Chapter 12

“What did you just say?”

Zhao Wuzhu could hardly believe her ears.

She thought the chances of Gu Qinghan and Wen Nuan getting a divorce were far greater than the possibility of them living together in the military compound.

But now, Gu Qinghan was actually saying he wanted to take Wen Nuan and the child to the Northern Military District.

Gu Qinghan, seemingly unfazed, repeated, “Wen Nuan and the child will come with me to the Northern Military District. We will leave tomorrow.”

“You… you’re actually taking that lazy woman to the military compound? Gu Qinghan, have you lost your mind?”

Zhao Wuzhu was so furious that her face turned red, and she began to shout, “Have you seen the people who go to the military compound? They are all hardworking and frugal, keeping their homes in order, and they can even earn a living! And what about her? She sleeps until the sun is high in the sky and does nothing but eat and sleep all day! If you take her to the military compound, you’ll have to serve her instead!”

“You’re a deputy regiment leader, and yet you spend every day outside washing diapers for the child. Do you know that the people in the family compound are talking behind your back, calling you a slave to your wife and child? It’s enough to make me turn red in embarrassment!”

Zhao Wuzhu truly believed that Gu Qinghan had become both foolish and bad after marrying Wen Nuan.

Before getting married, Gu Qinghan was very family-oriented. He not only sent all his allowances back to her each month but was also very concerned about Gu Qingsong’s affairs.

Now, after getting married, he was foolishly being manipulated by Wen Nuan, and he had even started to hide his “private savings” neglecting the family entirely!

Here she was, cooking and cleaning every day, while also having to go out and do some temporary work to earn money.

The saying “having a wife makes one forget their mother” was clearly meant for Gu Qinghan, that ungrateful bastard!

Gu Qinghan furrowed his brow, and the more he listened, the worse his expression became. He couldn’t help but say, “I can’t control what others say about me. I’ve already submitted the military report, and it can’t be changed.”

Zhao Wuzhu was already furious, and Gu Qinghan’s words only intensified her anger. She felt that her son was increasingly disregarding her feelings and couldn’t help but yell, “You’re completely bewitched by that vixen!”

Wen Nuan could no longer stay silent. Holding the child, she walked out of the room and directly approached Zhao Wuzhu. She said, “Mom, I am married to Qinghan, and it is reasonable for me to follow him to the military compound. But why has this become such a heinous act in your eyes?”

“Besides, everyone can see how Qinghan treats you. Over the years, he has neither withheld money from you nor failed to provide for you. Before he got married, he sent you all his allowances every month, and even after marrying me, he continued to send you living expenses regularly. Have you forgotten all of this? Or do you think that’s not enough? But don’t forget, Qinghan also has a family to support.”

“Now he’s being transferred to Northern Military District, which is more than two thousand kilometers away. He’s in the North, and we’re in the South. Qinghan and I are still so young. Do you think it’s a good thing for us to only meet once every year or two?” As she spoke, Wen Nuan instinctively glanced at Gu Qinghan.

Gu Qinghan met her watery gaze, his dark eyes deepening momentarily before he slightly turned his face away.

Wen Nuan’s gaze flickered for a moment before she turned to Gu Qingsong, who had been quietly watching the scene unfold. She asked, “You can also ask Second Borther-in-law, would he be willing to see Comrade Lin only once a year?”

Suddenly called out, Gu Qingsong answered without hesitation, “That definitely wouldn’t work!”

In fact, Gu Qingsong hoped that Wen Nuan would follow his older brother to the military compound. That way, when Meizhi married over, she wouldn’t have to endure any hardships.

Moreover, there wasn’t enough space at home. If a child were to be born in the future, the place would become even tighter. If Wen Nuan accompanied his brother to the military compound, it would free up a room.

Gu Qingsong, thinking of this, tugged at Zhao Wuzhu’s arm and leaned in to whisper, “Mom, sister-in-law does have a point. It’s really not good for a married couple to be separated like this.”

Zhao Wuzhu shot him a sharp glare. “Shameless! What are you saying in broad daylight?”

“Stop helping them and then say such nonsense!”

