Chapter 33

The marriage application was approved, and Wei Ling, unable to stay in the military any longer, immediately reported, “Colonel, I’m still on leave. If you need something, ask someone else. Don’t bother me. I’ll definitely invite you to my wedding and have you officiate.”

With the stamped marriage application in hand, Wei Ling, who was usually very composed, walked briskly out of the Colonel’s office, leaving behind Wang Chengping, who looked displeased.

Wang Chengping had no intention of acting as the witness at Wei Ling’s wedding.

If he became the witness, how would he face his old comrades in the capital later? Wasn’t that deceiving them in collusion with Wei Ling?

And then there was the young female educated youth who was about to arrive.

Maybe he should call his old comrades and confess the situation here, telling that girl not to come! It would be pointless for her to come, anyway, since Wei Ling was marrying someone else.

Frowning, Wang Chengping ultimately decided not to call his old comrades.

He had already done his best regarding Wei Ling’s matter. Unfortunately, Wei Ling had outsmarted him. As for the affairs of the Wei family, they should be handled by the father and son. As an outsider, he would stay out of it. At worst, he could introduce a few young and capable fellows to the female educated youth so she could choose from them.

There were plenty of good young men in their division.

With that thought, Wang Chengping finally felt less guilty.

He truly didn’t want to get involved in other people’s marriages. Take Wei Ling and that incoming female educated youth, for example—even if the woman liked Wei Ling, as long as Wei Ling wasn’t interested in her, the marriage wouldn’t happen.

Marriage only works when both parties are willing.

Shaking his hand, Wang Chengping began to carefully read the assessment file for Qin Qingman that the Political Department had handed over.

Just now, Wei Ling had rushed him, so he had stamped the file without even looking at it. Normally, that would have been a breach of discipline.

He finished reading quickly, scanning the file with ease. He couldn’t help but feel curious about this Qin Qingman, who he had never met.

A reversal of fate—no wonder someone like Wei Ling would be interested in her.

“This brat.” Wang Chengping muttered with a smile, unable to resist poking fun at Wei Ling in the privacy of his office.

Just then, the division’s Political Commissar entered and overheard. Curiously, the Commissar asked, “Old Wang, are you talking about Wei Ling again? Be careful, I’ll go report you.” Everyone in the division knew how much Wang Chengping valued Wei Ling. If Colonel Wang had a daughter, he surely would have snatched Wei Ling to be his son-in-law.

When Wang Chengping was overheard speaking ill of Wei Ling, he didn’t feel embarrassed at all.

Instead, he raised the document report in his hand and said, “Wei Ling’s wings have grown strong. Without a sound, he found himself a wife and was pushing me to stamp his marriage application. What a brat.”

The Political Department had quickly processed the political review for Qin Qingman. It was impossible that Wei Ling wasn’t involved in it in some way.

Wang Chengping didn’t bother to cover for Wei Ling. After all, the marriage application had already been approved, and soon everyone in the division would know about Wei Ling’s upcoming marriage.

The only ones who might cry were some female comrades from the Health Department.

Political Commissar Zhang, hadn’t expected to hear that Wei Ling was getting married. He was stunned for a moment before bursting into laughter, joining Wang Chengping in mocking Wei Ling, “This Wei Ling is something else. He always looks disinterested in female comrades, but who would’ve thought he’s actually come to his senses.”

“Exactly!” Wang Chengping shook his head helplessly.

“Let me see, whose daughter is it?” Political Commissar Zhang, was quite curious about Wei Ling’s bride.

“Here, take a look.” Wang Chengping generously handed the political review report to Zhang.

“Qin Qingman?” Political Commissar Zhang, read the name and briefly wondered which old comrade’s daughter this was. Then, he saw her simple background and was shocked. “Old Wang!”

“I know what you’re going to say, but Wei Ling’s bride is indeed exactly as it’s written here.” Wang Chengping said, having understood the unspoken thoughts of Political Commissar Zhang. He went on to explain, “This is the girl Wei Ling picked himself. That means he really likes her.”

“Knowing Wei Ling like I do, if he didn’t like her, even if his father forced him, he wouldn’t marry her.” Political Commissar Zhang, said with a knowing smile.

“Right? This brat really knows how to make trouble for me.”

Wang Chengping’s eyes twinkled as he began to hatch a plan, turning his attention to Political Commissar Zhang.

Political Commissar Zhang, was Wang Chengping’s old partner. They had worked together before they were assigned to the border, and even after they arrived at the border, they had continued working together for many years. Zhang could tell from Wang Chengping’s expression that he was about to fall into a trap.

Without missing a beat, he immediately stood up and began to walk away, saying, “Don’t involve me in matters outside of work, I can’t help you with this.”

“Old Zhang, don’t go. This is a good thing.”

