Chapter 194: Chapter 194: Comfort from General Zhuo, A Military Genius

""Old Chief, I swear on my life that every word I’ve said is true.

Whether you believe me or not, please, you must be careful of this man. He’s been lurking within our ranks for years—he must be up to something."" And it’s not just some petty scheme.

At the time, he’d only heard a rough outline; he didn’t know He Liangong’s true identity or background, let alone his real intentions.

But thinking back on it now, he felt a chill run down his spine.

A spy, a traitor, hiding in our army for years, barely making any moves, yet rising steadily through the ranks.

If he were ever to gain control of the southwestern border, who knows what might happen next.

Tang Zhenye clearly believed him.

""Huai’an, I trust you. Don’t worry—whatever he’s planning, as long as I, Tang Zhenye, am here, I won’t let him succeed."" Tang Zhenye’s words were firm and powerful, instantly putting Xu Huai’an’s anxious heart at ease.

The reason he wanted to tell Tang Zhenye about this right away was because he was worried the old chief would continue to be deceived.

Now, everything was in Tang Zhenye’s hands.

After hanging up the phone, Xu Huai’an’s emotions were in turmoil for a long time.

Ever since his memories returned, he’d been on edge, constantly thinking about how to handle this matter—how to bring He Liangong to justice, avenge the dead, and protect the living.

He had no time to grieve.

He’d already wasted two years—he couldn’t afford to make any more mistakes.

Until Tang Zhenye said he would take care of it.

Only then did Xu Huai’an finally feel at peace. Faces from the past flashed through his mind—it felt like just yesterday, but two years had already passed. Everything had changed.

I’m sorry. Forgive me for hiding away like a coward for two years. I just hope it’s not too late.

Xu Huai’an buried his head in his hands and wept, unable to stop his tears.

He hadn’t meant to forget—it was just that, at that moment, he’d completely broken down. He simply couldn’t bear such a cruel blow.

If only it had all been just a dream!

Zhuo Yifan stood up and patted Xu Huai’an on the shoulder. ""Young man, you have to learn to move on. If you’re always stuck in the past, you’re just trapping yourself.

You have to believe that every dead end hides a turning point. Even a pile of chicken feathers can be made into a feather duster.

Life is bound to be full of storms—you need to be able to withstand them. You can only keep getting stronger; there’s no room for retreat.

Only by learning to let go and move forward can you get through the hard times. Otherwise, you’ll always be led around by the nose by your own life—and I’m sure that doesn’t feel good.

When the storm is over, you won’t remember how you survived. You might not even be sure the storm is really over.

But one thing is certain: when you’ve made it through, you’re no longer the same person you were.

On this road of life, you have to learn to grow. When you’re traveling day and night, don’t shrink back. If you keep going, you’ll meet a new version of yourself. If you’re always clinging to the past and hating your own weakness, you’re bound to be defeated by the storm, and all you’ll be left with is tears.""

These were heartfelt words from someone who’d been through it all. To get where he was, Zhuo Yifan had weathered his own share of storms and lightning.

If he hadn’t learned to wave goodbye to the past and make peace with himself, he wouldn’t be here today.

Xu Huai’an had been trapped by the deaths of his comrades for two years, unable to move on. It showed he was a man of deep feeling—but those who care deeply are often the most easily swayed by emotion.

It was a good thing, but also not entirely so.

""Thank you, General Zhuo!"" Xu Huai’an wasn’t ungrateful—he knew Zhuo Yifan meant well.

""Alright. The abyss of yesterday, the light talk of today—it’s good if you can come to terms with it.

You’re a promising young man; your future should be bright. I hope this incident doesn’t become a stumbling block on your path.

A river doesn’t rush to be first; it strives to flow on and on.

Better to be the moon over the sea than a cloud returning to the mountains.

Those who strive will shine wherever they are.

Xu Huai’an, to be honest, I admire you a lot. In all these years, no young person has ever impressed me this much.

