Reborn Little Wife

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The tradition of returning to the maternal home on the second day of Lunar New Year persisted in rural areas.As long as the journey wasn't too far, married daughters would make this pilgrimage with their children - who could collect red envelopes from elders.Zhong Ling prepared multiple ten-yuan packets for her relatives' children.The quantity of gifts brought home not only reflected one's living standards but also demonstrated the in-laws' respect for their daughter-in-law.

This year proved extraordinary as Zhu Baogang accompanied her - a rare occurrence since his military promotion.Soldiers usually spent holidays on duty, making his presence a surprise that drew crowds of aunts and distant relatives.Some relatives hadn't visited for so long that Zhong Ling struggled to recall their names.

Her parents beamed at the generous gifts while men gathered in the smoke-filled main room.Zhong Jing, her brother, found common ground with the scholarly Zhu Baogang - both well-read intellectuals unlike typical military men.

The kitchen became women's domain as usual.Zhong Ling served flower tea in rice bowls (due to cup shortages) to the men puffing cigarettes.The special tea she brought highlighted her mother's habitual frugality.

With limited privacy, mother and daughter exchanged few words.Sleeping arrangements posed challenges - the couple would stay briefly before Zhu's military academy departure.Zhong Ling's mother proudly boasted about this opportunity as neighbors joked about her becoming a general's wife.Zhong Ling smiled privately, determined to grow worthy of that title.

The feast preparation involved multiple hands - wisely so, as Zhong Ling's sudden culinary skills might raise suspicion about her secret housekeeping training.Following tradition, women ate in the kitchen while men occupied the main table.Zhong Ling briefly fantasized about role reversal before dismissing it as impractical.

Returning to Zhu's parents at dusk brought awkwardness.The elder Zhus anxiously urged official marriage registration, fearing their exemplary daughter-in-law might leave."Should we go?" Zhong Ling pressed her husband for commitment.

"Let's proceed," came Zhu's terse reply."Or maybe not?" she challenged."My age doesn't meet legal requirements anyway.""Village head will fix that," her mother-in-law interjected anxiously.

"What if you regret marrying me?" Zhong Ling prodded."Enough!" Zhu's command silenced the room.Their verbal sparring fascinated sister-in-law Zhu Baoqin.

Night brought renewed passion.Zhu's eagerness embarrassed them both as elders tactfully retired early."Not again!" Zhong Ling protested sore muscles from morning exertions."Just lie still," he coaxed.

Her sudden interrogation about ex-flame Lin Mei doused the mood."Did you love her?"Silence."Do you want a concubine?"More silence provoked playful retaliation - bites on his neck, wandering hands, until Zhu finally gasped: "I like you... really..."

Morning revealed Zhong Ling's victory."Brother, you surrendered last night," she teased his blushing face.His rare embarrassment confirmed her efforts succeeded.

"Xiao Ling," Zhu mentioned casually while dressing, "Three comrades are visiting today."She remembered past disgrace when resenting his guests.Now arranging his shoes and clothes tenderly, she vowed: "I'll prepare properly."

Zhu's heart swelled watching his wife - this remarkable woman made him feel cherished and respected."Wife..." he tested the new term, savoring its intimacy.Her answering smile sealed their unspoken pact - partners facing life's battles together.

They arrived in the morning - Xing Bin and another named Li Zhixun, both comrades attending military academy with Zhu Baogang. Though from different regiments, their shared hometown bond made them close. The elderly Zhus were delighted to see their son's comrades again. Having met Xing Bin previously, he'd already told Li Zhixun on the journey about Zhu Baogang's stunning wife with exceptional cooking skills.

"Uncle, Auntie! Big sister, brother-in-law! And this must be the sister-in-law!" Li Zhixun chattered cheerfully as they entered. The Zhus ushered guests inside while Zhong Ling and Zhu Baoqin boiled water for tea in the kitchen.

"Sis-in-law, you're really pretty!" Li Zhixun teased, shooting Zhu Baogang a knowing look. The man being envied simply smiled faintly.

"Truly! In the old days, landlords would've snatched her up already," Feng Zhen declared proudly.

