Mi Xaing 'er did not know what her man was about to face.
She continued to live her life at home.
She continued to pick the gastrodia elata. She steamed it during the day and compared it with the Compendium of Materia Medica and Thousand Gold Prescriptions at night. She burned the lamp and boiled oil for half the night without sleeping to organize the information.
Tang Xiling's heart ached when she saw this. At night, she specially brought over a bowl of Xiao Mi porridge with some brown sugar and an egg. The porridge was still steaming hot. She carefully handed it to her daughter. "Xiang 'er, drink it while it's hot. It's good for a woman's health."
She glanced at the notes she was organizing. "Why are you doing all this? You don't have to memorize so many prescriptions if you just want to pick a few herbs."
Mi Xaing 'er pulled her to sit beside her. "Mom, this is what I think. I'm only 18 years old now. It's not good for me to live a mediocre life without learning anything."
"How is it mediocre? Aren't you going to study in the city?"
"Yes, but you know that although that training is quite rare, it's still about nursing. If you want to make some achievements in medicine, you can't rely on that alone. So, I thought that since Magic Doctor Xiao is by my side, I can learn more from him. Once I learn something, it'll be mine. No one can take it away from me."
Tang Xiling sighed softly. "That's true, but you're a girl. You have to make medicine during the day and do a lot of housework. There's no man to help you. You can finally rest at night, but you have to do these things day and night. Not only are your eyes damaged, but remembering these things is the most mentally taxing. That's another kind of tiring. I know it best."
Mi Xaing 'er rubbed her thigh and said in an extremely low voice, "Mom, didn't the ancients say that if you don't suffer, you won't be a superior person? Don't worry. I'm still young. It's important for me to take this opportunity to learn more things."
Tang Xiling glared at her. "In my opinion, you're already married. Live a good life with your man and have a few children."
At the mention of children …
Tang Xiling leaned in front of her. "Xiang 'er, have you thought about when you want to have children?"
"Mom!"
"What's there to be shy about? You and Yun Jingting had a formal wedding and registered your marriage. You have to bring up the matter of having children. Although you're not old, she's ten years older than you. She'll be 30 in two years. Don't you have to think about her?"
Mi Xaing 'er lowered his head and did not speak. In that era, it was indeed a little late for a man to become a father at the age of thirty.
But
Isn't it a little urgent to want to have a child after just one night in the bridal chamber?
At the thought of being pregnant for ten months with a big belly, that kind of hardship was indescribable. After giving birth, she had to work hard for the child, ensure that she ate well, wore well, and put the child first. These external conditions were secondary. The worry and concern in her heart would never end.
After having a child, she would have to work all year round and never retire.
Mi Xaing 'er really felt that she was not ready to be promoted to a mother.
However …
For some reason, the image of a baby naturally appeared in her mind. It would have Yun Jingting's eyes and its own nose, ride on Yun Laohu's neck, call him daddy, and call her mommy. That would also be something to look forward to, right?
Tang Xiling saw that she was not speaking, so he simply used his hand to poke her waist. "What are you thinking? In my opinion, women have to have children sooner or later. It's better to have children earlier than later. Why? Think about it, if you're a mother now and have a lot of energy, by the time you're 28, the child will already be ten years old. There'll be nothing to worry about. What if a few years later, when you're older, you'll feel that it's very tiring to take care of a child?"
Mi Xaing 'er dragged her voice. "I know, don't say anymore. When Yun Jingting comes back, I'll discuss it with him."
Tang Xiling paused. "There's no news from his platoon yet. Why don't you go and ask him?"
"It'll be a waste of time. I've already asked him about a mission."
Tang Xiling thought about it and felt that this made sense. He could not help but sigh and bring the topic back to the child. "That's why I said that you should have a child soon. You're a soldier, so you won't be at home to accompany your wife every day. In the future, when you're in the army, I won't accompany you either. It'll be different if you have a child when you're lonely."
Mi Xaing 'er simply stood up and grabbed her mother's arm. "Don't say anymore. You should leave. I still have to memorize the book now."
"Girl, you're getting more and more ideas. Now you don't even listen to me. Sigh, finish your porridge. Don't forget to eat your eggs."
"Got it."
After Tang Xiling left the house, Mi Xaing 'er sat alone at the desk quietly, flipping through the Compendium of Materia Medica. However, the words on the book seemed to have turned into Yun Jingting's face, swaying in front of her.
It was already the end of July.
This morning.
