Chapter 17

A conflict arose in the brigade office about whether to set up a new clinic.

Meanwhile, Jiang Xi was at home, drawing new herbs.

She had too few medicinal herbs and, as a doctor, longed for more—similar to how a painter collects pigments.

She was reluctant to spend money on herbs she could pick herself.

Every penny needed to be spent wisely.

Regarding the clinic, Jiang Xi remained hopeful.

But when the captain didn’t send any updates the next day, and the same was true on the third and fourth days, Jiang Xi guessed things might not be going smoothly.

Pei’s parents also noticed something was wrong and were clearly disappointed.

“Today, the team leader avoided me. I guess it won’t work,” Mother Pei frowned. She couldn’t enjoy the meat her daughter-in-law bought.

It was a promising job opportunity!

As a doctor, Jiang Xi would never have to worry about food and drink.

Father Pei said seriously: “He can’t do everything in the team. It’s probably because others disagree. Don’t worry about it. We’re fine.”

Jiang Xi, listening to their conversation, realized that Pei Shengcai might have been overpowered by others.

With only 200 managers in the team, was it necessary to fight for their rights?

Jiang Xi felt regretful but didn’t speak up. Pei’s parents were already upset enough, feeling guilty about Pei Hejun’s situation and paying extra attention to her.

She complained silently, regretting the lost opportunity to earn points easily.

Though some people visited occasionally, they were from Peijia Village. There weren’t many, so the points were limited.

Without official recognition, people would always doubt her medical skills.

An official position would be best.

Thus, she could no longer be the team doctor.

Jiang Xi ate a big spoonful of rice with egg custard, feeling down. But she decided not to rush; she would slowly build her reputation and patients would come.

Despite not mentioning it, Pei’s parents, having lived many more years, noticed her sadness. During the slack farming days after spring plowing, they went out early and returned late.

Jiang Xi, Jiang Ermei, and Jiang Sanmei were puzzled.

Jiang Ermei even asked her secretly: “Big sister, is it because my sister and I eat too much that my uncle and aunt have to secretly work for others to make extra money?”

In her memory, Jiang’s father always found extra work after farm work to support the family.

It was fine for her father, but she felt guilty if Pei’s parents were doing the same.

Jiang Xi laughed, hugging the worried little girl: “Of course not. I have enough money, and we’re not short on cash. They must have their own reasons.”

Jiang Ermei was skeptical but less worried.

Jiang Xi, however, was concerned because her parents looked exhausted every time they came back.

They wouldn’t tell her what they were doing.

_

Jiang Xi was busy directing her younger sisters to collect medicinal herbs.

Marriage had been good, except that her husband was away.

Meanwhile, Qin Yue, after facing many challenges, had finally joined the army and followed Lu Jianguo to the island military region.

She looked back as she got off the boat, seeing the vast ocean like a giant beast—terrifying.

She had never been to such a place before.

Despite the heat, the sea breeze was refreshing. Lu Jianguo said that in winter it was only about ten degrees colder, so a cotton jacket wasn’t necessary.

The place was quite pleasant.

Qin Yue took a deep breath of the sea air and heard someone shout, “Captain, sister-in-law! Over here!”

Battalion commander?

Lu Jianguo was the battalion commander. Qin Yue felt involved and turned to see a soldier getting out of a jeep and running towards them.

Lu Jianguo said, “This is my soldier Zhou Liang. He happened to be free today and borrowed the army’s car to pick us up.”

Qin Yue smiled politely as Zhou Liang greeted her and took over most of her luggage, saying enviously, “Captain, you’re quick. My sister-in-law is so pretty.”

Qin Yue lowered her eyes shyly.

Lu Jianguo coughed lightly: “Alright, let’s head back. Did anything happen in the team?”

“Everything is fine. Even without you, the deputy battalion commander is here. Who would dare to cause trouble?” Zhou Liang joked. He led them to the jeep, stowed the luggage, and thought about the events in the army.

But there really hadn’t been any major events recently, so Zhou Liang changed the topic: “However, I heard a few days ago that Captain Pei, who was injured next door, also got married. That’s probably the only significant news.”

“Captain Pei?” Lu Jianguo thought for a moment before remembering.

Although they were from the same area, they were not in the same regiment, and Lu Jianguo had only been transferred here for less than a year, so he didn’t know the other person well.

Two months ago, Lu Jianguo had heard that Captain Pei was injured by a stray bullet^[1]refers to a bullet that misses its intended target and injures someone unintentionally. while on a mission. Though he survived, he was left in a vegetative state for a while.

But now he was married?

Lu Jianguo asked in surprise: “Is he healed?”

Zhou Liang, driving, shook his head: “No, I heard the bride is his childhood sweetheart. She insisted on marrying him despite his condition. She even had a falling out with her family over this. The group leader wanted to send someone to see if he could help find a job for the girl. It was meant to be low-key, but many people bought gifts to show support, so I found out.”

Although they were in the same unit, the soldiers didn’t know each other well due to busy training. Zhou Liang wouldn’t have known about it if not for the gifts.

Lu Jianguo said with some annoyance: “I was so busy on my return trip that I didn’t visit Comrade Pei.”

“It’s fine. Though we’re from the same area, you two aren’t from the same county,” Zhou Liang said with a smile. “By the way, Battalion Commander, we’ve prepared wedding gifts for you. Don’t think too little of them.”

“What are you preparing them for?” Lu Jianguo asked, though he still smiled. He noticed that Qin Yue couldn’t join the conversation and explained quietly.

After hearing this, Qin Yue’s expression looked a bit strange.

“What’s wrong? Do you know Captain Pei?” Lu Jianguo asked.

