Chapter 4

“Ningning, come in quickly.” Father Wen had always felt awkward talking to Lu Cheng. Though Lu Cheng was his son-in-law, he was also a war hero who had risen to the rank of regimental commander at the unprecedented age of twenty-six.

Lu Cheng exuded an aura of martial severity that could intimidate even the bravest souls.

Yet his own daughter, bold beyond measure, had schemed to force Lu Cheng into marriage, bringing this formidable man into their family.

Lu Cheng hailed from Songyang County. His father had died in battle, leaving behind only his mother, younger brother, and sisters. He had joined the army at fourteen, earning a distinguished record of valor that propelled him to the position of deputy regimental commander at a young age.

Back home and in the military district, he was highly sought after, with many eager to arrange a match for him.

The original owner’s mother had once helped Mother Lu. During the three-year famine, while Lu Cheng was on the front lines, Mother Lu had been robbed of her food and collapsed by the roadside. Mother Wen found her, rescued her, and shared half of her wild vegetable bun.

Afterward, she continued to care for her. In gratitude, when Mother Lu lay gravely ill on her deathbed, she agreed to the original owner’s wish to marry Lu Cheng, who was then still a deputy regimental commander.

While Lu Cheng was away fighting, the Wen family had taken care of his mother. Deeply grateful, he had planned to repay them one day, acknowledging this debt of gratitude. He never expected the Wen family’s daughter to insist on marrying him.

Believing himself unworthy of such a commitment, Lu Cheng gently refused, not wanting to delay Wen Ning’s happiness.

However, the original owner of this body had schemed to fall into the water and be “rescued” by him, then declared that Lu Cheng must marry her—or she would have no choice but to drown herself to preserve her reputation.

Her words made it clear she had seen through Lu Cheng and was determined to marry him.

Bound by his mother’s dying wish and the moral weight of a life at stake, Lu Cheng reluctantly agreed to marry Wen Ning.

Lu Cheng returned to his unit and filed a marriage report. The original owner’s family had been poor farmers for generations, with impeccable revolutionary credentials, so the military’s political review went smoothly.

After the mourning period ended, Lu Cheng, urged by the original owner, held a simple wedding feast at the Liberation Production Brigade.

But on the very day of the feast, Lu Cheng received an urgent notice from his unit: enemy spies had been discovered, and the situation was critical.

He had to leave immediately, promising the Wen family that he would bring Wen Ning to the military base later.

That “later” never came—for a year.

……

Wen Ning stood frozen, her almond-shaped eyes brimming with tears, fixed intently on Lu Cheng, even though his gaze toward her was far from tender.

Why does Regimental Commander Lu look exactly like the Great General?

Wen Ning’s chest suddenly tightened, as if countless tiny needles were pricking her heart.

Noticing his twin sister’s dazed expression, Wen Peng took the initiative to lead the others away. “Dad, Sis is just overwhelmed. Let’s not intrude. We’ll go work on the table—perfect for the whole family to gather around in the future.”

Eldest Brother Wen understood his younger brother’s unspoken message. Leaving the living room to the married couple—strangers after a year—he ushered their father and second brother out.

Lu Cheng hadn’t spoken since Wen Ning entered the house.

Now that the others had left and Wen Ning was still staring at him, her gaze was completely different from the one she’d had a year ago when she’d thrown a tantrum to force him into marriage.

Back then, the Wen family’s daughter had eyes full of calculation—utterly repulsive. But now…

Lu Cheng frowned, disturbed by her emotionally charged and seemingly profound gaze.

“When my mother passed away, I promised her I would marry you and take you with me to the military camp. Pack your things. We’ll depart in four days.”

He spoke in a businesslike manner, his voice deep and authoritative, even colder than when he’d addressed the rest of the Wen family.

Wen Ning completely disregarded Regimental Commander Lu’s impatience, scrutinizing his face and figure with meticulous care. He was almost identical to the Great General.

A sudden realization struck her. Wen Ning swiftly stepped forward and seized Lu Cheng’s hand.

“Ouch…” The moment her delicate hand grasped his, Lu Cheng’s counterforce pinned her wrist.

A veteran of countless battles, Lu Cheng’s reflexes kicked in—the instinct of a man who had crawled out of the gates of hell amidst a hail of bullets. He instinctively restrained her wrist, a reaction honed by years of combat.

But in an instant, he recognized her as a frail woman. He immediately loosened his grip, yet Wen Ning still whimpered, her face contorted in pain.

“What do you think you’re doing?” Lu Cheng’s brow furrowed, his voice tinged with authority. He remembered her earlier schemes against him, and now she was suddenly getting physical.

“How dare you be so rude!” Wen Ning felt a sudden surge of familiarity.

The way Regimental Commander Lu spoke, the way he frowned—everything about him felt strangely familiar. Having been pampered all her life, she bristled at his treatment. “Aren’t you my husband? Why can’t I hold your hand?”

Wen Ning spoke with unwavering conviction.

Her newfound confidence stunned Lu Cheng. A year ago, she had lacked such presence. Even when she had schemed to marry him, she’d been timid and fearful.

A single glance from him would have brought her to the verge of tears.

But the Wen Ning before him now met his gaze with unwavering clarity, her chin tilted slightly upward. Her soft voice carried an unexpected force, leaving him genuinely surprised.

Lu Cheng narrowed his long, almond-shaped eyes, scrutinizing the woman who was nominally his wife.

Seeing that Lu Cheng had fallen silent and his grip had loosened, Wen Ning took his hand again, cradling his palm in hers.

A small, black mole stood out prominently on his right palm—identical to the one on the palm of the great General Lu Cheng.

Lu Cheng had never known Wen Ning to be so bold, daring to hold onto his hand so firmly.

In this era of strict social norms, even married couples avoided public displays of affection. Given the circumstances of their arranged marriage, such boldness was even more inappropriate.

Before their wedding, Lu Cheng had clearly outlined the consequences: if Wen Ning insisted on leveraging the Wen family’s debt to his mother to force this marriage, she couldn’t blame him for his indifference later.

At the time, Wen Ning was single-mindedly focused on becoming the Regimental Commander’s wife and living a life of comfort. She had declared her love for him, willing to settle for just the title—even if he treated her coldly.

But what was happening now?

Lu Cheng easily broke free from her grasp. He wasn’t accustomed to women’s touch, especially from someone he loathed.

“Don’t you know the rules of conduct between men and women? What were you doing just now?” Lu Cheng’s voice, honed from years of commanding troops, carried a hint of anger beneath its steadiness. An ordinary person might have been intimidated.

Even the original Wen Ning would have been cautious and silent.

But this Wen Ning was different. A princess who had witnessed grand spectacles since childhood wouldn’t be easily frightened.

A suspicion formed in her mind, and her face lit up with excitement and delight. She glared at the icy Regimental Commander Lu, a hint of anger in her eyes.

“Why are you being so harsh with me?” Wen Ning’s delicate skin had reddened where his hand had gripped her arm.

Seizing the opportunity, she pointed to the mark and whimpered, “Look what you’ve done!”

Lu Cheng: “…”

Watching the woman’s retreating figure, Regimental Commander Lu’s anger vanished in an instant, replaced by stunned confusion.

The woman spoke to him with excessive familiarity, as if they were close friends. Not to mention her audacity in touching him the moment she arrived—she had no manners whatsoever and was far too bold.

There was also the matter of her wrist. He hadn’t even exerted any force, so how had it turned red? She was far too delicate!

Most importantly, she seemed determined to flaunt the redness, as if afraid others wouldn’t notice.

She completely lacked the spirit of hard work and resilience that modern society championed!