Division Commander Liang stood up from behind his desk and looked at Yun Jingting with bright eyes. "Old Tiger, regarding your marriage, it's giving me a headache. To be honest, you're a smart person. You should have been clear about the stakes and the twists and turns you have to face before taking action!"
Yun Laohu did not say anything.
That's right.
He was not a rash person. Before marrying Mi Xaing 'er, he had already been fully prepared for all the problems he had to face, including punishment.
Division Commander Liang paused. "The current situation is that this matter is getting out of hand. Yesterday, the provincial task force even reported to me. They said that in order to protect your wife, not only did you scold them, but you also hit them and obstructed their work of arresting the criminals!"
Yun Laohu did not wait for him to finish. "What kind of task force are they? They're just a motley crew of pranks!"
Division Commander Liang hurriedly interrupted him. "Shut up! What kind of attitude is this?"
Then, he added in a rather serious tone, "Anyway, to put it simply, you're holding a grand wedding. In addition to the report from the task force, there are more and more people around who are paying attention to this matter. There are people with all kinds of opinions. I can't handle it alone. I'm afraid it won't be so easy to help you cover it up quietly!"
Yun Jingting stood up straight. His shoulders were as still as mountains, as if he could stand tall in the wind and rain. He answered in a loud voice, "Division Commander, thank you for your concern about my matter. Let me make my stand clear first. Regarding the marriage and the wedding, it was completely my personal decision. It has nothing to do with my wife!"
"You're still protecting a woman at a time like this!"
Yun Jingting continued, "Also, personally, I still don't think that marrying Mi Xaing 'er is a mistake. However, I also absolutely obey the opinions of the organization. A man has to bear the consequences of his actions. If the leader decides to investigate and punish me, I'll accept it without any complaints! "
Division Commander Liang sighed. "Old Tiger, in order to marry this wife, you're really stubborn. Alright, I've already said what should and shouldn't be said 100 times. If I say any more, I'll be dawdling. Now that everything is a fact, let's solve the problem!"
He coughed lightly. "The organization must severely criticize your fearless and arbitrary behavior. If you don't punish you, you'll be setting a bad example. The specific punishment is as follows: First, due to your outstanding performance in the canal work, the division headquarters has already reported you for third-class merit. Now, it's decided to cancel the report and postpone the punishment!"
Cancel the report?
That meant that the third-class merit that he had obtained was gone.
Meritorious service was a big deal in the army. It could be said that it was related to a cadre's future.
However …
Yun Longhu straightened his back. He did not argue, nor did he fight for it. He only said, "Obey the decision of the organization."
Division Commander Liang snorted coldly. "The second punishment for you is to be confined from today onwards."
..
......
. This punishment was a little too much.
Yun Laohu opened his mouth and was about to speak, but Division Commander Liang beat him to it. "Confinement is a must. Otherwise, I won't be able to explain it to others. But now, there's an urgent mission that must be completed. Comrade Yun Jingting, there's a border dispute in the North. The organization has decided that since you've dealt with the Russians in the past and your achievements are more outstanding, you'll be sent to confinement this time!"
Yun Jingting stood at attention. As a soldier, he had to obey the orders of his superior. "I guarantee that I'll complete the mission!"
Division Commander Liang waved his hand. "There are only the two of us in the room now, so there's no need to make it so formal. I hope you can understand my good intentions. If I don't punish you, someone will definitely make an issue out of this matter. If I punish you, the clouds in the sky will pass, and no one will be able to say anything. At the end of the day, one's work depends on one's results. If you complete this task beautifully, you will still have a chance to ask for rewards in the future."
Yun Laohu nodded. How could he not understand this in his heart?
To be honest, he was a battle-oriented soldier. When he heard that there was a war to fight, his blood boiled. He was quite restless and couldn't wait to go. If it was in the past, he would have jumped high and set off immediately.
But now, it was a little different. He always felt a little worried and couldn't let go of his new wife at home. This was probably what they meant by 'a hero's breath is short of his breath'. He always felt that he had let down his lover by parting on the first day of their marriage without even saying goodbye to her.
However, this was something that couldn't be helped.
A soldier's duty was to give up his family for the country.
He saluted Division Commander Liang. "Report. When do I set off?"
"As soon as possible. Is there a problem?"
Is there a problem?
Yun Laohu had the aura of a soldier. He puffed out his chest. "No problem!"
Division Commander Liang patted his shoulder. "Good job, Tiger. I know you'll definitely win the battle beautifully. See you when you come back!"
At the same time Yun Laohu set off for his mission …
Mi Xaing 'er was still busy at home as usual.
Occasionally, when she was free, she would be in a daze. Half of her mind was thinking about last night's intimacy, and the other half was worried about the man's departure.
She was in a daze until the afternoon …
Someone came to inform her. "Xiang, is Xiang at home?"
Mi Xaing 'er went out to take a look. It was Lu Yue's husband, Cheng Dabao. "Brother Dabao, what's the matter?"
