After all, she had known Gu Mufeng for too short a time to know him deeply. Still, over the course of this journey, his conduct had left her thoroughly satisfied. He had not only looked after her with great care, but had also treated Lu Chuan with kindness—nothing at all like an irresponsible man. Naturally, this did not mean he was perfect; she would need more time to observe him further.
When they stepped off the train, it was already past nine in the morning.
“Wife, we are in the city right now. We still have more than four hours by bus before we reach Lucheng County, and from there we must catch another bus to Dawan Town. Our village, Xiangyang Village, is still several miles beyond the town… So let us eat something first. Once we have eaten, we will head straight for the bus station. We may not get another chance to eat later in the day.”
Truly, returning home was no simple matter. Then again, this was the 1970s—having trains, buses, and public transport at all was already quite a privilege. Even in the 2020s, reaching some remote villages without one’s own car meant train to bus, bus to another bus, and then a long walk besides.
Lu Qiqi nodded.
“Very well. I leave it all to you—arrange things as you see fit.”
The three of them ate a simple meal at a state-run restaurant. Before leaving, Gu Mufeng bought several steamed buns and stuffed buns to have on hand in case they grew hungry along the way.
Gu’s family lived in a mountain village in the central region of the country. After more than four hours on the road, their bus finally arrived at the county seat. Gu Mufeng, Lu Qiqi, and Lu Chuan stepped down, ready to catch the connecting bus to the town.
At the county bus station, they caught sight of a familiar face—it was Zhang Shulin, the village chief’s son. Seeing Gu Mufeng and Lu Qiqi, Zhang Shulin’s face lit up with delight.
“Brother Gu! You’ve returned? I heard you went to fetch your bride. And this must be your wife—she is truly beautiful,” Zhang Shulin greeted them warmly.
Gu Mufeng nodded and made introductions.
“Shulin, this is my wife, Lu Qiqi. And this is my brother-in-law, Lu Chuan. Wife, Chuan—this is Zhang Shulin, the village chief’s son. He is a year younger than I, and we grew up together like brothers. You may call him by his name.”
Lu Qiqi and Lu Chuan offered polite greetings. Zhang Shulin was an affable, talkative sort. He chatted with them while readily helping carry their luggage. He had come into town that day with an ox cart.
“Brother Gu, my cart is not heavily loaded. Why trouble with the bus? Come—ride back with me on the cart.”
Ox carts were slow and rough-riding. Gu Mufeng did not decide outright, but turned instead to Lu Qiqi and Lu Chuan.
“The cart will not be as comfortable as the bus. Wife—what do you think? Shall we ride the cart, or take the bus?”
Lu Qiqi considered briefly.
“If it is no trouble for Shulin, let us take the cart. It may be slower, but with all of us talking together, the journey will pass quickly. Besides—with the cart, I should like to pick up a few things to take back. As you see, Chuan and I have brought scarcely anything with us. The clothes Chuan wears I stitched together myself, and I should like to buy some fabric to make him proper clothing. Also—this is my first time visiting your home. Should we not buy something for your family?”
Gu Mufeng patted the large canvas army bag slung over his shoulder.
“Gifts for my family I have already bought. We shall give them upon arrival. Later, we shall buy whatever you and Chuan need for yourselves.”
The group walked together to the roadside while Zhang Shulin went to bring the cart around. Gu Mufeng turned to Lu Qiqi and spoke earnestly.
“Wife—this time I have returned on leave to bring you home and be wed. I have some twenty days of leave remaining. After that, I must return to my post…”
Hearing that he would be leaving again in twenty days filled Lu Qiqi with mixed feelings. Before she could speak, however, he continued.
“I currently serve as Deputy Regiment Commander in the army—rank sufficient to bring one’s spouse to reside near the base. In the past, being unmarried, I simply lived in the barracks. Before I left this time, I submitted an application for dependent status and quarters. If you are willing, once we are married, you may come and live with me at the base.”
“I may live with you at the base?” Lu Qiqi’s face brightened with genuine pleasure. “Mufeng—I have heard that base quarters are strictly regulated. As your wife, I suppose I may join you… but what of Lu Chuan?” Much as Lu Qiqi had no great desire to live with her in-laws, she could not bear to leave the boy behind.
“As for Chuan—I shall see to it. I shall send a telegram to my unit this very day and explain his circumstances. He is your brother, and therefore mine as well. The rules are strict, yes—but they do not forbid bringing family. We can register his household under ours, and he will be one of us.”
Relieved, Lu Qiqi nodded in agreement. She harbored some concern over whether Lu Chuan would adapt to life at an army base—but she knew that as long as the two of them remained together, he would in time grow accustomed.
Presently Zhang Shulin returned with the ox cart. They rode together into town and made their way to the supply cooperative. Lu Qiqi bought only what she truly needed—fabric to sew two proper sets of clothing for Lu Chuan. She had already stitched one set on the train, imagining it would be simple work. Doing so entirely by hand, without a sewing machine, had proven agonizing—her fingers pricked countless times. If only I had a sewing machine…
While Lu Qiqi was occupied, Gu Mufeng quietly purchased a length of bright red cloth. When it came time to pay, Lu Qiqi reached for her share—but cloth required cloth ration coupons. Though she had come by some coupons, they were not meant to be used openly; she kept them safely stored away for now. Everything they bought required coupons Gu Mufeng had provided. She could not very well let him pay for everything—yet the moment she drew out her money, he gently pressed it back into her hand.
“Wife—keep your money. I am your husband. It is my duty to provide for you.”
Lu Qiqi said no more, seeing his resolve. She thought him perhaps a touch old-fashioned—but so long as he did not become overbearing, she could well accept it.
With their purchases complete, they climbed aboard the cart and set off for home. The ride was bumpy, yet conversation flowed easily and the miles seemed to fly. As they talked along the way, Gu Mufeng took the opportunity to tell Lu Qiqi all about his family, one by one…