I hope we’ll have more chances to work together in the future. There will always be a place for you here."" Zhuo Yifan reached out his hand like a friend.

Xu Huai’an grasped it firmly. The old and the young man shook hands tightly.

""Thank you, General Zhuo. I don’t deserve such praise. Even though I’m retired now, my heart will always be with Huaguo.

Through this temporary cooperation, I’ve gained some insights into this form of group combat, and I’d like to discuss them with you.""

""Oh? Really? Go ahead.""

Zhuo Yifan thought he just wanted to share his feelings, but to his surprise, Xu Huai’an had a wealth of unique ideas—about organizing special operations teams, their strengths and weaknesses, how to maximize their advantages, and how to train an elite squad.

He covered everything, clear and logical. At first, Zhuo Yifan didn’t think much of it, but the more he listened, the more shocked he became.

Eventually, Zhuo Yifan even grabbed a notebook and pen from the table, quickly jotting down Xu Huai’an’s words, afraid he might forget them.

Xu Huai’an spoke non-stop, pouring out all the excellent ideas he’d absorbed from books in his previous life, eager to share them with Zhuo Yifan.

He wanted to help him build a stronger team and accelerate Huaguo’s military development.

Although he knew from history that Huaguo would inevitably grow strong, that process required the hard work, repeated trials, and failures of countless people.

He wanted to help them avoid some detours.

Whenever Zhuo Yifan heard something brilliant, he would burst out laughing.

It wasn’t until Xu Huai’an’s throat was dry and hoarse from talking that Zhuo Yifan realized he’d forgotten to refill his guest’s water.

After all, Xu Huai’an was still a patient.

He quickly poured him a glass himself.

Reluctant to let him leave, Zhuo Yifan kept him around, discussing all sorts of military deployments.

The two hit it off, and for the first time, Zhuo Yifan felt truly enlightened by a young man. No one had ever dared show off their skills in front of him before, but Xu Huai’an did—and did it brilliantly.

Some vague ideas Zhuo Yifan had harbored were confirmed and validated by Xu Huai’an.

He seemed so certain, so confident—he practically glowed.

Before, Zhuo Yifan had known Xu Huai’an was physically strong and a capable leader.

Now, he had to add: a military genius, quick-witted and exceptionally smart.

He Liangong was a madman who deserved to die a thousand deaths, but at least he’d done one good thing—he’d let Xu Huai’an live.

What a stroke of luck!

A military genius like this, who understood things instantly and had such unique insights—if he’d died in the mountains, it would have been a real tragedy.

Not that anyone else deserved to die, but Xu Huai’an alone was worth several battalions, maybe even regiments. Losing him would be a loss too great to bear.

The two talked from noon until dusk, only stopping when the city lights began to glow.

""Huai’an, you keep surprising me—truly a born commander!"" Zhuo Yifan exclaimed.

Xu Huai’an waved his hands awkwardly. ""General Zhuo, you flatter me. I just have a few shallow ideas, that’s all!""

""Hey, young people should be humble when it’s time to be humble, but you should also be proud when you deserve it—and you do."" General Zhuo patted him on the shoulder, his admiration obvious.

""You made a great contribution in this operation. If your medical checkup comes back fine, I’d like to take this opportunity to bring you back into the team. I’ll keep your file with me for now, and when the time comes, you’ll be rewarded for your merits. What do you think?""

Zhuo Yifan laid his cards on the table.

He’d thought about this for a long time.

He also understood why Tang Zhenye had sent Xu Huai’an to him.

From the first time he met Xu Huai’an, he’d wanted to recruit him.

But back then, he had many concerns—Xu Huai’an’s mental health, the doubts surrounding him as the sole survivor of 715... All in all, recruiting Xu Huai’an didn’t seem like the right choice.

But Xu Huai’an had proven himself, step by step, with his strength and ability, deepening Zhuo Yifan’s desire to bring him in.

After this mission, he saw a tough, fearless, iron-blooded soldier.

His mind was made up.

