12. Families of the Fallen

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Yao Zhizhi had to admit that the conditions Tang Fengyuan had described were tempting.

An only son, handsome, tall, and long-legged—easy on the eyes.

Even in an ordinary white shirt tucked neatly into his trousers, he looked fresh and tidy.

He seemed to have a pleasant disposition too. He was foolishly brave enough to pick up even a hairy caterpillar, like an innocent college boy in love for the first time.

At that moment, he appeared somewhat embarrassed. Both hands gripped the strap of his military-green shoulder bag, his long, slender fingers and sharply defined knuckles revealing the quiet force with which he held on.

Perhaps he was afraid she would refuse.

Even so, he waited patiently and with perfect composure for her decision.

He seemed quite good.

There was a refined, scholarly air about him—very much like an artist.

His mother was a police officer, and their social standing was respectable. He truly seemed like an excellent marriage prospect.

The only risk was his health.

But in all honesty, if he had been healthy, matchmakers would have worn down his family’s doorstep long ago. Why else would his mother have brought him all the way to the countryside herself to arrange a marriage?

Besides, there had been no hint that they looked down on her rural background. They seemed to be a family with a relatively enlightened outlook.

Yao Zhizhi had never intended to remain in the Yao family anyway. With such an opportunity placed directly before her, there was no reason to reject it.

So she asked, “If a country girl marries into the city, will she receive an urban household registration?”

“Of course.” Tang Fengyuan understood the implication immediately and was delighted. She hurriedly tugged at Qi Changxiao’s sleeve. “Son! Come on, say something to Zhizhi.”

“...” Qi Changxiao did not know what to say. After gripping his bag strap and pondering for a long while, he finally said, “I can decoct medicine. I won’t trouble you.”

Yao Zhizhi could not help laughing. Who introduced themselves that way on a blind date?

Was he trying to say that he could take care of himself?

And yet what came out was that he could decoct medicine.

How amusing.

She smiled at the somewhat foolish invalid. “I’ve recently thought of a way to make money. If it succeeds, I may be able to do it for a long time. My schedule should be fairly flexible then, and preparing your medicine would only be a small extra task. You should just focus on recovering.”

Was she agreeing?

Qi Changxiao was overjoyed. Without thinking, he released the shoulder-bag strap and pulled something from his canvas bag.

Yao Zhizhi took it and looked down.

Why, it was actually a First-Class Merit Medal!

She could not help asking, “What is this?”

“It belonged to his father.” Tang Fengyuan looked at the medal and sighed quietly, overcome by memories. “Changxiao brought it especially to show you. We’re a martyr’s family. You can trust our character—we would never let you suffer.”

So this mother and son were the family of a fallen martyr!

What was there left to hesitate about?

Yao Zhizhi quickly returned the medal to Qi Changxiao. “Thank you. Keep it safe. In the future, I’ll go with you to pay your father our respects. Would that be all right?”

Qi Changxiao had been waiting for precisely those words—especially the word “future.” It seemed she had agreed to the marriage.

His heart filled with joy. As he accepted the medal, he could not help taking a second look at Yao Zhizhi.

Her almond-shaped eyes held a smile, as though a spring breeze had brushed across his face.

Her dimples were faint, like the first light of dawn.

Her fair, clear skin put even a snow spirit to shame.

Her figure was graceful and slender, like trailing willow branches.

Her disposition was lovely as well. She enjoyed helping others and carried herself with effortless confidence—qualities of extraordinary value.

He had once thought his life would end that way: slowly worn down by illness, fading away in silence.

He had never expected to meet her.

One glance, and a lifetime had passed.

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From that moment on, the world had color, and life had something to look forward to.

He lowered his head with a smile and looked at the beautiful girl who was a full head shorter than he was. In a soft voice, he answered, “All right.”

Tang Fengyuan, standing nearby, was delighted that everything had gone so smoothly. She asked, “Zhizhi, if your money-making idea doesn’t work out, are you planning to find another job, or would you stay home and be a housewife? If you don’t want to be a housewife, I can start asking around about work now. Then you’ll have a choice when the time comes.”

