The Spring of Lukou31
(The end)
[Chapter Thirty]
1
Xiang Xin stood in the corridor outside the English Department Year Four classroom, waiting for Xia Xiaoqiao to finish class.
Lin Meidai, being sharp-eyed, noticed Xiang Xin.
Meidai said, “Xiaoqiao, that senior Xiang Xin from the English graduate institute keeps looking toward us. Could she be here looking for you?”
Xiaoqiao glanced toward the corridor and said, “Ignore her. We don’t really have any friendship to speak of.”
After a while, the class bell rang. Meidai and Xiaoqiao packed up their books and stationery. As the two walked out of the classroom, Xiang Xin reached out and blocked their way.
Xiang Xin said, “Junior Xiaoqiao, please wait.”
Xiaoqiao asked, “Senior, is there something you need?”
Xiang Xin said, “Junior, I want to ask you to let Wang Jun go. Can you?”
Xiaoqiao asked in confusion, “Let Wang Jun go? Senior, you must have misunderstood, right? How could it be me letting him go? He’s the one constantly pestering me!”
Xiang Xin said, “The night before last, Wang Jun drank himself completely drunk because of you and stayed overnight at my dormitory.”
Xiaoqiao said, “Oh? Whatever happened between Wang Jun and you, what does that have to do with me? He has never been my anyone-anyone, hasn’t he?”
Xiang Xin said, “I might as well speak plainly. Wang Jun and I have already become physically intimate. I hope you won’t continue giving him any beautiful misunderstandings. Do you understand now, Junior Xiaoqiao?”
Xiaoqiao said, “Senior, if that’s the case, then that really couldn’t be better. Please keep your Prince Charming Wang Jun under proper control and stop him from constantly coming to bother me every few days.”
Xiang Xin said with satisfaction, “Junior, you’re straightforward enough! I’ll help you return smoothly to the side of that law department boyfriend of yours.”
Xiaoqiao said, “Senior, you really must keep a close eye on Wang Jun!”
Xiang Xin said, “Of course. Wang Jun is already my man.”
Xiang Xin watched Xiaoqiao and Meidai leave.
Meidai said, “This Senior Xiang Xin’s style is so forceful. Luckily you’re not her romantic rival.”
Xiaoqiao said, “Yes! Otherwise, against such a fierce opponent, I definitely would have been tormented miserably by her.”
Meidai said gleefully, “With Xiang Xin controlling Wang Jun, he probably won’t be able to fancy himself a ladies’ man anymore.”
Xiaoqiao said, “This is called: one thing restrains another; evil people are dealt with by other evil people.”
2
That morning, the Wang family prepared abundant betrothal gifts and was just about to come to the Xia family to formally propose marriage.
Xiaoqiao and Meidai were practicing songs for the graduation evening performance in the living room. Zhai Jialing suddenly received a phone call from her husband Xia Yitiao. Jialing began arguing with her husband over the phone. Xiaoqiao and Meidai, who overheard the conversation, only then learned that something so outrageous had happened.
“Xia Yitiao, your agreement with the Wang family truly shocked me. Why didn’t you discuss such an important matter with me beforehand? You really don’t respect me at all, do you?” Jialing’s voice grew louder and louder.
“What kind of talk is that? Concerning our daughter’s marriage, you alone get to make the decisions? Then what does that make me, the mistress of this household? You’d better come home early and explain everything to me face-to-face. Otherwise, when Boss Wang comes over later to propose marriage, I may very well refuse to receive guests behind closed doors. That’s all. Handle it however you see fit!” Jialing angrily hung up the receiver.
Xiaoqiao put down her guitar, walked toward her mother, and asked, “Mommy, what exactly is Daddy trying to pull?”
Jialing, still filled with anger, said, “Your daddy seems to have done this deliberately. Without ever discussing it with me, he agreed to let the Wang family come propose marriage. He even kept us mother and daughter completely in the dark beforehand. Only when things reached the last minute did he claim he was too busy with work and forgot to tell us in advance.”
Xiaoqiao said, “Daddy can even be too busy to remember something like this? There’s no way I’d believe that.”
Jialing said, “Of course I don’t believe it either! Your daddy instructed me over the phone to tell you to hurry up and put on makeup and change clothes.”
Xiaoqiao said, “I don’t want to! Besides, Meidai and I were planning to go out later to search for a record at the music store.”
Jialing said, “Right now, I don’t even understand what exactly is going on myself. You’d better not go out for now and wait until your daddy comes back.”
