Chapter 4: The Return

Qi Cailing’s date was Zhang Songtao, a regiment-level officer in the logistics department of the Capital Military District.

Zhang Songtao was from Anyang County. His wife had died just a week earlier, and he had returned home to handle her funeral.

Under normal circumstances, with his wife so recently deceased, he shouldn’t be thinking about remarriage. But as a government official, matchmakers were likely lining up at his door.

In reality, Qi Cailing had been married and even had children. Unfortunately, she gave birth to two daughters, but her husband—a wealthy man—wanted a son. Since she couldn’t give him one, he secretly sought out a mistress who eventually bore him a son. He then promoted the mistress to his legal wife and kicked Qi Cailing out.

Qi Cailing resented her husband’s cruelty and blamed herself for not being able to bear a son. This experience left her with an intense fixation on raising sons, which became the driving force behind her writing “stepmother literature” where she raises not one but two boys—no daughters, only sons.

Before she realized it, the bus had arrived in the county town.

Zhang Songtao was introduced by the matchmaker. Of course, he was also the male lead in her novel.

When she was writing about him, he was just a paper character. However, because she had based many characters on real people from her world, Qi Cailing didn’t actually know what Zhang Songtao looked like. She only knew that he worked in logistics at the military district and controlled a significant amount of military property.

After meeting the matchmaker, Qi Cailing’s heart began to race with anticipation. What would the male lead she had created in her own novel be like in real life?

Just then, she saw a man in his early thirties walking across the town square. He was neatly dressed with well-defined features and handsome eyebrows. Qi Cailing instinctively felt that this was the male lead.

Clearly, the man had put effort into his appearance. However, having just lost his wife, he still carried an air of desolation.

The matchmaker introduced him: “Comrade Qi Cailing, this is Zhang Songtao, Commander Zhang.”

Zhang Songtao extended his hand, but Qi Cailing stood there, stunned, unable to reach out and shake his hand.

She felt an inexplicable sense of reluctance.

Zhang Songtao was also puzzled. After all, Qi Cailing was wearing a pink dress with large, wavy curls in her hair and bright red lipstick. She looked like a stylish, beautiful young woman. Why would someone like her want to marry a widower with two sons?

“Is this young lady really here to meet me for a marriage proposal?” Zhang Songtao asked the matchmaker skeptically.

The matchmaker replied, “Don’t be fooled by her young age—she’s got a big heart and genuinely wants to be a stepmother.” In fact, Qi Cailing had come to the matchmaker herself, volunteering for the role.

“What’s your surname, young lady?” Zhang Songtao asked.

Qi Cailing hesitated. Her current body was only in its twenties, and the thought of marrying a man nearly forty gave her a sense of unease and discomfort.

Although he was dressed neatly, she could faintly smell an oily, middle-aged musk emanating from him.

The rules of her transmigration meant she couldn’t go back.

If she didn’t marry Zhang Songtao, the female lead’s destiny would change, and the genius sons and the resources the man controlled would have nothing to do with her.

After hesitating for a long while, she finally extended her hand and said, “My name is Qi Cailing. I’m willing to marry you and become a stepmother to your children.”

…

Meanwhile, Chen Yufeng had just sold a large jar of oil-pickled mushrooms, making a clean profit of five yuan. After walking past a vegetable garden, she entered her mother’s house.

Chen’s mother, now 43, had been living alone in town ever since her educated youth husband left. At that moment, she was sitting under the shade, cradling a sleeping Tiantian, half-closing her eyes as she basked in the sun.

When she saw Chen Yufeng enter, she quickly asked, “Feng’er, when is Han Chao coming back?”

“The telegram said the eighth or ninth. Today’s the sixth, so it should be soon,” Chen Yufeng replied.

Her mother asked, “Is the eldest branch of your husband’s family still causing trouble about the inheritance?”

Chen Yufeng laughed, “Mom, don’t worry. Even if they keep causing trouble, my mother-in-law is a sensible woman. She won’t let them get away with it.”

“That’s true. I trust your mother-in-law. She won’t let my daughter suffer,” Chen’s mother said.

Back when Chen’s mother didn’t want her daughter to marry young—at only 18—people often said that Qi Cailing had many suitors. But back when Chen Yufeng was 18, she also had a long line of admirers.

