Chapter 112.1

After settling Zhao Wuzhu in at the guesthouse, Gu Qinglan rushed back to the family compound without a moment’s rest.

Inside the house, Wen Nuan and Aunt Chen had just managed to coax the twin brothers, Bao Bao and Zhou Zhou, to sleep. The little ones were now lying on the kang bed, snoozing soundly.

Noticing Aunt Chen stifling a few yawns, Wen Nuan told her to go take a break and rest as well. They could take turns keeping an eye on the children.

With the house quiet now, Wen Nuan thought about how long it had been since she last cooked. She took out some chestnuts that Sister Guihua had brought over the day before, planning to make chestnut cake and maybe a pot of lamb soup.

She had just finished steaming the chestnuts when Gu Qinglan burst through the door, panting heavily and shouting, “Sister-in-law, something bad has happened!”

Snow was falling outside, and Gu Qinglan brought a gust of icy wind with her as she entered. Wen Nuan shivered, pulled her neck into her collar, and hushed her with a “Shh.” Lowering her voice, she asked, “What’s going on? Speak properly. You’re not a child anymore—why are you acting like one?”

Gu Qinglan quickly closed the door, glanced toward the living room to confirm that Bao Bao and Zhou Zhou weren’t in the cradle, and then leaned closer to Wen Nuan, speaking in a hushed tone. “Sister-in-law, my mom is here!”

There was no way she could bring Zhao Wuzhu directly to the family compound without discussing it with Wen Nuan first. And even if she had to bring her over, it would require Gu Qinghan’s intervention.

Wen Nuan paused mid-motion as she was mashing the chestnuts and asked, “Just your mom? She came alone?”

She had already thought it strange earlier. Who could have needed Gu Qinglan to go out and personally meet them? Gu Qinglan didn’t have many friends, most of whom were still back in her hometown. As for Li Daxiang, he wouldn’t have needed her to pick him up; he’d have reported to the flight team first thing upon returning, before finding time to visit her.

So it really could only have been Zhao Wuzhu or Gu Qingsong from the hometown.

“Yeah, just my mom came,” Gu Qinglan said, still catching her breath. “That idiot Gu Qingsong got back together with Lin Meizhi again. I think he’s planning to get their marriage certificate soon, so he sent my mom up here. What a total fool.”

From the looks of it, Gu Qingsong wasn’t just trying to get Zhao Wuzhu out of the way temporarily—he was probably trying to dump her onto Gu Qinghan to handle.

But no matter what his intentions were, there was no way they could let Gu Qingsong’s plan succeed. If Zhao Wuzhu came to live in the family compound, how could they possibly have any peace?

Wen Nuan transferred the mashed chestnuts into a plate and asked, “Where did he get the letter of introduction? Did your Big Brother give it to him? And where is your mom now?”

Gu Qinglan didn’t have the clearance to bring family members into the base, so it was impossible for her to have arranged the introduction letter, which explained her shock. However, if Gu Qinghan had done it, how could he not have informed her beforehand?

“I’ve settled her at the guesthouse next to our hospital,” Gu Qinglan explained as she found a chair and sat down. “The family compound is being strictly monitored now, so I couldn’t bring her in even if I wanted to. I still haven’t figured out how Gu Qingsong managed to get that introduction letter. He must’ve planned this for a long time—just so he could be with that Lin Meizhi, completely disregarding whether my mom lives or dies.”

Her frustration boiled over, and she huffed angrily, “I’ve never seen anyone as brainless as him!”

Wen Nuan glanced at Gu Qinglan, who was fuming, and smiled slightly. “Let’s head to the guesthouse and check on your mom. Qinghan probably won’t be back until late, so I’ll discuss it with your Big Brother when he returns. We’ll figure out what to do then.”

As Wen Nuan washed her hands, Gu Qinglan hesitated before pulling lightly at her sister-in-law’s sleeve, her tone uncertain. “Sister-in-law, I heard that… you and my mom…”

Although she hadn’t visited her hometown in years, Gu Qinglan had gone back a couple of years ago. During that visit, Zhao Wuzhu had often complained about Wen Nuan, saying all sorts of negative things. It was clear their relationship wasn’t great.