Xiaoqiao helplessly said, “Alright, alright! Then should I put on makeup and change into another outfit or not?”
Jialing said, “Let’s stay put and wait for now.”
3
Xia Yitiao and the house steward walked into the house together. The moment Yitiao entered the living room and saw his wife Jialing and daughter Xiaoqiao sitting on the sofa without making any preparations, he hurriedly urged them in a flustered manner, “Boss Wang is about to come over to propose marriage. Why are you mother and daughter still sitting there motionless?”
Jialing said irritably, “You were the one who privately agreed to Boss Wang’s proposal. I never agreed to it!”
Yitiao pleaded, “Good wife, please help me out and don’t make me lose face in front of Boss Wang, alright?”
Jialing coldly said, “For something this important, you didn’t even bother discussing it with me beforehand, yet now you turn around and blame me for making you, Boss Xia, lose face?”
Yitiao begged, “Don’t be like this! The fire is already burning our behinds…”
Jialing said, “Your daughter already accepted Yu Wenyan’s marriage proposal two days ago, and I agreed to it too. So regarding Boss Wang and his son, you can figure out how to deal with them yourself!”
Yitiao nearly jumped up after hearing this and said, “What? Xiaoqiao accepted that poor brat Yu Wenyan’s proposal? Why didn’t I know anything about this?”
Jialing said, “I only found out yesterday too. You were away on a business trip these past two days and didn’t even call home. I’m not the Buddha Tathagata with the ability to transmit my voice over a thousand miles. How was I supposed to notify you?”
Yitiao, having nowhere to vent his frustration, asked, “What qualifications does that poor brat Yu Wenyan have to propose marriage to our daughter?”
Jialing said, “Hehe! Master, you’ve finally spoken the key point! Three years ago, you personally told Yu Wenyan that if he passed the lawyer or judicial officer examination, you would agree to marry Xiaoqiao to him. Wenyan worked hard and passed the lawyer examination before even graduating from university. Now touch your conscience and tell me honestly, should I marry my daughter to an honest and reliable future lawyer, or marry her into the Wang family to be ruined by Boss Wang’s slippery, good-for-nothing son?”
Jialing’s sharp barrage of words rendered Xia Yitiao speechless. He was truly anxious inside and said, “At this critical moment, no matter what, we can’t let Boss Wang and his wife think I don’t keep my word, can we?”
At this moment, Xiaoqiao said, “Daddy, just let the Wang father and son come charging over. Your daughter has her own way to make them leave humiliated and disgraced.”
The couple simultaneously let out an “Oh?” Yitiao asked suspiciously, “What method could you possibly have, you little girl?”
So Xiaoqiao told them in complete detail about Senior Xiang Xin coming to her classroom to negotiate with her.
As the couple listened, Yitiao’s face alternated between pale and flushed. Jialing looked toward Lin Meidai at the side and asked, “Meidai, did that Xiang Xin really say those things?”
Meidai said, “That’s right! Xiang Xin said Wang Jun had already slept with her.”
Jialing secretly applauded inwardly while saying aloud, “See? Wang Jun has finally revealed his fox tail. He defiled another family’s daughter, yet still wanted to turn around and come propose marriage to our Xia family. What does he take us for?”
Yitiao still refused to believe it and said, “There may be some misunderstanding in this matter. Perhaps Wang Jun was tricked and trapped by that Xiang Xin…”
Jialing pointed at Yitiao’s nose and scolded him, “I think you’ve swallowed too much of the Wang father and son’s saliva, constantly making excuses for Wang Jun. If Wang Jun were innocent, why would that Xiang Xin voluntarily come to our daughter Xiaoqiao and openly demand that Xiaoqiao hand Wang Jun over to her? Besides, Xiang Xin isn’t some ignorant village girl who has never seen the world. Why would she casually use her own chastity as bargaining capital just to force Xiaoqiao away? Clearly Wang Jun lost control after drinking and couldn’t restrain himself…”
Xiaoqiao immediately corrected her mother. “Mommy, you’re mistaken. It’s not Xiang Xin forcing me to give Wang Jun up. I’ve simply never considered Wang Jun to be my future husband.”
Xia Yitiao felt as though his brain had been bombarded by carpet bombing. By now he was completely incapable of thinking and could only helplessly say, “Fine then! Since matters have come to this, let our daughter deal with the Wang father and son first.”