Although Zhao Wuzhu’s expression remained displeased, for some reason, she felt that Wen Nuan’s words held a bit of truth.

It was truly baffling!

Zhao Wuzhu snorted through her nose and muttered, “Honestly, I think you will only be a burden if you follow your husband to the Northern Military District. It won’t make anyone feel relieved!”

Wen Nuan gently patted the child’s back and retorted, “Then if I stay here, don’t you also think I’m a burden?”

Wen Nuan understood Zhao Wuzhu’s concerns; she was simply afraid that if Gu Qinghan took her to the Northern Military District, he would stop sending money back.

However, that was Gu Qinghan’s money.

To be honest, Wen Nuan didn’t want to worry too much about it. Given her current relationship with Gu Qinghan, she felt she didn’t have the authority to dictate anything. It was better to just stick to how things had always been.

She only wanted to escape from this environment as quickly as possible.

Zhao Wuzhu realized Wen Nuan had hit the nail on the head, and a hint of embarrassment appeared on her face. She sheepishly replied, “What nonsense! I never said you were a burden!”

As she spoke, she discreetly glanced at Gu Qinghan. Seeing that he remained silent, she felt a little more at ease.

She admitted to herself that she indeed found Wen Nuan annoying, but that was mainly because she was lazy. Who would like a daughter-in-law like that?

In contrast to Lin Meizhi, who had not yet married Gu Qingsong but always managed to skip the lines at the supply and marketing cooperative and sometimes even had her purchases delivered, Wen Nuan’s presence as a daughter-in-law was indeed bothersome by comparison.

Wen Nuan smiled and said, “That’s great. In that case, I hope you can also understand our situation. Qinghan keeps some money aside because he is worried. We will go to the Northern Military District, an unfamiliar place for both of us. The weather there was too cold,  If anything happens, it’s good to have some money on hand so we’re not left helpless.

Moreover, Qinghan is your son, and I believe you know he is a filial person. He won’t forget you just because he’s in the Northern Military District. If he were truly that heartless, I would be the first one he will betray, not you.”

As Wen Nuan finished speaking, Zhao Wuzhu raised her eyebrows—momentarily unable to find words to respond.

She felt that Wen Nuan’s words had some merit.

Gu Qingsong stroked his chin, contemplating. After some thought, he realized that his elder brother’s lack of assistance this time might genuinely be due to difficulties.

Moreover, Wen Nuan was right; after all, they were family, and they were closer than she, an outsider.

No one noticed that Gu Qinghan, hidden in the dimness, slightly changed his expression.

The more Zhao Wuzhu thought about it, the more she felt uneasy. She believed that the advantages of Wen Nuan following the army were actually much better than staying here; at the very least, she wouldn’t have to serve her every day!

Furthermore, it would be good for her eldest son to bring her along to the army.

Once Gu Qinghan saw how lazy this good-for-nothing was, he might realize he had married the wrong person.

It would be best if he could conveniently get a divorce too!

In the end, she pursed her lips and said awkwardly, “Fine, I can’t argue with you. If you want to follow the army, then go ahead. Just be more diligent in the future and don’t make our eldest do everything; we don’t want the neighbors to laugh at us!”

Wen Nuan, who holding her child, nodded calmly. “Of course.”

“…”

For some reason, Zhao Wuzhu felt that Wen Nuan’s words were somewhat untrustworthy.

But she didn’t care anymore; after all, it wasn’t her who would be exhausted!

—o—o—o—

After dinner, Gu Qingsong and Zhao Wuzhu whispered in the room.

Zhao Wuzhu felt a bit puzzled and said quietly, “Don’t you think that Wen Nuan seems like a completely different person? Her way of speaking is so flowery now, and she doesn’t seem as fiery as before. She even started lecturing me about principles.”

Gu Qingsong nodded. “It does seem that way. She has become more articulate; I was even persuaded by her.”

Zhao Wuzhu sighed. “But it’s fine for her to follow the army; at least we won’t have to serve her. In the future, when you marry Lin Meizhi, there won’t be any conflicts. Just the three of us at home will be much more worry-free.”

