Translator: Dj2203
Editor: Dj2203
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After hearing this, the regimental commander’s wife immediately laughed and tapped Tang Tang’s forehead. “You, how can you be so dense? Isn’t it obvious?”
Tang Tang sighed. “Sister-in-law, you know the reason?”
The regimental commander’s wife scolded, “How could I not know when it’s so obvious? Obviously, Ji Yan is unhappy that Zhang Cheng’s wife doesn’t take you seriously, so he’s angry. Ultimately, it’s because he cares about you.”
“Huh? What?” Tang Tang was stunned.
The regimental commander’s wife really liked Tang Tang because she was very innocent and naive, with a good temper and a childlike heart that was rare among adults, making people want to get close to her. But sometimes this good temper was also frustrating; she simply didn’t understand the subtle thoughts between women.
Knowing she genuinely didn’t understand, the troupe leader’s wife had no choice but to patiently explain: “Yesterday you went to help out at the neighbor’s house, and Zhang Cheng’s wife didn’t help at all, except peel a clove of garlic the whole time, acting like she was the guest; during dinner, you were busy in the kitchen, while she was drinking with others at the table, taking your help for granted, she should at least be helping you in the kitchen; also, after dinner, shouldn’t she, as the hostess, clean up, instead of you doing it alone? You’re a guest, that’s so impolite! If it were me, I would have turned on her right then and there, only you have a good temper and don’t hold it against her!”
“Ah…is that why…?” Tang Tang suddenly understood, and stammered, “Actually, it’s not that I’m completely unconcerned. I could tell she wasn’t very polite to me, but she really can’t do anything and can’t help much. Besides, she drank quite a bit later, so I didn’t think much of it. It’s not good to be too fussy between neighbors.”
The regimental commander’s wife sighed with a smile, “You, you have too good a temper. I think it’s understandable that Ji Yan is angry. He’s quite well-mannered. If he encountered someone with poor manners, he would have embarrassed her on the spot if his wife was treated so casually! If Ji Yan wasn’t angry about this, he wouldn’t be a real man. Of course, he cares about his own wife.”
Tang Tang was speechless. Was Ji Yan angry because he cared about her? Was he feeling sorry for her…?
The regimental commander’s wife patted Tang Tang’s hand. “From now on, listen to Ji Yan. If she asks you for help again, don’t just agree. What she did wasn’t fair. It’s okay if you can’t cook, but you have to be polite. Even just chatting with you in the kitchen would be better. How could she act like that? I’m not trying to stir up trouble, but Zhang Cheng’s wife is very arrogant. She looks down on most people. If she does like someone, she’ll take good care of you.”
Tang Tang understood the implication of the regimental commander’s wife. Zhang Cheng’s wife didn’t think much of her, which was why she was so impolite.
“But… but why does she look down on me? Is it because I’m not good-looking? Or because I don’t work?”
The regimental commander’s wife shook her head. “It’s not what you think. Don’t let her being a teacher fool you; her background is different from ours. She’s a real princess. Her father is a general, her uncle is a mayor, her whole family is powerful and influential. She herself is a Harvard graduate, so naturally she’s a bit arrogant. She only came here to endure hardship with the army because she’s interested in Zhang Cheng; otherwise, she wouldn’t look down on us.”
“I see…” No wonder, Zhang Cheng’s wife had such a powerful background.
“But no matter what, you don’t need to fawn over her. Ji Yan is truly capable, and his future is no worse than Zhang Cheng’s. She doesn’t like you, so don’t rush to help her. Those who help are genuine friends, right?”
Tang Tang nodded. “Sister-in-law, you’re right. I understand now, and I definitely won’t agree to help so easily in the future.”
Knowing the real reason, Tang Tang didn’t feel sad at all; instead, she was very happy. Knowing that Ji Yan was angry because he felt sorry for her made her heart feel indescribably sweet.
He had been treating her better and better now. Could she try harder and make him like her too?
When you’re in a good mood, everything is pleasant, and the whole world seems to be blooming. Tang Tang’s way of showing her good mood was by making delicious food. Thinking that she hadn’t made dumplings since arriving here, she decided to make some, since Ji Yan liked them. No sooner said than done, Tang Tang bought vegetables, chopped filling, and kneaded dough, working quickly and efficiently. In just one afternoon, she made a whole table full of dumplings, which made Ji Xiaozhuo very happy. His mouth watered, and he couldn’t wait to eat them.