4
Wang Jun, his parents, and the steward arrived at the Xia family carrying lavish betrothal gifts. Wang Jun and the steward were busy carrying two large stacks of gift boxes into the Xia family living room when they were stopped by Zhai Jialing, who requested that everything first be left out in the courtyard.
Jialing said, “Mrs. Wang, please move to the study. I have important matters to discuss.”
Wang Daming, Wang Jun, and the steward remained in the living room, drinking tea and exchanging pleasantries with the male host Xia Yitiao. “My wife instructed that this marriage matter can only proceed after she and Sister-in-law Meilin have had a detailed discussion.”
Wang Daming became suspicious inwardly and sensed that this marriage proposal would likely be politely rejected by the Xia family, though for the moment he still could not think of the reason.
Wang Jun instinctively thought of the many shameful romantic scandals from his past and worried that the Xia family couple might have heard rumors about him. Because of this, he felt extremely uneasy.
Time passed second by second. When the study door finally opened, Chen Meilin emerged with a face ashen pale, walking stiffly toward Wang Jun like a mummy. Wang Jun inwardly cried out, “This is bad!”
Sure enough, Chen Meilin slapped her son sharply across the face and scolded, “Disgraceful! Absolutely disgraceful!”
Seeing this, Wang Daming asked in confusion, “Wife, why are you scolding our son in front of our future in-laws?”
Meilin coldly said, “Our family’s reputation has been completely disgraced by our son, and you still want to talk about marriage proposals?”
Wang Daming pressed further, “What exactly happened? Speak!”
Meilin collapsed into a seat sorrowfully and said, “Your son did something so shameless that I can’t even say it aloud. Make him explain it himself.”
Wang Daming turned and demanded of Wang Jun, “Son, what bad thing exactly did you do?”
Of course Wang Jun did not dare confess his romantic scandals and could only pretend innocence. “Dad, I truly don’t know what Mom is referring to!”
At this moment Xiaoqiao said, “Wang Jun, Senior Xiang Xin came to find me and openly confronted me face-to-face, demanding that I return you to her. She said you already became physically intimate with her and that she wants you to take responsibility for her.”
Wang Daming asked in disbelief, “Son, is this true?”
Wang Jun stammered, “That night I was drunk beyond recognition. I don’t remember doing anything to Xiang Xin! At that time I was completely unconscious. It wasn’t until the next morning when I woke up and found myself lying in Xiang Xin’s bed.”
After hearing this, Wang Daming’s face became extremely ugly. He kept shaking his head and said, “Son, in the past you were flirtatious and liked teasing girls. I never said much to you about it, only reminded you to know moderation. I never expected that at some point you would change and become this vulgar.”
Wang Jun still tried to argue. “Dad, I think Xiang Xin deliberately trapped and framed me!”
Wang Daming said, “Even now you still argue? Must we wait until that Xiang Xin takes an injury report to court and sues you for seducing and abandoning her, causing me as your father to appear with you in the newspaper’s society pages before you finally wake up and agree to take responsibility for Xiang Xin? Son, you truly are too foolish!”
“Husband, I no longer have the face to continue discussing this marriage proposal. Let’s gather our things and leave.” Chen Meilin then said to Zhai Jialing, “Sister Jialing, my son caused such a shameful affair and made fools of us before you. I failed to properly educate my son, and here I apologize to you.”
Jialing replied with a polite smile, “Sister Meilin, I only hope this matter won’t damage the tacit cooperation between our two families.”
Wang Daming said, “Little sister-in-law, please rest assured. One matter is one matter. I, Wang Daming, have always clearly separated business from personal affairs.”
Meilin said, “Let’s leave it at that. Let this absurd farce end here. Let us pretend we never brought up this marriage proposal and not affect the long-standing friendship between our two families.”
Yitiao said with a polite smile, “Thank you, Elder Brother and Sister-in-law, for your understanding. Everyone here is reasonable, reasonable indeed.”
Wang Daming and his wife escorted Wang Jun away and departed.
The matter concluded perfectly, and Xia Yitiao finally breathed a sigh of relief. The Xia family couple personally escorted Boss Wang and his wife out through the front entrance.
5
Wang Jun returned home with his parents, dejected and dispirited. The betrothal gifts were piled all over the tables in the living room.
Wang Daming said, “Son, you are the one who ruined this marriage proposal. You need to reflect on yourself. You can’t blame others.”
Wang Jun said, “Dad, I suspect Xiang Xin deliberately framed me. I’m going to find her and ask her face-to-face.”