“That your mom and I don’t get along?” Wen Nuan handed her a piece of chocolate, smiled, and said, “That’s true. We can’t stand the sight of each other, honestly. But no matter what, she’s your mother and Qinghan’s mother. She came all this way, alone, to a place where she doesn’t know anyone. Even if she were just a casual acquaintance, it’d only be right to check in on her.”

“That said, I can’t bring her to the family compound for now. You know the situation here—it’s something your Big Brother will have to decide.”

If Gu Qinghan ultimately decided to let Zhao Wuzhu stay in the family compound, Wen Nuan wouldn’t object.

Gu Qinglan had always thought highly of her sister-in-law, knowing how kind and understanding she was. However, after giving it some thought, her face tightened with concern. “Sister-in-law, do you think Gu Qingsong might’ve sent my mom here with the intention of having her live with you and Big Brother permanently? Like… leaving her in your care?”

That was the part that troubled Gu Qinglan the most. While it was normal for children to take care of their parents, Zhao Wuzhu wasn’t an easy person to deal with.

Zhao Wuzhu, ever since her children were young, had always favored Gu Qingsong, her youngest son. She had long declared her intention to live with him, and now her meddling once again exasperated everyone around her.

Wen Nuan brushed the sugar frosting off her hands, let out a light chuckle, and asked her sister-in-law, “Do you think I’d agree to this?”

Gu Qinglan frowned in distress and blurted, “Huh? I don’t know, but Sister-in-law, you absolutely can’t agree to this. My mom is too much to handle! If she just stayed for a few days, that’d be fine. But if it’s for longer… she’ll show her true colors. She’ll meddle in everything and demand that everyone obey her.”

Gu Qinglan stared blankly at the faint smile on her sister-in-law’s lips, unable to guess what was on her mind.

In Gu Qinglan’s eyes, Wen Nuan had always been easy to get along with, kind to everyone around her, and particularly doting on the children. Many colleagues who worked with Wen Nuan at the hospital described her as gentle and, in some cases, even a little too easy to take advantage of.

However, Zhao Wuzhu was a wholly unreasonable person—a typical self-centered mother-in-law who demanded that everyone follow her whims. Gu Qinglan had never seen Wen Nuan lose her temper in a big way, but she knew that even Gu Qinghan, her brother, deferred to his wife in all matters. Everything in their household, big or small, was under Wen Nuan’s control.

If her mother came to stay, chaos would surely ensue!

Wen Nuan smiled again, put on a plush hat and scarf, and said, “Let’s go see your mom first. Better to check on her before she starts wandering around in a panic.”

After all, there could only be one mistress of the house.

Wen Nuan didn’t oppose Gu Qinghan fulfilling his filial duties, but she herself couldn’t get along with Zhao Wuzhu. Things had been peaceful for the past few years, and she intended to keep it that way.

When they arrived at the guesthouse, they found Zhao Wuzhu in a restless state, constantly peering out the window.

It was Wen Nuan’s first time seeing her like this, and it struck her as pitiful.

To be treated this way by the son she doted on most—how unfortunate.

Although Wen Nuan didn’t think much of Zhao Wuzhu, she hadn’t made much trouble over the years since they’d left their hometown, aside from meddling in Gu Qingsong’s marriage. So, Wen Nuan decided to maintain a polite demeanor.

As she stepped inside, she said, “Mom, why didn’t you let me know you were coming to the North? We could’ve arranged for someone to pick you up from Beijing.”

When Zhao Wuzhu heard the long-absent voice, her uneasy eyes instantly brightened.

Zhao Wuzhu was slightly surprised. Her voice, no longer as loud as before, trembled as she asked, “You… you’re from our eldest son’s family? Wen Nuan?”

The sight of Wen Nuan in front of her made Zhao Wuzhu feel a moment of disbelief. She was even a little taken aback by how stunning Wen Nuan looked.

In the past, she had known that many bachelors in the family compound back home would secretly gaze at Wen Nuan because of her good looks and fair skin.

But when they were still in the old home, Wen Nuan was only slightly good-looking, with a thin, flat figure that didn’t have much feminine allure.

Now, though, it was different. Wen Nuan’s complexion was rosy, her skin smooth and white, like a peeled egg—delicate and soft to the touch.

Earlier, Zhao Wuzhu had stood by the gate for quite some time and noticed that many people’s faces were red from the cold, but none of them looked as flawless as Wen Nuan did.