Zhao Wuzhu was now looking forward to Gu Qingsong marrying Lin Meizhi so he could enjoy a comfortable life.

As for Wen Nuan, if she wanted to go, let her go. The Northern Military District was cold and freezing; whoever wanted to go could go.

Gu Qingsong agreed and quickly nodded. “That’s right. Meizhi is so kind; who knows how she’ll be treated in the future! Mom, you don’t need to worry too much. Wen Nuan is right; my elder brother isn’t heartless or ungrateful. Once he receives his allowance, he’ll definitely make sure you get your share.”

Although Zhao Wuzhu did not show it, the corners of her mouth curved slightly. “Of course! It’s not like he remembers that if I hadn’t supported him through military school, he wouldn’t have the glory he has today! If he really dares to marry a wife and forget his mother, I’ll go to the army and report him!”

After talking about Wen Nuan, Gu Qingsong felt a mix of happiness and melancholy. “Mom, if my brother goes to Northern Military District, what will happen to my bride price?”

Zhao Wuzhu scoffed. “What can we do? According to your brother, just give 120 yuan. If Lin Meizhi wants to marry you, fine; if she doesn’t, so be it!”

This 120 yuan bride price was already among the highest in the entire district.

“But…” Gu Qingsong furrowed his brow, feeling a chaotic mess inside. He had made promises to Lin Meizhi before, and now that he couldn’t fulfill them, it made him feel ashamed.

“Don’t say ‘but.’ Your brother is right; she shouldn’t expect to get more than your sister-in-law. Isn’t this just trying to intimidate me? Let’s be fair; nobody should think they can ride on anyone else’s back!” Zhao Wuzhu had gained experience by now; she knew that when it came to a wife, one couldn’t indulge them, or they would become inflated with arrogance!

200 yuan for the bride price—how shameless!

Gu Qingsong didn’t take a break. After leaving Zhao Wuzhu’s room, he went to find Lin Meizhi.

Upon hearing Gu Qingsong’s words, Lin Meizhi immediately became angry.

“Gu Qingsong, you’re a liar! You clearly promised to give two hundred yuan in wedding gifts, and now you’re only offering one hundred and twenty? How am I supposed to explain this to my parents?

All my relatives know about it; how will I face them in the future? Your brother is going to the Northern Military District without giving any money. Doesn’t he have housing provided by the army and various allowances for the families following the troops?

So what’s wrong with giving us some urgent support now? We’re not going to leave him hanging! Once we take care of the wedding, we’ll naturally pay him back. But your brother is leaving for Northern Military District tomorrow; what are we going to do once he’s gone?”

Gu Qingsong’s face looked as ugly as a liver, pondering Lin Meizhi’s words. He knew she was just putting on a show for others, so he spoke gently, “Meizhi, didn’t you say before that our life is ours to live? Why do you care how others see it? My brother has helped me a lot; he even helped me find my job. I didn’t do anything to assist him when he got married. My mom and my brother both said that your wedding gifts shouldn’t be higher than those for my sister-in-law…”

“Gu Qingsong, you bastard!” Lin Meizhi’s expression changed suddenly as she listened to him. She glared at him fiercely and finally said through gritted teeth, “I’m pregnant with your child!”

“W-What did you say?” Gu Qingsong’s eyes widened in shock, his expression one of utter disbelief. “Is… is that true?”

With tears welling in her eyes, Lin Meizhi buried her head in Gu Qingsong’s shoulder and sobbed, “Gu Qingsong, for the baby in my belly, you need to think of a solution quickly!”

From shock to ecstatic joy, Gu Qingsong nodded repeatedly. “Okay, I’ll definitely find a way!”

Lin Meizhi felt a chaotic mix of emotions inside.

She tightly grasped the hem of Gu Qingsong’s shirt and said softly, “Hurry up; we have to resolve the wedding gift issue before the New Year.”

—o—o—o—

Meanwhile, Gu Qinghan and Wen Nuan continued to tidy up after dinner.

In fact, there wasn’t much to tidy up; only a few washbasins and diapers—things they needed every day.

