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After leaving the military family compound, Song Yuzhou took Jiang Zhi Ning into the car.
Noticing the tall, straight-backed man beside her, Jiang Zhi Ning chuckled, “You’re not taking me on a honeymoon trip, are you?”
“Honeymoon trip?” Song Yuzhou frowned slightly in confusion. “No, I’m taking you back to my hometown. What’s a honeymoon trip?”
“In my hometown, newlyweds usually go traveling together after getting married. That’s called a honeymoon,” she explained.
Upon hearing this, Song Yuzhou answered seriously, “Then I’ll apply for vacation ahead of time. Next month, we’ll go on a honeymoon.”
He knew marrying a man with kids like him had already wronged her, so he wanted to treat her as well as possible.
Whatever other women had, his wife must also have.
Jiang Zhi Ning looked at him in surprise, then smiled sweetly. “Okay.”
With that, she leaned over and planted a kiss on his cheek.
Song Yuzhou flushed and glanced nervously at the driver.
His little wife always expressed her feelings so directly and boldly.
Suddenly, he seemed to think of something.
“Did you ever kiss him like that before?” he asked, eyes fixed on the girl beside him, a hint of anxiety in his voice.
“What do you think?” Jiang Zhi Ning teased.
Suppressing the surge of jealousy, Song Yuzhou gently pressed his calloused fingertip to her lips. “Before, I didn’t have the right to interfere. But from now on, you can only kiss me.”
They were so close that Jiang Zhi Ning could see her reflection in his dark eyes.
Her lips moved slightly, then parted to softly bite his finger.
The warm, soft sensation sent tingles through his hand, and his face turned red instantly.
She released his finger and leaned close to his ear, her breath brushing his earlobe as she whispered, “I’ve only ever kissed you.”
A jolt like electricity ran down Song Yuzhou’s spine. His throat tightened; his heart raced. Was Sheng Hao a block of wood? How could he not be moved when she was like this?
Seeing the flicker in his eyes, Jiang Zhi Ning smiled and brushed her lips along the edge of his ear. “I only flirt with you. He never had that luck.”
Song Yuzhou’s eyes softened with laughter. Whether or not she was telling the truth, he believed her.
“Mm, only me,” he murmured, tightening his grip around her slender waist.
“Alright,” Jiang Zhi Ning replied brightly, her voice lilting playfully.
Up front, the driver tried to keep his focus on the road, but he was already in shock.
The coldest, most upright officer in the military—turns out he’s like this around his wife?!
After a three-hour drive, they finally arrived at a village.
Getting out of the car, Jiang Zhi Ning wasn’t too surprised by the view.
Song Yuzhou held her hand and led her into the village.
It was a bit more developed than the Xinli Village where the Shen family lived. As they walked in, she saw several houses built with clay bricks.
“Well, if it isn’t Yuzhou! What brings you back?” an old man passing by with a hoe asked in surprise.
“Hello, Uncle. I brought my wife to visit my parents,” Song Yuzhou explained simply.
The old man’s eyes widened. “You’re married? Congratulations! We were all worried you’d be single forever!”
So even in this era, a man with children had a hard time finding a partner. No wonder Song Yuzhou had stayed single all his life in the original story.
Song Yuzhou just smiled faintly and led her further into the village.
They ran into several acquaintances along the way, and he introduced her to each of them.
Within less than an hour, the news that Song Yuzhou had married spread throughout the entire village.
After buying some paper money and candles for offerings, Song Yuzhou carefully helped her up the mountain.
Thankfully, Jiang Zhi Ning had worn a plain dress, which made it easier to walk.
Soon, they arrived at a family burial site.
Though the tombs had been turned over recently, they didn’t look too shabby.
Song Yuzhou picked up a sickle and began trimming the grass seriously.
Jiang Zhi Ning moved to help but was stopped. “You just stand there. I don’t want you to get scratched by weeds.”
Her skin was delicate. Even a small scratch could leave a mark.
“It’s fine.”
“Be good,” he said softly and continued weeding.
He worked quickly and had the area cleared in no time.
Then he went to the furthest grave and lit the candles.
“Dad, Mom, Big Brother—I brought my wife to see you,” he said, bowing deeply before the grave.
There was no tombstone. Jiang Zhi Ning stepped up beside him and bowed as well. “Dad, Mom, Big Brother—my name is Jiang Zhi Ning. I’m Yuzhou’s wife.”
Staring at the grave, Song Yuzhou said quietly, “I was still young when Mom passed away. She always regretted not living to see me grow up and get married. So I told her, when I did get married, I’d bring my wife to visit her.”
Jiang Zhi Ning held his hand. “If Mom can see me now, I’m sure she’s comforted.”
“Mm. My wife is beautiful and capable. Mom, Dad, and Big Brother would’ve liked you very much,” he said softly.
“And you?” she asked with a smile.
“I like you too,” he replied shyly.
Jiang Zhi Ning gave him a radiant smile, and the two began burning the offerings.
“Mom, Dad—please watch over Yuzhou and keep him safe. Big Brother, don’t worry—we’ll take good care of the children.”
As Jiang Zhi Ning whispered these words while feeding the flames, Song Yuzhou felt his heart warm.
She was a city girl—soft and delicate—but not the least bit arrogant. She treated his family with genuine warmth and courtesy.
“But if Yuzhou ever mistreats me,” she added suddenly, “if you don’t come take him yourselves, I’ll send him to you.”
Startled, Song Yuzhou’s hand trembled. “Wife, are you planning to murder your husband?”
Jiang Zhi Ning lifted her chin proudly. “If you dare to bully or betray me, I’ll kill you without leaving a trace.”
He laughed. “If that day ever comes, go ahead. But I have confidence in myself.”
Their mother had raised them to love their wives and never stray. That’s why, even when his sister-in-law had been vicious, his elder brother had never considered divorce.
After the offerings, Jiang Zhi Ning stood at the mountaintop, wind rustling her hair, gazing out over the distant fields.
Song Yuzhou turned around after tidying up and caught sight of her glowing in the sunset light—she looked like a painting come to life.
So beautiful it was breathtaking.
She opened her eyes and smiled at him. “Done?”
“Mm. Let’s go home,” he said as he walked over.
“Okay,” she answered and took a step—but then saw him crouch down.
She blinked. “What are you doing?”
“I’ll carry you,” he said simply.
“No need—you must be tired.”
“I can be a little more tired,” he replied, gazing at her.
Touched, Jiang Zhi Ning smiled and climbed onto his back.
Effortlessly, Song Yuzhou hoisted her up and began walking down the mountain.
With her arms wrapped around his neck and her ear against his skin, she listened to the strong rhythm of his heartbeat.