked up with some surprise.
Although he had been extremely domineering the previous few days, there had been no intimate acts between the two of them. However, after leaving the hot springs, he had been quite restrained, occasionally getting close but only shaking hands. And whenever she showed the slightest sign of rejection or unwillingness, he would just smile and comply. Could it be that he was going to be overbearing again tonight, or was it because he was in a bad mood?
‘Those who do evil will eventually meet their doom. The Japanese have underestimated the strength of a nation…’ Xu Liangchen’s obvious avoidance made Duan Yijie feel a little uneasy. While saying this, he simply used his hand to force her to sit on his lap, but he continued to speak about the righteousness of the country and the nation.
After he finished speaking, without waiting for Xu Liangchen to come back to her senses and struggle, Duan Yijie already bowed his head and kissed her deeply.
Even though Xu Liangchen was intelligent, it was difficult for her to keep up with his thoughts that were suddenly here and there. Before she could understand what he was saying, she was already enveloped in the strong scent of a man. For a moment, she felt a little overwhelmed. After spending so much time together, the two of them had finally consummated their marriage, but they had never done it when someone was waiting outside…waiting, of course, was Jiang Jingwu…The kiss was overbearing and full of a strong sense of possession. Xu Liangchen had only felt this way on his wedding night—that night, in that moment, he had kissed her in the same way, swallowing her moans and tears into his mouth. What was wrong with him?
‘…They’re…waiting for you…’ Xu Liangchen was still struggling, but his lips had already sealed hers, forcing her to surrender all the sweetness. She pushed his shoulders with her hands in a panic, but Duan Yijie had a death grip on her waist, buried his face in her neck and kissed her. Her feeble strength meant nothing to him. In a daze of passion, he held her in one arm, and with the other hand he even moved downwards. He felt the skin under his fingers and palms was as soft as jade, and the more he felt, the more reluctant he became to let go.
A low murmur came from outside the door, and Xu Liangchen suddenly woke up. Trembling, he pushed open the door and entered the room, closing the door behind him.
Trying to sneak away? Sorry, no way! Duan Yijie’s dark eyes lifted slightly, and he clasped her arm in one hand, continuing to kiss her without giving her a chance to respond. Xu Liangchen was unable to make a sound as he blocked her, but she was unwilling to give in like this, so she opened her dark grape-like eyes, clenched her teeth, placed her hand on his shoulder, and dodged backwards.
The inner door was pushed open by an outside force, and Duan Yijie took advantage of the situation to tighten his arms around her and half-push her into the room. He turned around and pressed himself against the door, wrapping one arm around her seductive waist and holding her back with the other hand. The pressure on her lips gradually increased, and his tongue locked onto her teeth, as their hot and lingering kiss grew more fervent.
Hearing that name, it turns out you will still be stunned and in a daze… Xu Liangchen, right now, it is me who loves you, you must not forget! With deliberate punishment, Duan Yijie locked her in his arms with his arm, Xu Liangchen felt like she couldn’t breathe, as if the air in her body wanted to be squeezed out by him… He swept the ground and attacked the city, while she could only retreat step by step. She was anxious because he was domineering like never before, and he rolled around every bit of her sweetness, as if he could not wait to crush her whole being in his arms… He kissed her greedily, devouring her deeper and deeper…until she was completely out of breath and collapsed in his arms, and then Duan Yijie stopped, in a daze.
In the shadows of the lamp The two stood close together, motionless…until the clear voice from outside came in. Duan Yijie’s furrowed eyebrows looked at her with burning eyes, and his hand kept her in his embrace. After the passionate kiss After the kiss, Xu Liangchen’s eyebrows and corners of her eyes were filled with a hazy springtime charm. She looked like a peach blossom in the light, her charming demeanour hard to describe… Only the panic in the depths of her starry eyes and the faint sadness made Duan Yijie feel remorseful and compassionate. What followed was an even stronger determination: Liangchen, you are mine!
After a long while he let out a low sigh, bent down, and took his beloved woman into his arms. As they walked towards the bed, he whispered, ‘You rest well, I’ll be right back…’ He laid her on the bed, pulled the thin quilt up, leaned down and gave her a gentle kiss, before turning around, closing the door and leaving.
The light showed a soft shadow on the door. Xu Liangchen turned his face gently, listening to the footsteps that gradually died down. A sense of confusion rose from the bottom of his heart, as if he were asking, ‘Jingwu, are you okay?’ Looking at Duan Yijie’s leopard-like satisfied expression as he walked out of the inner room, Jiang Jingwu frowned involuntarily. Behind who was behind that door was naturally self-evident; she could not have not known she was coming, and yet not even a greeting came out… Xiaochen, have we already reached such a state of estrangement? Could it be that you and he… After some absent-mindedness, Duan Yijie finished talking about confidential topics with the two people, and the two looked at each other unspokenly, nodded lightly, and said goodbye.
Watching Luo Hongwen saw Jiang Jingwu off, and Duan Yijie looked at the man’s somewhat despondent back, and couldn’t help but stand there in a daze for a long time.
Back at the residence, after arranging some business, and looking at the twinkling stars and moon in the sky, Jiang Jingwu, who was wide awake and unable to sleep, slowly walked to the river. The moon had already climbed to the middle of the sky, and the fine moonlight swayed with the river, giving a gloomy chill in the quiet and peace.
Standing still . Jiang Jingwu hugged her arms, a vague feeling of sadness welling up in her heart. The night wind blew carelessly, and the lonely night sky grew weary. The dancing shadows of the trees could not bear the loneliness, and they swayed and cast broken shadows. The river before her had seen much over the years, and had witnessed the happiness and sadness of the world. The clashing of the houses on the riverbank pierced the veil of the cold night, like the parting lover waving affectionately.
No matter no matter how close they were as children, the scene behind that door tonight made Jiang Jingwu’s heart fall completely into the abyss. The beautiful woman really had another lover… Just as he was thinking about his heart’s desire, which he could not stop, someone suddenly laughed behind him, ‘What a coincidence, it really is an old classmate, how have you been?’
Jiang Jingwu turned around, but it was a Japanese man named Yoshino Toyoda, whom she had met while studying in Germany. The two were in the same university but different classes, but since Toyoda was very fond of Chinese culture and art and shared some interests with Jiang Jingwu, they met from time to time at gatherings and became closer than others. However, at that time it was purely a friendship between schoolmates and there was no relationship of exploitation.
Later they met again in Yanzhou, but the situation had changed. One was the military attaché at the Japanese consulate in Yanzhou, while the other was a key figure in the arms department of the Southern Military Government. After their reunion, although Toyoda had repeatedly arranged for them to meet, Jiang Jingwu never participated in their banquets or accepted their invitations, whether intentionally or not.
This trip to Minzhou was already a secret, but Toyoda happened to appear behind him at such a time. Jiang Jingwu knew instantly that this was of course an intentional ‘encounter’.
So smiled slightly, meaningfully, and said, ‘Life is full of coincidences; where can we not meet? Mr. Toyoda, what a coincidence.’
Toyoda did not respond to his words, but just pointed to a black-canopy boat moored along the river and laughed, ‘The bright moon shines tonight. Although this place is not the Qinhuai River with its ten miles of golden dust, the scene of the moon and water shrouded in mist is still very moving. If my old classmate doesn’t mind, I have something I’d like to ask your advice on. I wonder if you’d give me this face?’
He did not . Jiang Jingwu looked at him slightly surprised, but Toyoda came closer and whispered, ‘We have recently obtained some information about the Mark I tank. I wonder if my old classmate is interested?’
The war The war in Europe was continuing, with both sides engaged in trench warfare, defended by barbed wire and machine-gun nests. To break the deadlock, scientists and technicians working on military equipment understood that a new weapon was needed, combining firepower, mobility and protection.
So the Britishman Swinton used automobiles, tractors, gun manufacturing and metallurgical technology to trial-produce a tank prototype. This tank, known as the Mark I, was described as a ‘water tank’ (tank in English) that delivered water to the front line for secrecy purposes.
This armoured vehicle travelled on tracks, galloping across the battlefield, jumping over obstacles and trenches, unafraid of bullets and unstoppable. It easily broke through the German line on the battlefield, opening a new era of mechanised land forces. Jiang Jingwu had long been concerned about new weapon, Jiang Jingwu had long been interested, but he had been unable to start production due to a lack of information.
Hearing this from Toyota, he couldn’t help but take a long look at the smiling Japanese man in the moonlight. Toyota looked up at him and whispered, ‘Jiang is obsessed with military equipment, but I am just doing my job. Our embassy is willing to provide detailed information on the Mark I… and all the conditions you need to support your reunion with Ms. Xu…’ Toyota slowed down his speech and lowered a little, staring at Jiang Jingwu’s face and stating his final purpose: ‘…in exchange for Jiang Jun’s advocacy of the invincibility of tanks in military affairs in the military government, and Ms. Xu’s slight facilitation of Marshal Duan’s cooperation in this business negotiation, I wonder what Jiang Jun thinks?’
Jiang Jing Wu’s sword eyebrows slowly furrowed up. He could not imagine that Toyota’s shamelessness and boldness had reached such a level, and it seemed that the Japanese already knew very well the grievances between himself, Liangchen, and Duan Yijie, and were even trying to use them? What exactly were their intentions regarding Xiaochen?
‘Toyota-kun is very resourceful and far-sighted,’ Jiang smiled slightly, folded his arms: ‘Unfortunately, no matter how powerful the tank is, it cannot change the current situation in China, where the northern and southern governments each control half of the country. I am not an important member of the military government, and I cannot single-handedly save the country with just a few words.’ He looked at Toyoda’s face, which had gradually frozen into a smile, without saying a word. Then he continued: ‘General Duan and his wife are deeply in love, and you have made a mistake, Toyoda-kun. As a diplomatic officer, if such words are heard by others, it will not just be a simple misunderstanding.’
“Jiang You are too serious,’ said Jiang, his face turning a little ugly. He had always known that persuading this intelligent and capable young Chinese military equipment expert would not be easy, but he was surprised that Jiang Jingwu was so blasé about stealing his love. After a moment’s thought, he decided to adopt the strategy of inviting the guest into the pot, so he smiled and raised his hand to invite him again: “It’s rare to meet like this, so let’s not talk about state affairs. Let’s drink and row in the moonlight, just to release the pent-up emotions in our hearts.”
Jiang Jing Wu looked up at the silvery moonlight that filled the earth with its radiance. The gently flowing river was like a young girl in a light veil, dignified and charming, just like the graceful figure engraved in his heart. He turned around and said, ‘Toyoda-kun, you are in a good mood. It’s just that it’s getting late, and I still have some official business to attend to. I’m sorry, but I’ll take my leave now.’
After saying this , gave a faint smile, and turned to leave. Toyoda looked at his back with some embarrassment, quickly got into the black-canopy boat, and as soon as the boat had just left the shore, he heard a dull gunshot from the shore. A hideous smile appeared at the corner of Toyoda’s mouth.
|Hand-typed by Yulonglan, please indicate the source if reproduced|

Chapter 77
Duan Yi After Jie left, he whispered a few words, and soon the sound of footsteps turned to the study. Thinking about the situation when the two met, thinking about the Jiang family’s feelings for himself since childhood, thinking about Jiang Jingwu’s deep hidden affection, the last time that brief glance of grey eyes, the pain in his eyes without words, thinking about Duan Yijie’s domineering and gentle, spoiled and trusting and respectful… Xu Liangchen’s heart was full of mixed emotions, and she really couldn’t sleep.
She sighed sighs, buries herself under the thin quilt, and her thoughts drift away. She doesn’t know how long she has been in a daze when there is a light knock on the door. It seems to be Duan Yijie returning. He stands by the bed for a while, then goes to the bathroom. After he comes out, he gets into bed quietly, pulls the quilt up for her, and sits under the lamp to read some documents.
