Chapter 63: The Vast Grasslands, an Endless Sea of Green

Li Yong?

Hearing the man introduce himself, Xia Yan was noticeably taken aback; she hadn’t expected to meet the very person at the heart of yesterday’s gossip, which she’d just heard from Yuan Xiangqin. She glanced at Li Yong, recalling how Lin You had said at school he wanted to spar with this man. Now, seeing Li Yong in person, she couldn’t help but doubt whether her own husband could really take on this human ‘Li Kui’.

Noticing Xia Yan’s gaze lingering on him, Li Yong unconsciously touched his face. Was there something on it?

Sensing the change in Li Yong’s expression, Xia Yan finally came back to herself. “So you’re Captain Li.”

Li Yong was a bit surprised. “You know me?”

Xia Yan responded naturally, “Of course. Last time my son, Xiao Zhuo, was being naughty at school, and Teacher Yuan called in the parents. I was the one who went, and she mentioned you in passing.”

Li Yong suddenly understood. “Ah, so that’s what happened. Kids being mischievous is perfectly normal. I’ll mention it to my wife when I get back—she shouldn’t always be calling in parents.”

“No need,” Xia Yan waved her hands repeatedly. “If you mention it to Teacher Yuan, she’ll think I went out of my way to complain about her. Besides, it was a trivial matter and it’s been a while.”

After meeting Yuan Xiangqin last time, she’d held a grudge and had spread rumors about Xia Yan whenever she had the chance. If Li Yong spoke up now, who knew what Yuan Xiangqin might say about her next?

“It’s alright. My wife wouldn’t overthink it. She’s famous for her good temper around here.”

Seeing the sudden bright smile on his face, Xia Yan couldn’t help but sigh inwardly. If Li Yong ever found out about Yuan Xiangqin’s affair with Zhang Jun, who knew what he’d do?

Of course, Li Yong was only being polite. He would never trouble Yuan Xiangqin over such a small matter; he cherished her dearly.

When he’d married, everyone in the barracks had said he’d struck it lucky—a rough soldier marrying an educated woman. And after marriage, he’d always let Yuan Xiangqin have her way, agreeing to whatever she wanted.

Xia Yan forced an awkward smile. “It’s all in the past. Besides, the teacher is never wrong—it’s always the students who are at fault.”

“You’re right. Children are mischievous by nature; it’s inevitable they’ll make mistakes. I have to report back at the base now. When there’s time, let’s have a meal together—you and Captain Lin.”

Li Yong swung himself back into the saddle, tugged the reins, and called out loudly.

“Thank you in advance, Captain Li. Safe travels.”

“Sister-in-law, I’m off then. By the way, I’m a pretty good driver myself—let Li Guoxiang have a break next time.”

Liu Yuanchao’s comment made Xia Yan laugh. She remembered that Li Guoxiang had boasted more than once to his comrades about her cooking, making everyone in the camp envy him.

“I’ll remember. Next time, I’ll be sure to call you.”

Liu Yuanchao grinned with satisfaction and mounted his horse.

Once the cavalry squad had left, Xia Yan resumed her morning run.

After reporting back at the base, Li Yong hurried home—he hadn’t seen his wife in a month and missed her terribly. With classes at school not yet started, he wanted to seize the moment.

In the family quarters, Yuan Xiangqin stared worriedly at the medicine on the table. Zhang Jun had brought her the abortion pills the night before, claiming they were an effective recipe from a trusted source. She’d hesitated all night, unsure whether to take them—what if the medicine harmed her health?

While she was still fretting, the front door opened, and Li Yong appeared, beaming. “Xiangqin, I’m back.”

“Li… Li Yong, why are you back now?” Yuan Xiangqin scrambled to hide the medicine behind her back.

Li Yong noticed her strange expression. “What are you hiding?”

“N-nothing, just some herbal medicine. I’ve had headaches lately,” she stammered.

Li Yong grew anxious. “Headaches? Did you see a doctor? You shouldn’t take medicine carelessly. How about I take you to Dr. Zhu for a checkup?”

At the mention of seeing Zhu Yan, Yuan Xiangqin quickly stood up and smiled, “No need. I’ve already taken the medicine for two days and the pain is gone.”

Only then did Li Yong relax. Looking at Yuan Xiangqin, his thoughts began to stir. “Wife, I’ve missed you so much these days. Why don’t you skip school today?”

Yuan Xiangqin caught his meaning, but she was pregnant now, and she knew full well Li Yong’s enthusiasm. If anything happened now, she’d be doomed.

“Um, Li Yong, today’s lessons are important at school. And, lately, it’s been… inconvenient for me.”

“Inconvenient? Isn’t it usually at the start of the month? It’s only midmonth now—why is it inconvenient?” Li Yong might look rough, but he was attentive to such details, especially since he cherished Yuan Xiangqin so much.

“Maybe the medicine affected things,” Yuan Xiangqin could only blame it on the ‘medicine’ once more.

Li Yong looked a little disappointed but quickly recovered. “Alright, just take care of yourself. We’ve been married a year and your belly hasn’t shown any sign yet. When you’re feeling better, we’ll make a real effort.”

A cold sweat broke out on Yuan Xiangqin’s back as she forced a shy smile. “Don’t be silly. Children can’t be rushed.”

Seeing her like this, Li Yong went over to embrace her. “My wife always smells so sweet. If we can’t do that, at least let me give you a kiss…”

“Hey, where are your hands going? You’re all dirty—go take a shower. Anything else can wait till tonight, I have to get to school,” Yuan Xiangqin pushed his face away with a hint of distaste, though it was only for a moment and Li Yong didn’t notice.

Li Yong chuckled, “Alright, whatever you say. But be sure to come home early tonight.”

“I know, you rascal!”

She wriggled free of his arms and began tidying her clothes and hair.

Li Yong picked up the kettle and poured himself a glass of water. “By the way, guess who I ran into today?”