Chapter 3

Wen Ning rested indoors, finding the wedding customs of this era rather dull and overly simple.

She recalled her coming-of-age ceremony, when her mother had combed her hair and promised to find her a good husband. Wen Ning had refused to settle, insisting on choosing someone who suited her heart and rejecting her parents’ interference. Her mother had only smiled indulgently.

Now, she wondered about her family. Her only solace was knowing that with so many siblings, her absence wouldn’t leave them completely alone.

The thought brought a pang of heartache. Wen Ning’s eyelashes fluttered as she suppressed the wave of sorrow.

For her own sake and for her family’s, she had to survive here.

She comforted herself by focusing on the positives, the Wen family treated her well, and that 28-inch bicycle was truly a novel contraption. If only her family could see it too.

A commotion erupted outside, footsteps pounding closer, followed by Mother Wen’s booming voice. Wen Ning’s eyes widened in shock.

“Ningning, come out quickly! Regimental Commander Lu has arrived!”

Regimental Commander Lu? Wen Ning knew this was the husband the original owner of her body had schemed to obtain—and now, inexplicably, her own husband.

Her heart pounded relentlessly. Still young and alone in this unfamiliar era, she had never faced such a situation before.

In his letter a few days ago, this man had said he was coming to take her with him to the army.

According to the original novel’s plot, the original Wen Ning’s decision to follow him would lead her step by step toward a disastrous end.

Though Wen Ning would never make those foolish mistakes, she absolutely refused to marry a stranger and follow him thousands of miles away.

Taking a deep breath, Wen Ning gently parted the curtains and peered through the glass window. She saw the Wen family crowding around a man in green military attire as he entered the main hall.

His uniform was different from the coarse gray or blue work clothes worn by the Liberation Production Brigade members. The fabric and style were clearly superior—likely exclusive to military personnel.

Wen Ning only caught a glimpse of him entering the hall, not even seeing his face clearly. All she could tell was that he was tall and walked with an imposing air.

“Tiedan,” Wen Ning called to her nephew, who had been watching the commotion.

Tiedan had grown fond of his aunt recently, especially since she occasionally shared tasty treats with him.

“Aunt, Uncle-in-law’s here! Didn’t you see? Everyone was staring when he got out of that huge car. Aunt Zhang’s face turned green!”

After all, his grandmother and Aunt Zhang didn’t get along, so Tiedan naturally sided with his own family. Especially since his uncle-in-law was a great hero, whom Tiedan deeply admired.

Wen Ning ignored this, pointing to the main room. “Go quietly listen to what they’re saying, especially what the man who just arrived said.”

Tiedan looked puzzled. “Aunt, why don’t you go yourself?” Isn’t that Uncle-in-law? Aunt always wanted to marry him.

“I’m not feeling well and need to rest longer. Tell your grandmother while you’re at it,” Wen Ning said, sending Tiedan to eavesdrop while she remained behind.

After all, the book had mentioned that the original owner’s husband was no ordinary man—reputedly powerful, dignified, and deeply calculating.

Knowing little about this world or the history between the original owner and Lu Cheng, she feared exposing her ignorance.

Better to gather information first. Let Tiedan scout ahead.

……

The main room buzzed with lively chatter for a long time before the gathering finally dispersed.

Mother Wen instructed her eldest son to borrow pork and wheat flour from the Brigade Commander’s house, telling her daughters-in-law to prepare a proper meal for their son-in-law.

It was then that Tiedan slipped out to report what he’d heard.

“Aunt, Uncle-in-law said he’s here to take you with him to the military base. He’s leaving in four days.”

“Leaving in four days?” Wen Ning exclaimed, startled.

Her predicament was clear, she had suddenly gained a husband, and military marriages were notoriously difficult to dissolve.

Naturally, she preferred staying with the Wen family to leaving with a stranger. “Where’s Grandma now?”

“She went outside to talk to everyone,” Tiedan replied, his big eyes blinking with envy. “I just heard her say you’re about to live the good life. Aunt, can I come with you?”

Wen Ning ruffled his hair. “Go get Grandma. Tell her I need to talk to her about something important.”

……

Mother Wen was overjoyed. Her son-in-law had returned in a jeep to take her daughter to join him at his post, silencing all the gossip. Her announcement had been met with congratulations from everyone.

Especially since Wen Ning’s husband was a Regimental Commander, while Jiang Rong’s husband was only a Battalion Commander. The comparison was inevitable.

Still beaming from the attention, Mother Wen’s smile lingered even after Tiedan called her inside. “Ningning, are you feeling better? Get up and go see Xiao Lu.”

When they first married, Lu Cheng had been a Deputy Regimental Commander. Mother Wen had heard rumors then that he might be promoted to full commander ahead of schedule.

Now, over a year later, after earning significant merits, Lu Cheng had indeed been officially promoted.

“Xiao Lu said he was on a secret mission and got injured. Now that he’s mostly recovered, he’s coming to fetch you,” Mother Wen explained.

She knew her daughter had been determined to marry Lu Cheng, even resorting to underhanded tactics. While she was still angry about it, the deed was done, and she had no choice but to forgive her child. “From now on, settle down and live properly with Xiao Lu. Don’t throw any more tantrums!”

