Chapter 69: Supporting Xu Muzhou’s Aspirations

Before planting, the land needed to be tilled. Xu Muzhou insisted that Xiao Qingru and her mother stay out of the heavy work.

“We only have one set of tools. Mom, Qingru, you two sit on the side and help scatter the seeds later,” he said.

Xiao’s mother thought about her son in law doing the tilling, her daughter scattering seeds, and herself watering the garden. But now, seeing her son in law taking on all the work, she was both pleased and a little concerned.

“You already train hard enough as it is. You don’t have to do everything yourself, we’re a family and should work together,” she said.

“That’s exactly why I can handle it,” Xu Muzhou replied, “all that training has made me strong, so this is nothing.” Picking up the hoe, he began working. “Mom, why don’t you and Qingru pick some dandelions for dinner dumplings?” he added.

Xiao’s mother realized he was just trying to send them away so he could finish the work alone. She sighed, “Alright then, we’ll leave this to you. But come to our place for dinner tonight.”

“Sure, we’ll come by,” Xu Muzhou agreed readily.

“If it weren’t for your father saying young people prefer independence, I’d have you over every day,” she added.

In just a few exchanges, the evening plans were set, leaving Xiao Qingru shaking her head, amused. “Does no one care about my opinion?” she asked.

Her mother shot her a look. “Don’t take blessings for granted.”

Feeling a bit sidelined, Xiao Qingru glanced at Xu Muzhou with a hint of reproach before heading out to pick wild greens. Xu Muzhou chuckled, admiring how adorable she was.

With him working hard, they managed to finish telling their plot in half a day. After cleaning up, they headed over to her parents’ house for dinner.

Though her brother Xiao Huaishu was on a mission and couldn’t be there, Xiao Qingru was used to such absences growing up in a military family. Each time someone was away, there was worry, but also pride in their dedication. Now, thinking about having to worry for Xu Muzhou too, she felt a pang of emotion this was indeed the life of a military spouse.

But no matter what, she was determined to support Xu Muzhou’s dreams. Just as he supported her, she wanted him to have the freedom to pursue his ambitions. She wouldn’t ask him to let go of his aspirations or settle down into a quiet life.

“Hey, help me roll up my sleeves,” Xu Muzhou asked.

She quickly stepped over and rolled them up, exposing the lean muscles of his arms.

“I’m about to start kneading dough, so go chat with Mom while I work,” he said with a teasing look.

Catching his playful expression, she rolled her eyes. “What’s so impressive? Just some strong arms,” she quipped.

Before he could respond, she darted out of the kitchen like a little rabbit. Xu Muzhou grinned, thinking that he’d have plenty of time to prove his strength back home later.

As she returned, her mother called her over, “Come learn some sewing skills.”

She complied, knowing it was time she stopped relying on her mother for every little task. Now that she was married and living on her own, she needed to be more self sufficient.

“Look at Xu, he’s so diligent,” her mother observed. “You should start doing more around the house too. Don’t make him do everything.”

“If you keep praising him like this, he’ll be insufferable,” Xiao Qingru laughed.

“Well, I’m just being honest,” her mother replied.

That evening, when Xiao’s father came home and found Xu Muzhou making dumplings in the kitchen, he rolled up his sleeves and joined him. As the two men worked side by side, Xiao’s father broached a topic that had been on his mind.

“There’s an opportunity to study in Beijing. If you’re interested, you could apply through your direct superiors,” he suggested.

Xiao’s father hoped Xu Muzhou wouldn’t limit himself and would pursue his career goals even further.

“Thank you, sir. I’d like to go, but I’ll talk to Qingru about it first,” Xu Muzhou replied.

“Think she might be against it?” her father asked with a smile.

“No, I know she’ll support me,” Xu Muzhou said.

Xiao’s father chuckled approvingly. “Qingru was raised in a military family. She understands that service and ambition go hand in hand, she’ll want you to chase your dreams.”

For Xiao’s father, a man who couldn’t balance family and ambition was unlikely to achieve great things. Seeing that Xu Muzhou respected both, he felt confident about his son in law’s future.