Matchmakers from all over flocked to her door, introducing young men who came from respectable families and were outstanding themselves.

But then her old friend knelt before her, swearing that her son would make Chen Yufeng happy and begging for a chance for her son to turn his life around. Unable to refuse, Chen’s mother agreed.

Ever since Han Chao married Chen Yufeng, he never kept any of his military allowances for himself and sent them home on time every month.

Even though Chen Yufeng gave birth to two daughters, she had the support of her mother-in-law and Han Chao’s allowance. Life was comfortable, and Chen’s mother was satisfied with her son-in-law. However, she did have one concern: “Feng’er, when Han Chao comes back, try to have a son.”

“Mom, how many times do I have to tell you? I’m not having any more children,” Chen Yufeng said.

“If you don’t have a son, who will take care of you when you’re old or sick?” her mother retorted.

Chen Yufeng laughed coldly, “My mother-in-law has two sons, but isn’t she still left uncared for now that she’s ill?”

Her mother sighed, “Back then, your father cared about you. But another woman gave him a son, and he abandoned you. Why? Because in a man’s eyes, sons are always more important.”

Chen Yufeng’s father, an educated youth, had initially claimed he was only divorcing her mother to secure a city residence. When he left, he even took many valuables from her mother’s family.

Not long after returning to the city, he sent a letter saying that another woman had given him a son, and for the sake of the boy, he had to marry her. From then on, he abandoned them.

He only came back to Anyang County once when Chen Yufeng was 18 and never visited Guihua Town or Chen’s mother again.

This incident deeply scarred Chen’s mother, who always believed that her husband had abandoned her because she hadn’t given him a son.

She didn’t mind being abandoned herself, but she desperately wanted her daughter to have a son.

Otherwise, she feared her daughter would be abandoned just like she was.

While the mother and daughter were chatting, a crisp voice came from the flower bed outside: “Oh no! Mom’s here!”

It was Chen Yufeng’s second daughter, Mimi.

In the novel, she was described as a “born troublemaker.”

Unlike her obedient sister Tiantian, Mimi was mischievous from the moment she was born, a natural tomboy.

At just six years old, she could swim like a fish and climb trees with the agility of a rabbit.

Chen Yufeng found her daughter too unruly and was always trying to discipline her. As a result, whenever she saw her mother, she would run away—often climbing up a tree. Since Chen Yufeng couldn’t climb trees, she could only stand below, sighing in frustration.

“Honey, come here. Mommy has something good to show you,” Chen Yufeng said, pulling a photo from her pocket.

“What is it? Tell me first, then I’ll come over,” Mimi replied cautiously.

She was wary of being tricked—what if her mother was just trying to grab her for a spanking? She wouldn’t take the bait so easily.

The little girl hid behind a patch of blooming dahlias, her bright eyes filled with curiosity.

Chen Yufeng held up the photo. “It’s a picture of your father.”

Mimi had heard about her soldier father since she was little. People said he was the best swimmer and tree climber in town. She had seen photos of him in his military uniform—he always looked fierce and unapproachable. She didn’t really miss him, though. What she was looking forward to was challenging him when he returned—seeing who could swim faster and climb higher.

But when she heard it was just another photo, she lost interest. “Not looking. I’ve seen plenty already.”

“This one’s new! You’ve never seen it before. Daddy is riding a big donkey!” Chen Yufeng quickly added.

Mimi remained hidden in the flower bed, but her younger sister Tiantian, who was in their grandmother’s arms, opened her sleepy eyes, snatched the photo, and blurted out, “Mommy, wouldn’t it be great if my daddy was actually this donkey?”

Chen Yufeng was momentarily stunned, as was her mother. But when they took another look at the photo, they burst into laughter.

The picture was from when Han Chao was fifteen. He had captured a wild donkey that had been sneaking into fields, stealing corn and beans, trampling vegetable patches, and even biting people. The town government had taken the photo as a commendation for his efforts.

In the picture, Han Chao sat atop the donkey, gazing coldly at the camera.

Yet, compared to him, the donkey under him looked far more adorable—both in demeanor and expression.

The photo successfully captured Mimi’s interest. She stared at it intently, completely entranced.

Taking advantage of the moment, Chen Yufeng quietly tied a rope around Mimi’s waist—and then around her own—finally managing to catch her wild little daughter.