Mother Wen worried about her spoiled daughter. “When you move to the military base, take good care of Xiao Lu. Manage the household chores well—laundry, cooking, everything. He’s a Regimental Commander with a high salary and allowances. If you just curb your bad habits, you’ll live comfortably. It’s far better than toiling in the fields like us!”

“Mother,” Wen Ning said bluntly, “I don’t want to go with him. I want to stay home.”

Wen Ning offered a flimsy excuse, claiming she couldn’t bear to leave her family.

“Nonsense!” Mother Wen dismissed it as another tantrum, pulling her daughter aside for a stern lecture.

No matter how much she doted on her children, when it came to major life decisions—especially for a married child—she refused to indulge her. “You can still visit us when you have time. Grown-ups eventually marry. Don’t be stubborn.”

Wen Ning watched Mother Wen happily head to the main room to fetch some cured meat for a special meal. Realizing this approach wouldn’t work, she resolved to talk to Lu Cheng directly.

Her only hope now lay in the fact that Regimental Commander Lu disliked the original Wen Ning. If she wanted to live separately, he might well agree.

……

The Wen family’s daughters-in-law were busy in the kitchen.

It was Sunday, the Brigade’s day of rest, and the biggest event had been the neighbor’s daughter’s wedding. But when their son-in-law suddenly returned, all eyes turned to the Wen family.

The past few years had been tough. The Great Movement had begun, followed by years of hardship.

Many people had been criticized and implicated due to their class background, and even some members of the Liberation Production Brigade had been sent down for “re-education.”

In these times, having a relative who was a Regimental Commander brought immense reassurance.

Second Sister-in-Law Wen’s recent resentment toward her sister-in-law Wen Ning for being sick and unable to work vanished instantly.

Seeing Wen Ning emerge, she greeted her with a warm smile. “Little sister, are you feeling better? Let me make you a bowl of sugar water.”

A bowl of warm water sprinkled with white sugar—a rare treat!

“Your husband’s here! Go see him quickly,” Second Sister-in-Law Wen urged, her mind already calculating the benefits of a long and stable marriage between Wen Ning and her husband for the Wen family. “You haven’t seen each other in a year. You must have so much to talk about.”

Wen Ning understood Second Sister-in-Law Wen’s nature and didn’t dwell on her recent gossip behind her back. After all, they were family.

She accepted the sweet water, sipping it slowly as she mentally rehearsed what she needed to say to Regimental Commander Lu. She felt prepared.

Divorce was difficult, but Wen Ning only needed to find a reason to refuse to accompany her husband to his military post. Living apart would be better.

As Wen Ning finished her sweet soup and turned toward the main hall, Second Sister-in-Law Wen nearly stared in disbelief.

She nudged Eldest Sister-in-Law Wen and whispered, “Did you see that? Little sister is completely different now. It’s hard to explain, but she’s acting like a proper lady. Even the way she set down her bowl had such grace.”

Eldest Sister-in-Law Wen nodded in agreement. “Even her walk is different. She used to be so wild and clumsy. It’s truly strange—a fever seems to have changed her entirely.”

……

The main hall of the Wen family was filled with lively conversation.

Father Wen and his three sons were keeping Lu Cheng company. Oddly, despite being the guest and son-in-law, Lu Cheng appeared the most relaxed and at ease, while the others seemed somewhat stiff and nervous.

The only one who remained laid-back and composed was Wen Peng, the youngest at eighteen.

“Brother-in-law, was the fighting really dangerous this time? I heard you injured your left shoulder,” Wen Peng said, his eyes shining with admiration for the soldier.

“It’s just a minor wound,” Lu Cheng replied steadily, his voice carrying an air of authority.

Downplaying serious injuries was typical of him.

Wen Ning had just reached the doorway when she overheard Wen Peng mention the left shoulder injury. Her eyelid twitched involuntarily. Could it really be such a coincidence?

The Great General had originally injured his left shoulder while saving her.

“Hey, Sis, you’re here!” Wen Peng, seated near the doorway, caught a glimpse of a figure from the corner of his eye.

Recognizing his twin sister, he leaped to his feet excitedly. “Sis, come in quick! Brother-in-law’s been waiting for you forever!”

Wen Ning took a deep breath. Facing the most critical crisis since entering this book, she had to win this battle. She absolutely couldn’t leave with this stranger.

As she reached the entrance to the main hall, Wen Ning’s gaze swept across the room.

Father Wen sat at the head of the table, his honest face betraying nervousness as he clasped his hands. To his right sat Second Brother Wen and Wen Peng, while Eldest Brother Wen occupied the left side.

Beside Eldest Brother Wen on a long bench sat a tall man. His posture was ramrod straight, his olive-green military uniform making him look like a sturdy poplar.

His tanned skin was concealed beneath the uniform, but his rugged features radiated vitality and resolve. Sharp angles defined his face, and beneath his sword-like eyebrows, his eyes shone like stars above a straight nose. Only his tightly pressed lips hinted at the lethal aura he exuded.

Wen Ning froze in shock, staring at the face identical to Lu Cheng, the valiant Great General of the Great Liang Dynasty. Her pupils constricted sharply.

Yet Regimental Commander Lu’s gaze toward her was utterly indifferent, as cold as glacial ice.