Wang Daming sneered and said, “What exactly do you intend to ask that female student? If you truly did something to her, you don’t need to go looking for her. She’ll naturally come looking for you.”
Wang Jun said, “No! I can’t swallow this humiliation. Xiang Xin clearly did this on purpose. How can I suffer such an unjust accusation? I absolutely must find her and ask her clearly.”
Chen Meilin said, “Husband, just let our son go clarify things. Perhaps he truly was wronged.”
Wang Daming said, “Fine then. Although it’s already too late to change anything, you’d better not act impulsively and cause more trouble.”
Wang Jun said, “Dad, I know what I should do. I only want to clarify the truth and not let Xiaoqiao misunderstand me as a casual and irresponsible person.”
Wang Daming said, “You should completely give up any hopes regarding the Xia family. Your father only hopes that after this lesson, you’ll restrain your conduct and stop giving outsiders bad impressions.”
Chen Meilin said, “Talk things out properly with her. Don’t act rashly out of emotion.”
Wang Jun said, “I understand.”
6
Wang Jun drove his black sedan to the entrance of Xiang Xin’s dormitory. He got out of the car and leaned against the car door, smoking while waiting. After a while Xiang Xin appeared at the alley entrance. She saw Wang Jun’s sports car and Wang Jun wearing sunglasses and smoking.
Xiang Xin said, “I thought you’d hidden yourself away and didn’t dare see me. I was actually planning to go find you at your house these past two days.”
Without saying a word, Wang Jun pulled open the car door and shoved Xiang Xin inside.
Xiang Xin widened her almond-shaped eyes and shouted loudly, “What are you doing? Kidnapping me?”
Wang Jun started the engine and locked the car doors. “Let’s find a place and make things clear!”
Xiang Xin said, “Isn’t it already clear enough?”
Ignoring her, Wang Jun drove the car to the entrance of the alley leading to Xiaoqiao’s house.
Xiang Xin asked, “You’re still waiting for Junior Xiaoqiao?”
Wang Jun said, “That’s right! I want you to explain things clearly to Xiaoqiao in person.”
Xiang Xin asked with a cold laugh, “Explain clearly? Explain what?”
Wang Jun said, “Prove that things between you and me are innocent!”
Xiang Xin mocked him and said, “Don’t be foolish! Xiaoqiao never liked you in the first place. You’re the only one indulging in wishful thinking.”
Wang Jun said, “That’s not important!”
At this moment, Xiaoqiao and Meidai, carrying guitars on their backs, were about to go out when they encountered Wang Jun and Xiang Xin at the alley entrance.
Wang Jun grabbed Xiang Xin and blocked Xiaoqiao’s path. “Xiaoqiao, I brought Xiang Xin here to explain things clearly to you.”
Xiaoqiao said, “Sorry, I’m in a hurry to attend rehearsals for the graduation evening performance. Please don’t block the way.”
Wang Jun said forcefully, “Even if you plan to sentence me to death, you should at least hear me out first.”
Xiaoqiao said, “I have no interest in your private life, Wang Jun.”
Wang Jun said, “Xiang Xin, please personally tell Xiaoqiao that things between us are innocent.”
Xiang Xin said, “You and I slept in the same bed. That’s a fact. Wang Jun, why are you trying to avoid it? You should know very clearly how Xiaoqiao feels toward you. Stop remaining stubbornly obsessed!”
Xiang Xin’s words enraged Wang Jun. Grabbing Xiang Xin’s elbow with one hand, Wang Jun cursed, “You slut, why are you framing me!?”
Xiang Xin struggled and said, “Let go! You’re hurting me.”
Wang Jun shoved Xiang Xin aside, grabbed Xiaoqiao’s hand, yanked open the car door, and roared, “Get in the car!” He shoved Xiaoqiao inside and immediately locked the doors. Seeing this, Meidai rushed over and tried to pull open the car door, but Wang Jun pushed her to the ground as well. Wang Jun quickly jumped into the car, started the engine, and sped away from the pursuing Meidai and Xiang Xin.
Meidai anxiously asked, “Xiaoqiao was kidnapped by Wang Jun. What should we do?”
Xiang Xin said, “Junior, go notify Xiaoqiao’s family.”
Meidai said, “There’s no one at Xiaoqiao’s house right now. I’ll go notify Yu Wenyan.”
7
Lin Meidai hailed a taxi and rushed to the NTU College of Law on Xuzhou Road, quickly walking into the Department of Law office.