Just as Xu Liangchen was half asleep, there was a gentle but urgent knock on the door. Luo Hongwen called out ‘Young Master’ in a low and urgent voice, and Duan Yijie answered in a low voice, quickly got up and called out ‘Liangchen’. Seeing that she was not moving, he quickly walked over and opened the door.
The door was half-open, and Luo Hongwen’s extremely low voice came intermittently into Xu Liangchen’s ears: ‘…something’s happened…it’s…Chief Jiang…the Japanese…Miss Er…life…’ Xu Liangchen suddenly felt a shock in her heart, her heartbeat quickened, and she was instantly wide awake. She couldn’t help but lift the quilt and sit up. What? Something’s happened to him?
She really wanted to jump out of bed and rush over to find out what had happened. As he held the quilt with one hand and looked down, he saw the dishevelled clothes on his own body. He was in a panic and hesitated, but then Duan Yijie had already walked back. Xu Liangchen looked up anxiously, and what met his eyes were his furrowed eyebrows, thoughtful gaze, and tightly closed lips.
Xu Liang heart was quite picky, and he suddenly thought about his relationship and wanted to ask Jiang Jingwu, so he couldn’t help but lower his eyes uncomfortably and press down on his rapid heartbeat, waiting for Duan Dasha to speak.
I don’t know whether it was the news or her expression that made someone uncomfortable, Duan Yijie stood straight in front of the bed, but he didn’t say a word. The clock in the outer hall ticked lightly, the room was silent, and the breathing of the two people was almost audible.
Xu Liang Chen Bai Xian long slender income and expenditure unconsciously grabbed the quilt and let go again. The unease in her heart was rapidly expanding. It was so bad… It was so bad… Something had happened to him… Something had happened… Unable to hold back her worries and anxieties, she suddenly looked up, stared directly at Duan Yijie and asked in a low voice, ‘…it’s so bad… Director Jiang… has something happened to him?’
Looking at those bright eyes that blinked, concerned but avoiding her own, the small fan-like eyelashes lifting and falling, a sudden indescribable feeling welled up in Duan Yijie’s heart. After a moment, he still nodded gently, ‘Yes… Tonight, Director Jiang went for a walk by the river, and someone hid in the shadows and shot him…’
‘It was Wu…’ Xu Liangchen looked at Duan Yijie’s dark star-like eyes, which were instantly clouded, and her heart was filled with pain. Her hands were clenched so tightly that her knuckles turned pale. Watching him look a little out of control, Duan Yijie sighed silently, and then said softly, ’You were worried, but Chief Jiang is fine. What happened…was Qi Ping…’
Qi Ping? Xu Liangchen was momentarily confused. Someone shot at Jiang Wu, but he wasn’t hurt, and it was Qi Ping who got into trouble. What was going on?
Looking at her confused but anxious eyes, Duan Yijie walked over to the bed and sat down. He reached out and gently pulled her into his arms, his voice low and full of boundless worry, ‘…I have long since noticed and been investigating the Japanese drug trafficking ring. This time, Qiping and a colleague from the newspaper followed Xiaocun and the others secretly to Minzhou, and tonight they followed them to the river. Someone shot in the dark, and Qiping noticed it. Just as the gunshot rang out, she rushed out from behind the willow and saved Jiang Jingwu…’
This time, Xu Liangchen did not resist his embrace. She felt her heart hanging in mid-air and her body was weak. She let herself cling to him and asked anxiously, ‘Qi Ping…Qi Ping…’
Duan Yijie reached out and gently patted her back: ‘The bullet hit her right shoulder, but she’ll be fine. She’s lost a lot of blood…The people from Hongwen are also there, and they’ve been taken to the hospital…’
‘What’s the situation now? What did the hospital say…’ Xu Liangchen looked up at his eyes, where she saw a complex mix of anger, pain, worry, and self-blame. He and Qi Ping had always been close, like brother and sister, and now that his sister had been hurt, he couldn’t know how sad he felt… “It’s in surgery, get dressed, we’ll be right there.” He could see her concern clearly, and it warmed his heart. He patted her back again and spoke softly.
Xu Liangchen promised, quickly tidied his clothes in a flash, and the two got into the car and headed straight for the hospital.
Although the Military Academy Hospital was not large, it was fortunate to have the support of the military government, which had hired a number of doctors who had studied in Europe and the United States and had obtained a doctorate in surgery. This was the backbone of the hospital’s technical strength, so after Qi Ping was brought in, she was immediately taken to the operating room.
As soon as he stepped into the hospital corridor, Xu Liangchen saw Jiang Jingwu standing outside the operating room door, her brows furrowed. He paced back and forth, looking up every now and then to see if the red light in the operating room had gone out. Xu Liangchen walked over quietly, stepping lightly.
Seeing her state, Duan Yijie paused slightly, and Luo Hongwen, who was behind him, walked out quickly. After a short while, the hospital’s Vice President Chen arrived with his subordinates. After raising their hands in a salute, Vice President Chen said, ‘Commander, President Wang personally performed the surgery, and the situation is still good, but the bullet embedded in the collarbone is a bit troublesome…’
Jiang Jingwu turned around when he heard footsteps, and when he saw Xu Liangchen, he was slightly taken aback. The two of them looked at each other in silence, not knowing where to start. They were facing each other in silence when they heard Vice President Chen come out and say something about Qi Ping. They looked at each other and, with great understanding, walked over to each other.
Before Duan Yijie could say anything, the door to the operating room was hastily opened, and a female doctor came over to Vice President Chen while removing her mask: ‘Vice President Chen, the injured person has lost a lot of blood. President Wang said, please prepare for a blood transfusion immediately…’
‘I’m type O.’ Before Vice President Chen could say anything, Xu Liangchen hurried over, rolled up her sleeves and said, “Doctor, please arrange for a blood transfusion.” Blood transfusions were not yet common in China, and the Chinese people did not have the habit of checking their blood types. Wouldn’t it be a waste of time to wait until after the blood test to draw blood? This is a matter of life and death, and Xu Liangchen was desperate.
The others looked at her with surprise, Luo Hongwen glanced at Duan Yijie’s face, and Jiang Jingwu was the quickest to react, turning to the female doctor and asking, ‘What blood type is the injured person?’
‘The injured person is type B…’ The female doctor answered while taking the syringe from the nurse’s hand, gesturing for Xu Liangchen to follow her into the next treatment room.
‘Then I’m fine too, I’m type B.’ Jiang Jingwu rolled up his sleeves. Duan Yijie glanced at him and turned to the female doctor and said, “I’m the injured person’s brother…”
The female doctor was about to nod when Vice President Chen said with some difficulty, “Commander, you… need to have your blood type checked.” This young master and the Miss Duan inside are half-siblings. The blood types of the parents determine the blood type of the child. Even children of the same parents may be different, let alone half-siblings?
Duan Yijie glanced at him and nodded slightly. The female doctor had already quickly arranged to start the blood draw under the urging of Xu Liangchen and Jiang Jingwu. She quickly pressed a disinfected cotton pad against Jiang Jingwu’s puncture site, instructing him to bend his arm to hold the cotton ball in place to prevent blood from oozing out. Then she looked at Xu Liangchen approvingly, pulled her jade-like arm across the table, palm up, and placed a soft pad under it. She then disinfected it and tied a tourniquet.
As the red blood slowly flowed into the syringe, the female doctor softly told Xu Liangchen to let go of her clenched fist, and whispered, ‘Are you nervous? If you are, you can close your eyes or turn your head away.’
Xu Liangchen’s lips curled slightly, and she shook her head gently, ‘It’s okay, thank you doctor.’
Once the results of the blood type and cross-match test on Duan Yijie came back, the blood with the body temperatures of Jiang Jingwu and Xu Liangchen was transfused into Qi Ping’s strong and beating heart… The bullet lodged between her collarbone was finally removed, and the unconscious Qi Ping was finally safely taken off the operating table.
Hearing the exhausted Director Wang say with a serious expression that the transfusion was only the first hurdle, and that it would have to be seen whether the wound would become infected, whether the injured person would develop a high fever or other complications, and that there was no guarantee of life at this point, Xu Liangchen looked at the pale, unconscious Qi Ping, and tears silently rolled down his face.
Life is so fragile, and this woman from a wealthy family was willing to sacrifice herself to save a life. What kind of heart does she have!
Liangchen’s skin is white and tender, and sometimes a slight bump will leave a bruise. After the blood was drawn, the sleeve was not lowered, and no matter how carefully and meticulously the female doctor treated her, a dark blue patch was faintly visible at the elbow. Duan Yijie glanced sideways slightly, and a pang already appeared in his heart.
Thank you, President Wang, and all the doctors who went up to the operating table. He took Xu Liangchen in to see Qi Ping, and when he walked out of the ward, Jiang Jingwu came up to him and saluted with his hand raised: ‘Legion Commander, I have arranged for those tasks; with your permission, I will stay and take care of Miss Duan.’
Duan Yijie looked at him expressionlessly, and Jiang Jingwu returned the look without flinching.
The two men stood tall and straight, facing each other in silence, and Xu Liangchen couldn’t help but stop in his tracks. He who had accompanied her in her youth was still as tall as a mountain, his hairline still thick and black, a face with sword eyebrows and starry eyes, but with a touch of stubborn persistence at the corners of his lips. He, on the other hand, still had the same cold expression as frost, slightly frowning. If she looked closely, she would see small lines between his brows… She couldn’t help but feel a little heart palpitations and daze, and even wondered, who, could reach out and smooth those lines?
Time seemed long but short. Just as Xu Liangchen was lost in thought, Luo Hongwen walked over and gave Duan Yijie a wink. Duan Yijie nodded slightly, as if to Luo Hongwen and also Jiang Jingwu, and said, ‘Okay.’ After that, he strode away without another word.
Xu Liangchen looked at Jiang Jingwu, hesitated, and then followed a few moments later with her head bowed.
Jiang Jingwu watched her back. The dim light in the corridor outlined the slender waist, like a backlight lens in photography, with a strange hazy texture. The footsteps that gradually faded away seemed to be fast and slow, and the shadow seemed to be far and near, like the memories on the negative film, clear yet blurry.
For a long time, he slowly turned around and looked at the closed door of the ward. The snow-white wall next to the door reminded him of the room, the pale woman with no blood in her face…
|Hand-typed by Yulinglan, please indicate the source if reproduced.|

Chapter 78
On that rainy day when we first met, what caught my eye were those pair of big, dark, shiny eyes. The smile at the corner of her lips looked exactly like Duan Yijie’s, but it was more gentle and carefree. The two dimples on her cheeks were much deeper than Xiaochen’s, and she had an air of gentleness about her.
Despite her humble origins, she did not hide away in the depths of the palace. She studied hard both at home and abroad, and then entered the newspaper industry, becoming a famous chief editor. Not only that, she was also headstrong and not afraid of offending those rough and tumble warlords who believed that having a gun was the way of the world. She was unafraid to go to prison for many years and never regretted it. Jiang Jingwu could not believe that a delicate woman could make people feel infinite respect from the bottom of their hearts.
Last time, when her father was killed in Beiping, she tried to rescue him in every way she could, but in the end, it was Xiaochen and this famous writer who saved him, and Xiaochen’s words were truly inspiring. Duan Yijie is also a bit of a strange person. It is said that he openly says in front of others, ‘I believe that there is nothing that I cannot tell my wife.’ Duan Qiping also admires him for his respect for Xiaochen… Could it be that I’m really wrong? Women should not be kept in the house, caring for their husbands and children, but rather be equal to men and compete with them?