Mi Xaing 'er was drying beans in the courtyard when she suddenly heard the sound of brakes outside the door. Her heart skipped a beat. She immediately stood up and jogged out to greet the person. The first and most urgent thought that came to her mind was: Yun Jingting is back!
She felt as if a deer had bumped into her chest.
As she ran, she tidied her big braid and tugged at her clothes. She glanced at the window of the room from the corner of her eye and looked at her own attire through the reflection in the glass.
Before she reached the door, Gu Dalong came in.
He was dressed in a military uniform, and his face was solemn. He saluted her formally. "Hello, Sister-in-law."
"Yes, Dalong. Why are you here?" Mi Xaing 'er took the opportunity to look behind him. She did not see Yun Laohu's shadow, so she immediately asked, "Where's your regiment commander? Is there any news? When will he be back? How's his situation now?"
Gu Dalong coughed. "Sister-in-law, don't be anxious. Listen to me slowly."
The more he said this, the more anxious Mi Xaing 'er became. Her thoughts ran wild, and naturally, her expression did not look good.
Tang Xiling could not sit still when she heard the commotion in the room. She quickly came out and stood behind Mi Xaing 'er. She placed a hand on her daughter's shoulder and gently squeezed it, silently supporting her.
Gu Dalong looked troubled. "Yes, yes. The military told me to inform you."
Mi Xaing 'er only felt her heartbeat quicken, and it was as if she could not breathe properly. She could not help but take a step back, and her whole body leaned against Tang Xiling's chest. She only heard her mother's voice whisper in her ear, "Xiang' er, don't be anxious."
Gu Dalong also quickly said, "Sister-in-law, don't be anxious. The regiment commander is injured, but his life is not in danger."
Mi Xaing 'er felt as if a heavy burden had been lifted from her chest. She took a deep breath. "Then where exactly is he injured? How is his condition now? Where is he? Dalong, hurry up and tell me. Don't hesitate."
"Yes, the regiment commander is in the provincial capital's military hospital now. He wants to see you, so the organization arranged for me to bring you over to take care of you."
Before Mi Xaing 'er could speak, Tang Xiling immediately said, "Then hurry up and go. Don't wait any longer."
She hurriedly turned around and entered the side room. She opened the cabinet on the kang bed and took out a cloth bag. She roughly wrapped a few pieces of clothing for her daughter and quickly returned. She stuffed the bag into her daughter's arms and said, "Go quickly. Remember, when you see the son-in-law and confirm his injuries, give me a call. It's inconvenient for me to answer the call. Just ask the village head to send me a message."
Mi Xaing 'er did not have time to check the bag. How could she be in the mood to care about these things now? She turned and was about to leave when Tang Xiling grabbed her. "Where's the money? Bring the money with you."
He lowered his voice. "Bring the hundred or so yuan you earned last time. You're poor on the road. What if something happens?"
Mi Xaing 'er nodded and quickly ran back into the house. She took out the money from the cabinet and casually put it in her pocket. Then, she followed Gu Dalong into the car. She looked at the anxious Tang Xiling through the car window. "You can go back now. I'll inform you once I have news."
“”
Gu Dalong started the engine and the jeep drove to the provincial capital.
Once the jeep was on the road …
A cool breeze squeezed through the window and caressed her face.
Mi Xaing 'er gradually calmed down and was in the mood to ask questions. "Dalong, I know there are rules in the army and there are many things that cannot be said. But can you pick some unimportant things and tell me what exactly happened?"
Gu Dalong pondered for a moment. "Okay, I'll just briefly tell you that the Head Of Yun led a group of suicide squads and exchanged fire with the Russians at the border. The enemy had a new type of armored vehicle and its firepower was especially strong. Anyway, the Head Of Yun's leg was injured by shrapnel. He didn't feel much at that time and even gritted his teeth to command the battle. After that, when the Russians retreated, we realized that the Head Of Yun's trousers were wet and stained with blood."
Mi Xaing touched her forehead with one hand and turned her face to the window, afraid that Gu Dalong would see her sad expression.
Sad.
It was true.
It had been two lifetimes, but she had never felt her heart hurt so much.
When she thought about the whispers on their wedding night, thought about Yun Jingting's smiling face, and imagined the blood-stained trousers, she felt as though something was squeezing her chest. Every time she breathed, she felt as though her bones were being squeezed.
She sat in silence the whole way and didn't speak anymore.
She wasn't in the mood to chat either. She didn't see Yun Laohu and wasn't sure about her man's condition. She felt empty. Even her thoughts couldn't work. Empty. Everything was empty.