Meidai asked the teaching assistant, “I’m looking for Yu Wenyan.”
It so happened that Li Qiwen was there, and Qiwen walked over.
Qiwen asked, “Meidai, Wenyan is in the conference room having a discussion with the junior students. What do you need him for?”
Meidai said anxiously, “Wang Jun drove over in a sedan and forcibly shoved Xiaoqiao into the car and kidnapped her away.”
Qiwen asked in shock, “How could this happen? Where might that Wang Jun take Xiaoqiao?”
Meidai said, “Wang Jun probably would not take Xiaoqiao back to his home. He might go to their Wang family villa in Tamsui.”
Qiwen asked again, “Do you know where the villa is?”
Meidai said, “I went there once with Xiaoqiao before, so I should recognize the way.”
Qiwen said, “I’ll go to the conference room to find Wenyan. You go hail a taxi at the school gate, and we’ll meet at the entrance.”
Meidai said, “Alright, you have to hurry, Qiwen.”
8
The taxi drove into an upscale villa district and stopped in front of a detached villa with its own courtyard. Sure enough, the garage door was open, and a black sedan was parked there.
Meidai said, “We’re here. This is the house. That black sedan belongs to Wang Jun.”
Qiwen handed a police baton to Wenyan and said, “Take this baton with you. I borrowed it temporarily from the department instructor. It might come in handy.”
The three got out of the car. Qiwen and Wenyan each held a police baton in their hands.
Qiwen said, “Meidai, go ring the doorbell and trick Wang Jun into opening the door. Wenyan and I will hide beside the gate. As soon as Wang Jun opens the door, we’ll rush up and subdue him.”
“Okay.” Meidai stepped forward and rang the doorbell. “I’m Lin Meidai.”
Wang Jun suspected nothing and indeed came to open the door.
Seeing that the opportunity could not be missed, Qiwen and Wenyan immediately rushed forward and kicked the iron gate inward. Wang Jun was knocked to the ground by the rebounding iron gate. Qiwen shouted, “Beat him!”
Qiwen and Wenyan struck Wang Jun several times with the batons. Wang Jun lay on the ground wailing in pain.
Wenyan said, “Qiwen, let’s tie him up and send him to the police station. Meidai, you go inside and find Xiaoqiao first.”
Meidai went into the house and found Xiaoqiao.
9
Wenyan and the other two escorted Xiaoqiao home. Only after hearing the account from the three of them did the two elders of the Xia family learn that Xiaoqiao had gone through a terrifying ordeal.
Zhai Jialing said, “Luckily you came back safe and sound. Wenyan, thanks to you and Meidai being alert and quick-witted.”
Xia Yitiao said angrily, “That scoundrel Wang Jun actually dared to set his crooked ideas on my daughter.”
Zhai Jialing said, “Now you should understand why I opposed becoming related to the Wang family by marriage, right?”
Xia Yitiao said somewhat awkwardly, “Wife, you really were more farsighted.”
Zhai Jialing said, “Wenyan, go back and tell your mother to choose an auspicious date to come propose the marriage.”
Wenyan embraced Xiaoqiao and said, “Alright, Auntie.”
Jialing smiled and said, “That’s not right! What should you call me now?”
Xiaoqiao said, “Fool, you should call them Mommy and Daddy.”
Wenyan immediately blushed and called out, “Mom, Dad!”
Qiwen said, “Ha! May all lovers in the world finally become husband and wife. Meidai, Xiaoqiao is about to get married off already. When will you finally agree to my proposal?”
Meidai said, “Wait until you pass the lawyer examination like Wenyan did.”
Qiwen complained, “Why is the difference so huge?”
Everyone laughed.
10
Zhang Meihua came to the dormitory to look for Wenyan and met Li Qiwen in the reception room.
Meihua asked, “Qiwen, isn’t Wenyan upstairs?”
Qiwen said, “Early this morning Xiaoqiao came to see him. They said they were going to pick out engagement rings.”
Meihua thought she had heard wrong and asked, “Engagement rings?”
Qiwen said, “Mm, Wenyan and Xiaoqiao are getting engaged soon. Didn’t Wenyan tell you?”
With a disappointed expression on her face, Meihua said, “No, I haven’t come to see him these past few days.”
Qiwen said, “Meihua, I know you’ve always been waiting for Wenyan, but you know that Xiaoqiao and Wenyan were childhood sweethearts. Xiaoqiao has always been Wenyan’s true love.”
