"You—you—you! Granny Yang, if you really cared about your daughter-in-law, would you have let her go back to work just three days after giving birth? You only did it for the sake of your grandsons! Others might think you’re some saint, but I see right through your scheming! Don’t act all high and mighty!"
"Oh, so you do know women are supposed to rest after childbirth!" Yang Yufen scoffed in disbelief.
Qin Nian stepped forward, reaching out a hand. "Mom, take it slow. Be careful not to fall. Let’s get down first."
From behind the wall, Qin Nian’s voice rang out again.
"I know better than anyone who treats me well and who doesn’t. When I was pregnant, my mother-in-law prepared three meals a day for me without fail. When I worked, she supported me wholeheartedly, ensuring I had no worries.
I chose to return to work three days after giving birth because I wanted to. I was willing to dedicate myself to serving our country. And it was my mother-in-law who didn’t stop me, who didn’t use the child to tie me down, that allowed me to pursue what I wanted. So her kindness isn’t some performance for outsiders—it’s genuine!"
Qin Nian’s voice was firm and resolute as she looked at Yang Yufen with gratitude. The two women clasped hands, united.
"Bravo! Well said!"
A burst of applause and cheers erupted from outside the courtyard, drawing everyone’s attention.
A group of uniformed military personnel stood there, including Dean Hu and Hu Jun.
"Comrade Yang Yufen’s ideological awareness is something we should all learn from. Late marriage and childbirth align with the needs of our revolution. Family should never become shackles that hinder the growth of women’s values.
We encourage our female comrades to liberate themselves from the burdens of household labor and devote themselves wholeheartedly to socialist construction. Favoring sons over daughters is unacceptable—whether as workers, farmers, or soldiers, every role holds value in contributing to society!"
Wang Aimin stepped outside and went pale at the sight of the officials.
"We came today to visit Comrade Shen Xianjun, but we ended up witnessing this enlightening scene. Dean Hu, it seems the families in our residential compound still need to raise their ideological awareness. Academic knowledge alone isn’t enough for research—moral character is equally crucial."
"Indeed, we should organize more ideological meetings. But it’s getting late—let’s go see Comrade Shen Xianjun first." Dean Hu shot Wang Aimin a pointed look.
"Grandpa!"
Dabao came barreling out like a little firecracker, scrambling up Dean Hu’s leg.
"Whoa, slow down!"
Dean Hu steadied the child, about to pick him up, but Army Commander Liao got there first.
With one hand, he hoisted Dabao into the air. The boy showed no fear, gripping the commander’s arm and locking his legs to climb higher, his big eyes gleaming with curiosity as he studied the man.
"So these are Xianjun’s twins, eh? This one takes after his father."
Army Commander Liao laughed heartily, shifting from holding the boy by the collar to cradling him properly.
Dean Hu picked up Erbao.
"That’s right. The one in Commander Liao’s arms is the elder, Li Wu. This is the younger, Li Wen."
"The younger one resembles your student, Comrade Qin Nian."
Army Commander Liao smiled warmly at Erbao.
The group walked off chatting and laughing, leaving Wang Aimin standing alone. Only when they were out of sight did he storm back inside, his face dark with fury.
"Happy now? If I lose my position at the institute, the whole family can pack up and go back to farming in the countryside!"
He slammed the door behind him. Mother Wang stood frozen—she’d only scolded her daughter-in-law a little. What daughter-in-law didn’t get an earful from her mother-in-law? She hadn’t even laid a hand on her!
"This is all your fault, you jinx!"
She glared at her daughter-in-law, who was holding her child, then glanced at the neighboring wall and swallowed the rest of her words. Turning on her heel, she hurried after her son—she had no intention of returning to rural life.
"Commander, what brings you here?"
Shen Xianjun was stunned to see his former superior and quickly saluted.
"Just checking in on you. Time’s short—let’s find a place to talk."
"Go with Grandma to get some cookies."
At Yang Yufen’s words, the two children toddled off after her. Qin Nian poured water for the guests and stepped out to give Army Commander Liao and Shen Xianjun privacy.
"Mother-in-law, I’ll take Nian to my place to fetch something. We’ll be back soon."
Dean Hu spoke up as well.
"Of course."
Yang Yufen nodded.
Qin Nian was puzzled but followed Dean Hu without question.
Inside the room, Army Commander Liao surveyed the bookshelf and the open volumes on the desk.
"Are these Comrade Qin Nian’s books?"
"No, my father-in-law and brother-in-law thought I’d be bored during my recovery, so they brought these for me. Quite interesting, actually."
Shen Xianjun eyed the stack—he’d only made it to the second book so far.
"Good. Young people should never stop learning. Sit."
Army Commander Liao nodded approvingly. This was the true meaning of revolutionary partnership—mutual growth.
"Xianjun, I’ll be retiring soon. I made sure you were transferred to your brother-in-law Hu Jun’s unit—Old Zhao must’ve told you. Now, take this to the Party School. The date’s already marked."
He handed over an approved application, stamped and official.
"Retiring? So suddenly?"
Shen Xianjun was taken aback.
"By month’s end, the downsizing of the military will be announced. At my age, I ought to set an example and make way for the younger generation. Study those books your father-in-law gave you. The future of our nation rests on your shoulders."
"Commander—"
Shen Xianjun started, but Army Commander Liao raised a hand.
"This is a strategic policy for the nation’s progress. A soldier’s duty is to obey. Military funds must go toward weapons research, but we also need capable minds to wield them. The global landscape shifts daily—fall behind, and we’ll be beaten again."
Shen Xianjun fell silent. Even after seeing his commander off, his brow remained furrowed.
Meanwhile...
"Professor, is something the matter?"
Qin Nian felt inexplicably uneasy.
"Sit. This is something I’ve deliberated over carefully, but the final decision is yours. No need to be nervous."
Dean Hu poured himself tea.
"Every year, we have quotas for government-sponsored study abroad. But too many who leave find excuses not to return, making the selection process increasingly difficult."
Qin Nian nodded slightly—she was aware of the issue.
"Last year’s military parade finally let us stand tall with pride. Yet this year, foreign experimental data and technology have surged far ahead of ours. Studying abroad is both an opportunity and a risk."
"Are you... asking me to go?"
Qin Nian was stunned. She’d once wanted to, but her professor had refused—citing the dangers of scholars being intercepted or choosing not to return, not to mention the hardships of living abroad. For her safety, neither he nor his wife had ever agreed.