Tang Tang said he had to wait for his father to come home before eating, so Ji Xiaozhuo spent the whole afternoon peering towards the door, his ears practically perked up, opening the door to see if it was his father at the first sound of footsteps.
Around the time Ji Yan usually returned, footsteps sounded on the stairs, and Ji Xiaozhuo’s eyes lit up. He rushed out, opened the door, and shouted, “Dad!”
Tang Tang, thinking it was Ji Yan, happily followed, about to call out “Husband,” when she saw Zhang Cheng instead. She swallowed the word “Husband” that was on her lips.
“Zhang Cheng, you’re back.”
A hint of unease flashed in Zhang Cheng’s eyes. Avoiding Tang Tang’s gaze, he lowered his head and said, “Sister-in-law, Ji Yan is behind us, he’ll be up soon. I’m going in first.” He then opened the door and went inside, seemingly not wanting to stay a moment longer.
Tang Tang felt Zhang Cheng’s attitude was strange today, as if he felt guilty, wondering if it was related to what happened last night.
Before Tang Tang could figure it out, footsteps sounded on the stairs again. This time it really was Ji Yan returning, but he was followed by a woman.
“Tang Tang, Xiao Zhuo,” Gu Yanran greeted Tang Tang and Ji Xiao Zhuo with a charming smile.
“Miss Yanran?” Tang Tang was slightly surprised. What was she doing here?
Gu Yanran patted Ji Xiaozhuo’s head. “Tang Tang, just call me Yanran. Calling me Miss Yanran is too formal. Ji Yan and I grew up together.”
Tang Tang could only nod, then looked at Ji Yan questioningly.
Ji Yan explained, “Yanran is a military doctor. She’s in charge of our military region’s physical examination program this time. She heard you were coming to accompany the troops, so she came to see you.”
Tang Tang understood and quickly invited her in.
Gu Yanran looked around the room and praised, “Tang Tang, you really know how to manage things. The room is decorated very warmly.”
“No, it’s just a simple arrangement.” Tang Tang poured her a glass of water and then said apologetically, “I didn’t know you were coming, so I didn’t prepare any dishes. I only made dumplings for dinner. Yanran, please don’t mind.”
“No, the dumplings smell delicious. It seems I’m in for a treat tonight.”
Hearing Gu Yanran say this, Tang Tang felt relieved and got up to go to the kitchen to boil water and cook the dumplings.
Gu Yanran glanced at Tang Tang’s busy figure and teased Ji Yan with a smile, “Brother Ji Yan, it seems you’re doing well.”
Ji Yan smiled slightly, saying nothing, but this attitude was tantamount to acknowledging it.
Gu Yanran’s eyes flashed, and she tucked her hair behind her ear, “By the way, Brother Ji Yan, did you receive Brother Zhuo Ji’s notice? Grandma Zhuo’s 80th birthday is next week, you’ll be going back, right?”
Ji Yan nodded.
“Speaking of which, Grandma Zhuo watched us children grow up, she doted on us like her own grandchildren. In the blink of an eye, we’ve all reached the age of starting our own families, and she’s gotten old. I remember when we were little, Grandma Zhuo’s favorites were you and Yuan Lang, she always said you two had the most commanding presence, which made us all unconvinced, and now it seems it’s true.”
Ji Yan also recalled things from his childhood, a smile flashing in his eyes.
Ji Xiaozhuo, who was nestled in Ji Yan’s arms playing Candy Crush, suddenly pulled a small golden monkey from around his neck upon hearing this and looked up at Ji Yan, asking, “Dad, is Grandma Zhuo the grandma who gave me this little golden monkey?”
“You remember? Your little golden monkey was specially made for you by Grandma Zhuo. But you can’t call her Grandma Zhuo, you have to call her Great-Grandma.” Ji Xiaozhuo was born in the Year of the Monkey, just like Dudu. When these two little ones were born, Grandma Zhuo specially commissioned a master craftsman to make two golden monkeys, which were then blessed by the master and worn by the two little ones to protect them as they grew up safely. Ji Yan had told Ji Xiaozhuo about this, but he didn’t expect him to still remember.