Meihua said, “I know that. Does Shao Yanling know that Wenyan is getting engaged to Xiaoqiao?”
Qiwen said, “She probably still doesn’t know, right? Meihua, you should try to take it easier.”
A trace of a bitter smile flashed across Meihua’s face as she said, “I was mentally prepared. Sooner or later, this day was bound to come. I’m fine, don’t worry about me.”
Qiwen said, “Our boss Wenyan really must have accumulated some kind of blessing in his previous life. In this life, he actually has several confidantes like you all caring for him so deeply…”
Meihua said, “Please tell Wenyan for me that I wish him and Xiaoqiao everlasting love.”
Qiwen said, “I will…”
11
Wenyan came to the instructor’s office to report to the departmental military instructor Gong Yun.
Departmental instructor Gong Yun said, “Wenyan, I called you here to inform you that your background investigation for reserve officer qualification did not pass. You may have to serve as an ordinary conscripted soldier.”
Wenyan asked in confusion, “Could the instructor tell me the reason why I didn’t pass?”
Gong Yun said, “An official document transferred from the Ministry of National Defense by the Ministry of Education’s Military Training Department pointed out that one of your direct elder relatives once participated in a Communist rebel organization and was sentenced to death by the Military Judiciary Bureau of the Ministry of National Defense.”
Wenyan said, “My father was implicated back then. He was innocent.”
Gong Yun said, “I know you are very outstanding, and I also really want to help you. Chief Instructor Huang and I have studied your case. The chief instructor’s opinion is that if you apply to join the Kuomintang now, he will write a letter to help explain your situation to the Ministry of National Defense and ask them to reconsider your reserve officer qualification. It might be useful. Go back and discuss it with your family. When you return after next week’s leave, I’ll wait for your reply.”
Wenyan said, “Thank you, Instructor.”
12
Wenyan, Xiaoqiao, and Wenying rode together on Ayuan’s ox cart back to Lukeng.
Xiaoqiao asked with concern, “Will you apply to join the Kuomintang?”
Wenyan gazed blankly at the rolling hills in the distance and said, “I don’t know, but I’ll discuss it with Mother before making a decision.”
Xiaoqiao said, “Should we ask Mingdao’s father to help smooth things over with the Ministry of National Defense? He’s a military judge, so he should understand these matters better.”
Wenyan said, “Do you think it would help?”
Xiaoqiao said, “If you don’t try, how would you know whether it would help or not?”
Wenyan said, “Whether or not I have reserve officer qualification actually isn’t very important to me.”
Xiaoqiao said, “Serving as a reserve officer is much easier than being an ordinary foot soldier. You really should fight for it.”
Wenyan said, “What is there to fight for? Look at those wild grasses and flowers by the mountain road. No one has ever fertilized or watered them, yet don’t they still grow lush and flourishing?”
Xiaoqiao said, “The wildflowers by the mountain road really are beautiful.”
Wenying said, “Sister Xiaoqiao, how long will you stay at my house this time?”
Xiaoqiao asked in return, “How long do you want me to stay?”
Wenying said, “Big Brother said he wants to teach you tea-making. That takes a very long time to learn!”
Xiaoqiao smiled and said, “Alright then, I’ll just stay forever.”
Wenyan said, “Xiaoqiao agreed to my marriage proposal, Wenying.”
Wenying said, “A proposal? Then what about Sister Meihua? I think she’s so pitiful…”
Wenyan said, “Meihua has always been our good friend.”
13
Wenyan, Xiaoqiao, and Laichun were busy in the tea-processing room. Wenyan was rolling the tea leaves, while Xiaoqiao and Laichun were picking tea stems out of the bamboo trays. Xiaoqiao brought up Wenyan’s reserve officer qualification with Laichun: “The school instructor said that because Wenyan’s father was implicated in the base case, he failed the background investigation stage.”
Laichun did not understand and asked, “Then what kind of impact does that have?”
Xiaoqiao said, “Of course it has an impact! If he can’t become a reserve officer, he can only become an ordinary foot soldier. It’ll be more grueling and exhausting.”
Laichun said, “I see. Then what can be done about it?”
Xiaoqiao said, “The school instructor said that if Wenyan applies to join the Kuomintang, perhaps the Ministry of National Defense will reconsider Wenyan’s individual case.”
Laichun turned her head and asked Wenyan, “Wenyan, what do you yourself think?”