When Zhong Ling entered later, she heard Xing Bin and Li Zhixun tag-teaming stories about Zhu Baogang's military exploits - how he'd earned the nickname "King of Hell" for his strict command. She yearned to hear more but stayed in the kitchen, mentally planning dishes with limited ingredients: sweet and sour pork, braised knuckle, shredded tofu salad, carp stew with tofu, hand-held lamb ribs, crispy soybeans.

Working methodically, she fried the pork first, using residual oil for soybeans. She steamed the pre-boiled knuckle with sauce while stewing carp in clay pot. Between tending multiple fires, she prepared tofu salad and finished rice last since drinking sessions lasted. As the soldier's wife, she was finally permitted to join the table.

"I'm speechless," Xing Bin marveled at the feast. Li Zhixun stuffed his cheeks busily. Zhu Baogang ate thoughtfully, prompting Zhong Ling's anxious query: "Too salty?"

"Perfect. You eat too." Their silent exchange made the comrades exchange envious grins - who wouldn't want such a doting wife?

Zhong Ling maintained gracious hospitality without overfamiliarity. To the soldiers, she embodied model military spouse virtues. This reflected well on Zhu Baogang's stature.

She understood spousal reputation among close comrades mattered - their opinions could sway her husband during critical moments.

The impending departure loomed unspoken until revealed: he'd leave after Lunar Fifth Day. Zhong Ling's eyes burned. She fled the room.

"You didn't tell her?" Xing Bin noticed her shock. Zhu Baogang's chest tightened but he remained stoic. "She needs to adjust."

"Go comfort her," Feng Zhen urged. "She's still young."

Entering their room, he found Zhong Ling weeping silently on the kang bed. When she saw him, tears spilled freely. He stood rigid by the window. "You must adapt."

The words unleashed her anguish. She clung to his back, sobbing until his fists whitened. "I understand. Really. Don't worry."

"Good." No grand speeches. Just quiet acceptance.

Zhong Ling's emotional control impressed everyone. She swiftly recomposed herself - no hysterics befitting a soldier's wife. Practical matters occupied her: unfinished sweater measurements, packing lists for Beijing's military academy. Though mechanically completing chores, her mind wandered until nightfall brought private moments.

No pretense remained in their final night. Beyond dignity or restraint, they clung together... Exhausted yet sleepless, curled against his chest, Zhong Ling probed for details no wife should lack: his routines, friends, academy curriculum. How much she'd missed across lifetimes!

"How long is the academy?" She savored his warmth.

"Unclear."

"Subjects? Location?"

"Military history. Tactics. Combat skills. Beijing."

Departure dawned mercilessly. Zhong Ling fought melancholy, securing their marriage certificate first. The photo showed two beaming faces, happiness unrestrained.

Final day brought unwelcome summons - Lin Mei discovered either their registration or departure. After three ignored messages, Zhong Ling bribed the messenger boy for rendezvous location. Past complacency shattered - her precognition didn't guarantee smooth sailing. Lin Mei demanded decisive handling.

The confrontation occurred at Chang Hongmei's house. Zhong Ling scanned the empty residence - husband conveniently absent, perfect for scheming.

"Discussing divorce proposals with my husband?" Zhong Ling unwound her scarf calmly.

"I didn't invite you!" Lin Mei bristled.

"We're one entity. He knows I'm here."

"Two choices: Forget this farce. We'll laugh about youthful folly later. Or..." Zhong Ling's gaze hardened. "I report your military marriage interference to authorities. Alternatively, I'll arrange your marriage to Wang Baowu - my crippled cousin needing a wife. His last spouse died...unfortunately."

Lin Mei lunged but was restrained. "Your parents would accept 500 yuan dowry, no?" Zhong Ling struck the fear point - parental control over marriage prospects.

"End this quietly, rumors fade. Persist, and your value plummets." Turning to Chang Hongmei: "Your husband should know you enable homewreckers. Might question your own fidelity."

Returning home, she found Zhu Baogang smoking in the yard. "She'll stop when I'm gone."

"I know. Don't worry." Zhong Ling understood Lin Mei's limitations but wanted clean closure.

Their final embrace needed no words. Tomorrow's separation hung unspoken - soldiers and wives mastered this dance. As moonlight silvered the yard, Zhong Ling stored every sensation: his tobacco scent, calloused palms, heartbeat rhythm. These would sustain her through lonely nights ahead.