Wang Chengping hurriedly stopped Zhang from leaving.

“Old Wang, when I hear you say something good, I just don’t believe it.” Political Commissar Zhang, knew Wang Chengping so well that he had no trust in him. This guy was a master at digging traps for others, and many enemies had suffered because of him on the battlefield.

Even Wei Ling, whom Wang Chengping had taught, had surpassed his mentor.

“Old Zhang, I’m telling you, it’s really a good thing. A young educated youth is coming to our side. Not only is she young and pretty, but her character is also great. Why shouldn’t we let our young fellows in the division meet such a girl? Don’t you think so?” Seeing that Political Commissar Zhang, was about to leave, Wang Chengping quickly spilled the beans.

Political Commissar Zhang, stopped in his tracks, looking at Wang Chengping with a confused expression. “Is it really that good?”

He couldn’t believe such a good thing would come with Wang Chengping’s involvement, and he certainly didn’t expect to be asked for help.

Noticing the suspicion in Zhang’s eyes, Wang Chengping rubbed his hands, smiling in an honest and sincere manner. “This comrade is an introduction from Wei Ling’s family. The girl doesn’t mind the tough conditions here and is willing to settle down with us.”

“Good one, Old Wang. You’re really setting me up.” Political Commissar Zhang, immediately glared at Wang Chengping, realizing what was going on.

“Old Zhang, Old Zhang, don’t get angry, just hear me out.” Wang Chengping stretched out his hand to grab Zhang’s arm, preventing him from leaving.

“Old Wang, this matter is absolutely non-negotiable. This girl was definitely introduced by Wei Ling’s family. You guys don’t have to accept her, but you want to fool her? That’s too unethical. I’m not doing it.” Political Commissar Zhang, was so angry his face turned green, and he started lecturing Wang Chengping.

As the Political Commissar of the division, it was his job to oversee the thoughts and actions of all the officers and soldiers, and Wang Chengping, as a Colonel, was no exception.

Seeing that Zhang had misunderstood and was inadvertently helping Wei Ling take the blame, Wang Chengping had no choice but to explain the full story.

After hearing the entire “dog-blood” drama, Political Commissar Zhang, was left speechless.

“Old Zhang, what do you think we should do? Should we call now and tell her that Wei Ling is about to get married and tell the girl not to come?” Wang Chengping, having turned his personal problem into a shared one, even threw the dilemma onto Zhang, asking him to come up with a solution.

Political Commissar Zhang, who felt completely tricked, almost wished he could slap himself.

Had he been so curious with his big mouth, he should have known better than to get involved earlier.

“Old Zhang, think of something. You’re quick-witted, better at solving these things than I am.” Wang Chengping said, truly unable to think of another way out.

Political Commissar Zhang, began pacing in the office.

“We definitely can’t just call and directly tell the girl that Wei Ling is getting married. If we do that, it’ll be hard for the girl to handle, and even her family’s reputation will be ruined. As for Wei Ling, we can’t say he’s done something wrong; after all, he didn’t know about his family’s plans.”

Political Commissar Zhang, took a long time to analyze the situation.

“Yeah, that’s the idea. Since the girl is already on her way here, and the work and grain relations have already been transferred to us, even if she has to return, she’ll still have to come to us to transfer them back. Since she’s already coming, why not let our division’s unmarried young men have a chance to meet her? If she finds someone she likes, it could still turn out to be a good thing.”

Wang Chengping added, “Since this girl is willing to settle down in this tough place, I think she must be kind-hearted and good-natured.”

Political Commissar Zhang still felt uneasy. “I still think it feels a bit like taking advantage of the girl.”

“Well then, what do you suggest? If you have a better plan, I’m all ears.” Wang Chengping said, prepared to wash his hands of the matter.

“Let’s prepare for both possibilities. When the girl arrives, we’ll be honest with her and see what she thinks. We’ll go with whatever she decides.” Political Commissar Zhang replied, unable to think of a better solution.

“I think it’s fine. Let’s do that.”

Wang Chengping gave his approval and then added, “Old Zhang, you’re in charge of picking out the outstanding young men in the division. You know them well, and I trust you to ensure their character is good.” With that, he left the office.

There was still training in the division that he needed to check on.

Political Commissar Zhang stood alone in the empty office, trying to suppress the anger bubbling inside him.

Great. Now he had become free labor sent to do a job by Wang Chengping. Both Wang Chengping and Wei Ling were too good at scheming.

He was furious!

At the same time, Wei Ling had no idea that he had just put Wang Chengping in a difficult position, and Wang Chengping, in turn, had put Political Commissar Zhang into a tough spot. Wei Ling was currently being blocked in his dorm by a few of his comrades.

He had originally gone back to the dorm to pack up, planning to go down the mountain to meet Qin Qingman, but as soon as he entered the room, he was blocked.

