Chapter 52 Shangguan PoPo's Bad Idea
salty sea breeze, Wang Zheng felt some nostalgia looking at the green island which was already within reach.Six months had passed since his last departure from China. Before his eyes flashed images of...Chapter 52:上官詩詩's Mischief Idea
"It won't be that simple. They definitely won’t let you off easily." Shangguan Shipo held her cheek in thought, looking rather lovely: "Your dad loves you so much, he surely wouldn’t want to get rid of you early, but the situation now must have changed a bit. I guess it’s probably because your dad is under pressure from above and has no choice."
"Moreover, to be honest, your mom always acts out of self-interest. Even though she loves you, she’s always wanted you to marry into one of China's top families for mutual benefit. Besides, your father obeys her in most matters since he’s henpecked, so I think this might have something to do with your mother."
"That makes sense. My dad isn’t that kind of self-interested person and wouldn’t trade me for money or status; only my mom would be enthusiastic about such things." Han Xingye pursed her lips but still looked like she was mourning: "Isn’t this era all about freedom to fall in love What am I supposed to do now"
"Why don’t you call your mother again If that doesn't work, we’ll have no choice but to take the risk of offending your dad." Shangguan Shipo was indeed quite resourceful.
“Alright, I'll make the call right now. I hope my mom isn’t too domineering.” Han Xingye prayed silently before starting to dial.
Han Desu was the commander of the capital military region, although it was the smallest among China’s eight major military regions, its location at the heart of the country meant that almost all important political figures were in Beijing. The security here was unparalleled anywhere else. As such, Han Desu bore a heavier responsibility than other regional commanders.
Of course, leaders of other military districts were all senior generals with admiral rank while Han Desu merely had a major general rank, yet no one dared to look down on this major general in the slightest.
Han Desu was the son of famous Anti-Japanese War general Han Baoguo. After his father fell ill and retired, Han Desu succeeded him brilliantly and became a major general before turning 50. Later on, he outshone all other candidates for the position of middle general to become commander of the capital military district. Such background and connections made it hard for many people to match up to him. Of course, there were other reasons why Central啟用韓脫俗也有其他目的,這個年頭許多高級將領都有明確的派係,隻有韓家旗幟鮮明地不站隊,隻以保家衛國為家族宗旨,因此讓韓脫俗這樣一個少將出任首都軍區司令,這也是高層領導人互相製衡和權衡之下最好的結果。
Han Desu was not only from an impressive background but also a representative of the new generation of officers in China. Of course, Han Desu's wife wasn't an ordinary person; just mentioning her name would make all of Fuzhou tremble three times.
Zhang Yanqing, whose second identity is Han Tuosu's wife, has the first identity of being Xiao Da’s youngest daughter. Xiao Da was once the commander of Fuzhou Military Region!
There's no need to add more words about this legendary figure, Xiao Da. He is a renowned general in China who established countless military achievements during the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the Chinese Civil War era. Later on, he also won two major battles with shocking outcomes during the Korean War, driving away those American troops using the most outdated equipment.
However, as the offspring of a famous general, Zhang Yanqing, who grew up in an army family under her father's militaristic management, clearly doesn't possess that straightforward and decisive aura typically found on soldiers. Instead, she has a somewhat petty and calculating demeanor, with a fiery temper and a tendency to view issues through a highly utilitarian lens. Her greatest aspiration is for her daughter Han Xinye to marry into an ultra-elite family; while her marriage to Han Tuosu can already be considered a strong alliance between the Han and Zhang families, having Han Xinye wed into another prestigious lineage would undoubtedly add even more luster to their situation. Of course, if this prestigious lineage were from the Su Family in China with Su Tianran being its heir, that would be even better.
If this First Son of Beijing were to marry Han Xinye, the intermarriage between the military families of the Hans and Zhangs, combined with the authoritative Su Family in political circles, would make them unstoppable in China!
Alright, it must be said that Zhang Yanqing isn't being overly fanciful; reality is about to catch up to her fantasy very soon.
"If your daughter doesn’t want to marry, are you going to torment her like this"
Kan Tuosu, looking quite agitated after hanging up the phone, angrily said to his wife who was watching a soap opera on the sofa: "It's simple. If she likes it, let them date; if not, don't force it. I really can't understand what’s going on in your head!"
Although Kan Tuosu is a soldier, he definitely isn’t an uncultured brute; naturally, no new generation of military leaders in China could be considered as such.
"What do you know" Zhang Yanqing turned around and opened her mouth wide enough to split the face mask she was wearing, revealing her furious expression.
However, it must be said that Zhang Yanqing still retains an attractive charm. Being younger than Kan Tuosu by a few years with proper upkeep, regular yoga sessions and spa treatments, she maintains a good figure and looks quite different from ordinary middle-aged women; in fact, her appearance is somewhat similar to Han Xinye's.
