Lin Han had to leave for a mission that afternoon, but Ou Yaosheng's actions left him uneasy. Upon returning to the military district, he immediately reported the matter to Commander Ye.
Commander Ye reassured him, "Go ahead with your mission without worry. I’ll assign a skilled soldier to protect your wife. Lin Han, no one dares lay a finger on anyone under our military district’s protection."
After Lin Han left, Commander Ye promptly made a call to higher authorities. A mere county revolutionary committee director like Ou Yaosheng had the audacity to provoke them? He would be dealt with severely!
At the town government office, after Lin Han’s display of drawing his gun, no one dared trouble Nan Sheng further.
When the time came, the military district dispatched personnel to the county government to arrest those involved. All revolutionary committee members connected to Ou Yaosheng were taken away. With guns drawn, resistance was futile.
This time, Cao Guoxiang wisely stayed out of sight, fearing he might be implicated.
Since Ou Yaosheng was part of the revolutionary committee, the city committee was immediately notified. While Ou Yaosheng himself wasn’t significant, the committee’s reputation couldn’t be trampled upon.
Negotiations with the military district ensued, offering numerous concessions to secure Ou Yaosheng’s release. However, he was stripped of his position as county director and reassigned to a remote, desolate location.
The military district had initially intended to make an example of Ou Yaosheng, but the committee’s offers were too generous to refuse. Sometimes, it was better to show leniency.
Commander Ye specifically sent Zhang Yiheng to inform Nan Sheng of the outcome.
"Sister-in-law, Commander Ye asked me to relay that the matter has been resolved. Ou Yaosheng was beaten half to death and transferred to a remote area. You can work without concern—no one will dare trouble you again!"
Nan Sheng was naturally relieved, though she felt uneasy about having a young soldier accompany her to and from work.
"It’s no trouble, ma’am. We’re used to rigorous training anyway," the soldier reassured her.
Commander Ye was thorough. Even though Ou Yaosheng had been transferred, he insisted on assigning protection for a while longer, fearing potential retaliation.
On her day off, Nan Sheng bought gifts and visited Commander Ye’s home. "Is Sister-in-law home?"
Huang Xiaofang, having just finished breakfast, wondered who could be visiting so early. Opening the door, she smiled warmly. "Little sister, why stand outside? Come in! Don’t be so formal next time."
Nan Sheng handed over the meat and pastries she’d brought. "I’ve been busy with work and haven’t had time to visit. I was afraid no one would be home."
Huang Xiaofang flushed at the generous gifts. "Both Lao Ye and I are here. But really, you already sent so many good things through Lin Han during the New Year. How can we accept more this time? I absolutely can’t take these."
Just then, Commander Ye emerged, drawn by the commotion. Nan Sheng insisted, "Please accept them, Sister-in-law. I’ve caused so much trouble for Commander Ye and the military. If you refuse, I won’t be able to sleep peacefully."
Huang Xiaofang had heard from her husband about the incident and how Nan Sheng’s actions had inadvertently benefited the military district. But she wasn’t as articulate as Nan Sheng and could only glance at her husband, leaving it to him to decline.
"Lin Han’s wife, if you really want to thank us, take these back and just bring me two bottles of your family’s ginseng wine instead. The taste is exceptional," Commander Ye said.
Not only was the liquor fine, but the ginseng infusion gave it a bold, unforgettable flavor—so much so that even Division Commander Yao had mentioned it longingly in his presence.
Nan Sheng laughed. "It’s hardly proper to take gifts back. There’s only one bottle of ginseng wine left at home, but I’ll send it over shortly. Once the next batch is ready, I’ll have Lin Han deliver more."
After chatting for over an hour, Nan Sheng took her leave. Huang Xiaofang eyed the meat on the table with delight.
"Lin Han really married well. Unlike Li Gongliang, whose wife cost him his military merits."
"What do you know?" Commander Ye’s tone turned sharp. "As a husband and father, if he only runs from problems instead of solving them, how can he expect to achieve anything?"
His anger stemmed from Li Gongliang’s recent divorce petition, which he’d torn up immediately. After all, Yuying had stood by him for years—how could he discard her so callously?
Huang Xiaofang pursed her lips, feeling she and her husband would never see eye to eye.
Back home, Nan Sheng prepared a lavish meal for the children. Staring at the leftovers, her mind wandered. If Lin Han were home, nothing would remain.
She had to admit—she missed him too.
Sizhe handled the dishes while Siqi clung to Nan Sheng, sighing like a little adult.
"Mom, when will Dad come back? I miss him."
Nan Sheng didn’t want to dwell on Lin Han’s absence—it only made her feel emptier. Playfully, she rubbed her eyes until they turned red. "Sweetheart, don’t mention your dad. I’ll start crying if you do!"
Siqi, taking her seriously, quickly comforted her. "Don’t cry, Mom! Dad will be back soon. With me and Brother here, you’re not alone!"
By the time Lin Han returned from his mission, the Li household was in turmoil.
No matter how others pleaded, Li Gongliang was determined to divorce. Yuying refused outright, threatening to hang herself and the children in their home if he proceeded.
The residential building was on edge. Though Yuying had stopped beating the children since Wangdi’s return, most neighbors now supported Li Gongliang’s decision—until her suicide threat silenced them.
Even the Lin children trembled at the thought of opening their door to find bodies hanging across the hallway.
Sizhe turned to his parents. "Dad, Mom, I heard hanged people look terrifying. Can you please talk to them? What if Auntie really goes through with it?"
With the two families living so close, even Sizhe and Siqi peeked nervously at the Li residence, fearing the worst.
Nan Sheng agreed this couldn’t continue. "Lin Han, won’t the military district intervene? The constant fighting is unbearable—especially for the kids."
Having returned with minor injuries, Lin Han was temporarily exempt from training and could return home on time. He soothed his family, "Commander Ye won’t approve Li Gongliang’s divorce. Don’t worry."
No sooner had he spoken than another argument erupted next door.
For once, Yuying stood her ground. "Li Gongliang, I’ll never agree to divorce. Give it up!"
Her face had grown gaunt from stress, yet Li Gongliang showed no mercy, berating and striking her freely.
He was adept at manipulation. Though Yuying hadn’t laid a hand on the children since Wangdi’s return, he loudly accused her of abuse, ensuring the entire building heard.
As expected, public opinion shifted in his favor.
Were it not for Commander Ye’s intervention, he’d have gotten his freedom long ago.