Qin Yue hesitated, then said, “I know the bride. She’s my classmate, her name is Jiang Xi…”

The name sounded familiar to Lu Jianguo. He was about to ask more when he suddenly recalled who she was. He coughed awkwardly and said: “I see.”

Qin Yue had been watching him closely, and seeing no strong reaction, she felt a bit relieved.

During their courtship, Qin Yue had deliberately distanced herself from Jiang Xi due to her own insecurities, fearing Lu Jianguo might prefer Jiang Xi.

Now she felt more at ease.

Qin Yue smiled and asked: “Should we also give some gifts?”

Lu Jianguo hesitated for a moment and shook his head: “No, we don’t have much contact with them. It wouldn’t be appropriate to give gifts now that we’re in the army.”

Qin Yue nodded obediently, feeling happy that Lu Jianguo’s concern was less about Jiang Xi.

Zhou Liang, glancing at the rearview mirror, found the conversation intriguing but didn’t dare to ask further due to Lu Jianguo’s superior position. He kept his curiosity to himself until they reached the military area.

As the car was about to enter, it suddenly braked.

Qin Yue bumped her head against the back of the front seat, rubbing her forehead in confusion when she heard Zhou Liang say, “Captain, your child is here.”

The atmosphere in the car shifted immediately.

Lu Jianguo was shocked and got out of the car. He picked up the little boy who had dared to stop the vehicle and spanked him on the butt: “You’re a rebel? You dare to stop the car?!”

“Wow, Dad, it hurts!” The little boy started crying loudly after being spanked.

Lu Jianguo laughed and softened his tone: “Alright, alright, why are you crying?”

“I missed you!” The little boy’s eyes were bright and innocent.

Father and son shared a tender moment. Qin Yue was hesitant about getting out of the car. Lu Jianguo, holding the child, introduced him: “This is my eldest son, Songzi. Songzi, this is your mother. Call her ‘mother’!”

Unexpectedly, the little boy, who had been affectionate with Lu Jianguo, suddenly scowled and said, “I don’t want her. She’s not my mother!”

“Lu Rushong!” Lu Jianguo said sternly.

Songzi pouted, “I won’t call her that. She’s not my mother. I don’t acknowledge her, and neither do Xiaoshan and Xiaoshu!”

Lu Jianguo looked embarrassed: “Qin Yue, don’t take it personally. He’s just a child and doesn’t understand.”

Qin Yue bit her lip, watching the scene with a heavy heart. She wondered how Jiang Xi managed to win over the three children in her previous life.

Despite her internal struggles, Qin Yue decided to endure.

Taking a deep breath, she smiled: “It’s okay, I don’t mind.”

The child, however, sneered, “Of course you don’t mind! You married just for my dad’s money. The money in the house belongs to me and my brothers. We won’t give any to you!”

Qin Yue’s smile faltered, her anger and shock rising.

How could this child be so unreasonable?

She felt a bit panicked, wondering if her marriage to Lu Jianguo would turn out as poorly as she feared.

Just then, a sharp whistle sounded, making everyone serious. Lu Jianguo quickly stuffed the child, who disliked Qin Yue, into her arms and apologized: “Xiao Qin, I’m sorry. There’s an emergency mission and the team needs to gather. You should go back with Zhou Liang and ask the aunt next door about the family matters.”

Lu Jianguo handed Qin Yue all the money and tickets he had, then rushed to the assembly point.

As a new military wife, Qin Yue held the child awkwardly, unsure of what to do.

The boy, used to this situation, wriggled to get out of her arms and said, “Uncle Zhou Liang, let’s go. My brother will start crying soon.”

“Yes, yes.” Zhou Liang nodded and drove the car inside.

Qin Yue was startled by the sudden stop and looked around. In front of her was a residential area with red brick houses and lush green forests behind them. The scenery was beautiful, but everything felt overwhelming.

Not only was she about to meet her husband’s three children, but her husband had just rushed off!

She had to face everything alone!

_

June 10th

Pei’s parents arrived with a cart carrying two large items.

Jiang Xi was astonished.

Although she had previously given money to Pei’s parents for a medicine cabinet^[2]is a cabinet used for storing medicinal herbs and supplies, typically found in traditional Chinese medicine., she didn’t expect it to be so large, especially with an extra large piece on top.

“Xiaoxi, come take a look. Didn’t you want this medicine cabinet? I asked the master to consult the Chinese medicine shop for some advice,” Mother Pei said, pointing to the cabinet with a proud smile.

The cabinet was a traditional Chinese medicine cabinet, large but beautifully crafted with eight drawers in each of ten rows. It was made from wood and polished to a fine finish.

It was quite surprising to see such a large cabinet being delivered.

Father Pei added, “The piece on top is a table. I noticed doctors have desks, so I had one made for you.”

Jiang Xi examined the table, which was painted a bright brick red. It was beautifully designed, fitting modern tastes while maintaining its traditional charm.

It was clear that Pei’s parents had been busy with this project, working long hours.

Jiang Xi admired the cabinet, and the second and third sisters exclaimed with excitement, “Wow! So many drawers!”

“This is for storing medicinal herbs. Elder sister asked us to get them. Now we can organize them properly.”

“I love this table! I want one like it in the future…”

Jiang Xi snapped back to reality and, seeing the happy Pei parents, smiled and said, “I like it. Thank you, Dad and Mom. You’re so kind.”

Pei’s parents were thrilled and wiped the sweat off their faces. They said, “As long as you like it. Now let’s set up the medicine cabinet for you.”

There was an empty room at home where they could place the new items.

Jiang Xi helped, and with the assistance of curious onlookers, they managed to move the large cabinet into place.

The room was empty, but with the addition of the cabinet and table, it felt just right.

Once the furniture was set, only the medicinal materials remained.