“Wei Ling, I heard you have a girlfriend? Who is she? Have we met her?” Zuo Gaopeng, blocking the window, stared at Wei Ling with fiery eyes, as though he would pounce on him if he didn’t confess his romantic history.

Du Hongyi, tall and imposing, blocked the door, smiling widely at Wei Ling. “Wei Ling, is your girlfriend really good at cooking? The sausages you left in the dorm were delicious! I managed to grab a bite—was there any left? When will you go see her again? Can you bring some sausages with you? You know I’m from Sichuan, I love that kind of food.”

“You ate the sausages I brought?”

Wei Ling didn’t even wait for Yuan Xiangyang to speak and immediately asked. He hadn’t even had a bite of the sausages Qin Qingman made for him!

Immediately, Yuan Xiangyang and the others turned their heads, not daring to look at the increasingly cold expression on Wei Ling’s face.

They were guilty.

“Don’t block my way, I need to grab something.” Wei Ling said as he pushed past Yuan Xiangyang and went to pack his clothes.

He still had a few days off. He planned to go down the mountain and spend time with Qin Qingman and Chuchu.

Zuo Gaopeng and the others realized what Wei Ling was up to and gathered around. Du Hongyi, even more curious, asked, “Wei Ling, are you leaving the division?”

“Mm.” Wei Ling nodded.

He went to meet his wife; there was nothing secretive about it.

“Are you really planning to get a marriage certificate?” Yuan Xiangyang asked, looking at Wei Ling packing his clothes with great envy.

Speaking of which, their dormitory was famously known as the bachelor dorm of the department.

The four of them were not young anymore, and their positions were also quite high, but none of them had married. They had always been the most popular targets among the female comrades. However, the four of them, like in a competition, had all focused their attention on their work and showed no interest in finding a partner.

Originally, everyone was the same, but now, Wei Ling was silently getting married.

This news had come from Du Hongyi, who had gone to the political department to submit a document that morning. That was how the three of them ended up blocking Wei Ling’s door.

“Wei Ling, is your partner pretty?” Zuo Gaopeng asked, very curious about Qin Qingman’s appearance.

“She’s beautiful, the most beautiful I’ve ever seen.” Wei Ling replied, recalling Qin Qingman’s face under the moonlight, and his expression immediately softened.

It was the first time Zuo Gaopeng and the others had seen Wei Ling show such an expression.

“Lao Wei, you have to treat us to drinks.” Du Hongyi said, stopping Wei Ling from leaving. He was envious and jealous of Wei Ling.

Yuan Xiangyang and Zuo Gaopeng also teased, “Lao Wei, you’re getting married. You have to treat us to drinks.”

“No way, you don’t have any time off.” Wei Ling said, sharply striking back at Du Hongyi and the others.

It was like a solid dose of resentment.

“At least treat us to a meal!” Du Hongyi suggested, settling for second best.

“Yeah, we won’t go to any State-Owned Restaurant in the town, let’s just go to the canteen and have the chef there make us a meal.” Yuan Xiangyang and Zuo Gaopeng also didn’t plan to let Wei Ling off easily. They were determined to get something from him.

After today, Wei Ling might be someone with a family, and people with families, they heard, didn’t have much freedom.

Even allowances and ration coupons had to be handed over.

As Wei Ling was packing his things, his hand trembled slightly.

“When I get married, you all come to the wedding banquet. I’ll have my partner cook for you. She’s an excellent cook, and I’m sure she’ll satisfy everyone’s tastes.” Wei Ling knew that his roommates came from different hometowns with varying tastes.

For example, Du Hongyi was from Sichuan and loved spicy food.

Wei Ling’s words were simply too tempting. Du Hongyi and the others, who were already tired of the canteen’s food, hesitated.

They had originally planned to make things difficult for Wei Ling, but they didn’t expect Wei Ling to find their weak point so quickly.

Thinking about the delicious food from their hometowns, both Du Hongyi and Yuan Xiangyang decided to show some grace and let Wei Ling off the hook.

However, Zuo Gaopeng disagreed. “No way, Lao Wei. You have to ‘bribe’ us if you want to leave. Otherwise, we won’t let you go, hehe~” He knew that Wei Ling, in a hurry, was packing up to leave.

“Yeah, you must ‘bribe’ us, or you’re not going anywhere.” Du Hongyi and Yuan Xiangyang chimed in, even reaching for Wei Ling’s neatly packed bag. They had just seen him pack up all his things, and once these items were taken away, the Wei Ling who returned would no longer be the same.

One was unmarried, and the other was married.

Wei Ling was no slouch in physical skill, so how could he allow his comrades to threaten him? Of course, he immediately took action.

The four of them had sparred many times before, and they all knew each other’s abilities well.