Moreover, the clothes Wen Nuan was wearing were also beautiful. Instead of the usual grayish-blue or black cotton coat, the ones she wore only emphasized her flawless, snow-white skin.

It was clear that these past few years in the North had treated Wen Nuan well. Zhao Wuzhu couldn’t help but wonder if this was thanks to her eldest son’s support or perhaps her grandfather, the General, quietly helping her.

Thinking of Wen Nuan’s grandfather made Zhao Wuzhu hold her tongue.

Wen Nuan smiled, teasing her, “Mom, you must be exhausted from the journey, right? You didn’t even recognize me.”

Seeing that Wen Nuan wasn’t angry, Zhao Wuzhu then asked about the children. “Aren’t you supposed to bring the kids? What about my two grandsons? It’s fine as long as Qinglan is here. You’d better hurry back.”

Wen Nuan could never take Zhao Wuzhu into the family compound, so it might be better to send her back.

Wen Nuan, already anticipating Zhao Wuzhu’s reaction, calmly replied, “Don’t worry, Mom, my grandfather’s relatives are taking care of things at home. You can rest easy.”

Zhao Wuzhu clearly couldn’t stay for long, but she wouldn’t turn her away after just a few days.

“Huh? There are people at home?” Zhao Wuzhu furrowed her brows, starting to feel a little flustered. “Can they spare a room for me?”

She had just asked Gu Qinglan and learned that her eldest son’s room in the family compound was a two-room apartment, but it wasn’t very spacious.

However, Zhao Wuzhu didn’t mention that there were already people taking care of the children at home, whether they were from Wen Nuan’s grandfather, the General’s side or not. That would be a bit tricky to handle.

Gu Qinglan, hearing Zhao Wuzhu’s question, quickly replied, “There are only two rooms. Even I don’t have enough space when I want to visit. Plus, up North, we have large communal sleeping arrangements. A single bed is shared by several people. Mom, do you think you’ll be able to get used to that?”

Zhao Wuzhu clicked her tongue in annoyance. She wasn’t used to it at all.

She was used to sleeping alone, but she had just noticed that Gu Qinglan had brought her to stay at a guesthouse where one night cost fifty cents. That was way too expensive.

If she stayed for several nights, it would add up to quite a bit!

Zhao Wuzhu stubbornly said, “I’ll manage, it’s fine. After all, we’re all relatives, right? If others can sleep, why can’t I? I’m not some pampered woman.”

Wen Nuan remained calm and unruffled as she responded, “Mom, I’m just here to let you know in advance. If you want to go into the family compound, Qinghan will need to arrange the paperwork for you. You may have to stay in the guesthouse for a night or two.”

“It’s fine. I can wait. I’m not going to waste money on this; I can even sleep on the floor if I have to!” Zhao Wuzhu insisted. She really wanted to see the house her son lived in. Otherwise, if she returned to their hometown without knowing anything, people would surely gossip about her.

Seeing her determination, Wen Nuan didn’t tease her any further. She instructed Qinglan to look after Zhao Wuzhu for now and said they would discuss things once Gu Qinghan returned.

Though it was the winter solstice, Gu Qinghan didn’t get back too late, arriving home around eight. He had eaten dinner with General Xu and the others before returning.

Wen Nuan and Aunt Chen had already eaten, and she had even finished cleaning up the children, ready to calm them down for bed.

As Wen Nuan noticed her husband heading to wash his hands, she brought out the hot lamb soup and placed it on the eight-immortal table.

As soon as Gu Qinghan sat down, Wen Nuan said to him, “Your mom came today. Your younger brother sent her to the train station.”

“What’s going on? Why did she come?” Gu Qinghan frowned, not even touching his chopsticks as he looked at Wen Nuan. “Who did she get the introduction letter from?”

Even without Wen Nuan saying anything, Gu Qinghan already knew what Gu Qingsong was up to.

It was probably because of the situation with Lin Meizhi—he wanted to get rid of Zhao Wuzhu. That damn man was really asking for trouble!

Wen Nuan handed him the bowl of lamb soup and replied, “It’s not important now. She’s staying in the guesthouse next to Qinglan’s hospital. Qinglan is taking care of her over there.”