However, they still needed these items tomorrow, so they couldn’t pack them up yet.

The two of them occupied a corner of the room, each doing their own thing without saying a word.

It wasn’t until Wen Nuan contemplated whether to grab a blanket that she finally spoke to the man next to the wooden box. “Do you want to take a blanket?”

At that time, cotton was in short supply, and many people carried their blankets and basins when they went out. If they were heading to the Northern Military District, such a cold place, having an extra blanket would probably come in handy.

Gu Qinghan glanced at the blanket in Wen Nuan’s hand. It was the one they had bought for their wedding, made from the favorite floral fabric of a young girl. At the time, their wedding had been somewhat rushed, and they hadn’t even had time to make a new set of clothes. The fabric was chosen by Wen Nuan herself, and her two sisters had stayed up all night to help get it ready.

Gu Qinghan neatly folded the clothes in his hands and replied without looking up, “Take it with you. I’ll tidy up tomorrow.”

Wen Nuan responded with an “Mm,” and then recalled the money he had given her earlier, asking, “Do I need to give you that money?”

Since they were preparing to leave for the Northern Military District tomorrow, she was unsure whether Gu Qinghan would be comfortable entrusting the money to her to manage.

She wasn’t the type to insist on keeping all the money in her hands; if he wanted to manage his monthly allowance himself in the future, she had no objections.

Gu Qinghan turned his head to look at her and then said, “Just take good care of it yourself.”

“If you run out of money, let me know.”

“Mm, okay.”

As they were getting ready to sleep, there was a sudden knock on the room door just as Wen Nuan was about to lie down.

Outside the door, Gu Qingsong’s voice called for Gu Qinghan.

Gu Qinghan glanced at her and then turned off the light. “You sleep first; I’ll see what he’s up to,” he said.

Wen Nuan had been tidying up all day and was indeed a bit tired. Thinking about having to squeeze onto a train for several days starting tomorrow, she decided to go to bed early.

In her drowsiness, Wen Nuan seemed to hear something about “pregnancy,” but she was too sleepy to catch what the two of them finally said.

—o—o—o—

The next day, everyone in the family compound knew that Wen Nuan was going to the northern city. She was busy packing large and small bags.

Many people looked at Wen Nuan’s thin frame and whispered to each other, “I heard that winters in the northern city are especially cold, with snow piled up so high. Eldest Son Gu’s wife is so thin, and her child is still so small. Will she be able to endure it?”

“Those who accompany the troops do so to help their husbands. I’ve seen Eldest Son Gu washing diapers and clothes in the courtyard every morning for the past two days! What can she do by following him?”

“What can she do? They only have one little girl. Eldest Son Gu is going to such a faraway place; it’s definitely just to try and have a son!”

“Ah, I see Wen Nuan’s hips are so flat, and she still wants to go to such a cold place and have a son? She’ll probably cry and want to come back here after just a few days!”

“Who can argue with that? Just wait and see the drama unfold!”

Wen Nuan was unaware that the people in the family compound were gossiping about her, but she did notice that Zhao Wuzhu had been looking at her strangely.

When it was time to head to the train station, Zhao Wuzhu finally pulled her aside and said, “Wen Nuan, there’s nothing for you to do by following the troops. You might as well hurry and help Qinghan have a few sons; only with sons will there be a good future.”

“If you have a son and can’t take care of him, just send a telegram to Mom; I can help you out!”

If she had another daughter, she could always send her to someone else to raise, but Zhao Wuzhu didn’t say that out loud.

They could discuss it later once Wen Nuan had the baby.

At that moment, Wen Nuan was still holding her daughter, who had not yet woken up, and she frowned at Zhao Wuzhu’s words.

When “Wen Nuan” gave birth to this daughter, Zhao Wuzhu hadn’t helped at all; in fact, they had quarreled over eating a couple of extra papayas and eggs.

Wen Nuan remembered those nights during her confinement when she had to soothe and feed the baby while starving herself.

Had Zhao Wuzhu ever held the child for even one night?

Now that Wen Nuan had finally managed to escape that family, she had no intention of letting her disturb her life again!