And now, Xu Huai’an had given him yet another pleasant surprise.

This young man was truly multi-faceted and outstanding. More importantly, he possessed all the finest qualities of a soldier.

If he missed out on Xu Huai’an, Zhuo Yifan knew he’d regret it for the rest of his life.

So Zhuo Yifan made his decision on the spot and told Xu Huai’an plainly: I want you on my team. What do you say?"

"Chapter 195: Eager to Return, One Tree Does Not Make a Forest

Xu Huai’an never expected he’d get such an opportunity again—he was stunned.

On one hand, he knew very well that his personality and abilities were best suited for life in the military. There, he thrived, free and at ease.

This was an even bigger stage than the Western Guang Military District. To be honest, it was very tempting.

But on the other hand, he simply couldn’t let go of Gu Qinghuan.

The experiences of the past two years had changed him a lot, making him cherish everything he had now even more.

Yes, he admitted he was sentimental, unable to let go, unwilling to part.

Not seeing her these days, only able to comfort himself with photos, had been pure torment.

Moreover, if he really returned to the army, he’d have to leave the two children to her alone. She’d never refuse, of course, but it would be so unfair to her.

Zhuo Yifan had expected a straightforward answer, but was surprised to see Xu Huai’an hesitate.

“What’s wrong? Is there a problem?”

“General Zhuo, I know it might sound ungrateful, but please allow me to think it over.

You might not know, but I have two children at home. My wife takes care of them by herself, holding the family together—it’s exhausting. I can’t bear to let her shoulder it all alone.

So, I need to think about it carefully. May I give you my answer later?”

Zhuo Yifan raised an eyebrow.

“You kid, no one has ever told me they needed to think about my offer! You’re the first.

But I understand. Being a military wife isn’t easy. You should discuss it with her before making a decision.

How about this: the New Year is almost here. Go home and have a good holiday. Give me your answer after the New Year. It’s fine if it’s a little late—I can wait. Here, take down my number.”

Instead of being angry, Zhuo Yifan liked Xu Huai’an even more. No one could refuse a person who was both capable and valued relationships.

Someone with ability but no loyalty would never go far.

“Thank you, General Zhuo!” Xu Huai’an stood up and bowed.

Just for being willing to give him this chance, he was grateful.

“Don’t be so formal with me. You’ve made a great contribution this time. If you have any requests or difficulties, just let me know.”

“Thank you for your concern, General Zhuo. I have no requests or difficulties.”

Xu Huai’an was eager to return home. Despite still having some minor injuries, he left the Ministry of Defense and rushed straight to the villa, only to find that Gu Qinghuan had already taken the children back to her hometown. The family had left him a letter.

There were still three days until the New Year.

He wanted to go home and reunite with them.

At the train station, he discovered that all trains had stopped running due to heavy snow.

With no other option, he had to call Zhuo Yifan for help.

He’d just said he didn’t need any help, and now, less than two hours later, he was asking for it. Xu Huai’an felt a little embarrassed.

Zhuo Yifan didn’t laugh at him. Instead, he called the aviation department and found out there was a flight to the Northeast the next morning.

He pulled some strings to get Xu Huai’an’s name on the passenger list.

This was a favor based on personal connections, but he didn’t tell Xu Huai’an that.

At this time, flying wasn’t something you could do just because you had money. Only state officials of a certain rank or special groups like overseas Chinese and foreign guests could fly.

Xu Huai’an was desperate to get home. He packed his things that night and boarded the plane early the next morning.

—

Today was the 28th day of the twelfth lunar month.

As the folk song goes: “On the 28th, make dough rise; on the 28th, pound cakes, steam buns, and paste paper flowers.”

According to tradition, by the 28th, every household would start preparing staple foods for the New Year, whether it was making dough or steaming buns.

Zhong Zijun and Gu Lanting, mother and son, had talked a lot. By now, Zhong Zijun knew everything that had happened in the capital, including what had happened to Zhong Luoning.

