Chapter 2: Decision to Get Married

“But Tingjie says their deputy regiment commander is very handsome,” someone explained. “He only looks intimidating because he’s so stern—and because of the scar on his temple. In truth, he’s good-looking. People who say he’s frightening just don’t look closely.”

“The scar isn’t even that bad,” another added. “Only three or four centimeters long. From the side, it’s hardly noticeable.”

“More importantly,” came the final point, “Deputy Commander Lin is an orphan. If Momo marries him, she’ll be the mistress of her household.”

That last argument was the most persuasive of all.

Who wouldn’t want to run their own home, free of meddling mothers-in-law and prying sisters-in-law? Just two people living their own lives, it sounded like bliss compared to the cramped quarters most families endured.

At the time, it was common for entire households to be squeezed into a single apartment block. Privacy didn’t exist. Arguments, fights, and even brawls were part of daily life. If even one relative was difficult, the entire family paid the price.

That was why so many young women dreamed of marrying soldiers. If you married into the military, you could follow your husband with the army, far away from in-laws and interference, living freely.

In that sense, the man Tingjie had found was perfect.

Everyone in the Su family was pleased. As long as he didn’t look down on their situation, Su Momo would agree, and the whole family would stand behind her decision.

There was another advantage too: the Su family’s “rustication” site had already been decided in a province neighboring the Northern Military Region. It was only a day and a night away by train. Close enough to watch over each other if needed.

And truthfully, the family’s exile was more performance than punishment. The village belonged to the clan of Grandpa Su’s old wartime comrade, a man who had once saved his life and later died in battle. Ever since, Grandpa had quietly sent money to the village chief in repayment. The villagers, who had raised his comrade, were kind and grateful.

The old man had kept this secret for years. Apart from the village chief, only Grandpa Su, Father Su, and Second Uncle Su knew. Now, unexpectedly, that bond would protect them.

The cowshed where they were meant to stay had already been repaired. From the outside, it looked dilapidated; inside, it was sound. For appearances, it would serve.

“This Deputy Commander seems excellent in every respect,” someone said at last. “But does he know about our situation? Has Tingjie told him? We can’t hide it. If he finds out later, this won’t be a marriage; it’ll be a grudge.”

To reach the deputy regiment commander at such a young age was rare. It would be tragic if the Su family’s troubles dragged him down.

“If Momo agrees,” Second Aunt announced, “I’ll call Tingjie right away.”

The phone was dialed. Though they couldn’t speak plainly, they could still hint at what needed to be said.

“Auntie,” Momo said firmly, “I agree. He has rank and ability, and most importantly, he’ll be stationed close to home. There’s nothing better than this.”

She understood perfectly: only if she had a stable life and some standing of her own could she truly help her family. Following them into hardship would serve no one.

As for marriage itself, well, that could wait. If they suited each other, they would work together. If not, once her family was rehabilitated, divorce was always an option. She could still go to university, become a doctor, and buy her own home. And as a deputy regiment commander, he certainly wouldn’t dare risk scandal by mistreating her.

The more she thought, the better it sounded. In this era, the army was the safest place to be. And she had always heard that people in the northeast were simple, warm, and hospitable. In her previous life, she’d never been there. Now, she thought, was the perfect chance.

“Alright,” Second Aunt said, bustling to her feet. “Since Momo agrees, I’ll make the call.”

She hurried to the living room.

Grandpa Su, Grandma Su, and the others watched Momo’s expression closely. When they saw she was truly willing and not forced, they finally breathed a sigh of relief.

They weren’t entirely certain this was the right path, but it was the best choice. Momo wouldn’t have to suffer with them in the countryside, and her brothers would be nearby to protect her.

Rustication would be a hardship no matter what. None of them could bear the thought of their beloved girl enduring it.

After a short wait, the phone connected.

“Hello, Mom,” Tingjie’s voice came through.

“Tingjie, I got your letter. I’ve spoken with Momo and the family, and everyone agrees. But the real question is… does he agree? You know our situation. Momo herself is beyond reproach. It’s the family that drags her down.”

Second Aunt sighed softly. In her heart, Momo was like her own daughter. She had dressed her since childhood, filling the gap of not having a girl of her own. She had always cared for her niece more than her two sons combined.

“Mom, don’t worry,” Tingjie reassured her. “Tinghao and I are here. We’ll always protect our only treasure. And the fact that I’m telling you this means everything is settled. I showed him her photo, told him about her daily life. He’s willing. You know me, if I wasn’t sure, I’d never let Momo come.”

As the eldest son, Su Tingjie had inherited the family’s best qualities: responsibility, discipline, and foresight. At twenty-one, he had already become the youngest battalion commander. By twenty-four, he was the youngest regimental officer. The saying held: a strong general has no weak soldiers.

As for Su Tinghao, he was only eighteen, two months younger than Momo. He had just completed basic training and been assigned to a neighboring regiment. Bright, capable, trained since childhood, he was already showing promise. Not as steady as Tingjie, perhaps, but courageous and sharp.

“The family trusts you, Tingjie,” their mother said softly. “That’s why you’re handling this. So in three days, let Momo come to you. We don’t know when we’ll be forced to leave. Better for her to go early.”

“Alright. I’ll meet her at the station.”

Despite everything, the Su family still had the standing to secure a sleeper ticket. That much, at least, they could manage.

When Second Aunt returned to Momo’s room, everyone looked at her expectantly.

“Tingjie says everything is arranged,” she announced. “Deputy Commander Lin knows our situation. He agrees willingly. And he’s already seen Momo’s photo.”