And, they are all so smart and outstanding. Jiang Jingwu smiled bitterly. Duan Qiping is such a strong and courageous woman, who can even give up her life to save others. Who can treat her as an ordinary spoiled girl? In this world, who is braver than someone who respects their beliefs and takes their life lightly? No matter how Duan Dashao stole her love, it seems that he really likes and cares for Xiaochen. After not seeing each other for a few days, I never expected that the memories I treasured in my heart suddenly appeared in front of me tonight.
She was wearing a short-sleeved cheongsam with silver-white floral patterning, and flat shoes of the same colour with cut-out designs. Her posture was graceful, her long hair simply tied up, as if she were still the same as in the past. But when he thought about it, her temperament was different, and her style of dressing had also changed slightly, with more of the tenderness and charm of a woman. It was as if she were a lotus blossom on the river in May, shyly budding in his memory, but suddenly blossoming into full bloom, with a sweet fragrance.
He looked at the snow-white wall in a daze. Since he had already lost her, and since he could no longer bring her happiness and joy, and could not give her the commitment and care of a lifetime, it seemed that the only thing he could do was to leave… If she was not happy, he would have to watch quietly, which of course he could not do; but if she was happy, what else could he do but let her go?
…Although she knew that Jiang Jingwu had stayed, and that the hospital would arrange the best possible staff and conditions, Xu Liangchen could not calm down whenever she thought about Duan Qiping’s situation. Besides, Jiang Jingwu was a man after all, and there would definitely be inconveniences in caring for him. So early the next morning, she discussed it with Duan Yijie and rushed to the hospital.
The two of them were speechless. After asking about Qi-ping’s condition, Xu Liangchen insisted that Jiang Jingwu go rest. Although he felt that not sleeping all night was no big deal, thinking about the Japanese’s movements and his own work at hand, Jiang Jingwu finally nodded and agreed, and went back to his place.
Xu Liangchen stayed in the ward to assist the doctors and nurses in taking care of Qi Ping, who had woken up for a while but then fell back into a deep sleep under the effect of the medicine. Xu Liangchen didn’t need to do much, but the invisible worry and pressure in his heart were very heavy. Coupled with the fact that he didn’t sleep well last night, by noon Xu Liangchen still had no appetite at all. He thanked the hospital for the meals provided and leaned over Qi Ping’s bed and fell asleep.
In a daze, he felt as if someone had come up to him. Xu Liangchen looked up and saw Peng Mingxia’s smiling face. He blinked in surprise when he realised it was her. Secretary Peng put the small lunch box on the cabinet and chuckled, ‘Sorry to wake you, Madam. The nurse said you hadn’t had lunch yet, so the young master asked me to bring this over.’ Xu Liangchen came back to his senses and thanked her with a faint smile, ‘Thank you, Secretary Peng, I’m not hungry yet.’ Peng Mingxia smiled and pretended not to hear her, opened the lunch box and quickly arranged the food on the coffee table: Xu Liangchen’s favourite fragrant rice porridge, small dim sum, and a few side dishes to go with the porridge: ‘This is stir-fried spinach, light and refreshing, Madam, you should try it.’ She said, filled a bowl of fragrant rice porridge, took the chopsticks and handed it over.
She smiled politely, brought the bowl to the table, and Xu Liangchen was really embarrassed to refuse anymore, so he thanked her and took it. ‘Secretary Peng, would you like to eat together?’ ‘I’ve already eaten, Madam, you don’t have to be polite.’ Peng Mingxia smiled and politely declined, took a cup and went out to get water. Xu Liangchen absentmindedly took a few mouthfuls of congee. He really didn’t have much of an appetite. Seeing that the dish of shredded chicken and spinach was crisp and green, and the shrimp were reddish white, it looked very tempting, so he reached over with his chopsticks.
Xu Liangchen had never liked leafy vegetables since he was a child. Back then, in order to get his stubborn younger sister to eat more, Mei Chen went to great lengths. Although he understood the reasoning behind it when he grew up and had to eat a little more, he still didn’t like it very much.
Spinach does not have the usual astringent taste. On the contrary, because it is mixed with fried sesame seeds, it has a fresh and crisp taste and is very good. So I couldn’t help eating a lot of it with the fragrant rice porridge. Peng Mingxia brought the water over. When she saw that the other side dishes had hardly been touched and that the dish of shredded chicken with spinach was almost finished, she was slightly startled at first, and then she couldn’t help smiling slightly and looking at Xu Liangchen meaningfully.
At 4 o’clock in the afternoon, Jiang Jingwu arrived at the hospital. Xu Liangchen told him in detail about Qi Ping’s condition. When Duan Yijie arrived, they went back to the residence together, and asked the kitchen to prepare dinner and soup, which they took to the ward together.
When Xu Liangchen walked into the ward, Jiang Jingwu was sitting by the bed, looking at the sleeping Duan Qiping. He was thinking about the time they had spent together a while ago.
Duan Yijie took Xu Liangchen to the hot springs, while Qiping stayed behind to help the press office deal with the press corps. Jiang Jingwu, on the other hand, had found a lot of areas for improvement in the use of scuba diving in disaster relief, so the two of them stayed at the disaster relief headquarters.
Living in the same courtyard, they saw each other all the time. Duan Qiping was serious and decisive in his work, generous and easygoing, quick-witted and sharp-witted in his writing. He naturally caught Jiang Jingwu’s eye. Every evening, Qiping liked to go for a walk along the riverbank. Jiang Jingwu happened to meet him there and found that the two not only had a lot in common, but that Qiping was truly worthy of his reputation as a famous writer. Whether commenting on national affairs or writing stirring words, he always had unique and outstanding insights that amazed Jiang. Sometimes there was a tacit understanding between the two, and they would smile knowingly at each other; sometimes they would argue fiercely and unyieldingly, and he was moved by the feeling of long-lost intimacy.
That night, as he walked her home, the moonlight was like water, and the sky was as clear as a jade. She smiled and turned her head, her eyes as bright and determined as stars, looking into his eyes. They were as clear and transparent as a blue pool, and the wind lifted her clothes, as if she were about to take flight on the wind, suddenly making him flustered. He remembered that night, with the breeze and sparse shadows, he and a woman like this seemed close yet distant… After getting to know each other better, Jiang Jingwu had casually mentioned the difference between men and women in his heart. Duan Qiping laughed loudly, ‘Thanks to Director Jiang, who studied in Europe and America, for having such a pedantic way of thinking. Men and women should be equal by nature. There should be not only a love for one’s family and country, but also a love for humanity. ‘She looked at Jiang Jingwu with sparkling eyes, ‘The advancement of women’s status is a sign of society’s progress from ignorance to civilisation, from backwardness to progress. Liangchen and I are both highly educated women, so should we not contribute to the country, or should we just stay at home? Director Jiang, you are an expert in arms research, but Liangchen and I also have our own strengths, and we are not interchangeable. If that is the case, why can’t men and women, who are both citizens of the country, not work together? … ‘Qi Ping never wears makeup, and her face is always bare and clean. It is bright and clear, and looking at her big, confident eyes, which seem to be shining like stars, he can’t help but feel moved.
In this world, that kind of admiring gaze often unconsciously stirs up a sense of warmth and gratitude in the heart. Being included and understood is so touching… Standing on the high riverbank, looking far into the distance, the sky and earth are so vast and grand that one feels deeply one’s own insignificance.
In front of this woman, he suddenly lost the long-standing male pride, and another kind of warmth rose in his heart… Xu Liangchen walked in and interrupted his thoughts. As he watched her carefully arranging the dishes, Jiang Jingwu suddenly felt an urge to say something. He looked up at the woman he had admired for so many years and said, ‘Liangchen, I’m sorry… I’m sorry for being so stubborn and not trying to understand your heart…’ Xu Liangchen paused in her actions and looked at him with some confusion. She said softly, ‘Let’s eat.’ ‘She still did it the way she did when they were kids, patting the rice into the bowl for him; she still used the same pair of pointed bamboo chopsticks, handing them to him neatly; she still put three pieces of her favourite sweet and sour spare ribs in the bowl… Jiang Jingwu looked on, his heart filled with a hundred different emotions.
Xiaochen, we were childhood sweethearts. I used to think growing old together would be easy. Even if by then we were no longer beautiful or dashing, you would still hold my old hands and say you love me… Even if you no longer love me, even if you have forgotten me, I will still love you… Please be happy so that it was not in vain for me to withdraw in such a dismal manner… I know that there is still another kind of love in the world, called watching and blessing… The nurse walked in, and the two of them did not continue their conversation.
Qi Ping did not have a fever, but she was still groggy, and Jiang Jingwu didn’t have much of an appetite, so he ate a little bit of random food, and the atmosphere in the hospital room was a bit heavy. The two of them were always speechless when they looked at each other, and Xu Liangchen sighed in secret with some sadness.
After returning to their apartment and washing up, Xu Liangchen was saddened to find that Duan Yijie was not there. After taking a shower, she stood in front of the bed in contemplation without turning on the lights. It was almost autumn, and there was a crescent moon in the sky. The moonlight was like water. Holding the fringed curtains, she looked outside at the heavy shadows of the trees and felt troubled.
She was not blind to his feelings for her, nor was she indifferent. At first, she pretended not to know about his doting; then she resisted, but he provoked her emotions domineeringly. She responded with indifference, thinking he would be angered, but he only became more gentle. No matter if she ignored him or paid him no mind, he only showed respect and doted on her. He left early in the morning and returned late at night, spending every night with her, treating her as his equal. How could she not feel his intentions? She was not made of stone. Every time she avoided him, his eyes filled with a hint of disappointment, and she felt sorry for him. When she woke up in the middle of the night, could she really remain indifferent?
Written by Yulonglan, please indicate the source if reproduced|

Chapter 79
It seems that lately I’ve always liked to quietly gaze at the stars, especially on days when I’m in the mountains. Against the background of that blue, sea-like sky is the vast Milky Way, with bright or dim stars twinkling. Sometimes you can see faint wisps of clouds passing between the stars…
Xu Liangchen lowered his eyes. Time is like an endless river. He turned around, looked back, and picked it up again, but it was no longer the same clear spring as before. If only life were like the beginning, there are still changes in the world and things are different. These are all worn-out words that have been mentioned over and over again. What’s gone is gone and will never come back. Even if you don’t want to, you can’t stay in the same place forever. Maybe it’s not necessarily because of anyone, it’s just that your feelings have changed.
I don’t know how long it took, but I heard soft footsteps behind me, and gentle arms wrapped around me. A familiar, low whisper sounded in my ear: ‘Why aren’t you asleep? It’s getting a little chilly at night, so be careful…’
She turned her head at the sound, and under the moonlight, she saw Duan Yijie’s tired face with a faint but gentle smile. He was dressed in his full military uniform, handsome and straight… Looking at that smiling shadow, Xu Liangchen was momentarily lost in thought…
Duan Yijie liked Liangchen’s expression at this moment the most. She was focused, and even a little dazed. In the past, she looked at him with a cold, indifferent gaze. Although her expression now was still not enthusiastic, there was a conflict in her dazed state, exuding gentleness and confusion, as if it were a humid morning with a light mist on a spring day, suddenly softening people’s hearts.
He quietly raised the corners of his lips. Liangchen has often been caught up in conflicting emotions recently, and he knows it. Although he is not without worry, he has chosen to let go and let her go to the hospital to meet her childhood sweetheart. From the information reported by Peng Mingxia, he finally knows that he is gradually and truly entering her heart.
Jiang Jingwu found that he had been in a daze lately, especially whenever he looked at the woman quietly lying on the hospital bed.
Her eyes were closed, her cheeks were pale, her shoulders were covered in gauze, and there were several needles in her arm. Her already slight figure looked even thinner, and it was hard not to feel pity for her. Compared to the famous calligrapher he once knew, who was full of energy and vitality but didn’t smile much, she was disturbingly quiet.