Ji Xiaozhuo fiddled with his fingers, a little troubled. “Daddy, I remember, but I don’t know what Great-Grandma looks like.”
Ji Yan patted his little head. “It’s okay, Daddy will take you and Mommy to see Great-Grandma next week. You should thank her then.”
“Okay, Daddy! I want to thank Great-Grandma for the little golden monkey.”
Gu Yanran’s eyes widened in surprise. “Brother Ji Yan, are you taking Tang Tang with you this time? I remember you never did before, why this time…”
Ji Yan said calmly, “Grandma Zhuo hasn’t met Xiao Zhuo’s mother yet. She should meet her.”
Gu Yanran’s pupils contracted slightly, and the smile on her lips faded almost imperceptibly.
“Who are we going to see?” Tang Tang happened to be carrying out the cooked dumplings. Hearing that she was being taken to meet someone, she asked curiously.
Ji Yan stood up, took a few big strides over, and took the large soup bowl from her hands. “I’ll carry it, it’s hot.”
“Oh, oh.” Tang Tang handed him the bowl and immediately pinched her earlobes with both hands.
Ji Yan stared at her fingers. “What’s wrong? Did you burn yourself?”
Tang Tang showed him her hand. “No, no, it’s nothing.”
Seeing that she was really alright, Ji Yan then answered his earlier question. “Next week is Zhuo Ji’s Grandma’s80th birthday. I’ll take you and Xiao Zhuo back for a visit.”
“Oh, her 80th birthday! That’s so lucky! We must give her a proper birthday celebration.” As she spoke, Tang Tang naturally thought of the birthday gift. “Honey, what kind of birthday gift should we prepare? I haven’t prepared anything yet.”
Ji Yan pondered. “I’m still thinking about that. Let’s eat first.”
Tang Tang nodded and invited Gu Yanran to eat dumplings.
“Tang Tang, can I bother you here tonight? There are no female soldiers’ dormitories here, and I don’t really like staying in guesthouses.” Gu Yanran suddenly said to Tang Tang after finishing her meal.
There were only male soldiers here, and indeed no female soldiers’ dormitories. Tang Tang certainly wouldn’t refuse such a small request. “Of course, the guest room is empty. I’ll go and tidy it up for you later.”
Gu Yanran glanced at the doors to the guest room and the master bedroom, smiled, and said, “Thank you for your help.”
….
After dinner, Tang Tang changed the sheets and blankets in the guest room, prepared toiletries for Gu Yanran, and only returned to the master bedroom after confirming that she was alright. After the three of them had showered, she filled a tub with hot water as usual and added Chinese herbs for Ji Yan to soak his feet. The water with the herbs was no longer suitable for Ji Xiaozhuo, so he would never enjoy this foot-soaking privilege again. To comfort the little guy, Tang Tang would massage his chubby little feet before bed, calling it a foot massage, but it was really just to tease him. However, the little guy always enjoyed it immensely.
Little did he know, his father’s foot massage was the real foot massage.
While massaging Ji Yan’s acupoints, Tang Tang continued talking about Grandma Zhuo’s birthday banquet. Grandma Zhuo was Ji Yan’s elder, and Tang Tang valued her highly.
“Honey, what kind of person is Grandma Zhuo? I think we can prepare a birthday gift based on her interests.”
Mentioning Grandma Zhuo, Ji Yan’s eyes were full of respect, and he became unusually talkative. “Grandma Zhuo is a very talented and wise woman. She is proficient in poetry, literature, history, and has a keen business sense. She’s even a master in many fields. Zhuo Ji’s calligraphy and tea ceremony were both taught by Grandma Zhuo herself.”
“But Grandma Zhuo isn’t a weak, delicate lady. On the contrary, she’s a heroine. The Zhuo family survived the turbulent times entirely thanks to Grandma Zhuo. The Zhuo family’s current status is inseparable from Grandma Zhuo’s leadership.”
Tang Tang was utterly astonished, her admiration overflowing. Just from Ji Yan’s description, she knew that Grandma Zhuo must be a woman of great wisdom, someone she could never hope to match.
“Well, Grandma Zhuo probably likes calligraphy, tea sets, and porcelain, right? Maybe we should give her that?”