As she prepared to leave, her mother told her, “Once Han Chao returns, you should follow him to the city. While you’re there, find your father. Who knows if he’s even still alive?”

Chen Yufeng’s missing father was another reason she was determined to go to the capital.

When he left years ago, he had taken several valuable heirlooms from her mother’s family—antiques that had been passed down for generations. Her mother had written to him multiple times, asking for them back. At first, he claimed they had been lost. Later, he said he had donated them.

But as a rural woman, Chen Yufeng’s mother had no way to track him down—she didn’t even know where he lived. So, the matter had been left unresolved.

However, Chen Yufeng knew from the book exactly where he was—he was currently living near the military district.

As long as she made it to the capital, she would be able to see him.

*

Two days passed in the blink of an eye.

Meanwhile, Su Hong was keeping an eye on Han Chao’s return. At the same time, she heard that Qi Cailing had matched with a military officer. That meant Qi Cailing had once again outshined Chen Yufeng—which made Su Hong even happier than Qi Cailing herself. She rushed to the liquor shop to ask, “Cailing, is it true? You’re really engaged to a military officer?”

“Sister-in-law, Commander Zhang has already reached an agreement with me. We’re preparing to get married,” Qi Cailing replied.

Su Hong sighed, “If he’s a regiment commander, you’ll definitely follow him to the city, right? My Yufeng also wants to go, but I don’t want her to. What should I do?”

When Qi Cailing had written the book, she had only focused on crafting a happy life for the protagonist. She hadn’t considered anything else.

According to the original plot, Chen Yufeng wouldn’t follow her husband for another two years. Once she arrived in the city, she would serve as a stark contrast to Qi Cailing. Having given birth to two daughters was her original sin. Lacking education and worldly experience, she would be bullied by scheming individuals. Over time, she would grow resentful, eventually turning into a pitiful, tragic, and detestable character.

Qi Cailing would be the celebrated “flower among military wives,” while Chen Yufeng would become a joke.

Even though she was just a fictional character, Qi Cailing, as the author, couldn’t help but feel sorry for her.

If Chen Yufeng wanted to avoid that fate and live a peaceful life, the best choice was to stay in the countryside, unnoticed.

With that in mind, Qi Cailing said, “Sister-in-law, Yufeng already struggles to hold her head high in town after giving birth to two daughters. What do you think will happen in the city?”

That was exactly what Su Hong wanted to hear. Clapping her hands, she said, “That’s true! If she stays in the countryside, taking care of my mother-in-law, my mother-in-law will be happy, and Han Chao will see her as a virtuous wife. If she gives away Mimi and has a son instead, then she can finally walk with her head held high. She’d have to be out of her mind to insist on going to the city.”

“You should talk to her more, Sister-in-law. Make sure she stays,” Qi Cailing added.

Su Hong’s eyes flickered with calculation—she had already come up with a plan.

Another day passed, and now it was the ninth.

Han Chao hadn’t returned yesterday, so today had to be the day.

The morning was bright and clear. Chen Yufeng had taken out the bedding to air it under the sun. She also washed all her and the children’s clothes. Now, as the sun began to set, the laundry was warm and carried the scent of sunshine.

She had even ironed a floral blouse she had made recently and dressed both daughters in new clothes.

Even if her husband was a tyrant, after seven years on the battlefield, he deserved to be greeted by a well-dressed wife.

Dinner was prepared lavishly, but knowing that the girls might get hungry waiting for their father, she also made some cornbread using glutinous rice and cornmeal to tide them over.

At the moment, she was folding sheets, while Tiantian sat on a stone stool, carefully pouring a little white sugar from a jar onto her cornbread before taking small bites.

Mimi, still tied to her mother’s waist, had to step backward every time she tried to grab some sugar, as Chen Yufeng would pull the rope tight.

Despite being only the three of them, their yard was lively—almost like a group of street punks dancing to disco.

Heavy footsteps sounded outside the door. The gate creaked open.

It was her eldest brother-in-law, Han Feng, along with his youngest son, Han Ming.

Han Feng had inherited their father’s docile nature. He was mild-mannered, never raising his voice. Unlike their father—who would get drunk and beat his wife—Han Feng never drank, which made him one of the more decent men in town.