She felt heartache for her niece and grandniece, and was also thinking about how to break the news to the two elderly family members.

Zhong Luoning was the old couple’s only biological granddaughter, raised like a princess—gentle, elegant, and poised.

Back then, her marriage had been approved by the old couple. Now, after all she’d suffered, Zijun worried the elders wouldn’t be able to take it.

And there was still Youran’s illness to consider.

Heavens, why couldn’t you spare them some suffering and let the elders bear the burdens instead!

She wasn’t old-fashioned, thinking women couldn’t live without men.

She just felt sorry that her niece had to pay for someone else’s mistakes, ruining her life—it was such a pity.

Gu Qinghuan got up early to cook, but Zhong Zijun was up even earlier.

She hadn’t slept well after talking with Gu Lanting last night, troubled by everything on her mind.

Unexpectedly, Zhong Luoning also got up soon after. She was much better now and didn’t want to trouble her cousin anymore, so she naturally took the initiative to help with chores.

Zhong Zijun put aside her sadness.

The three of them made breakfast together.

For their first breakfast back home, they made several trays of red date and brown sugar steamed buns to boost everyone’s energy, and cooked a pot of soft, fragrant cornmeal porridge.

There were also all kinds of pickled vegetables and dried radishes that Gu Qinghuan had brought back from the capital, perfect to go with the porridge.

After a hearty breakfast, Zhong Zijun got ready to go to the cowshed to fetch the old couple.

Originally, everyone wanted to go together, but with so many people, it would draw too much attention.

So they decided that Gu Lanting and Zhong Zijun would go pick up the elders for the reunion.

Zhong Weiqian and Cheng Shuying had been waiting eagerly at home. When they heard that not only had their granddaughter come back, but also their grandson and biological granddaughter, they were moved to tears as they hugged Lanting, and couldn’t wait to go with them to Gu Qinghuan’s place.

The family was finally reunited, only missing the eldest uncle and aunt.

Before coming, Zhong Zijun had already warned the elders, briefly telling them about Zhong Luoning’s situation.

The two elders were even stronger than she’d expected—they’d weathered many storms before.

Back then, with Gu Yunchuan, and now with Xu Jianguo, they’d seen their share of betrayal and petty people.

Cheng Shuying set aside her usual reserve and cursed the Xu family thoroughly, her eyes brimming with tears for her granddaughter.

“I was wise all my life but muddled for a moment. I should never have agreed to Zijun and Luoning’s marriages back then. I harmed them!”

Zhong Zijun hugged her mother, and the two cried together. With Lanting’s comfort, they gradually felt better.

After wiping away their tears, by the time they arrived at Gu Qinghuan’s, everyone was cheerful again. After all, it was the New Year—no one wanted to bring up unhappy memories.

Seeing her long-lost relatives, Zhong Luoning was moved to tears, and even Youran was affected by her emotions.

The family sat together in the main room, chatting and catching up.

Gu Qinghuan returned from outside, travel-worn, carrying a sack over her shoulder and a basket in her hand, both full of good things.

Yes, she’d gone to the commune early that morning after breakfast.

The family had plenty of vegetables, but not much meat. She had some in her space, but couldn’t take it out directly.

So she deliberately went to the commune, then brought things back, making it all look natural.

With the New Year coming, the family would use a lot, and she also needed to prepare some for her grandparents. Plus, Ji Linhai had saved Zhong Zijun, so she wanted to thank him. That’s why she brought back so much.

Last night, while everyone was asleep, she’d snuck into her space and harvested a lot from the farm.

She gathered all kinds of wild eggs—pheasant, “flying dragon,” turtledove—filling a whole basket, enough to last a while.

She killed three pheasants and three wild rabbits. There weren’t many “flying dragons,” so she only took one, but luckily a new brood had just hatched on the farm, so next year they’d have plenty.

She couldn’t bring herself to kill a wild boar, so she just bought a big piece of pork from the vending machine—a whole hind leg, hoof and all, weighing over ten pounds.