Du Hongyi and the others originally thought that three of them teaming up to suppress Wei Ling would be an easy task, but it turned out that it was far from that.

Wei Ling was not only holding his own but also gradually gaining the upper hand.

This left Du Hongyi and the others shocked.

Shocked enough to go all out.

After several minutes, Du Hongyi and the others were lying on the ground, drenched in sweat. It wasn’t because they wanted to lie down, but because Wei Ling had knocked them down.

“Lao Wei, you’ve been hiding your strength!” Du Hongyi suddenly realized the truth.

Yuan Xiangyang and Zuo Gaopeng also fixed their sharp gazes on Wei Ling.

“Just a little sparring.” Wei Ling said, neither admitting nor denying it. After a long exchange, not a hair on his head was out of place. He picked up his bag, stepped over his three comrades, and disappeared out the door.

“I’m willing to bet that Lao Wei did this on purpose.”

Having been stepped over by Wei Ling, Du Hongyi clenched his fists.

Yuan Xiangyang and Zuo Gaopeng exchanged a look, then Yuan Xiangyang spoke, “Lao Wei definitely did this on purpose. We ate all his sausages, and he’s probably holding a grudge. Check how your body feels, does it hurt? If it hurts, that means it’s right.”

Du Hongyi and Zuo Gaopeng both rubbed their stomachs.

It really did hurt!

Their stomachs had taken a punch from Wei Ling, and they almost vomited their dinner.

“This guy still holds grudges. It’s just some sausages! I’m thinking of using meat coupons and having his partner make us some.” Du Hongyi thought of the sausages and immediately imagined the irresistible taste, his mind filled with cravings.

Yuan Xiangyang and Zuo Gaopeng also couldn’t help but lick their lips.

“By the way, do you think Lao Wei might hold a grudge and not let his partner make us sausages?” Du Hongyi suddenly thought of an important question.

Yuan Xiangyang and Zuo Gaopeng’s faces immediately turned pale.

Considering Wei Ling’s grudge-holding nature, it really was a possibility.

“No way, we have to make up for it.” Du Hongyi said, unwilling to give up on Qin Qingman’s cooking.

“How do we make up for it?” Yuan Xiangyang asked, looking curiously at Du Hongyi.

“Lao Wei’s marriage application has definitely been approved, or else he wouldn’t be leaving the base at this time. He’s been on leave for the past few days, and I guess he’s going to get his marriage certificate with his partner. This is a done deal. We should think about what kind of wedding gift to give him.” Du Hongyi’s mind was sharp, and he had already come up with a solution.

Yuan Xiangyang slowly got up, stroking his chin. “Lao Wei is our brother, and his family is in Beijing. They probably won’t be able to make it for the wedding, so we need to help him make sure his wedding is well-supported. The gift has to be generous and grand.”

“How about we pool together and get  sister-in-law a bicycle?”

Zuo Gaopeng happened to have a bicycle coupon in his hand.

“I think it’s a good idea.” Du Hongyi and Yuan Xiangyang agreed. In this area, it was rare for a family to afford a bicycle, so sending such a grand gift would definitely give them face, especially for their brother.

Since all three of them agreed, the matter was settled. They began collecting money for the bicycle. To buy it, they needed both the coupon and enough money—both were essential.

“I’ll send a telegram to my cousin later. He works at the Supply and Marketing Cooperative in the provincial capital. I’ll ask him to arrange for someone to deliver the bicycle.” Zuo Gaopeng said. Since he had a bicycle coupon in hand, he naturally had a way to get one.

With everything settled, Du Hongyi suddenly stiffened and blurted out, “Do you think those sausages were a trap set by Lao Wei?”

Yuan Xiangyang and Zuo Gaopeng both stopped counting the money in their hands…

Wei Ling left the headquarters and headed straight for Kaoshan Village. Since he was on leave, he didn’t misuse any public resources—he didn’t ride the army’s horses or use the skis. Instead, he carried his bag and walked briskly toward Kaoshan Village.

The distance between the headquarters and Kaoshan Village wasn’t far. At his pace, he could get there in about forty minutes.

Amid the falling snowflakes, Wei Ling, his heart burning with excitement, only had eyes for the distant Kaoshan Village. The moment he received the marriage application approval, he had been eager to see Qin Qingman.

To meet the girl who had already taken root in his heart.

They could finally get their marriage certificate, finally become a legal couple.

With a sense of anticipation for their new life, Wei Ling quickened his pace, and soon, he was running.

At the Qin family home, Qin Qingman had just finished tidying up and was preparing to climb onto the kang when she heard a knock at the gate.

The sound was crisp and rhythmic.

Suddenly, her heart started to race. Without time to put on her cotton jacket, she threw on her clothes and rushed out the door.

“Ah Ling—” she called out, her voice rising at the end, filled with unknowing joy.