He casually took the teacup on the cabinet and gently twirled it in his hands. The green tea leaves floated up and down in the clear glass cup, exuding a faint and distant fragrance. The colour was also exceptionally refreshing, and it was precisely his favourite, West Lake Longjing.
Liangchen said that this was this year’s new tea.
Taking a gentle sip, the warm tea slowly flowed through her throat, and Jiang Jingqiang’s heart felt a little less bitter. The new tea had replaced the old tea, but fortunately, she would always have her brother, who had grown up with her, in her heart.
She gave a wry smile, but then she saw that Duan Qiping seemed to have moved slightly, and for some reason a small arc appeared at the corner of her lips. Jiang Jingwu’s heart stirred, and he remembered that night on the levee, when they had talked about the future of China. The woman in front of him was full of hope and longing, and her lips curved up into a rare, hearty and beautiful smile.
He suddenly realised that when Duan Qiping smiled like that, it was a completely different look from when she wasn’t smiling. When she wasn’t smiling, she was dignified and slightly bookish, quite serious and awe-inspiring. But when she smiled, it was like a sky full of sunset colours, and she instantly became lively and pretty. Thinking about her smile, Jiang Jingwu’s gloomy heart quietly opened up a crack. At least during the time when the two of them were considered close, Duan Qiping still had a lot of smiles, which meant that she was not yet displeased by the famous host.
The doctor could not help but marvel at Duan Qiping’s tenacity—on the third day after the operation, she woke up completely, and, fortunately, there was no serious inflammation of the wound, and her recovery exceeded the expectations of the medical staff. When President Wang happily told Duan Yijie that the operation was a success and that the patient would not have any major setbacks, except that her left arm might be slightly affected and less flexible than before, and that she should be able to recover after some exercise, Xu Liangchen, who was standing next to Duan Yijie, could not help smiling and shedding tears – the heart that had been hanging in the air during those three days and nights of torment was finally able to let go.
In the days that followed, Xu Liangchen and Jiang Jingwu continued to take turns visiting Qi Ping in the hospital every day, and Peng Mingxia always brought lunch. The chef seemed to know that Xu Liangchen had a fondness for shredded chicken and spinach, and was very conscientious about serving a similar dish every day. Of course, spinach was the most common.
Now, Qi Ping, who is lying in bed at noon, occasionally eats with her. She jokes that no matter how well the hospital food is prepared, it is not as exquisite as the meals lovingly prepared and delivered. Seeing Xu Liangchen enjoying his meal, she smiles and says, ‘I can’t believe you like this too. I haven’t had it in a long time – it’s a delicious memory.’
What she didn’t realise was that Xu Liangchen had heard this, and she just smiled as she picked up a chopstick and put it on her plate: ‘I’ve never liked leafy vegetables, but this dish is really well-made, and I still like it even after eating it many times.’ Duan Qiping opened his mouth to say something, but noticed that Peng Mingxia was smiling at him, winking and quietly waving her hand. He nodded with an epiphany, looked at Xu Liangchen with some amusement and some emotion, and didn’t continue the conversation, just persuading Xu Liangchen to eat more.
Time passed quickly. A week later, President Wang said that as long as Qi Ping was careful, she could move around, so Duan Yijie led a group back to Yanzhou – after all, the medical conditions there were better than in Minzhou. Qi Ping would do better going back to recover from her injuries, and besides, there had been new developments in the so-called business negotiations with the Japanese.
Back in Yanzhou, Qiping was taken directly to the military government’s special sanatorium. After settling in, Duan Yijie went back to the general’s mansion to report to Duan Zhengxun. Everyone in the mansion was concerned about Qiping’s injury and came and went to visit. Xu Liangchen, who knew the situation, stayed to keep her company, and was very busy for most of the day. When everyone left, it was already the evening as the sun set. After watching Qiping finish dinner and walk out of the small building, he saw two guards in the distance holding guns and preventing someone from approaching.
‘Xiaochen…’ Xu Liangchen, who was walking towards the car, turned around when he heard the sound. The person being stopped by the guards was Jiang Jingqiang.
Seeing that Xu Liangchen and Jiang Jingwu knew each other, the guards hurriedly saluted: ’Reporting to the young mistress, I have been ordered that no one without a special pass is allowed to approach.’
Xu Liangchen apologetically glanced at Jiang Jingwu. Knowing that Jiang Jingwu would be coming and that he had been busy just now, he had forgotten to ask Luo Hongwen to stay with him as a witness. After thinking about it, he smiled and thanked the guards: ‘You two have worked hard. Director Jiang is a friend of the young master and the second young lady. Could you please make an exception? I will send the pass over later, is that okay?’ Since the young lady was willing to vouch for him and had spoken so politely, the two guards naturally let him go. They saluted and stepped back to let the way clear. Xu Liangchen turned to accompany Jiang Jingwu to the small building.
The sun was setting in the west, the evening breeze was cool, and the leaves were floating down leisurely. Xu Liangchen picked up one in his hand and looked at it, and asked softly, ‘Are Aunt Liao and Uncle doing well?’
‘Well, they’re doing well. Mum…has been thinking about you a lot, and has asked me to tell you…to be happy.’ Jiang Jingwu looked at her with a somewhat complicated expression, and her expectations of childhood sweethearts turned out to be empty. Her mother didn’t say anything other than her usual concern, but the way she looked at her carried an infinite amount of pity. There were also a few times when she bumped into her sitting silently in the room that Xiaochen used to occupy.
Xu Liangchen lowered his eyebrows, his heart filled with mixed emotions. How many times had she wanted to go and see Aunt Liao, but she always lost her courage when she thought about the past.
Aunt Liao and Uncle Jiang had loved her like a real daughter, with such purity and directness, like a ball of fire in the past, making her feel warm. But now, this warmth makes her afraid to get any closer – if she does, will she never feel this warmth again? Now that she is a member of the Duan family, will their feelings for her turn to ashes because of their disappointment? She is afraid of being hurt, but more than that, she is afraid of hurting the loving Aunt Liao and Uncle Liao…
In the evening, Mrs Lu, acting on the old lady’s behalf, hosted a family banquet in the side hall to welcome her son and daughter-in-law.
Xu Liangchen hurried back to the general’s mansion, and very consciously fulfilled her duty as a daughter-in-law by greeting the elderly matriarch and other elders, going to her room to change clothes, and then helping out in the side hall. Wu Wenjuan asked her several times to sit down and rest, but she just smiled and didn’t stop what she was doing. She didn’t sit down until the banquet was set up and the elderly matriarch and Duan Zhengxun and the others were comfortably seated.
However, she heard Qining, who had returned to the general’s mansion to visit her younger sister, laughing and talking to the second aunt: ‘I haven’t had this dish in years. I wonder how the chef’s cooking is, if it’s still the same as it was back then…’
Before the second aunt could reply, Wu Wenjuan gave Xu Liangchen an ambiguous look, covering her mouth and laughing: ‘Some people haven’t cooked for years, but fortunately, their standards have not dropped at all. On the contrary, I heard that they have been practising a lot recently, and it seems that they have improved…’
Qi Ning and the aunts seemed a little surprised. They looked at him with inquisitive gazes. Xu Liangchen was puzzled and a little embarrassed. What were they talking about? And why were they looking at him like that? Was there something strange about this dish? Just as he was thinking, Duan Zhengxun, who was sitting next to him, said, ‘Where is the eldest brother? I haven’t seen him yet.’
Wu Wenxun quickly took over the conversation with a smile, ‘Oh, I saw him a while ago, I’ll go and check…’
Xu Liangchen was feeling a little uncomfortable, so he stood up and said softly, ‘I’ll go instead.’ With that, he nodded slightly to the group and turned to leave the side hall.
As he turned down the corridor, he heard soft laughter coming from the depths of the flowers, and Xu Liangchen couldn’t help but stop in his tracks.
‘Today, the young master is actually cooking himself…’ A female voice said with a smile and a hint of surprise.
‘I heard that the young mistress likes the shredded chicken with spinach that the young master makes, and just now the eldest lady was asking which chef made it…‘ It sounded like the voice of the young girl who had returned with Qi Ning.
’The young mistress is really blessed, the young master likes her so much…’ The three sighed together, their words full of envy, and it was easy to imagine the starry eyes of the young girls.
The shredded chicken with spinach that she had been eating for so long…was it all made by Duan Yijie? Xu Liangchen couldn’t believe it. She really couldn’t imagine that such a domineering and upright man would go to such a place as the kitchen just to cook this dish by hand. He…looking at the pond of lotuses outside the corridor in the light in front of him, Xu Liangchen finally understood the meaning in Qi Ning’s and the other maids’ eyes and words. She froze.
She didn’t even hear the girls leave, and she didn’t know how long it had been. Then, from the front of the corridor came the sound of voices again: ‘…So, my cooking hasn’t gone downhill, has it? It still tastes the same…’ It was Duan Yijie. What was even more rare was that although his voice still sounded light, there was no trace of coldness in it.
‘Well, I didn’t think you’d remember that I like this dish…’ Geng Wenqing, who hadn’t been seen for a long time, had a gentle smile on her face, and her voice had a slight accent, soft and sweet.
│Hand-typed by Xue Fenglin, please indicate the source upon reprinting│

Chapter 80
Xu Liangchen came back to his senses in a daze, and there was a loud ‘bang’ in his head… In recent days, he has made that dish so many times, is it… Miss Geng’s favourite? …So today, he is doing it for her too, right? She sighed softly without realising it. The feelings they had had since childhood were always different… It was as if a door that had always been open for her was slowly closing. A feeling that Xu Liangchen had never experienced before flashed through his mind. Before he could savour it, he vaguely felt that it was actually… fear?
The low voice got closer and closer, and Xu Liangchen quietly moved, hiding behind the flowering trees. With mixed emotions, he watched Duan Yijie and Geng Wenqing chatting and laughing as they passed by. After a while, he calmed down and walked back to the side hall.
Geng Wenqing was sitting to Duan Yijie’s right, with an empty seat to his left. Further up was the fourth wife Wu Wenjuan, with a smile on her face and thoughtful eyes. Xu Liangchen walked in, and Duan Yijie was the first to look up, a trace of tenderness visible in the depths of his deep eyes. Wu Wenxi commanded her maid to serve tea while smiling and saying to Duan Yijie, ‘Liangchen was worried about going out to find you, but you’re fine, you walked in by yourself, leaving the young mistress behind… Liangchen, sit down.’
She said, making a show of pulling the chair down, and Xu Liangchen smiled slightly. When she turned her head, she saw that Madam Duan was sitting at the head of the table, but the big maid Qiu Ju, who usually served at her side, was nowhere to be seen. So she walked over to her, smiling gently, and said, ‘Thank you, Fourth Aunt. I’ve been gone for a long time and haven’t been able to show my filial piety at Grandma’s knee,’ he said, reaching over to take the chopsticks and the thin, gold-rimmed porcelain bowl. He looked at the old man with a smile, his tone tinged with a rare hint of coquetry: “How about letting your granddaughter wait on you for once?” As he spoke, he glanced at Duan Yijie, as if he meant to, but didn’t.
Liangchen has always been polite and respectful towards her grandparents and other elders, such as her father and mother, but there is a faint sense of alienation. Today, she suddenly smiles at her grandmother in a light and gentle manner, which is really unexpected by Duan Yijie. Looking at her delicate and pretty face, he can’t help but slightly flinch and can’t help but glance at the chair next to him.
