Chapter Fourteen: Departure

In a certain residence in the capital city, the phone rang in the living room.

“Old man, I’m getting married!” Finally, it was no longer the usual headache that made the elders in the family ashamed to look at him.

“Getting married? Who wants you? You little rascal, don’t lie to me!” Yin Ke paused, unable to believe it, even rubbing his ear to confirm the news. Was it really true?

His son had changed? Both he and the child’s mother had long given up pressuring him, and now he was telling them he was getting married? He glanced outside, but it was still broad daylight!

“Man Qiao, Man Qiao, the rascal says he’s getting married!” Yin Ke, once a scholar-soldier renowned for his discipline, now disregarded appearances and eagerly waved to his beloved, who had just stopped reading the newspaper at the sound of the news.

“You know the Jiang family, right? Uncle Jiang’s daughter, Jingzhu. Now, are you satisfied? I’m on a mission and didn’t bring any small change. You and Grandma gather whatever savings you have, prepare a generous gift, and send it to Jinhe. This is the only big matter in my life that requires your effort, so be efficient!” Yin Zhen teased his parents; weren’t they always nagging him?

He just hadn’t met the right person until now. With this settled, watch how quickly he surpasses his old man’s achievements! After all, he’s the only one; when they’re old, he’ll take care of them. Now, he won’t hold back!

They called him a rascal every day, and he was indeed one. But if he dared to stand up to Old Yin, then what was he?

Of course, amid the teasing, Yin Zhen succinctly explained the whole story, also checking how things were in the capital and whether the news had upset the elders. Everything seemed fine!

“Zhen, your mother will prepare the betrothal gifts immediately and send them to the Jiang family. We’ll arrange a time for your father and me to speak with them, to thank them for entrusting their beloved daughter to our family.” Coming from a respectable background, even with distance and tight timing, etiquette could not be neglected. Both Old Yin and Man Qiao insisted on formally asking for the bride and expressing their gratitude.

After a pause, Man Qiao earnestly reminded him: “Your future in-laws have raised you since childhood; you must never betray their trust and love!

Your parents taught you well— a true man’s word is as solid as a rock. You and Zhuzhu are destined to form a family together; you must treat her well and shoulder your family responsibilities.

Don’t let Zhuzhu be afraid. Your father and I will watch over her and won’t allow anyone to mistreat our child!” They did not rely on power to bully others, but they would never tolerate their child suffering injustice.

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Urgently conveying the essentials before the coming storm, hearing that their only son was starting his own family brought complete peace of mind to her and her husband.

If it weren’t for the fact that she and Old Yin might soon face their own struggles, the military family status would provide long-term protection for Zhuzhu. They would certainly want the two children to spend more time together and ensure that the Jiang family’s precious daughter was treated well.

Her child’s excellence was evident to all these years, and having such a match truly made them grateful to the in-laws for their trust.

Their only son was born on the battlefield, raised in the military, enlisted as a youth, deeply rooted in the army, and had fought bravely. Now, with his achievements, both she and the father were deeply proud. Aside from the marriage troubles, he had scarcely caused them any worry.

“Well done, boy, this is what makes your old man proud!” Yin Ke joyfully applauded, delighted that his son had truly found an outstanding partner.

“Zhuzhu, are you really certain? Is it really him? No regrets?” Jiang Jingnan was the first to firmly agree to the matchmaking, but when it came to sending his little sister into marriage, he hesitated and checked repeatedly with Jiang Jingzhu. It wasn’t that Yin Zhen was unreliable, but marriage required more than just dependability! She and her husband had entered marriage through love and long mutual understanding.

“Zhuzhu, you’re still young. You must protect yourself in marriage. Don’t tolerate bad treatment from any man. If you face any grievances, never hide them from the family!” As the parting approached, Tong Shufen and Jiang Jingnan gave her repeated advice. Over these days, they had said so much, without order, speaking whatever came to mind, wanting to pass all their hard-earned experience to the little sister.

Filling out forms, transferring files, hospital discharge, packing, leaving school, registering...

Time seemed to have been wound up and accelerated.

In the blink of an eye, three days passed. Everything was kept simple. After both parents agreed over the phone and solemnly arranged the engagement, her brother-in-law Wen Zheng brought little Chengcheng from Jinhe to Huining. The family dined together quietly, without any fuss. Jiang Jingzhu transformed from a single student to a married military dependent, setting off with her new husband on a journey southward.

The platform was filled with farewells.

Though the future was uncertain, Jiang Jingzhu felt little fear or worry about it. Instead, she felt more sadness about parting from her family.

From the northernmost to the southernmost parts of the country, from the coldest lands to the warmest islands, she could adapt to the changes in climate and customs. But separation from her family, with inconvenient transportation and the great distance, made returning and visiting difficult. The inability to meet often saddened her most.

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“Brother-in-law, my little brother can be a bit reckless at times. Please watch over our family more carefully. My sister has a quick temper, so please be patient with her. You’re steady and reliable; take good care of her and Chengcheng!” Jiang Jingzhu deeply bowed to Wen Zheng, who had rushed over from Jinhe to witness her marriage.

“Little sister, don’t worry, I will!” Wen Zheng nodded firmly. Treated like a son by his in-laws, he would naturally take on the responsibility.

“Chengcheng, your aunt will miss you. I’ll send you coconut candies and squid strips!” Each place nurtures its people; these were abundant in the south.

“Thank you, Auntie. Take care of yourself. I will miss you!” The little three-headed, bear-like toddler, Wen Chengcheng, struggled to wave his hand and called out loudly. The tiny child seemed to sense the parting atmosphere, and his innocent words warmed everyone’s hearts.

“Dad, Mom, please take good care of yourselves. Wait for me until I have the means to bring you over. Brother, sister, you must take care of yourselves too!” Holding his parents tightly, tears silently slid from Jiang Jingzhu’s eyes into her scarf. Though she had left home before, this was the first time she was going so far away.

Finally having a family, she could have been a fledgling bird, spending a few more years with them, perhaps even staying nearby if things had gone smoothly. But because of her carelessness, now separated by thousands of miles, she made her family worry deeply, filling her with guilt.

“Zhuzhu, dear, your parents will find a way to visit you. Yin Zhen is a good boy; he will take care of you. Don’t be afraid. We don’t mind spending money. I’ll send you money, call, and write letters often. Stay in touch as if we are always with you!” Tong Shufen held her daughter tightly, her heart breaking.

If it weren’t for unavoidable circumstances, they would never have let Zhuzhu leave home at such a young age. They wanted to nurture her for at least three or five more years!

“Zhen, Zhuzhu and your uncle are entrusting her to you. I hope you treat her well. If she ever does something wrong, don’t get mad—come to me or your uncle, and we’ll talk to her!”

Though rushed, and both being good children hoping for a harmonious marriage and lifelong companionship, if anything happened, they were willing to bring Zhuzhu back because they couldn’t bear to see her suffer.