She also brought back some spices and other things the family needed.

Zhong Zijun and Gu Lanting hurried to help her with the sack.

“Sis, why did you buy so much? If I’d known, I would’ve gone with you.”

Gu Qinghuan was sweating despite the winter cold. Thanks to the spiritual spring water, she was strong now and had no trouble carrying all that.

If Xu Huai’an were home, this would’ve been his job.

“It’s fine, I can handle it.”

Everyone gathered around to see what she’d brought.

When she pulled out the big piece of pork, they were almost stunned.

“Huanhuan, where did you get this? Didn’t you need a ration ticket?” Cheng Shuying asked.

“No ticket needed—I have connections.”

They understood immediately.

The family always thought she knew some black market dealers.

Next came three skinned pheasants and wild rabbits, and even a rare “flying dragon,” freshly killed and not yet plucked.

“Sis, you can hunt in the dead of winter?” Lanting asked with interest—boys always liked dangerous things.

“Don’t even think about it. With the mountains snowed in, only the desperate would go up there. These wild game cost me a lot. With your small frame, don’t even think about it,” Gu Qinghuan quickly discouraged him.

Everyone started cleaning up—boiling water, plucking feathers, preparing lunch, and butchering the pork.

While they worked, they chatted, creating a warm and lively scene.

Ming Ruxue wanted to help, but the adults shooed her out, telling her to take the three kids to play in the village.

Gu Lanting complained, “I’m a kid too—why can’t I go out and play?”

Everyone burst out laughing.

Gu Qinghuan comforted him, “Hurry up and pluck the flying dragon. Tonight I’ll cook it for you—it’s a real treat, you’ve never had it, right?”

Since it was such a rare reunion, Gu Qinghuan decided to cook the flying dragon tonight for everyone to try.

“This is a flying dragon? Looks like a big bird to me. Doesn’t look like there’s much meat,” Lanting said, holding up the two birds in surprise.

Zhong Weiqian laughed, “The so-called flying dragon is actually a hazel grouse. Its meat is tender and snow-white. In the Qing Dynasty, only the emperor could eat it—it was a tribute bird.

It’s a rare species, usually weighing no more than half a pound, but it’s said to be extremely delicious.

Back in the capital, I’d heard about flying dragons, but never tasted one. Today, thanks to Huanhuan, I’ll get to enjoy it.

‘Dragon meat in the sky, donkey meat on the ground’—the ‘dragon’ refers to the flying dragon.

Such a delicacy is usually cooked in soup, not stir-fried.”

Hearing it was something only emperors could eat, Lanting got excited and quickly started plucking.

Gu Qinghuan gave Zhong Weiqian a thumbs up. “Grandpa, you’re so knowledgeable.”

“Haha, you little flatterer. But I’m happy to hear it.”

Gu Qinghuan and Zhong Zijun started preparing lunch.

For lunch, she planned to make a big stew.

Dabao and Beibei took Ming Ruxue and Youran to wander around the village.

They were all dressed nicely, looking completely different from the village kids, drawing envious looks.

Some kids recognized Dabao and Beibei. Someone, not quite sure, whispered, “Are you Dabao?”

Dabao turned and saw it was Shitou, Da Cheng’s former sidekick.

Remembering how Shitou had once stood up for him, Dabao didn’t hold a grudge. He nodded, “Shitou, it’s me. My mom and I are back from the capital. Here, have some fruit candy.”

He pulled out a few pieces of ordinary fruit candy from his pocket.

Gu Qinghuan never restricted them from eating snacks, but she’d taught them about moderation, so the kids weren’t obsessed with sweets anymore. Dabao brought the candy to share with the village kids.

He used to think he didn’t need friends, but after traveling with Gu Qinghuan, he’d learned a lot.

He understood now that a single thread can’t make a line, and one tree does not make a forest. His mindset had changed a lot."

"Chapter 196: Cutting Holes in the Ice, Hearty Stew