"Su Tianming is Su Tianran's younger brother and the grandson of the elder Mr. Su. He has already become a captain at such a young age. Han Tusu, don't pretend to be dumb! It would be an honor for our Xiao Ye if she were to marry into this family with such prestigious background! If we join forces with the Su family through marriage, your Han family may very well become the second most powerful family in China, right after the Suis!"
"Han Tusu, wouldn't it be a great honor for you to make the Han family one of the top families in all of China Wouldn’t you want your old Han family to reach its peak through your efforts" Zhang Yanqing threw out a powerful statement.
"I do wish to bring glory to our family, but haven't you forgotten what my father said We don't form factions or alliances; that's why we have attained such a high status today!"
“Humph,” Zhang Yanqing sneered: "Sounds good in theory, not forming factions or alliances. But isn’t our marriage considered an alliance between families too Back then when the Han and Zhang families formed an alliance through marriage, how politically impactful was that"
Han Tusu remained silent for a while before saying, "That marriage back then was orchestrated by those in power. However, as her father, I really don't want to sacrifice my daughter's lifelong happiness. I wouldn’t force her to marry someone she doesn't like and make her endure such pain."
“How do you know Xiao Ye won’t like him” Zhang Yanqing sneered again: “We were also strongly opposing this marriage before, but look at us now. Decades have passed, and we’re still living well. Our daughter is healthy and growing up normally. Both families’ statuses are more solid than ever. Han Tusu, take a good look at Su Tianming’s character. He's young and accomplished, already commanding the reconnaissance unit of an elite regiment in his early twenties. In the military, he has considerable influence. When it comes to being assertive, he is; when it requires humility, he displays that too. Open your eyes and take a good look around China—how many people can match Su Tianming’s excellence Who else would be worthy of our daughter besides him How could you claim with certainty that she wouldn't be happy”
Han Tusu fell silent once again. Not being a smoker, he took out a cigarette from the box meant for guests and lit it, taking a deep drag and furrowing his brows even deeper.
"Xiao Ye is no longer young, and it's time someone takes charge of her. Since you can't manage that, neither can I. Look at how spoiled she’s become because of your indulgence—whispering behind our backs about us in the whole compound. I think Su Tianming would be a good match for Xiao Ye; he appears very promising and full of vigor. In the past, I always thought Su Tianran was the best match for Xiao Ye, but now it seems this younger brother is even better."
Han Tusu continued to smoke in silence.
“As a father, you don’t want to hurt your daughter, do I as her mother then wish to push her into a fire pit” Zhang Yanqing’s mouth worked like a machine gun, relentlessly firing: “Parents’ hearts are always worried about their children. Who doesn't hope for their daughters to marry well Which mother wouldn't wish to find an excellent son-in-law who is pleasing to the eye and ensure that her daughter leads a happy life I’m doing all this out of love for our daughter!”
Zhang Yanqing's words made a lot of sense. Han Tuosu seemed to be convinced by his wife, as he smoked an entire cigarette before saying, "Tomorrow, Su Tianming and his father, Su Beijiang, will come over to our place. I’ve already told Xiao Ye about it, and given her nature, she’s bound to return."
"Letting her meet up with Su Tianming isn’t a bad idea either. Otherwise, she’ll just be running around like an unmanageable child all day long," Han Tuosu lit another cigarette and continued, "I also admire Su Tianming quite a bit. To become the youngest ever company commander in Night Tiger Company’s history shows that he truly has talent. Compared to his older brother Su Tianran, I’d even say he’s slightly more masculine. If I were to choose between the two of them, I would pick Su Tianming."
Soldiers always admired other soldiers.
Seeing her husband convinced by what she said, Zhang Yanqing couldn’t help but feel a sense of satisfaction.
"Tomorrow Grandpa might also be free. Why don’t we ask him to come out and take a look" Han Tuosu suggested, "Although he might not necessarily agree with our plan to marry into the Su family, seeing Su Tianming might change his mind."
"That would be best," Zhang Yanqing was very pleased with her husband’s attitude. She was just about to speak when she noticed her phone ringing.
"It's Xiao Ye's call; I’ll probably let it go unanswered. Tomorrow, she will come back on her own accord." Zhang Yanqing tossed the phone aside and said, "Tomorrow Su Beijiang will be coming over himself to ask for our hand in marriage as a Deputy Minister of National Defense. We need to treat him properly, so we should invite some family members over to make a good impression."
Han Tuosu let out a long sigh and remained silent.
……
"What can I do My mom won’t even pick up the phone," Han Xingye said with a miserable expression as she shook Shangguan Shishi’s arm, pleading, "Shishi, quickly come up with something. Your brain is the sharpest of all; you certainly wouldn’t want to see your best sister get married off to someone else, right Who will play with me then"r the carefree innocence of before."We’re going out for a walk in a bit. Do you want to come along" asked Wang Zheng."Of course, I have to see if you two are up to no good," Shishiyi pinched Wang Zhen...