“Auntie Tang, there’s no need to rush. We’ll be busy transplanting rice seedlings soon, and I won’t know whether my idea will work for some time yet. Besides, even if it doesn’t succeed the first time, I won’t lose heart.” Yao Zhizhi was full of optimism and determination.

Tang Fengyuan admired that unyielding spirit. “Good. Then we’ll wait for your good news.” As she spoke, she took Yao Zhizhi’s hand and solemnly confirmed once more, “You’ve agreed, then?”

“Yes!” It would have been foolish for Yao Zhizhi to refuse. Still, she had one warning to give. “Auntie Tang, when you send a matchmaker to propose, don’t mention any of your family’s advantages. Just emphasize that Changxiao is in poor health. Better yet, pretend you’re struggling financially and say that his medicine has cost the family a great deal.”

“Why would we do that? Your parents will worry that you’ll suffer after marrying into our family!” Tang Fengyuan did not understand.

Normally, one praised the future in-laws until the heavens themselves seemed to descend.

Yao Zhizhi had no choice.

Her parents and younger brother were bloodsuckers.

She did not want her husband’s family to be drained by her relatives.

So no matter how good their circumstances were, they could not let it show.

But the whole matter was unpleasant, and she did not want to explain it directly. Instead, she came up with an excuse. “There are too many daughters in my family, and my parents favor the others. If my sisters also take a liking to your family’s circumstances, my parents may leave me out.”

Oh, the poor child!

Tang Fengyuan’s heart ached for her.

It was true—when parents had too many children, they inevitably became partial.

She hurriedly agreed. “All right, we’ll do as you say. I should be going now, dear. I’ll find a matchmaker, and once she’s spoken with your parents, I’ll come formally propose after the rice transplanting is finished.”

“Why don’t you stay for a meal before you go, Auntie Tang?” Seeing that it was nearly mealtime, Yao Zhizhi wanted to invite them to eat at the commune cafeteria.

Tang Fengyuan quickly refused. “No, no, I took special leave to come here, and I still have things to do this afternoon. Oh, I’m so happy! This trip was completely worthwhile. Zhizhi, just wait for the matchmaker to come.”

“All right!” Yao Zhizhi did not insist. Police officers truly were busy.

She accompanied them to the station and waved goodbye.

As the vehicle pulled away, Qi Changxiao stared at Yao Zhizhi, walking alone beside the platform, unwilling to look away.

Tang Fengyuan teased him, “What’s this? Did you leave your eyes behind at the station?”

Qi Changxiao lowered his gaze without replying and pulled a slip of paper from his canvas bag.

Written on it was Yao Zhizhi’s address, which he had memorized.

It was the address listed on the letter of introduction from the day before.

He had not expected to need it. They had settled the matter right there on the main road through the commune.

Now he could finally relax.

Seizing the opportunity, Tang Fengyuan encouraged him. “With such a beautiful girl, can you really bear to abandon her halfway? From now on, you must take your medicine properly. No matter how bitter it is, you have to finish it!”

“Yes.” Qi Changxiao admitted that he could be rather spoiled and disliked taking medicine. It was simply too bitter.

That would not happen again.

Tang Fengyuan was immensely relieved. “That’s my boy! You must stay alive and show that Western doctor!”

Qi Changxiao naturally had no desire to die young. Now that he had something to live for, he would be even less willing to surrender.

He clenched both hands and gazed at Yao Zhizhi’s retreating figure outside the window.

“Yes!”

* * *

Yao Zhizhi encountered Yao Erdan halfway home and climbed onto the back of his bicycle.

Yao Erdan had borrowed the bicycle from a neighbor. At the next intersection, he turned around and headed back.

“Why did it take you so long?” Yao Erdan panted as he pedaled, worried that the old patriarch might have said something.

Yao Zhizhi, however, responded with little interest.

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Yao Erdan told himself not to get angry and pressed her again. “What did your great-grandfather say?”

Yao Zhizhi frowned. She suddenly felt like making a little use of the old man’s authority to clear a path for herself and her sisters.

After all, her great-grandfather spoke unclearly and was often muddleheaded. Even if she told a small lie, no one would be able to verify it.

