"Withdrawn?"
Upon hearing the news, Jiang Si froze for a moment, never expecting the situation to reverse to this extent in less than three days.
"He's been competing with Dad for this position for years—why would he suddenly withdraw?"
And using poor health as the reason.
Even someone like Jiang Si, who had never served in the military, could tell that Yu Changqing's excuse was far-fetched.
"We don’t know the specifics either."
Mother Huo only shared what she knew. "The announcement was issued early this morning by the Central Military Commission and the General Political Department, so it’s unlikely to be false."
"But whether he withdraws or not, it won’t make much difference to your father now."
Seeing Jiang Si’s curious expression, Mother Huo lowered her voice and continued.
"The incident between the Yu and Ling families yesterday has already reached the top—even the highest leadership was alerted."
At this, Jiang Si stopped eating. "That serious?"
Mother Huo nodded. "From what your father told me, the Ling family’s representative was demoted and given a major demerit this morning, and there might even be a military-wide reprimand."
To jog Jiang Si’s memory, Mother Huo added, "The one who’s been divorced four or five times."
Jiang Si let out an "Oh!" "So it’s him—no wonder."
A hint of satisfaction colored Mother Huo’s tone. "The Ling family has been throwing their weight around in Capital City for years, squandering nearly all the merits their ancestors accumulated. And yet, they still refuse to rein themselves in."
"Now, with three consecutive penalties, once Old Master Ling retires next year, their family will be finished."
"Though Yu Changqing only received a Party warning, elections are a zero-sum game."
"His approval ratings were already lower than your father’s, and after this, his chances are practically nonexistent."
"So he knew he couldn’t win this time and chose to withdraw voluntarily—saving face while also doing us a favor."
Jiang Si couldn’t help but sigh. "This man really plans every step with meticulous calculation."
Jiang Si wasn’t entirely wrong, but there was more to it.
Mother Huo had dealt with the Yu family for decades and understood Yu Changqing well.
"Aside from those reasons, I suspect another factor is you."
"Me?" Jiang Si thought for a moment. "Because of Yu Manli?"
"Exactly." Mother Huo nodded.
Jiang Si still looked puzzled. "A man who pushed his daughter into a political marriage—would he really go this far for her?"
"Perhaps his spirit has been broken."
Mother Huo considered her words. "Jiang Si, you must understand—the Yu family didn’t rise to where they are today by his efforts alone."
"The same goes for your father."
"From the moment they entered the race, they became pieces on a chessboard, with no control over their own moves."
"So no one would withdraw until the very end."
"Even if he wanted to, those backing him wouldn’t allow it."
"With three months left, the outcome is still uncertain."
Whatever the reason, Yu Changqing’s withdrawal was undoubtedly good news for the Huo family.
Though nothing was official until the promotion documents were signed, Mother Huo couldn’t resist sharing her joy with her daughter-in-law.
"Barring any surprises, your father will be promoted to head of the military in a few months."
Jiang Si wasn’t surprised by this outcome, but she was genuinely happy.
Noticing her mother-in-law’s lingering smile, Jiang Si suddenly had a realization. "Mom, if Dad gets promoted, will it affect Tingzhou?"
She vaguely remembered Huo Tingzhou mentioning something before.
In this era, immediate family members in the military were usually stationed in different regions to avoid conflicts of interest.
If Father Huo was promoted to the military headquarters, he’d no longer be under Capital City’s jurisdiction.
Wouldn’t that mean Huo Tingzhou could be reassigned to Capital City for his next promotion?
If so, they’d need to prepare early.
As expected, Mother Huo confirmed Jiang Si’s speculation. "Once your father is promoted, Tingzhou’s next promotion will likely bring him back to Capital City!"
"Jiang Si, I’ve waited so long for this day—I’m overjoyed." Just thinking about it made Mother Huo too excited to sleep.
"Me too, Mom."
Jiang Si hadn’t expected such a sudden turn of events. She’d thought they’d be stuck on Qiongzhou Island for five or eight more years.
The two chatted about this for a while longer.
"Oh, I almost forgot!" Mother Huo suddenly remembered something and hurried to fetch a photo album.
"Jiang Si, these are the photos from your wedding banquet, and here’s our family portrait."
"And these are from our outings with your parents—look how lovely they turned out."
Jiang Si flipped through the pages, nodding in agreement.
"I made two copies—this one is for you to take back to Qiongzhou Island."
Mother Huo gave her a playful scolding before handing her a framed photo.
"Jiang Si, look at this one."
Jiang Si glanced up.
In the photo, she and Huo Tingzhou stood at the center of the ceremonial stage, with the Deputy Leader holding a microphone beside them.
The angle was perfect—all three were front and center, their faces clearly captured.
"Mom, this photo…"
Jiang Si wasn’t surprised by the photo itself, but by the fact that it had been framed. Was that appropriate?
"Don’t worry."
Mother Huo understood her concern. "This frame was delivered by the Deputy Leader’s aide."
"I also checked with Grandpa Huo. He said since it was a gift from leadership, you can hang it somewhere suitable at home without overthinking it."
Though Grandpa Huo didn’t elaborate, Mother Huo knew.
He hadn’t forgotten the grievances Jiang Si faced on Qiongzhou Island.
Touched, Jiang Si realized this was her family’s way of standing up for her.
"Mom, thank you."
"If you say ‘thank you’ again, I’ll be upset." Mother Huo pretended to frown, though her smile returned within seconds.
Jiang Si nodded. "Mom, there’s one more thing we’d like to ask of you."
"Family doesn’t say ‘ask’—just tell me."
Jiang Si repeated Third Uncle’s words verbatim before adding,
"Mom, the east room in the main house hasn’t been used. If you and Dad have time, you should stay there for a few days."
Mother Huo waved it off. "Don’t worry, I’ll handle it."
Seeing the time, Mother Huo stood. "I’ll go buy groceries and make you something delicious for the train ride."
Though the train had a dining car, Jiang Si didn’t refuse.
A mother’s worry follows her child a thousand miles.
At this moment, if they weren’t allowed to do anything, the elders would feel uneasy instead.
Thinking there was nothing much to do at home anyway,
Jiang Si took a step forward and linked arms with Mother Huo. "Mom, let me go with you."
"Wonderful, wonderful!" Mother Huo was more than happy to have her daughter-in-law close to her.
As they walked out, Mother Huo held Jiang Si’s hand the entire way, her heart brimming with joy.
And honestly, her daughter-in-law’s hands were slender and delicate, with perfectly even knuckles.
They looked like freshly peeled bamboo shoots—pale, smooth, and soft to the touch.
No wonder her son couldn’t resist them; even as a woman, she adored them.
Chatting as they walked, they soon reached their destination.