When night fell.
The jeep entered the provincial military hospital. Gu Dalong was obviously familiar with the road and drove straight to the hospital. He even explained, "The Head Of Yun had an operation in the Ha Military Hospital at the beginning. It was an emergency and he didn't have the time to go back. After the operation was over and he recovered for two days, the Regiment Commander insisted on coming back. He probably thought that it would be more convenient for you to come over."
Mi Xaing 'er didn't say anything. It wasn't clear if she had heard him or not.
As soon as the car stopped, she jumped out of the jeep. "Dalong, which floor and which room are you in?"
"Fourth floor, room 403."
As soon as Gu Dalong finished speaking, Mi Xaing 'er had already rushed into the hospital. She went up the stairs and muttered, "403,403,403" as her eyes searched the whole way.
She finally reached the door.
However, she felt a little "homesick".
She slowly stopped in her tracks and clutched her chest. She took a few deep breaths and tried her best to calm herself down. She didn't want Yun Laohu to see her panicked look.
Suddenly, she heard a steady voice in the ward. "Tiger, regarding your performance at the front line this time …"
Your performance at the front line.
This should be someone from the organization.
Mi Xaing 'er thought that it was better not to disturb him. Just as she was about to step back, she heard Yun Jingting say, "Dad, if you have something to say, just say it."
Dad.
She was a little curious again. After all, Yun Laohu had never mentioned his family in front of her.
She pondered for a moment and stopped in her tracks. The door of the ward happened to cover her body. She couldn't see what was going on inside, but she could hear the conversation.
Only to hear Yun Mocheng say, "This time, you completed the mission almost impeccable. I've already seen the detailed report. Not to mention other things, you used 18 members of the suicide squad to fight against a company of Old Russians with excellent equipment, and only you were injured on our side. In terms of winning with a few, your battle is absolutely a classic example."
A classic example?
Mi Xaing 'er naturally felt a surge of pride when she heard someone praising her husband.
She heard Yun Mocheng continue, "The above is a commander's evaluation of the regiment commander. Now that it's just us, father and son, I'll say a few words in private as a father."
Commander?
Mi Xaing 'er was stunned for a moment.
This was the first time she heard of Yun Jingting's family background.
His father was actually a commander of a military region.
She was a smart person. Of course, she knew best that for a village girl like her to marry into such a family, Yun Jingting's hard work behind the scenes was almost imaginable.
Yun Jingting spoke.
As soon as she heard his steady and powerful voice, Mi Xaing 'er felt her heart thumping wildly. "Dad, I know what you're going to say. It's my duty as a commander to protect my soldiers from getting injured. Anyway, I'm tough. I won't die anytime soon."
Yun Mocheng raised his voice. He was obviously a little agitated. "Nonsense. How can you be tough? Everyone has one life. There's no chance to live twice."
“”
Commander Yun slowly lowered his tone again. "However, to be honest, Tiger, you randomly adjusted the tactics before the battle and seized the enemy's latest armored vehicle. Not only did you contribute to the balance of weapons between the two sides in the future, but you also reduced the casualties in future battles. This matter was done beautifully. The higher-ups attach great importance to it and affirmed your decisiveness and bravery as a commander. I'm also proud to have a son like you."
Mi Xaing 'er's blood boiled when she heard these words.
Who didn't want their husband to be an indomitable hero?
What could be more valorous than a man winning on the battlefield?
Even a father as a commander of a military region was proud of his son. What reason did she, as a wife, have not have to be proud?
The room was silent for a moment.
Then, she heard the sound of a chair moving. Yun Mocheng probably stood up. "Regarding your injury, I've already informed your mother."
"Dad, there's no need to …"
"Let me finish. I know you don't want her to worry, but you know best in your heart that although she refused to meet the children for so many years, it was also for the sake of all of your futures. She loves all of you in her heart. So, I can't not inform her that you're injured. If she finds out about it in the future, she'll blame me."
Yun Laohu snorted. "Do you still care about what my mother thinks? Do her complaints still have any weight to you?"
These two sentences were a little sharp.
Yun Mocheng was a little impatient. "I know that for your mother's sake, you can't forgive me. But back then, she was the one who chose to cut ties with us. She left without a word. I couldn't do anything about it."
Yun Laohu said coldly, "Dad, even if you're my father, there are some things that I still have to say. When a woman gets married, it's equivalent to completely giving herself to us. As a man, we have to bear the burden of her life. If my wife wants to leave because of her family background, I won't let go. I won't let her bear it alone. Even if I die, I want to die with her."
