Old Master Feng walked home slowly with his hands behind his back, his figure exuding an ineffable dejection.
Cheng You wanted to say a few comforting words but didn't know how to begin.
Once this matter was investigated and clarified, Xu Nanxi would definitely face disciplinary action, but it likely wouldn't be too severe.
Cheng You sat in the yard for a while, gazing at the blue sky and white clouds. The warm sun shone down, making her feel comfortable all over.
She had sent several letters to Qi Chengyan, but none received a reply. She knew that things there were probably hectic, and he likely hadn't even seen her letters.
She resumed her monotonous routine, her furthest destination being the medicinal herb garden.
Before she knew it, New Year's Day arrived, and the troop's cultural troupe was holding a New Year's Eve party.
Song Qinglan pulled Cheng You along with her.
"There are so many acts, singing and dancing, it's bound to be very entertaining."
Cheng You was also a little interested. After a hurried dinner, she locked her door and headed over, even bringing Mu Xicao indoors before leaving.
"Hurry up," Song Qinglan urged.
They had finally managed to pull some strings to get seats in the front.
Cheng You responded, "Coming, coming. Didn't you say yourself that Mu Xicao had to be brought inside, or it would freeze to death?"
She had been nurturing it for over a week, and Mu Xicao had already sprouted many new leaves, showing visible signs of vitality.
Cheng You had originally intended to return Mu Xicao, but Qi Shengwen wouldn't allow it, saying the spy situation wasn't completely resolved yet and she should keep it for a while longer.
She felt a little conflicted, as the item in her possession felt like a hot potato.
If anything were to go wrong, they wouldn't remember her contribution; they would only blame her for losing the item.
The party was held outdoors, with rows of chairs neatly arranged in front of the stage.
The first few rows were reserved for military leaders and officers, followed by the soldiers, and the remaining seats were open to everyone.
Song Qinglan was not one to make things difficult for herself. Sitting in the back meant she couldn't see clearly. Fortunately, Qi Chengyan's seat was empty, so she exerted some effort to secure a front-row spot for herself and Cheng You.
They ended up sitting right behind Qi Shengwen's row.
Qi Shengwen glanced back at Song Qinglan, his face darkening.
"You said you got us seats, and this is it? Don't be ridiculous, go sit in the back."
Song Qinglan looked around, saw that no one was paying attention to their side, and kicked his chair.
"Cheng You hasn't seen our troop's New Year's party before. Do you think I'd want to come otherwise?"
Cheng You: "..." She hadn't expressed any particular desire to come either.
Song Qinglan craned her neck, finding that the people in Qi Shengwen's row still blocked some of her view.
She tutted, "If I had known, I would have brought you to the very front row."
Cheng You tugged at her sleeve. "Auntie, the first row is for the military leaders."
There were no seats for them, and it wasn't that easy to change.
Song Qinglan mumbled, "If only your father-in-law hadn't come, then it would be fine."
Cheng You was speechless.
After they sat for a while, accompanied by music, the show began.
It was Cheng You's first time attending such a lively party. Caught up in the joyous atmosphere, her palms were almost numb from clapping after a few acts.
"As expected of the cultural troupe members, they are so beautiful."
Especially the lead dancer, her waist was as supple as a willow, and every gesture and smile was exquisite.
"What's the name of that lead dancer? She's so good-looking."
Song Qinglan glanced at the stage. The act had changed to a solo performance, and it was the same young woman singing.
She was beautiful and exceptionally popular.
"Ruan Jiqiu, the niece of Director Ruan, the head of the women's federation. As for her looks, well, she's just average."
Song Qinglan said critically, thinking to herself that she was far inferior to her daughter-in-law.
However, Cheng You was already married, and she didn't sing or dance. People didn't pay as much attention to her.
Cheng You thought her standards were really high; Ruan Jiqiu was indeed quite attractive.
Her braided pigtails and youthful, spirited image were portrayed with great authenticity.
Cheng You didn't stay until the end, yawning and saying she wanted to leave.
"I'm going back to sleep."
Song Qinglan felt that the remaining acts were uninteresting, like reciting a scripture.
"Let's go, let's go. I'm going back to sleep too."
Cheng You walked back with Song Qinglan. On the way, there were many other military family members returning home, just like them.
When Cheng You reached her doorstep, she took out her key to unlock the door.
Song Qinglan hadn't left yet and asked, "Aren't you afraid living alone?"
"No, this is the military compound. What's there to be afraid of?"
However, as soon as she opened the door, guided by the dim light of a flashlight, Cheng You saw a scene of devastation in the yard. Her mind went blank.
Song Qinglan reacted quickly, pulling Cheng You outside.
"We've been robbed!"
Who knew if the thief was still inside? They couldn't just go in.
Cheng You came to her senses and quickly re-locked the door. Song Qinglan, meanwhile, arranged for someone to call Qi Shengwen.
Cheng You, still shaken, leaned against the wall, recalling the scene in the yard just now.
With just one glance, she hadn't noticed much, only that her medicinal herbs had been dug up.
Thinking of this, Cheng You was filled with both anger and indignation.
She had cultivated the He Shou Wu for several years, intending to let it grow for a while longer before harvesting it.
And now it had been dug up by someone!
Immediately after, Qi Shengwen arrived with his men.
They opened the door and searched the entire house, finding no signs of forced entry.
The Mu Xicao was unharmed; the intruder had only tampered with the medicinal herbs in the yard.
Even the vegetables had been pulled up.
Several large flower pots were empty, leaving only some broken roots.
It was evident how roughly the person had acted.
Cheng You heartachely picked up a broken seedling. The person probably had no idea what she was growing, hence they had even dug up the vegetables from the garden.
Such a indiscriminate act suggested their main target was likely the Mu Xicao.
"Not many people know that the Mu Xicao is with me."
Qi Shengwen said with a grim expression, "I will have this matter thoroughly investigated. If we can't uproot the culprits who dared to extend their reach into the military compound, it would be a profound humiliation!"
Cheng You placed her hand on the flower pots. Seven pots in total, four of which held ginseng, and the rest were He Shou Wu.
"The medicinal herbs in my yard are precious. If the culprit is found and the herbs can be recovered, that would be best. If not, I demand equivalent compensation."
Qi Shengwen nodded, "Don't worry."
Song Qinglan didn't leave immediately and said anxiously, "Cheng You, you should come and stay at our place."
Cheng You still shook her head. "I'm not afraid. If they have the guts, let them come again!"
Then she would stab them with a knife!
Cheng You felt no fear at all now, only rage.
She had nurtured that He Shou Wu for so long!
Qi Shengwen said sternly, "I will arrange for two people to protect you. You might have to endure some inconvenience for the next few days."
Cheng You quickly understood, "You want to use a stratagem?"
"This person is most likely after the Mu Xicao. Let's spread the word that the Mu Xicao has been stolen from you."
Cheng You groaned inwardly. She knew this would happen.
"What about the Mu Xicao? Should we arrange for it to be moved?"
If it weren't for this treasure, her He Shou Wu and ginseng wouldn't have been disturbed.
Qi Shengwen waved his hand, "No, it will remain here with you."