He held a can of tea leaves and said, “Yufeng, this is a can of Pu’er tea. When my younger brother comes back, brew some for him.”

Chen Yufeng replied, “Big brother, we have tea at home. I picked some myself during Qingming. You don’t need to give me this.”

“Just keep it. My younger brother doesn’t like our mountain tea; he prefers Pu’er,” Han Feng insisted.

“I really don’t need it, big brother. Take it back,” Chen Yufeng said.

As they were talking, Chen Yufeng suddenly caught a whiff of a pungent burning smell. She turned around to see smoke rising from the bedding she had left out to dry.

Mimi immediately jumped up and shouted, “Second Brother is bad! Second Brother set a fire!”

Chen Yufeng turned to see Han Ming, who looked as sly as a weasel, tiptoeing towards the door, ready to flee.

Mimi was fierce by nature. Seeing Han Ming trying to escape and herself tied to her mother, she couldn’t chase him. She picked up a corn cake and threw it at him, hitting him square on the head. “You bad brother! Setting fires! I’ll bite you to death!”

Han Ming ran faster than a wild donkey, yelling as he fled, “Anyone who sets a fire will be struck by lightning!”

“You’re lying! I saw the lighter in your hand!” Mimi’s sharp eyes had already identified the evidence.

Han Feng reacted quickly, dousing the flames with a bucket of water. The fire was put out, but both blankets were ruined beyond use.

Just then, Su Hong arrived. She grabbed Han Ming and started spanking him, saying, “Yufeng, what are you going to do now? The blankets are burned up. With Han Chao’s temper, he’ll probably beat you when he gets back.”

Chen Yufeng asked, “Sister-in-law, what do you think I should do?”

Su Hong smiled, but it was more of a grimace. “I’ll get you two new blankets tomorrow, and I’ll take care of Han Ming. I’ll beat him half to death.”

Chen Yufeng knew better than to trust sudden kindness. When Han Feng showed up with tea leaves earlier, she was already suspicious. Her stingy brother-in-law suddenly giving gifts? There had to be a reason. Now, it was clear.

Everyone knew Han Chao had a violent temper. If he came home to find the house a mess and the blankets burned, he’d surely fly into a rage.

Her sister-in-law was clearly scheming to provoke Han Chao, hoping he’d beat her up—maybe even like their father-in-law used to beat his wife, so badly she was left bedridden and incontinent.

Chen Yufeng immediately countered, “Sister-in-law, whether Han Chao beats me or not is none of your concern. But you owe me for those blankets.”

“I’ll pay, I’ll pay. Tomorrow, I’ll get you two new blankets,” Su Hong said hurriedly.

“No need to go through the trouble. Just pay me in cash. I won’t overcharge you—fifty yuan per blanket. Two blankets will be a hundred yuan,” Chen Yufeng demanded.

Su Hong’s face twisted into an awkward smile. “Money’s not the issue. I just worry that when Han Chao comes back and sees this mess, he’ll get mad and hit you.”

“That’s none of your business. Pay up,” Chen Yufeng retorted, extending her hand.

A hundred yuan it was. Su Hong handed it over, her heart aching. But she had her reasons. Han Chao was known for his violent outbursts, and she was counting on him beating Chen Yufeng so badly that she’d give up on moving to the capital. If she stayed, she’d have to take care of their mother-in-law.

Painful as it was, this hundred yuan was a necessary investment.

Just then, Auntie Sun called out from outside, “Yufeng, I just saw someone in a green uniform walking along the riverbank. Could that be Han Chao coming back?”

If he was already at the edge of town, and taking the back road, then he was definitely on his way.

Before Chen Yufeng could step out, Han Feng had already grabbed Han Ming and run off. The neighbors were pouring out of their homes, and even Qi Cailing, who had been buying wine, dropped her gourd scoop and ran.

It’s often said that the male lead belongs to the female lead. So Zhang Songtao would be Qi Cailing’s ticket to wealth and prosperity. Meanwhile, the supporting male characters, like Han Chao, were meant to be admired by everyone. In the story, Han Chao was destined to become a high-ranking officer and the godfather of her two stepsons.

To be honest, Qi Cailing found Zhang Songtao a bit disappointing as the male lead.

As for Han Chao, she doubted he could be as impressive as he was described in the book.