This granddaughter-in-law is both talented and beautiful, and she is also well-read and well-behaved. Old Madam Duan was already very pleased with her. In the past, Xu Liangchen was respectful but not close enough, so the old lady couldn’t help but feel a little regretful. Today, however, she was suddenly a little different from the past. Old Madam Duan was a little overjoyed, and her old face beamed like a chrysanthemum. She patted Liangchen’s white ‘Good boy, it’s really hard on you to go running around with Xiao Jie to help with the disaster relief so soon after your wedding. Your filial piety is appreciated, and don’t bother serving anymore, just sit by your grandmother’s side today…’ As she spoke, she kept on calling out to the maid to add chairs.
As she watched the interaction between her son and daughter-in-law, Mrs Lu’s hand holding the teacup trembled slightly. Although the eldest daughter-in-law had initially married against her will, she was very sensible and had done several things that even the general had praised. Although she was not very affectionate with her son, she was gentle and polite. A worldly and level-headed woman like Madam Lu could of course tell that Xu Liangchen and her son had probably consummated their marriage during this trip. She could not be deceived by her son’s affectionate gaze. So why was her daughter-in-law making such a gesture, unlike usual, lowering her head and trying her best to downplay her presence as she followed her son? Could it be that the young couple were playing some kind of game? She looked at Wu Wenjuan inquiringly, and the two exchanged silent glances.
Wu Wenxian glanced at Geng Wenqing with a smile, her eyes glancing between the young couple and she nodded slightly to Mrs Lu. The maid served the last dish and Duan Zhengxun greeted his mother, saying a few words of comfort to the old lady, and the family dinner began.
The wives lamented Qi Ping’s injuries, and Duan Zhengxun asked about Minzhou and the military academy. The atmosphere in the hall was harmonious. Xu Liangchen served several dishes to the old lady Duan, but she was repeatedly urged by the old man to sit down and let the maid come up and take over. Xu Liangchen insisted again and again, and at least served the old man his meal.
Old Madam Duan had always been weak and didn’t eat much normally. Today, she was happy that her beloved grandson had returned and her granddaughter-in-law was serving her. She even ate half a bowl of fragrant rice porridge more than usual. After finishing, she felt a little tired and leaned back in her chair to rest, asking the maid to take care of Liangchen’s meal.
Xu Liangchen smiled and thanked the old lady, picked up the chopsticks, but felt acidity in her stomach, her mouth went numb, and nothing tasted right when she put it in her mouth. Seeing the old man close his eyes with a smile and rest, he also fell silent. Looking at the rice in the bowl, he couldn’t help but daydream. He didn’t know the taste of food. After eating a few mouthfuls, he looked sideways out the window.
The lights under the window were very bright, illuminating a few tall crape myrtles outside. The flowers were in full bloom, pink and red. The most beautiful branch at the top seemed to have already reached its peak, and the night breeze blew gently, bringing a sense of sensuality, a kind of special sadness about the passage of time… Xu Liangchen suddenly became entranced, and didn’t hear Wu Wenjuan’s soft calls a few times. It wasn’t until the maid smiled and placed a fish-shaped plate in front of him that he came back to his senses.
‘…It’s really hard for Liangchen. Not only does she have to run around with the boss, but she also has to take care of Qiping. How could she not be tired…Chun Tao, take the bones out of the fish and give it to the young lady…’ The words of Wu Wenjuan, which came with a smile, made Xu Liangchen feel his own embarrassment. He hurriedly bowed his head apologetically and smiled, while stretching out a bowl to catch the fish that the maid had just passed over.
Not only did Xu Liangchen unconsciously fall into a daze and catch their attention, but also Lady Lu and Wu Wenjuan noticed the unusual behaviour of Duan Yijie and Geng Wenqing. Geng Wenqing, who had been silent for a long time after Duan Yijie’s recent marriage, had a gentle smile on her face as usual, but it lacked sadness and helplessness. She looked at Duan Yijie with warm eyes, like the sunlight shining in through the window at noon on a winter’s day… This girl really is sincere towards her junior. Unfortunately, the goddess is willing, but the world is not… Those in the know all sighed inwardly.
Geng Wenqing’s eyes never left Duan Yijie from the moment she saw him. She was smiling on the outside, but her heart was filled with mixed emotions. Having grown up together, she could see that Duan Yijie’s inner peace and stability now were not just the result of the passage of time and experience, but also because he belonged to someone—had the once-petite Duan Yijie really grown up and moved on? When she thinks of him, she still sees him as a young boy: curling his lips, frowning, deep in thought, making decisions… She let out a long sigh. It turns out that there are such long-lasting traces of the years in her heart… Right now, he’s talking in his usual tone, showing his usual concern, but why does she feel that the two of them are growing further apart? …That incident, she told him she had already agreed, but he said those things with a smile, so it can be seen that King Xiang had no intention… Geng Wenqing quietly raised her glass. She can hold her drink well, but she rarely drinks much. Today, he came back and even made chicken and spinach, so she’ll make an exception.
Her actions puzzled Duan Yijie a little. He frowned slightly and looked at Geng Wenqing with a sword-like brow. What happened today? Why were Liangchen and Sister Wenqing’s reactions a little confusing? Just as he was thinking, a loud noise from Xu Liangchen made him turn his head sharply.
The girl put the boneless fish into a bowl. Xu Liangchen politely whispered a thank you and, looking at the smiling and concerned eyes of Madam Lu and the others, he bowed his head and picked up a little. But before he could bring it to his mouth, he smelled the characteristic fishy smell in his nose, and his stomach, which had no appetite, suddenly felt nauseous. He put down his chopsticks, covered his mouth with his hand, and walked quickly out of the side hall. Before he reached the porch, he vomited in distress.
Without caring about anything else, he stopped holding onto a crape myrtle tree. Xu Liangchen felt dizzy and weak and vomited. Not only were the few grains of rice he had eaten vomited, but in the end, even the sour water in his stomach was vomited cleanly… Straightening up, he saw that Mrs. Lu and Duan Yijie had already chased out, and he hurriedly and broke into a tired smile. The smile did not reach the corners of her eyes, and there was another bout of nausea in her stomach… Wiping away the tears from her eyes, she covered her mouth to stifle her gag reflex, and apologetically looked up, ‘…Mom, Fourth Aunt, everyone don’t worry, I’m fine…’ Before the words had finished, there was another sound of dry retching.
Duan Yijie rushed over, took her arm, patted her back, and anxiously asked, ‘What’s wrong, Liangchen? Did you eat something unclean?’ He turned back to the guards and shouted, ‘Go get the doctor!’ Mrs. Lu also sent a maid to follow.
With a large hand placed at the small of her back, she felt the warmth of his breath, which was unexpectedly pleasant. Xu Liangchen closed her eyes slightly, and in the corner of her eye she saw Geng Wenqing following the crowd. Her body stiffened slightly, and she involuntarily wanted to avoid the warmth and comfort. However, she had just stood up and was weak, and she felt dizzy. There were stars in front of her eyes, so she had to lean on the man’s arm to support herself, and turned to face the crowd, who were hurrying over.
Mrs Lu approached, frowned and looked closely at her face, her expression full of surprise as she asked her questions. The aunts exchanged glances, and everyone smiled knowingly at each other. Wu Wenjuan’s eyebrows were arched, half teasing and half joking, as she watched Duan Yijie help Xu Liangchen walk towards the lounge next to the side hall. ‘Young master, have you been tired lately and tired our young mistress? Look at Liangchen’s pretty face, it’s so pale…’
Liangchen is not feeling well. Mrs Lu glanced at her uneasily and with a touch of amusement, then walked straight up to her and took her hand, asking: ‘Liangchen, have you been feeling unwell recently? Have you seen a doctor? When did it start?…’ Hearing her mother’s questions, Duan Yijie’s eyebrows furrowed, and he stopped in his tracks, looking at her nervously. ‘Has this period been too much for you?’
Xu Liangchen gave him a faint, sideways glance and ignored him, turning to Mrs Lu and politely and gently replying, ‘I’ve worried my mother and aunts… I’ve always been in good health. Today, it’s probably just that I’ve been sitting in the car for a long time and I don’t feel very well…’
Wu Wenxian and the other ladies laughed as they listened to the two men. ‘Thanks to you, one a young general of the Southern Military Government and the other a talented woman with knowledge of both the East and the West, you are still like children, unaware of such a big event. You have been involved in disaster relief and travelled long distances, and it is lucky that nothing has happened despite all the trouble.’
Duan Yijie’s eyebrows were furrowed tightly, and he looked at Xu Liangchen again with confusion and unease. Liangchen was not feeling well, but the aunts didn’t seem to be worried at all, and they were even saying strange things that made no sense. Even his mother, who was always calm and rarely showed emotions, had a strange expression on her face, one that was a mixture of worry and joy. What was going on?
│Hand-typed by Xue Fenglin, please indicate the source when reprinting│

Chapter 81
Helplessly Today’s scene was really a bit strange. For the first time, the young master of the Duan family was being ignored by everyone. Everyone’s eyes were on the young master’s wife, who looked a bit pale and slightly tired. Duan Yijie couldn’t help but frown slightly, but no matter how confused he felt, it was nothing compared to his worries about the beauty by his side. Without thinking about why she was obviously resisting him, he brought her into the lounge with many unanswered questions, half forcefully and half coaxingly.
As soon as they sat down, the military doctor hurried over on orders. Under the vague but direct instructions of Mrs Lu, he ignored Duan Yijie’s cold, penetrating gaze and expressionless, displeased face, and performed a number of tests on Xu Liangchen and asked about his recent living conditions. After a while, he paused for a moment, then turned back with a smile and said something softly.
Upon hearing this, Mrs. Lu smiled and nodded with relief; Wu Wenjin patted her chest with her hand and her eyebrows curved; Second Mistress folded her hands and said a prayer; Third Mistress looked at the young couple and smiled thoughtfully; and Geng Wenqing, who had arrived behind them, stood inside the door with one foot outside, stunned and speechless, as if she could not hide the myriad emotions that had suddenly welled up in her heart.
Even more stunned than her was Xu Liangchen, one of the people involved. Leaning back on the sofa, she couldn’t believe it and her eyes widened like stars in the night sky. After a long while, she nervously swallowed, still unable to speak—the sudden news had left her at a loss for words. She could only subconsciously and emotionally look at the ‘culprit’ with an indescribably complex expression on her face.
When she turned her eyes and saw Duan Yijie, she blinked quite unexpectedly. Since they met, this was the first time she had seen the calm, almost expressionless face of the young general look like a complete idiot!
What? Liangchen is pregnant, with her own baby? Duan Yijie was full of surprise and joy. A sense of unexpected happiness in his heart made him nearly unable to resist running up to embrace his young wife in his arms – Liangchen, we’re having a baby, a child born of you and me!
A feeling like never before rose up in his heart. Duan Yijie felt as if a warm seed had been buried deep in his heart, and a vine had grown out, circling around his chest. The warm, soft feeling almost made him suffocate. It wasn’t as strong as a raging storm, but it was like a fragrant flower bud slowly blooming deep in his heart, and the fragrance spread from the corner to his whole body. At this moment, all the trivial matters of the world disappeared. In his heart and eyes, there was only the woman in front of him with her bright eyes and the child of his own flesh in her belly.
Although she was not without misgivings about what Duan Yijie had done, Xu Liangchen also understood that, in any case, she was now a Duan family woman, and no matter how one looked at it, her husband was not without justification for his rascality. Therefore, although her emotions were complex during this period of time, she was extremely conflicted every time she wavered between reason and the natural reaction of being extremely shocked by her first experience of love, but she was also unable to sternly resist.
