Chapter 20: Discussing Accompanying the Army

“It’s enough that Commander Zhong knows what’s going on. Still, you should try to have a son soon!” The elder sister seemed a bit afraid of Zhong Youliang, hastily dropped this remark, and quickly left.

“You want a son?” He Yashu asked, somewhat venting her frustration on Zhong Youliang.

“Don’t listen to that sister-in-law’s nonsense. She always likes to act like she knows best. The other sisters-in-law in the courtyard don’t even like her,” Zhong Youliang said helplessly.

“Hmph.” He Yashu glared at him, then slowly walked into the courtyard to admire the flowers.

Zhong Youliang cheerfully followed behind his wife, occasionally serving tea and water. His antics eventually made He Yashu laugh, and she beckoned him over with a playful curl of her finger.

“Mwah~” She planted a kiss on his cheek, rewarding his good behavior.

Zhong Youliang’s eyes lit up and he immediately kissed her back. Just as things were getting sweet between them, little Zhong Ling burst in.

“Mom! Dad! What are you doing?” The little girl looked curiously at her parents in an odd posture and even ran closer to get a better look.

Face flushing, He Yashu shoved Zhong Youliang away. Her eyes signaled: Why didn’t you close the door?!

Zhong Youliang looked innocent: I forgot.

He Yashu glared at him, utterly mortified.

“We were discussing something. Why are you back so soon? Where’s your brother Chengjia?” He Yashu quickly changed the subject.

“The boys went home to do homework. Mom, when can I go to school?” The little girl’s attention indeed shifted quickly. She had been playing happily with the boys when Aunt Liang called them back for homework, saying school started tomorrow.

Brother Xuan told her that going to school meant lots of little friends and learning how to read. Zhong Ling was super envious and refused Aunt Liang’s invitation, sprinting back to ask.

He Yashu was momentarily speechless. They’d be going back to the village soon—if she were to go to school, it would be there.

“Dad will ask around and let you know when there’s news, okay?” Zhong Youliang tried to reason with the child just like He Yashu would.

Zhong Ling loved it when they included her in discussions—it made her feel like a grown-up too.

“Okay! But be quick, Dad.” Satisfied, she cheerfully said and ran off again to find her brothers.

“How are you going to ask? We’ll be going back to the village soon,” He Yashu chuckled.

“Yashu, why don’t you two stay with the army? Lingling can’t be without her dad all the time,” Zhong Youliang suggested, clearly hoping they’d remain.

“It’s not that easy. You think accompanying the army doesn’t require approval? Who knows when it’ll be granted. The brigade only filled out a one-month absence,” He Yashu admitted she wanted to stay—the courtyard flowers were lovely—but she didn’t say so clearly, or else this man might get too cocky.

“As long as you’re willing, I’ll get the approval.” Zhong Youliang was thrilled.

“Fine, then it’s your problem. If it doesn’t work out, I’m taking the kid back home.” He Yashu turned proudly and headed off to cook.

Zhong Youliang clumsily went to the kitchen to help, but only made a mess. Eventually, an exasperated He Yashu kicked him out.

“Go get your precious daughter for dinner.”

Feeling rejected, the man pouted and trotted off to the Cheng family’s home.

“Lingling, come home for dinner.” Zhong Youliang’s eyes were full of affection for his daughter, not even noticing Cheng Hao crying his eyes out.

“Oh? What’s wrong with him?” Zhong Youliang finally noticed the sobbing child and asked curiously.

“Uncle Zhong, does your kid not have to go to school? I wanna be your son—homework is too hard! Waaaah,” Cheng Hao cried, devastated by his assignments.

“Shoo, shoo! Go on, look—your brother already finished. You’re the only one dawdling,” Cheng Qian scolded, dizzy with frustration. His younger son was the complete opposite of the elder.

“No way! Hao, if you go to my house, Aunt Liang will miss you and cry!” Lingling worried seriously, afraid Aunt Liang would be sad without a son.

“Okay…” Cheng Hao found her reasoning valid and returned to his miserable homework journey.