Wenyan said, “Mother, if I wanted to join the Kuomintang, I would have submitted the application back in my second year of high school.”
Laichun said, “Although emotionally I do not approve of your joining the Kuomintang, if joining the Kuomintang can stop people from making things difficult for you, then I have no reason to oppose it either.”
Wenyan said, “The instructor said that even if I join the Kuomintang, the Ministry of National Defense would only possibly reconsider my reserve officer qualification. It does not mean I would definitely become a reserve officer.”
Xiaoqiao said, “Mother Laichun, I told Wenyan to go find Mingdao and ask his father to step in and help. His father is a military judge and works at the Ministry of National Defense. He could probably help smooth things over there. Maybe it would be useful.”
Laichun said, “Then I suppose we can only ask Mingdao’s father to step in and help.”
Xiaoqiao said, “Tomorrow we’ll go to Baofeng’s house. Baofeng said that when Mingdao comes back on leave, he’ll go look for her. Baofeng and I already arranged it.”
Laichun said, “Mm! Whether Mingdao is willing to help or not, you still have to go ask and see.”
Wenyan said, “Right, Mother, Xiaoqiao’s mother told me to ask you to choose a good day to go to their house and formally propose the marriage.”
Hearing this, Laichun felt very gratified and said, “That’s very good! These past few years, Ayuan and I have saved up a marriage fund for you. Tomorrow I’ll go withdraw it from the post office and let you two go into town to pick out engagement necklaces and rings.”
Wenyan said, “No need, Mother. Xiaoqiao and I already bought them in town the day before yesterday.”
Laichun smiled and said, “I didn’t expect you to move so quickly! But where did you get the money to buy the necklace and rings?”
Wenyan said, “Most of the hundreds of manuscript fees and prize money I received over these past few years were saved up. I’ve already planned it out, Mother. The money you saved should be kept for buying tea-processing machinery in the future and paying the down payment to the bank.”
Laichun said to Xiaoqiao, “Our Wenyan is in such a hurry to marry you into the family because he’s afraid you might change your mind again…”
Xiaoqiao said, “Mother Laichun, I won’t make Wenyan keep waiting any longer.”
Laichun said happily, “That’s good, that’s good.”
14
Wenyan and Xiaoqiao came to Chen Huolu’s house to look for Baofeng. Mingdao was there as well.
Baofeng said, “Wenyan, Xiaoqiao, congratulations on finally achieving a happy ending together.”
Mingdao joked, “Wenyan, Xiaoqiao, luckily you two got back together. Otherwise Baofeng probably would never have given up and agreed to be with me.”
Baofeng glared angrily at him and said, “How can you joke like that in front of Xiaoqiao?”
Mingdao quickly apologized and said, “A slip of the tongue, a slip of the tongue! Honored couple, please don’t take offense!”
Baofeng cursed, saying, “This Ministry of National Defense is really bullying people too much. They killed the boy’s father, and now they won’t even leave the son alone! Then they even force him to join the Kuomintang. What kind of government is this? Is there still any justice left?”
Mingdao said, “There’s nothing that can be done about it. The regulations are just like this.”
Baofeng said, “Mingdao, Wenyan wants to ask for your help, for your father to step in and try communicating with the Ministry of National Defense.”
Mingdao said, “When I go back, I’ll mention it to my father first. Then we’ll arrange a time, and Wenyan, you can come to my house and speak with my father face to face.”
Baofeng said, “Your father should be able to help, right?”
Mingdao said, “I can’t be completely certain about that either, but my father quite admires Wenyan. He will definitely help with this matter.”
Wenyan said, “Baofeng, don’t put pressure on Mingdao.”
Baofeng said, “Of course I have to put some pressure on him. Otherwise what use is this childhood friend of ours?”
15
Baofeng accompanied Wenyan and Xiaoqiao to Ouyang Mingdao’s house. Mingdao prepared a plate of cut fruit to entertain them.
Ouyang Jing said, “Wenyan, Mingdao already told me about your situation. Your reserve officer qualification should not have a causal relationship with whether or not you join the Kuomintang. The background investigation system itself already carries political considerations. Frankly speaking, I cannot change the Ministry of National Defense’s decision.”
Mingdao felt very disappointed and complained, “Dad, Wenyan already passed the lawyer examination. Can you really bear to let the system deprive him of his reserve officer qualification?”
Lin Peixuan also said, “Honey, think of some way to help Wenyan.”