Ji Yan hesitated, shaking his head. “Grandma Zhuo does like these things, but her collection is already world-class. It’s hard to find something better for her. Besides, I’m sure many people give her these things; if we younger generation give her this, it would seem like we’re not thoughtful.”
Tang Tang thought it made sense. Usually, many people catered to the tastes of elderly people like her; what she could think of, everyone could think of. And they didn’t have anywhere to find top-quality calligraphy, paintings, or porcelain.
So what else could they give?
Ji Yan had been racking his brains over this lately. The old lady treated him like her own grandson, and he didn’t want to just give a perfunctory gift. But it was really hard to find a birthday present that truly touched her heart. It wasn’t about the amount of money, but the sentiment, and the joy the old lady felt.
Tang Tang suddenly said, “Honey, I think the old lady definitely doesn’t care about the amount of money; she cares about the sentiment.”
Ji Yan smiled; they both thought the same thing.
“Honey, does Grandma Zhuo really like things from the past, like jewellery, hairstyles, or clothes?” She felt that an elderly woman with Grandma Zhuo’s refined air wouldn’t appreciate gold, silver, or diamonds; instead, she’d likely prefer things with an antique feel, like those from her own era.
Ji Yan paused, carefully recalling Grandma Zhuo’s attire. He realized she rarely wore modern clothes; she mostly dressed like a young lady from the Republican era, with her hair in an updo, wearing embroidered shoes, and a jacket and skirt or cheongsam. Moreover, he seemed to recall Zhuo Ji mentioning that besides collecting porcelain and calligraphy, Grandma Zhuo particularly loved collecting jackets and skirts and cheongsams.
Tang Tang didn’t know much about cheongsams, as they weren’t worn where she lived, but she was very familiar with jackets— she’d worn them since childhood. She just didn’t know if the two types of jackets were the same.
Tang Tang excitedly took out her phone, found some pictures of jackets online, and showed them to Ji Yan, asking, “Honey, is this the kind of skirt Grandma Zhuo likes to wear?”
Ji Yan looked carefully, comparing it to the image of Grandma Zhuo in his mind, and nodded.
Seeing Ji Yan nod, Tang Tang’s eyes lit up immediately. “Honey, I know what to give her!”
Ji Yan was also unusually interested, wondering what she had come up with.
Tang Tang smiled, “Honey, look, since Grandma Zhuo likes wearing padded jackets and skirts[1], I’ll make her a set myself, along with a pair of embroidered shoes. That’s exactly what I’m good at, honey, what do you think?”
Ji Yan remembered Tang Tang’s craftsmanship; her stitches were even more beautiful than a sewing machine’s. He inexplicably believed that the padded jacket she made would be very beautiful.
Her idea also tempted him.
“I think Grandma Zhuo will like it.”
Upon receiving confirmation, Tang Tang was overjoyed and excitedly grabbed Ji Yan’s hand, shaking it back and forth. “Honey, honey, quickly show me what Grandma Zhuo looks like! I want to make a set of clothes that are uniquely hers, based on her appearance and figure!”
Ji Yan was also infected by her joy, and the corners of his mouth turned up. At her request, he showed her the only photo of himself and Grandma Zhuo on his phone.
The moment Tang Tang saw the photo, she was captivated by the elegant and beautiful elderly woman in the picture, despite her gray hair. There was no doubt that Grandma Zhuo must have been a stunning beauty in her youth; time hadn’t ravaged her, only imbued her with endless charm.
Seeing Grandma Zhuo reminded her of the matriarch of the mansion; the two exuded the same aura— wise and awe-inspiring elders.
Tang Tang immediately pictured the matriarch’s usual attire, and she knew what kind of dress she should make for Grandma Zhuo!
Excitedly, Tang Tang quickly finished massaging Ji Yan’s acupoints, then shoved the towel at him and ran off, saying, “Honey, you dry your feet yourself! I need to go buy fabric and thread!”
Ji Yan had never seen her so impatient before; she seemed like a little girl her age. He smiled and shook his head, then dried his feet and took the water to the bathroom to empty the tub.
Ji Xiaozhuo was eagerly awaiting his foot massage, but when his father finished, his mother forgot about his little feet. He pouted, annoyed, and held up his chubby little feet to Tang Tang’s eyes, “Mommy, Daddy’s finished his foot massage, what about mine?”
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