So she casually invented an answer. “Great-grandfather told me to marry someone from the city.”

“See? Even your great-grandfather thinks you’re a good catch!” Yao Erdan was quite pleased. He assumed Yao Zhizhi had been tempted by Director Hu’s circumstances and asked, “So, would you be willing to go to the city?”

“Of course! Great-grandfather also said I mustn’t marry a divorced man, because he’d bring misfortune to my parents!” Yao Zhizhi muttered softly, “Dad, you absolutely mustn’t repeat that outside. Saying someone brings misfortune to their parents is backward thinking. It wouldn’t be good if people heard you.”

Yao Erdan was thoroughly depressed. What kind of mess was this?

It seemed he could only have one of his other daughters marry Director Hu.

Still, he needed to clarify one thing. “Did your great-grandfather say you mustn’t marry a divorced man, or that none of you sisters may marry one?”

“Of course he meant all of us!” Yao Zhizhi took the opportunity to ruin his plans. “Dad, don’t doubt me. Great-grandfather lived to the age of ninety, and his wisdom is beyond that of ordinary people. Anyway, I don’t want to anger him. Find me a man who’s never been married! Even if he’s on the verge of death, that’s fine. Just not a divorced man!”

Yao Erdan wore a deeply troubled expression. A first-time marriage was hard to find.

He would have to ask his elder brother and brother-in-law to make inquiries.

In any case, apart from his fourth daughter, who was meant to marry into their family, he would find a way to marry all four of his other daughters into the city.

Then Genbao would have four older sisters to support him, and their lives would certainly flourish!

After Yao Zhizhi returned home and ate, she took Yao Mengmeng to have an abortion.

Since everyone in Baicao Commune knew one another, they went to the neighboring commune instead, and the two of them even made up false names.

“Liu Aimei, your turn!” the nurse called.

Yao Mengmeng trembled from head to toe with nerves. After being scolded by the nurse, she could only steel herself and go inside.

When she came out, her steps were unsteady, her face was pale, and her lips were bloodless. Her entire body was damp with cold sweat.

Yao Zhizhi hurriedly draped a light spring jacket over her and put a hat on her head. “It hurts, doesn’t it?”

Yao Mengmeng bit her lip and began to cry miserably. Scalding tears pattered onto Yao Zhizhi’s hand.

Yao Zhizhi had originally found her rather detestable, but seeing her look half-dead, she could not bring herself to say anything harsh.

What a cruel injustice. Men could enjoy themselves, slap their clothes back on, and walk away without consequence, while women had to endure this kind of suffering.

The Creator was terribly unfair.

Carrying the medicine, she carefully helped Yao Mengmeng onto the bicycle. “Come on, be careful. Fasten your buttons. Sit down first, then I’ll start riding. Bear with the bumps. I’ll go slowly.”

Yao Mengmeng was like a ferocious tiger with its fangs pulled. She no longer had the strength to bare her teeth or lash out.

She cried the entire way, leaving Yao Zhizhi’s shirt thoroughly soaked.

Yao Zhizhi did not try to comfort her. She simply kept her head down and pedaled, while also checking the rewards she had received for interfering with the person at the center of the gossip’s choice.

They were astonishingly straightforward: bundles of cash and ration coupons. A casual opening yielded ten yuan, along with meat coupons, cloth coupons, and more.

It was wonderfully satisfying.

As soon as they got home, she had Yao Mengmeng lie down and placed some toilet paper beneath her.

Even a miscarriage involved the discharge of lochia.

That evening, Wang Fang came to take a look. Not only did she fail to offer any concern, she even humiliated Yao Mengmeng.

Yao Mengmeng turned away resentfully. She could not openly break with them yet. Once they grew old, she would show them exactly how she could torment them.

The fifth child was still the best. She had stayed by her side the entire time and even prepared her medicine.

She truly must have been blinded by greed to have gone against her youngest sister!

A few days later, when she was no longer quite so weak, Yao Mengmeng hurriedly declared her loyalty to her sister. “Zhizhi, how are you planning to save Eldest Sister? Tell me the plan. I’ll help. Let Mom and Dad cry themselves hoarse!”

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