Ouyang Jing thought for a while and said, “How about this? Since you already passed the lawyer examination, it shows that you possess a certain level of legal expertise. My Military Judiciary Bureau needs talents like you. If you don’t mind, after you complete your new recruit training, I’ll transfer you to the Military Judiciary Bureau to serve as a clerical soldier. This job is highly specialized and, compared to frontline units, relatively much easier.”
Wenyan said, “That would be good as well. Thank you, Uncle, for helping.”
Ouyang Jing said, “Although this is not the best result, it will still allow your legal expertise to have room to be utilized. By the way, Mingdao said that you and Xiaoqiao are about to get engaged. Let me congratulate you both in advance.”
Lin Peixuan said, “That’s right! Xiaoqiao, you really have good judgment!”
Xiaoqiao said, “Thank you, Auntie.”
Lin Peixuan turned and asked Baofeng, “Baofeng, when will your grandfather finally agree to meet my husband and me?”
With an awkward expression, Baofeng said, “Auntie, it should be soon.”
16
Baofeng and Wenyan met beneath the magnolia tree.
Baofeng asked, “Wenyan, do you know why I asked you to come out here?”
Wenyan said, “I know. It’s because of Zhang Meihua.”
Baofeng said, “Mm! Meihua gave so much for you, but you gave her nothing more than a beautiful misunderstanding. If it were me, I would feel terribly depressed!”
Wenyan said, “Baofeng, I never intended to let her down, so I never gave her any promises.”
Baofeng said, “Three years ago, I was the one who entrusted Meihua to take care of you. She helped you walk out of the slump after your heartbreak. I originally thought you would accept her. I never expected that you still could not forget Xiaoqiao.”
Wenyan said, “Baofeng, actually I myself was never certain whether Xiaoqiao and I would have a future together. What I thought was this: if Xiaoqiao had fallen in love with someone else before I passed the national examination, then after I passed the examination, I would have accepted Meihua. But during these three years, although Xiaoqiao left my side, she never changed her feelings. I can imagine the pressure and painful emotions she endured.”
Baofeng said, “You really should feel grateful for Meihua’s silent devotion. Find an opportunity and thank Meihua yourself, alright? At least it will make her feel a little better.”
Wenyan said, “I will.”
Baofeng said, “Three years ago, Meihua and I met beneath this magnolia tree. At that time, I asked her to take care of your daily life and help you emerge from Xiaoqiao’s shadow. What Meihua worried about back then was precisely that you still could not let go of Xiaoqiao. But she said she wanted to give herself one chance and gamble once against fate.”
Wenyan murmured to himself, “Oh? Give herself one chance and gamble once against fate? Sigh! Wasn’t it the same between Xiaoqiao and me?”
17
Laichun led Wenyan, Xiaoqiao, and Wenying to the shared grave of Yu Lianfu and Lin Maotong.
Wenying and Wenyan placed fresh flowers and offerings of fruit before the tombstone.
Wenyan lit incense sticks and handed them to his family members and Xiaoqiao.
Holding three sticks of incense, Laichun said, “Lianfu, Maotong, when you were alive you were good neighbors, and after death you became good brothers. Your dutiful son Wenyan is about to unite in marriage with Miss Xia Xiaoqiao. Xiaoqiao is truly virtuous and well-behaved. In the future she will certainly become a good daughter-in-law of our Yu family. You and Maotong must bless our Yu family with peace and harmony, filial children, and worthy grandchildren…”
Wenyan, Wenying, and Xiaoqiao held incense sticks and bowed together, then inserted the incense into the burner before the tombstone.
Laichun said, “Wenyan, Mr. Ouyang agreed to transfer you to his unit. We must hold gratitude in our hearts. In the future, after you enter society, if you have the opportunity, you must find a way to repay him. Mr. Ouyang is not only your benefactor, but also a benefactor of our Yu family. When others show us even the slightest kindness, we must keep it in our hearts.”
Wenyan said, “Mother, I know.”
Laichun said, “Xiaoqiao, I entrust Wenyan and this family to you. From now on, you are the mistress of the Yu family. No matter how successful Wenyan’s career becomes in the future, or whether this family encounters great hardship, you must protect this tea plantation and these mountains and forests of our Yu family.”
Xiaoqiao said, “Mother, I will. Don’t worry.”
Laichun said, “Look, the tea plantations of our Lukeng Village stretch over mountain after mountain and ridge after ridge. There are mountains and streams everywhere. It truly is a paradise on earth…”
(The End)