Who knew that before I could even figure out what to do about this situation, I was… pregnant? Xu Liangchen felt his mind go blank for a moment… Unconsciously, he lifted his somewhat dazed gaze and saw Duan Yijie’s surprised, dark eyes. The tenderness in the depths of his eyes was unrestrained, as if the person in front of him was the priceless treasure at the top of his heart … Xu Liangchen’s heart trembled involuntarily. He felt that under such a doting and gentle gaze, his own somewhat cold heart seemed to be like a surface covered in snow. Under the sun, the snow melted into spring water, and it looked as if it would flow in a babbling brook…
In the flash of a lightning bolt, a soft and sweet voice came, interrupting the silent entanglement of their gazes. Geng Wenqing came over with a smile on her face, half teasing and half unable to speak, her lips curled in a red smile: ‘Xiao Jie really got the best of both worlds this time. misunderstood… The day before, I heard Grandma sigh and say that she didn’t know if she would have the blessing of four generations under one roof. I never thought that as soon as I returned, I would have such good news. Congratulations, Godmother…’ Then she heard her repeatedly telling the maids to go deliver the news to Madam Duan.
Xu Liangchen snapped back to reality at the sound, his heartbeat stopping for a moment. His eyes instantly returned to their previous cold and dismal expression, and he looked at Duan Yijie rather complexly before lowering his head… What kind of fool is he making of himself? This marriage was Duan’s whim at the time, what does it mean to get the best of both worlds? It was this unwelcome news that made his sweetheart jealous, right?
Geng Wenqing’s congratulations finally made Mrs Lu and Wu Wenjuan, who were immersed in surprise, break into happy smiles. The third and fourth wives hurriedly went to tell the old lady and Duan Zhengxun the good news. Mrs Lu called the military doctor to ask her daughter-in-law in detail about her physical condition and what she should pay attention to in her daily maintenance. Wu Wenjuan went out and instructed the kitchen to quickly prepare a new meal for the young mistress… After asking the military doctor, she turned back and saw that her son was still in a daze. Madam Lu pursed her lips and smiled, ‘Yijie, quickly tell Liangchen to go back and rest. When her stomach feels a little better, she can drink some soup… You really don’t care, making Liangchen tired all the way…’
The inquiries and instructions from everyone in the room made Xu Liangchen, who was physically weak and emotionally complex, feel a little uncomfortable. After hearing Mrs. Lu’s instructions, she no longer felt polite. She nodded with a curved cherry lip as if to take note, then supported herself on the armrest of the sofa and tried to stand up.
Before she could move, Duan Yijie had already bent down, extended his arms and wanted to help. Looking at his posture, Xu Liangchen felt a little embarrassed and moved a little awkwardly. She whispered, ‘I’ll do it myself.’
‘You vomited so much, where do you get the strength?’ Duan Yijie’s voice was unusually gentle and tender, and while he was talking, he didn’t stop for a second. Xu Liangchen couldn’t dodge in time, and he was embraced in his arms in the middle of the crowd!
In an instant, the expressions of everyone in the hall were quite wonderful, with some surprised, some envious, and some just watching the fun… The girls exchanged glances with each other, their eyes full of stars. Xu Liangchen instantly blushed, and she was so embarrassed that she pushed Duan Yizhong’s hand, whispering in embarrassment, ‘You…! Put me down…’
Her blushing face made Duan Yijie’s heart flutter. His lips curled up slightly as he stared into her eyes with a playful expression. I’m not letting go, so what are you going to do about it? He tightened his grip on her hand. Xu Liangchen was anxious, embarrassed, and helpless. She had no choice but to turn her face to the side and play the ostrich, hoping that if she couldn’t see it, it wouldn’t bother her.
‘Mom, I’ll take Liangchen home first,’ Duan Yijie said without further ado, looking up at Mrs Lu and then walking away as soon as he had finished speaking.
As soon as he had stepped out of the lounge, Xu Liangchen caught sight of Geng Wenqing standing next to Mrs Lu. She was still smiling gently, but Xu Liangchen felt that the smile on the corner of her lips was a little unnatural, and she couldn’t help but let out a small sigh of relief. However, before she could let out a sigh of relief, the door opened and Mrs Duan’s voice, full of surprise, could be heard: ’…Is this true? I’m going to be buried soon, and I’m still so lucky…where are Xie Jie and my daughter-in-law…’ Xu Liangchen panicked. Duan Yijie had not avoided his mother-in-law, which had already embarrassed her. If the two of them were seen in this state by Madam Duan…
Just as he was thinking this, he felt Duan Yijie stop in his tracks. Hearing the good news, Madam Duan was in high spirits and, without the help of her maids, hurried over, just managing to bump into Duan Yijie. Looking at the scene before her, even Madam Duan, who had seen a lot over the years, could not help but freeze in surprise and pause.
Duan Yijie acted extremely naturally, raising his thin lips slightly to greet his grandmother: ‘Grandma, you haven’t gone to rest yet? Liangchen is pregnant and throwing up a lot, so I’m taking her home to rest.’
What kind of person is this? I’ve never seen such a thick skin… Xu Liangchen lamented in her heart. If you’re going to be thick-skinned, that’s fine, but I still have to live my life, okay? After this performance, not only will the owner of the mansion have thoughts about herself, it is also unknown how this matter will be spread. Without caring about anything else, she struggled to get up. Duan Yijie glanced at her helplessly, afraid of hurting her, and then bent down to gently set the precious baby in his arms on the ground, but kept his hand on her waist.
Holding her like a little bird in his arms, Xu Liangchen looked extremely embarrassed, her eyes darting around. She called out grandma in a very uncomfortable voice, and then lowered her face, never raising it again. Fortunately, Madam Duan was so preoccupied with her future great-grandchild that she had no time to watch the antics of her grandson and granddaughter-in-law. Smiling, she took Liangchen’s hand and gave him left and right pieces of advice. Although the old lady was smiling, she was serious when she told Duan Yijie to exercise restraint in certain matters recently and not to hurt the child. Hearing this, Liangchen’s already flushed face turned even more rosy, and she wished she could hide in the shadows and never come out again.
He listened patiently to his grandmother’s rambling, and Duan Yijie couldn’t take his eyes off his daughter-in-law’s face for a second—even on their wedding night, he had never seen her look so beautiful. Xu Liangchen naturally someone’s beautiful thoughts. His face flushed even more, and although he wanted to break free from his arms, which had become burning hot, he was afraid of making too much noise. He was anxious, helpless, and embarrassed. For a moment, the blush on his peach blossom face was like fire, and it set off his eyebrows and eyes like a picture, and his skin was like fine jade.
Old Madam Duan naturally understood her grandson’s thoughts, and was naturally very pleased. Without saying anything more, she resolutely refused Xu Liangchen’s filial offer to escort her back. She instructed Duan Yijie to send his wife to rest first. Duan Yijie was also polite, embraced Liangchen, bid farewell to his grandmother, and returned directly to the Western Courtyard.
It was a little cool in the autumn night, and Xu Liangchen’s stomach was empty and her body was cold. Fortunately, she had already returned to the kitchen and had been served some soup. After drinking a little reluctantly, she wanted to take a bath. Duan Yijie stared at her with sparkling eyes, with an urgent pleading expression as if he could not wait to serve his wife personally, which made Xu Liangchen feel embarrassed. She took her pajamas and rushed into the bathroom, closing the door tightly.
When she slowly came out of the bathroom after her shower, Duan Yijie had already gone into the study. Looking at the familiar shadows of the lamps, Xu Liangchen pulled the thin quilt over her and sighed.
No matter what she thinks, this is the eldest grandson of the general’s house, and she can’t think or do whatever she wants… But will the children be happy in such a marriage? What did Duan Yijie really think of that childhood sweetheart… Today, she seemed to have changed her address. She called Madam Lu ‘Godmother’ and the old lady ‘Grandma’ in such a kind and natural way. It seemed that the change of address would not take long. Could it be that someone had already made arrangements a long time ago, and she was just the last to know… Her heart was in turmoil, but she was so tired that she fell asleep without realising it…
│Hand-typed by Xue Fenglin, please indicate the source when reprinting│

Chapter 82
She had already fallen into a deep sleep, breathing evenly, her eyebrows slightly furrowed. Duan Yijie walked in gently, sat down by the bed, and looked at the woman in front of him in the dim, warm light.
The exquisite and beautiful contours, the crystal clear skin, the eyebrows like distant mountains and the eyes like waves, how did the creator’s craftsmanship make her so pure and beautiful? Her red lips are slightly upturned. In his memory, only during those fleeting moments of confusion did they ever have the unforgettable warmth and softness… Duan Yijie reached out his hand and gently brushed a strand of hair that had fallen down her forehead, and then let his hand rest on the rosy face in front of him, which made his heart beat faster.
Time passed by little by little, as if sensing something, Xu Liangchen slowly woke up. The dim light from the night light in the room shone in, and she tried to open her eyes. A warm hand was on her cheek, shielding her from the somewhat blinding light. Her eyelids fluttered open, and she saw Xu Liangchen’s face. A warm hand was on her cheek, shielding her from the somewhat blinding light. Her eyelids fluttered open, and she saw Xu Liangchen’s face. A warm hand was on her cheek, shielding her from the somewhat blinding light. Her eyelids fluttered open, and she saw Xu Liangchen’s face. A warm hand was on her cheek, shielding her from the somewhat blinding light. Her eyelids fluttered open, and she saw Xu Liangchen’s face. A warm hand was on her cheek, shielding her from the somewhat blinding light. Her eyelids fluttered open, and she saw Xu Liangchen’s face. A warm hand was on her cheek, shielding her from the somewhat
She tilted her face slightly, burrowed into the thin quilt, and then closed her eyes like an ostrich, avoiding Duan Yijie’s intimate touch without a trace. Duan Yijie’s hand was trapped outside the thin quilt by her, and he couldn’t help but slightly frown his sword-like brows. He looked at the person who had curled up into a ball as if falling back asleep, and his heart ached. He looked at his hand for a long time, shook his head helplessly, smiled, gently pulled Xu Liangchen’s quilt, and then promptly turned off the light and walked into the bathroom.
Perhaps it was because she was pregnant and not feeling well; perhaps it was because her heart had not yet digested the sudden, shocking and joyful news. Liangchen’s mood was a little low and evasive today. Seeing her vomiting so hard, he should be more understanding and care for her… Duan Yijie thought, changed into his pajamas, hugged his wife and slowly fell asleep.
When he woke up in the morning, Liangchen was still fast asleep. Thinking about what the military doctor had said about pregnant people being a bit drowsy, Duan Yijie’s thin lips curled up slightly, and he leaned in to give her a soft kiss before quietly getting out of bed.
Without asking the maids to come in and wait on him, he tidied himself up and then whispered to the maids to bring him chicken soup, milk, fragrant rice porridge, eggs, etc. Liangchen was not feeling well, so he didn’t want to go to the front to eat. He waved the maids away and sat down at the coffee table to prepare breakfast for the two of them.
The congee was kept warm, so when he opened the lid, it was a little warm. Liangchen would feel unwell if she drank it, so it needed to be cooled down a little. The hard-boiled eggs needed to be peeled, and what frustrated Duan Yijie was that after trying for a long time, he still couldn’t peel one whole. Oh, yes , Liangchen also had some habits of a foreigner. In the morning, she liked to drink milk, and she had to remember to add some honey. The doctor said that this was good for pregnant women… After finally getting everything ready, he quickly finished his portion and stood in front of the bed to tuck his wife’s quilt in again. He looked at the time and then turned and strode away.
Xu Liangchen slowly pulled down the thin quilt, looked at the departing back of Duan Yijie with a complex look in her eyes, and stood up without saying a word for a long time. Regarding that incident, last night, for some reason, she seemed to be afraid to think about it in detail, afraid to delve deeper. She tossed and turned, unable to sleep in the middle of the night, listening to him get up, listening to him instruct the maids, listening to him quietly getting everything done, listening to him leave for work, listening to the room fall silent… She tilted her head and looked at the wall clock. The second hand hurriedly circled around, leaving her feeling empty and blocked at the same time.