"Yes. There's a call for you at the village committee. The village chief asked me to inform you. Hurry up and pick it up!"
"Oh …"
Mi Xaing 'er thought that the call was from Yun Laohu. Her heart instantly beat faster. She didn't dare to delay and quickly ran to the village committee. When she entered, she was still a little out of breath. When she looked at Xu Dongsheng's office desk and saw that he hadn't hung up yet, she felt a lot more at ease.
She quickly walked over. "Village chief, there's a call for me …"
Xu Dongsheng laughed. "Look at you running like that. Why are you in such a hurry? Are you trying to rob money?"
He pushed the phone in front of her. "Here. It's a call from the province …"
The province?
Who could it be?
She picked up the phone. It wasn't Yun Jingting. It was Ni Dahai. "Mi Xaing 'er, is that you?"
"Yes. Why are you looking for me?"
"Yes. I'll be in the Provincial Capital for the next two days. It's not convenient for me to look for you. Let's talk over the phone. It's urgent …"
“”
Ni Dahai lowered his voice. "The city's second winery has accepted a task. I heard that they are going to export Tianma wine, so they are in urgent need of Tianma. Moreover, they have high requirements for quantity and quality. I thought that this is a good opportunity to make a fortune. Get more Tianma. I want as much as you can. You must act fast!"
Mi Xaing 'er was naturally happy when she heard this. She quickly agreed. "I got it. I'll do it right away …"
Although she said that, she was still a little worried when she put down the phone. Tianma was a precious Chinese herb. It was precious because it was rare. Most of the plants grew in the deep mountains and forests. Not only was it difficult to harvest, but it was also very particular about the handling and drying. If not done properly, it would rot and deteriorate.
She pondered for a while. She knew that she wouldn't be able to earn such a "large" sum of money by herself. However, she couldn't let this opportunity slip away from her.
After thinking for a while, she had an idea.
She leaned her elbow on Xu Dongsheng's table. "Village chief, after we finish drinking tonight, don't leave. I want to have a chat with you …"
Xu Dongsheng narrowed his eyes. "What do you want to talk about?"
"You'll know when the time comes …"
Mi Xaing 'er swung her braids and turned to leave the village committee. She went home and went straight to the backyard to see Xiao Qingshan. "Doctor Xiao, I have something to discuss with you …"
"Ah, go ahead …"
"Then I'll be straightforward. I need some Tianma. But I've been picking herbs in the back of the mountain for a few days, and I keep feeling that there aren't many wild Tianma. What I mean is that you've been here for many years, so you must be familiar with the terrain in the mountains. Can you give me some pointers? Where exactly are the best places for Tianma to grow?"
Xiao Qingshan raised her eyebrows slightly. "Since you've picked herbs in the past, of course you know that Tianma likes to grow in soft and decayed places. You can just find a place like that and dig out eight or ten Tianma. It'll be enough to cure your headache and fever. Why do you have to ask me?"
Mi Xaing 'er shook her head. "You don't understand what I mean. I want to harvest Tianma in large quantities. The more the better. If I'm alone and am not familiar with the terrain in the mountains, I won't be able to earn much money even if I dig until next year …"
Xiao Qingshan did not wait for her to finish and immediately waved her hand. "Wait, aren't you digging Tianma for yourself to eat? You still want to make money?"
He widened his eyes and sized up Mi Xaing 'er from head to toe. "It seems that I have to reevaluate my understanding of you. Don't you know that privately picking and selling herbs is digging into the corner of socialism? If this matter is leaked out, you'll be in big trouble …"
He snorted softly. "Anyway, you're married now. Listen to me. Live well with the Head Of Yun, have two children, be a good wife and mother. This is better than anything else. As for the rest, you don't have to think about it …"
Ah …
These words …
As a modern person in the 21st century, Mi Xaing 'er could not agree at all. "Oh, according to you, I have to rely on the Head Of Yun for the rest of my life now that I'm married to him. Every day, I have to cook around the stove, fetch water from the well, wash clothes, cook, and take care of the children. This is my life …"
"Then what else do you want to do as a woman?"
Mi Xaing 'er glared at him. "What do I want to do? What's wrong with being my own woman? A woman has to rely on a man to live. Can't she have her own ideas and career?"
Xiao Qingshan widened his eyes in disbelief. Was this still something a village girl should say?
He stuttered a little. "You, you, you girl, you're too bold … too bold …"
Mi Xaing 'er ignored him. "I'm not asking you to do anything illegal. I just want to take a shortcut, be lazy, and ask about the terrain of the mountain. It's fine if you don't say anything. Just pretend that I didn't ask. I don't believe that without you, I won't be able to pick Tianma … "
She rolled her eyes.