Yun Mocheng sighed. "You're too stubborn. I won't argue with you. There's only one reason why I'm telling you this. I want you to be mentally prepared. Perhaps your mother will come in the next two days. That's all."
Before he could finish speaking, Mi Xaing 'er felt someone poke her from behind. Before she could turn around, she heard Gu Dalong ask in a loud voice, "Sister-in-law, why are you standing here? Why aren't you going in?"
Almost immediately, the door was pulled open from the inside.
Mi Xaing 'er looked up.
Yun Mocheng stood upright in front of her. His expression was calm, and she couldn't tell if he was happy or angry.
When Gu Dalong saw him, he hurriedly stood at attention and saluted. "Hello, Chief!"
Yun Mocheng nodded gently. "Hello!"
Then, he turned to Mi Xaing 'er. "You're Xiao Mi's lover?"
Mi Xaing 'er could only tilt her head and smile. Under such circumstances, it was somewhat awkward to meet her father-in-law. "Yes, hello!"
A little …
She didn't know how to address him.
When Yun Jingting heard the commotion in the room, his heart thumped wildly. He hadn't seen his wife for a long time, and the man's yearning was even stronger.
He raised his voice and shouted, "It's Mi Xaing 'er!"
When Mi Xaing 'er heard his "call," her heart seemed to have grown wings, and she flew to the man's side in an instant.
She couldn't care less about etiquette and modesty. "I'm sorry!"
She practically squeezed past Yun Mocheng and directly entered the ward.
She wanted to see her "husband" as much as she was nervous on the way here.
She didn't have time to observe her surroundings. The first thing she saw was the man on the hospital bed.
She saw that Yun Laohu had obviously lost weight. There was even a patch of stubble on his cheeks. His hair was slightly longer, but it didn't seem to be dragging. Instead, it added to the laziness and casualness of a mature man.
His eyes were still deep and dark. When he looked at Mi Xaing 'er, his eyes were filled with tenderness. There was no need for words, and she could feel the strong yearning in his eyes.
The two of them looked at each other.
It was as if they had forgotten everything in the world. There was only each other in their eyes.
Yun Laohu sat up on the bed. Probably because he had affected his wound, he grimaced and forced a smile. "Hey, you're here!"
Mi Xaing 'er hurried over and pressed on his shoulder. "Don't move!"
Yun Jingting seemed to be able to feel the softness of his woman's fingertips through the thin hospital gown. If there were no outsiders around, he really wanted to grab her wrist, pull her into his arms, and kiss her.
However …
Gu Dalong and Yun Mocheng were still standing at the side.
He could only adjust his sitting position and look up at his wife. He smiled happily. "You're here so quickly. Did you get motion sickness on the way here?"
Mi Xaing 'er's hands were trembling slightly. Due to her nervousness, her nails unknowingly dug into his shoulder. "Where are you hurt?"
"It's nothing. My leg …"
"Let me see …"
Yun Laohu lowered his voice to a whisper. "For a while. No one will look in a while …"
He could clearly feel the strength of his woman's nails. His heart itched. He kept thinking how good it would be if her hands were scratching his body!
Although Yun Jingting was injured, he had been recuperating for a few days and had gradually gotten used to his injury. When he suddenly saw his wife, he could smell her fragrance and feel her softness on his shoulder …
A man's "absence makes the heart grow fonder …"
Exploded.
The intensity was definitely greater than the groom's!
At this moment …
With his woman standing at the side, Yun Laohu seemed to have drunk half a bowl of stimulants. He was full of energy, straightened his back, and smiled brightly. He tried to hold it in, but in the end, he couldn't. He simply held her small hand. "Xiang 'er …"
There were so many things that he couldn't say.
He glanced at his father from the corner of his eye. "Xiang 'er, let me introduce you. This is my father, and also my chief …"
Since the formal introduction had been made, Mi Xaing 'er could only turn around and bow respectfully.
Yun Jingting poked her from behind. "Call me Dad …"
Regardless of the relationship between father and son, Yun Laohu still had to correct his wife's name since it was the first time the new daughter-in-law met her father-in-law.
Mi Xaing 'er of course understood what he was thinking. She could only go along with him. "Hello, Dad …"
Yun Mocheng nodded silently and pondered for a moment. "Mi Xaing 'er, since we're meeting today, there's something I want to tell you …"
----- Digression —
September was the start of school season. It was too soon …
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