After showering, dressing and tidying up, and after some heart-wrenching dry heaving, she really didn’t have much of an appetite, so she turned on the record player and sat down on the sofa. As the needle gently glided across the record, the woman’s ethereal singing voice was like the thoughts that were entangling her, low and unending: If one day the world has changed, and when the sea has become a field of mulberry trees, will you still be by my side, to accompany me through the long night? If one day time goes far away, and the years change the face of youth, will you still be by my side, counting the lingering moments of yesterday with me…
The news that the young wife of the governor’s mansion was pregnant quickly spread, and from that day on, countless relatives, friends, subordinates, and their wives came to pay their respects. Except for Xu Meichen, who was visiting his sister and was lucky enough to be admitted to the Western Courtyard, everyone else was stopped by the wives – Liangchen went to pay his respects to Madam Lu, who, seeing that she was listless and couldn’t muster any energy, forbade anyone to disturb her daughter-in-law and insisted that she rest well.
However, after resting for several days in a row, Xu Liangchen’s spirits had not improved at all. At this, Duan Yijie’s brows could not help but furrow again. Since returning, Liangchen has been somewhat indifferent and cold towards him, and it seems that her avoidance has become even more serious. Does she not like this child? Secretary Peng told me that when Miss Xu came, the two of them talked about the baby in whispers, and I didn’t see her looking sad or disgusted. And I’ve also noticed that she occasionally looks at her belly with such tenderness and love… That means she still has expectations for the pregnancy, so why is she suddenly indifferent? Duan Yijie was really a little distressed by this.
The next day, Xu Liangchen was sitting under the window reading when Duan Yijie sent Luo Hongwen to escort a guest over.
Unexpectedly, Xu Liangchen looked up and saw Liao Yufeng walk in, and couldn’t help but jump up in surprise and quickly go up to greet her: ‘Godmother? ! You…why are you here? Please, sit down.’
Liao Yufeng looked at the joy that could not be hidden on Liangchen’s face, and couldn’t help but feel a warm feeling in her heart. After all, she had watched the child grow up, and how could this bond be severed? She took her hand and looked her up and down, nodding and smiling. ‘You look well, so I’m relieved. You must be careful these days… This is your first grandchild…’
Looking at Liao Yufeng’s motherly smile, Xu Liangchen was suddenly transported back to those years. His eyes welled up with tears, and he let himself bury his head in her warm embrace. The words that had been churning around in his heart for countless times finally came out: ‘…Godmother, I… I’m sorry to you… and Jingwu…’
‘Silly boy…’ Liao Yufeng paused and sighed gently: “In a person’s life, they will meet many people. Because of a necessity or a coincidence, some people become close friends, some are friends in life, and some are just passing through. This is fate.” Liao Yufeng patted her back: ’As the old saying goes, it takes a hundred years to cross the same boat. The so-called marriage is destined by heaven, and it is not to be sought or avoided; it cannot be refused when it comes, and cannot be sought when it goes. Xiaochen, in your godmother’s heart, you have always been my daughter. As long as you are happy, who are you to apologise to? It’s just that you don’t have this fate.‘
’Although the means are not desirable, godmother feels that Duan is sincere. Xiaochen, since you married him, you might as well try to let go and open your heart. It’s not easy for the two of you to have this fate.’ Liao Yufeng looked into her eyes and said earnestly, ’They say your godfather and I have a good relationship, but what is love really? It is nothing more than a sense of calm, a sense of sincerity, and a sense of mutual dependence. When you face him, you can feel at ease and calm, and feel that as long as he is there, you will be at ease. What else matters?’ Liao Yufeng said, and suddenly changed the subject and asked, ’Do you know why your godmother came to see you today?’
Having grown up in front of her, Xu Liangchen had rarely seen Liao Yufeng show such an intellectual and rational side, and had never heard her talk about relationships and love. So, he paused with the glass of water he had intended to give to Liao Yufeng in his hands, and watched her shake her head a little after the fact. Yes, why did Luo Hongwen send her godmother over? Could it be that he wanted to tell her that he had… But why did he make a special trip to pick her up?
Just as she was thinking, she heard Liao Yufeng say, ‘Although he is considered a new type of person, Jiangwu has always had some macho ideas since he was young. I never thought that he would be won over by this lifesaver, Miss Duan.’ A little uncomfortable with her jumping from one topic to the next, Xu Liangchen blinked and handed her the glass of water without saying a word.
Liao Yufeng gave a knowing smile and said, ‘Jiangwu has been busy with work these past few days, so I have sometimes gone to the nursing home to visit Miss Duan on his behalf. I never thought that young Master Duan would come today…’
Not only did he come, but he also respectfully addressed her as an elder, thanked her for taking care of Liangchen before, and said that Liangchen missed her godmother very much and that if she had time, she should go and visit. Liao Yufeng politely and distantly agreed, but didn’t take it seriously. Seeing that the young master had come to see his sister, she exchanged a few words with him and then left.
After leaving the house, she heard the siblings talking. It seemed that Miss Duan Er was a little surprised by her brother’s invitation, but then the few words Duan Yijie said made her pause in her footsteps as she left. The legendary cold-faced young master’s voice was light, but it deeply touched her: ‘…Before I appeared, there were already many things and people that were very important to her in her life. They might be relatives, friends, colleagues, or even…childhood sweethearts…Anyway, I should be grateful to these ‘former events’ and ‘predecessors’. They helped shape and accompany the wonderful woman I see before me today… Now, she is my wife, the mother of my future children. Since I love her, I should love everything about her, and love what she loves…’
Liao Yufeng looked back and saw the young man with the upright posture and cold face behind her. Her heart suddenly felt warm and she thought to herself, ‘Xiaochen is lucky to have a husband who loves her so much. She doesn’t need anything more! After thinking about it for a while, she walked back and said with a smile that she wanted to go see Xiaochen. Although there was no change in her expression, Liao Yufeng felt that Duan Dashao was quite surprised and happy, and immediately sent someone to bring her here.
Upon hearing this, Xu Liangchen’s heart did not go to Duan Yijie. What she thought was that her godmother also visited Qi Ping from time to time, so does that mean… So she tentatively asked, ‘Godmother, what do you think of the second young lady?’
‘Naturally, she is a rare and extraordinary woman,’ Liao Yufeng nodded with some emotion, ‘I never imagined that this young lady from the Shuai Mansion is the famous chief writer that everyone knows. Her words and actions reveal a woman’s delicate and gentle nature. She seems calm but is firm and strong; her words are calm but carry strength, and she is weak but has a boldness and courage that most people can’t match… Your generation has made great strides in the status and abilities of women. Independent in character, daring to love and hate, with lofty ideals, it seems that perhaps after many years, women will be able to fight for a piece of the sky that belongs to them, overturning the old custom of women conquering the world through conquering men…’
Although she has always been a virtuous wife behind her husband, Liao Yufeng is, after all, a new woman who has experienced the beauty and storms of the West. Naturally, she has also had dreams about ideals and ambitions. Duan Qiping, a strong and independent younger generation, has almost fulfilled all the regrets she has buried deep in her heart. Therefore, towards this famous writer who saved her son’s life, Liao Yufeng not only feels gratitude, but also more love and appreciation.
Seeing the heartfelt affection of her godmother when she talked about Qiping, Xu Liangchen’s heart slowly filled with relief and hope. It turned out that Qiping was an extraordinary woman with ideals and pursuits. These two people might be able to spark something moving together…
Having heard about Liangchen’s relationship with the Jiang family, Duan Yijie felt that he had done nothing wrong. After meeting with Mrs. Jiang, Liangchen’s mood that night did improve a little. So, after asking Liangchen for details about the matter, the next day, Duan Yijie even sent a gift to formally recognise Liao Yufeng, Liangchen’s godmother, as a relative, and the two families began to warm up to each other.
Duan Dasha’s ‘forgetting the past’ and ‘recognising relatives’ with the Jiang family certainly gave him a great deal of face and comfort. Liangchen Xu did not understand this, but the knot deep in her heart still had not been untied. As a result, Emei sometimes still looks worried, sometimes in a daze, and sometimes evasive, which really makes Duan Yijie unable to understand.
A few days later, on a sunny morning, Duan Yijie took some time off from work and said he wanted to take her for a walk.
After driving for half the morning, Liangchen realized after getting out of the car that the small courtyard in front of them was actually where Duan Yijie grew up and led his troops independently.
A small river runs through the small town. The water is the street, and the banks are the market. The few houses on both sides of the river are all built next to the water. Black-canopy boats pass by from time to time, a few loofah vines climb over the fences, a faint fragrance of osmanthus drifts in the distance, and the occasional croaking of frogs fills the air. It is a scene of quiet beauty from a southern water town.
The two of them walked slowly along the river, with Duan Yijie pointing out to her along the way where the barracks had been, where the school had been, where he had practised military drills and sweated, where he had encountered his opponent in a narrow alley and almost been shot and disabled.
After walking around the town, Duan Yixiong casually chatted as they walked back to the osmanthus tree. He suddenly said with emotion, ‘Sometimes I can hardly remember that I lived here for five years… After being with you, I realised that many things have become embedded in my bones…’
Liangchen, I have been to all the places where you have lived, as far as I can go. I want to walk the same roads you walked to and from school, see the courtyards you lived in, the places you worked… I love you, and I want to understand your past and your future. I want you to give me your past and your future, and this is what I expect from having and sharing.
I want you to understand me and know me, to feel what I feel, to tell you about the time I was young and arrogant or where I fell and got hurt. I want to give you everything I have, including my memories; and I also want to have everything you have, including your dreams. I want to share everything in your life—because it’s all you.
‘Liangchen, is there anything else you want to ask me?’ Afraid that she would get tired walking, Duan Yijie gently put his arm around her waist to support her. His dark eyes were bright, and he asked softly with anticipation.
Xu Liangchen looked up at him suddenly, her heart pounding. Did he mean something by asking that? She remained silent, and the words on the edge of her lips finally slipped out faintly, ‘I’m a little tired. Can we go home now?’
Duan Yijie was momentarily stunned by this, and his dark eyes stared at her intently. The originally warm and gentle gaze gradually became sharp, and he kept staring, almost as if he wanted to penetrate her to the core. Xu Liangchen slightly avoided it, looking at an osprey gliding low over the water in the distance. He stiffly straightened up, maintaining an expression of indifference without ripples.
After a while, Duan Yijie finally frowned, sighed helplessly and weakly, and said, ‘If you’re tired, let’s go back.’
Liangchen, what are you really thinking? Why are you hiding from me and not sharing anything? I thought that in a place like this, in a town where there are only the two of us, you would tell me what’s on your mind. Why do you always refuse to open up to me?
If you want to say something, you will naturally say it, so why do you need me to ask? Xu Liangchen gave him a faint look. I couldn’t ask about that day’s scene, and I still feel uncomfortable from eating the chicken and spinach. I couldn’t ask, and I didn’t know how to ask. I never said it was made for me, I like to eat it myself, so why should I question you…
The two were each thinking their own thoughts, and they were silent the whole way. The car returned to the Taishuai Mansion, just as the sun was setting. Duan Yijie wanted to escort Liangchen back to the Xiyuan to rest. As he approached the gate, he saw Geng Wenqing walking towards him: ‘Xiao Jie, you’re back?’
Duan Yijie stopped in his tracks, and Xu Liangchen looked up and realised that Geng Wenqing was wearing a cheongsam today with a bright and delicate colour. It was the dark red embroidered with gold that was rarely seen on the upper body of this Miss Geng, and she couldn’t help but give Duan Yijie a deep look. Could it be that the answer would be revealed tonight?