She could only use a little provocation. "Dr. Xiao, with all due respect, I originally thought that you were somewhat knowledgeable and different from the other people in the village. But now, it seems that I was wrong. You're inherently timid and afraid of trouble. Otherwise, it's because of the situation over the years that you've been forced to be short-sighted …"
Timid and afraid of trouble
Short-sighted
Xiao Qingshan had been arrogant all his life. Of course, he felt uncomfortable being scolded by an 18-year-old girl like this. His face was livid, and he looked as if he could eat someone up. "What did you say about me?"
Mi Xaing 'er was not afraid. Instead, she smiled faintly. "Do I have to repeat what I said about you? I really didn't expect that something that even a young girl like me dares to think about and do, would be cowardly when it comes to you, Magistrate Xiao!"
"You …"
Mi Xaing 'er went all out. At the critical moment, she had to use strong medicine. She did not wait for him to finish speaking. "Doctor Xiao, don't worry. I won't mention anything about digging for medicinal herbs to you anymore. You just have to stay out of it and keep yourself safe. That's the most important thing!"
After saying this, she turned around and was about to leave.
The words "stay out of it" stabbed Xiao Qingshan in the heart. After all, he felt that he owed Mi Xaing 'er a favor. She needed him, but he refused. What kind of person was he?
He hurriedly said, "Xiao Mi, wait …"
He lowered his head. "Did the Head Of Yun agree to you doing this?"
“”
Seeing that Mi Xaing 'er did not answer, he sighed softly. "You really exceeded my expectations. I didn't expect that a girl like you would be so stubborn. How about this? Since you helped me before, I'll help you once too. From now on, we're even, and we don't owe each other anything. As for this gastrodia elata, I do know a place. However, even if you have three heads and six arms, you won't be able to make much money by yourself …"
“”
Xiao Qingshan continued, "There's a huge difference in the size of the wild gastrodia elata, and there's a high rate of damage when harvested. After harvesting, you have to wash the soil with rice water before drying it in a ventilated area. It's divided into 1,234 grades according to its size and weight. After that, you have to steam it. Of course, the steaming time is different too. There's also a lot of tedious processes like shaping and drying. How can you handle it alone? Even with my help, you won't be able to produce much."
Mi Xaing 'er pursed her lips. She had already thought about what Xiao Qingshan said and had her own ideas. "Doctor Xiao, you just have to help me dig out the gastrodia elata. I'll take care of everything else …"
Huh …
Take care of everything?
Xiao Qingshan could not help but admire Mi Xaing 'er a little when he saw how calm she was. After interacting with her for so many days, he knew that she was kind-hearted and brave. However, he did not expect her to be so stubborn and daring. She looked like she would not give up until she achieved her goal.
He was not a person who dilly-dallied, so he did not say anything else. "Alright. Just let me know whenever you need me …"
Mi Xaing 'er nodded. "Thank you …"
Only then did she leave the side room. Standing in the courtyard, she heaved a sigh of relief. She had made some progress with the first step. What about the future?
When the banquet was held in the evening, Bai Changxi and Xu Dongsheng both came. When they found out that Yun Jingting had an urgent mission, they felt a little sorry for Mi Xaing 'er. "Xiang' er, soldiers are like this. They come and go like the wind. However, isn't this also for our country and the people? Don't worry. Although Head Of Yun is not around, we'll definitely make the banquet better!"
Mi Xaing 'er nodded and thanked them. She pulled the two of them into the house. "I'd like to speak to the two village chiefs in private."
When Bai Changxi saw how formal she was, he was a little stunned. "What's wrong? Did something happen at home? You're a soldier's family. If there's anything, it's our duty to help. Just tell me …"
Mi Xaing 'er smiled. "Please take a seat first …"
After brewing a pot of tea, she sat down and said softly, "If I may ask something overboard, what do the two village chiefs think of making a fortune?"
Ah …
Xu Dongsheng could not sit still anymore. "Xiang 'er, are you drunk or do you have a fever? Making a fortune? The national trend is to cut off the tail of capitalism. How dare you go against it? You … you're really bold. You'll get into trouble if you say that!"
Mi Xaing 'er narrowed her eyes into crescents and shrugged innocently. "Both of you are my closest elders. Will I get into trouble if I say that in front of you?"
Oh …
This little mouth of hers really knows how to talk!
Bai Changxi felt very pleased. He coughed lightly and expressed his stance. "Head Of Yun and I have always been on good terms. After that, I got to know you through the Magic Doctor Xiao incident. To be honest, I think you're a good child. If you have anything to say in front of me, I'm sure there won't be any problems …"
Mi Xaing 'er did not hide anything. As the saying goes, don't suspect those you use, and don't use those you don't trust. Since she wanted to ask for help, of course she had to be honest with him. "Thank you, Village Chief Bai. Through the Magic Doctor Xiao incident, I also have a lot of respect for you. As for Village Chief Xu, he treats me even better. He's like an elder in my family. If I have something to say, of course I have to discuss it with the two of you!"
She paused for a moment. "I think …"
----- Digression —
Their relationship had stabilized.
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