Enough is enough.
The smile slowly faded from Shen Nanchu's face.
The report about their extravagance and debauchery probably wasn't because of the renovated courtyard, so it must have been because of the things they bought today.
The courtyard most likely wasn't the reason.
After all, the courtyard had been renovated for so long before Shen Nanchu arrived, and no one had reported it then, meaning it wasn't someone who had seen the courtyard before.
So, the person who reported them most likely saw the many things she bought today and became jealous.
Shen Nanchu recalled the people she had encountered along the way.
You couldn't see inside the vehicle from outside.
Pei Zhengnian had driven the car right to their doorstep.
Plus, there weren't many households around their bungalow, and they hadn't made much of a commotion...
Shen Nanchu boldly speculated that it was a military wife she had encountered at the market who reported them.
Sure enough, some people nowadays, when their own lives aren't going well, can't stand seeing others whose lives are better and more comfortable than theirs.
Shen Nanchu directly laid out her entire inference.
Political Commissar Liao and Tian Chengyi listened, both stunned.
This wife of Pei Zhengnian was no ordinary person!
Her reasoning was clear, logical, and well-supported.
Shen Nanchu took a sip of water from her cup and continued.
"Political Commissar Liao, Regimental Commander Tian, it's not that I'm trying to stir up trouble, but some of the military wives in our military district not only lack quality, but their ideological awareness isn't high enough either!"
"All the things I bought at the market today, while they may seem like a lot, are all necessities for my new home."
"The total comes to just over sixty yuan."
Shen Nanchu wasn't just relying on words.
She also led Political Commissar Liao and Tian Chengyi around, showing them every single item she bought today.
Good heavens!
So many things, and they really were all daily necessities.
Of course, as for the nice food they bought, if the man can earn money, what's wrong with eating well?
Political Commissar Liao and Tian Chengyi already had a clear understanding in their minds.
Just by looking at their expressions, Shen Nanchu knew the matter was practically settled.
However, Shen Nanchu had no intention of letting things go just because she had cleared herself of the false accusation of extravagance and debauchery.
If someone dared to spread rumors, they should just wait.
Shen Nanchu adjusted her emotions and began her performance.
"Since my husband joined the army, he has kept all his salary and allowances himself."
"That amount of money can be accounted for."
"Furthermore, I was once a leading performer in the Beijing Song and Dance Ensemble. I have my own salary, and I've always been frugal, so I've managed to save quite a bit of money."
Shen Nanchu shamelessly boasted about herself, not feeling the least bit embarrassed.
Political Commissar Liao and Tian Chengyi nodded.
They were aware of what Shen Nanchu was saying.
Shen Nanchu adjusted her emotions again and continued her performance.
"Now that he and I have become comrades-in-arms in the revolution, even though our current circumstances aren't as good as before, a starved camel is still bigger than a horse. Although our combined income is much less than before, we still have our savings, right?"
"Now, having finally settled down in the army, we thought we'd spend a bit of money fixing up the house, since we'll be living here for many years."
"Plus, I'm expecting a child and need to nourish my body."
"How did such normal things become 'extravagance and debauchery' in the eyes of the sisters-in-law in the military district?"
As she spoke, Shen Nanchu even grew agitated, her eyes reddening.
"The money we're spending now was earned by my husband risking his life on the battlefield and by me dancing myself to exhaustion."
"We didn't steal or rob. We're spending our own money, yet we still have to endure gossip from the military wives."
"What kind of logic is that?"
Shen Nanchu delivered a final, powerful blow.
"If this is the quality of the sisters-in-law in our military district, then what peaceful days can the military district expect in the future?"
"How can we bring peace to the larger community if our small homes are not at peace?"
By now, Political Commissar Liao and Tian Chengyi were feeling somewhat ashamed.
Although this incident didn't start because of them, it was indeed due to the lax management of the military wives in the district that this anonymous report happened.
"Comrade Shen, this incident is indeed an oversight on the part of our unit."
"The quality of the military wives does need improvement."
"We will report this to our superiors."
But Shen Nanchu wanted more than just that.
"Thank you for your understanding, leaders."
"The root cause of this matter lies with the military wives."
"Improving their quality is very necessary, but making them realize their mistake this time is also very important."
"Regarding the military wife who wrote this anonymous report, I hope she can be identified and given serious criticism and education."
As soon as Shen Nanchu finished speaking, Political Commissar Liao's face showed difficulty.
After all, the letter was an anonymous report, dropped into the complaint box.
If they started investigating who wrote it, would anyone dare to report anything in the future?
Shen Nanchu could easily see the concern in Political Commissar Liao's eyes.
"I understand the leaders' dilemma."
"However, wasn't the original purpose of the complaint box to uncover unfair practices within the unit? Those who dare to report must have solid evidence."
"This person who reported us behind our backs made false accusations without any real evidence. If you don't deal with it, wouldn't that be unfair?"
Shen Nanchu had spoken to this extent, leaving Political Commissar Liao and Tian Chengyi silent.
Shen Nanchu said nothing more.
If they couldn't even do this, Shen Nanchu would have to consider finding a way for Pei Zhengnian to return to Beijing soon.
After all, this Dalao Military District just wasn't up to par!
Just as Shen Nanchu was deep in thought, the courtyard gate was pushed open.
Pei Zhengnian walked in.
It turned out that after Pei Yunzhou overheard the gist of the matter, he had quietly gone out to find Pei Zhengnian.
Pei Zhengnian had been standing outside the door and had heard the last few sentences Shen Nanchu said.
He walked up to Political Commissar Liao and Tian Chengyi.
His tall, straight posture stood in the sunlight like a towering peak reaching into the clouds.
"Political Commissar Liao, Regimental Commander Tian, I support my wife's stance."
"The law is not a place for lawlessness."
"If anonymous rumor-mongering and false reporting are not punishable, then anonymous slanderers and false reporters will only keep coming."
At this point, Political Commissar Liao and Tian Chengyi could no longer remain silent.
The two exchanged a look.
Tian Chengyi: "Political Commissar Liao, on this matter, I stand with Regimental Commander Pei. What about you?"
Before Political Commissar Liao could speak, Pei Zhengnian added nonchalantly,
"It's fine if Political Commissar Liao doesn't support it. There are many army corps; surely one will be supportive."
Shen Nanchu looked at Political Commissar Liao, her eyes full of disappointment.
"So this is the kind of person you are, Political Commissar Liao!"
"Just great."
Political Commissar Liao: "..."
He hadn't said anything yet, so why were this husband and wife directly pinning the villain's hat on him?
Political Commissar Liao inwardly cursed the military wife who made the report.
With nothing better to do, meddling in other people's family affairs out of sheer boredom.
Serves her right to be exposed.
"Alright, we'll handle this matter as you suggested."
"Regimental Commander Tian, I'll leave this matter to you."
...