Duan Yijie’s thin lips rose slightly, and a rare smile appeared on his cold face. Seeing Duan Yijie’s arm, which had always been around the waist of the beautiful woman, Geng Wenqing’s smile at the corner of her lips slightly froze. She lowered her head and whispered, ‘… Godmother said…he might have a mission, so he is holding a funeral for his ancestors today, and will come back later…’ The rest of her sentence was muted, and Duan Yijie nodded, softening his voice, “Okay, let’s clean up and go over there in a bit.” Geng Wenqing agreed, not looking at them anymore, and turned to leave.
Xu Liangchen was confused by their conversation, but she was led by Duan Yijie to walk towards the courtyard. She couldn’t help but turn around to look at the slender back of Geng Wenqing as she walked away. She was a little strange. If her wish was granted, why did Miss Geng look a little unhappy?
Seeing Xu Liangchen’s puzzled expression, Duan Yijie’s thin lips slightly lifted, but he didn’t explain anything. After cleaning up, Xu Liangchen took a short break before being led to the banquet hall.
The luxurious hall was even more radiant with light and filled with joy tonight. Even the lights outside the hall were covered in red covers. When they walked in, there weren’t many people, only about six or seven people around. Upon closer inspection, most of them were close relatives of the Duan family, as well as a few sworn brothers of Duan Zhengxun.
When they saw the young couple of Duan Yijie enter, those who knew them quickly greeted them, asking politely after the young wife’s well-being. Xu Liangchen smiled and returned their greetings one by one, saying hello to the elderly lady and father-in-law and mother-in-law who had taken their seats. She felt a little stuffy and uneasy, wondering if this was the scene prepared for Duan Yijie’s taking a concubine. Was it a bit on the small side? No wonder Miss Geng was a little depressed…
As she was thinking this, she saw Wu Wenjuan walk in wearing a burgundy cheongsam and smiling. ‘Congratulations to the General and your sister, the time has come, the new young lady is here to pay her respects…’
Before she finished speaking, a group of maids escorted Geng Wenqing in, and she knelt on the worship mat, bowed three times as if she were lighting candles, and respectfully held the tea in her hands above her head, saying, ‘Please, godfather and godmother, have some tea.’
Duan Zhengxun and his wife took it with a smile, placed the big red envelope on the tray, and everyone burst into laughter and applauded together, saying things like ‘Congratulations to the general on gaining a righteous daughter.’ Duan Zhengxun coughed, said a few words of praise and what a father should teach, and Geng Wenqing kept saying yes. He then offered tea to the old lady Duan, and then table after table, the banquet began… Xu Liangchen was astonished at this scene before him. What? After all this time, it turns out to be a banquet to celebrate the adoption of a daughter-in-law. No…wasn’t it Duan who was going to marry her?
‘Xu Liangchen, what are you thinking about? You seem so lost,’ Duan Yijie’s teasing words sounded in her ears. Xu Liangchen suddenly came back to her senses. She couldn’t help but feel relieved. Her face flushed. She was…actually playing the part of a jealous woman? This person, he obviously knows, why doesn’t he say something…Looking at Duan Yijie with a mixture of resentment and coquetry, she suddenly felt a shock in her heart: what? She, jealous?
Just as she was overwhelmed by this thought, a red corner of the dress caught her eye, and Geng Wenqing was here to present her with tea. Xu Liangchen hastily dismissed her chaotic thoughts, and followed Duan Yijie to stand up, but saw a man in military uniform standing shoulder to shoulder with Geng Wenqing. The man was slightly shorter than Duan Yijie, with a strong square face, bushy eyebrows and big eyes, quite imposing.
‘Big sister, Liangchen and I toast to you,’ Duan Yijie said solemnly, then glanced at Xu Liangchen. Seeing that she was smiling and had finished drinking, he continued, narrowing his dark eyes at the man with his white teeth grinning. ’I never thought that you would soon become my brother-in-law. Big sister is gentle and virtuous, if you dare bully her, hmph!’
Before the words had finished, the man, who had been smiling, straightened up and raised his hand in a military salute, saying loudly and very seriously, ‘Please rest assured, young master! Although Zhen Zhong has occasionally played the fool in the past, a real man never goes back on his word. Zhen Zhong has long admired you, Miss, and if you promise to be mine forever, I will never let you down in this life, or else bullets have no eyes…’
‘Okay, I’m still here, it’s not your turn to pretend to be an elder!’ Duan Zhengxun gave his son a glare, interrupted Wu Zhenzhong’s words with a laugh, and said, ’Damn it, this kid actually dared to force Wu Boy to swear at the banquet that if he got pregnant, he would leave. Where would a girl’s face be put if he said that? Brat, you’re obviously a wife-slave, but you still don’t know how to cherish a woman?
At first, when everyone saw the two men talking seriously, they all stopped talking and looked on with smiles. When Wu Zhenzhong promised the beauty’s love in a loud and unconcealed voice, they began to whisper, half in admiration and half in teasing. However, when Duan Zhengxun half-seriously admonished his son, everyone couldn’t help but laugh and flatter, saying, ‘The young master and young lady are deeply in love, and the general is a good teacher…’
Geng Wenqing did not agree to Wu Zhenzhong’s marriage proposal willingly. The reason was that the man she admired already had a beloved, and she also wanted to give it one last shot to see if he really had no feelings for her. Seeing that he was unmoved, she was a little disheartened and followed Lady Lu’s arrangements, formally becoming the adopted daughter of the general’s household with a grand ceremony…
Her emotions were all over the place, but she never expected that in the middle of a large crowd, she would suddenly hear the man beside her say his love for her and his commitment to her with solemnity and seriousness. Looking at the pair of bold dark eyes under his bushy eyebrows, staring at her with clarity and transparency, an unusual feeling suddenly arose in her heart that she had never felt before…
After the banquet, Duan Zhengxun called Duan Yijie to discuss urgent business. Because Qi Ping managed to return to the general’s mansion, Xu Liangchen did not immediately go back to rest. After chatting with Mrs. Lu and the others for a while, he walked into the garden with Qi Ping to chat.
A full moon hung high in the sky, and it was the night of the third or fifth month of the lunar calendar. Qi Ping asked her about her pregnancy, and then said thoughtfully, ‘Liangchen, there’s something I don’t know whether I should say, but looking at you and my brother, I really can’t help it… I feel that, whether it’s a relationship or love, for the two people involved, it’s like a garden that you plant together, one person sowing the seeds and the other watering them, one weeding and the other pruning, sharing the flowers and enjoying the winter together… When you come home and look at everything that’s familiar, that’s when you come back to a shared, loving life.’
I never thought that Qi Ping would suddenly say all this. Xu Liangchen looked at her without saying a word. Qi Ping continued, ‘Sometimes, we may take things for granted. For example, we may take it for granted that the other person loved us first; that the other person worked overtime just to arrange a holiday for the two of us; that the person who hasn’t cooked for a long time will go to the kitchen in the middle of the night to try again and again to cook a delicious dish…’
Xu Liangchen paused in surprise. Is the deep sense of helplessness in Qi Ping’s words because of himself? For a long time, she looked up at the moon and sighed inwardly – yes, when she closed her eyes and thought about it, where was she when he was working so hard in the kitchen? Where was she when he was busy with work and couldn’t sleep at night? Not really in love, who would have the courage to offer their heart and let it be trampled on? What did he do wrong? He just loved and adored her, so he was inferior and smaller than her, and she looked down on him and didn’t cherish him?
Having travelled through many mountains and rivers, Xu Liangchen of course knows that there is no such thing as a matter of course in this world. The reason why he dotes on her and finds her adorable is not because you are truly the world’s number one, incomparable, and worth dying for without regret—it is simply because he loves you. There may be many reasons why a person loves another, but no matter what the reason, don’t take it for granted that he loves you and does everything for you—taking it for granted for a long time is a waste and indifference towards love, and it can even hurt.
At this moment, Xu Liangchen’s heart was touched. Scenes from the past flashed through his mind one after the other. Those times of silence were actually all about love, weren’t they? He no longer wanted to admit it, but he couldn’t deny Duan Yijie’s deep feelings, and he couldn’t deny that the depression in his heart over the past few days had been jealousy and reluctance…
She suddenly remembered a saying she had heard somewhere: love is a habit. Like air, when it’s around you, you just breathe naturally and can’t feel anything; but if it’s gone, it feels like you’re running out of air or suffocating… These days, I’ve been feeling down because I’m running out of air, right?
Just as she was thinking this, Qiping said softly, ‘… Liangchen, the Japanese are transporting a large quantity of drugs in cargo ships, escorted by warships. Big Brother…may set off with his troops tomorrow, and Wu Zhenzhong is going too. That’s why Father and Mother are in such a hurry to let Wenqing acknowledge his ancestral roots tonight. Shouldn’t you try to give Big Brother a chance…’
Just as she was saying this, a faint singing voice came from afar. It was an English song Xu Liangchen had heard before. The familiar melody inexplicably caused her heart to ache: ‘So in love with you, but there’s a river between us, the river’s waves of longing, the one you want is not me… So in love with you, but it’s no match for the past, today I’ve decided to leave, will you miss me. Oh, baby, so in love with you, but there’s a river between us, I can’t cross it no matter what, so in love with you…
She suddenly stopped and interrupted Qi Ping: ‘Qi Ping, I’m sorry, I… I want to go find him…’ Without waiting for a reply, Xu Liangchen walked quickly away. Yes, it’s an urgent military matter, a matter of national importance. He might leave tomorrow, so she should tell him that herself!
‘…Liangchen, they’re in the back garden…’ Qi Ping’s voice, full of joy, came from behind her. Xu Liangchen turned around, waved her hand, and hurriedly left.
At the garden gate, Luo Hongwen and a group of guards stood with guns at the ready. Seeing Xu Liangchen hurry over, they were a little surprised. They looked around the garden but did not stop her, only stopping the maid behind her.
Xu Liangchen walked into the quiet garden and hurried along the corridor with its lush flowers and trees. Halfway there, she heard the calm and cold voice of Duan Yijie coming from the depths of the flowers and trees: ‘… Father, please do not worry. My son will definitely think of the family and the country!‘
’But the Japanese are well-prepared this time, and I’m afraid it’s going to be tricky…‘ Duan Zhengxun’s words were heavy.
’Father,’ Duan Yijie’s voice was serious and clear: ’If we are inferior in equipment and training, it seems that we have nothing except human lives. But my son firmly believes that every Chinese person has a passionate life. As long as we fight to the death, what are we inferior to?’
When he said that, Xu Liangchen could sense that the man did not have the slightest sense of a desperate struggle or a dead end. It was as if it was just common sense that everyone knew, and it was heart-stoppingly calm.
As long as we fight desperately, what else can we not do?
Since people are fighting for their lives, what can’t they do?
Xu Liangchen stopped in his tracks, his throat a little lumpy, the lights in front of him becoming a little blurry. A sense of grandeur suddenly arose from the tenderness, and he felt like he had felt this before. Once upon a time, hadn’t he thought the same thing? What if the country is poor and weak? If the 400 million compatriots work together, why worry about our country not standing tall in the world?
This man has never let himself down.
This nation has never made us ashamed!
She really wanted to tell him right now, shouting: ‘Let’s join hands and stay together forever…’
As if by telepathy, Duan Yijie, who had seen his father off, turned around and walked towards her without hesitation. In the moonlight, he could vaguely see his beloved wife smiling with tenderness in her eyes… He walked quickly over to her, and the warmth of their joined hands reminded him that it was all real: the warm, urgent lips, the slightly cool but affectionate fingers, the low whispers that escaped his lips… He had finally waited for her!
Liangchen looked up slightly shyly, but saw Duan Yijie looking at her quietly, his focused gaze so deep and moving…
The road ahead is still long, but their hearts are full of hope…