Jiang Shuiying stood on the platform holding Niannian’s hand. She did not speak at once but looked out across the hall. Hundreds of faces watched them. Some were curious some were eager for a show some were dismissive and some looked on with sympathy. She had faced far harder situations than this. Back in Heping Village when her late husband’s family had blocked her door and tried to force her to remarry she had stood her ground alone and made them all stand down. This crowd did not frighten her.
Doctor Zhao she said her voice carrying clearly to every corner of the hall your song was very beautiful. But you have dedicated it to the wrong person. Lu Qingnian is my husband.
You said you have been at his side all this time while he has no memory Zhao Xueting called out. I have looked after him for three years.
Very well Jiang Shuiying nodded. Then tell me how did he get the scar above his left eyebrow.
Zhao Xueting hesitated. He cannot remember anything from before. How would I know.
You have been with him three years yet you do not know how he got such a noticeable scar. Jiang Shuiying turned to face the audience. He got that scar when he was fourteen years old fighting to protect me. I have one more question. Has he ever clearly refused you.
Zhao Xueting’s eyes reddened but she remained silent.
Jiang Shuiying continued. I have asked Lu Qingnian and he told me he has refused you many times. If you will not take the hint I will make it clear for you today.
Silence fell over the hall. She took a cloth packet from inside her clothing unfolded it carefully and held up a faded sheet of paper.
Officers and comrades this is our marriage certificate. She held it high so everyone could see clearly. Issued by the Heping Village Government in Sichuan in nineteen eighty one. Our names are written there and it bears the official seal.
An officer sitting in the front row took the document and read aloud. Jiang Shuiying female from Heping Village Sichuan. Lu Qingnian also from Heping. Registered as married on October twelfth nineteen eighty one. The official stamp is genuine.
Whispers spread through the hall. It is real. The names match. They truly are husband and wife.
Zhao Xueting flushed with alarm. That proves nothing. Certificates can be forged.
Forged Jiang Shuiying gave a cold smile. Everyone can see the official seal is genuine.
Niannian peered out from beside her and called toward the back of the hall. Old Man.
All heads turned as Lu Qingnian walked onto the stage. Zhao Xueting rushed to him grasping his sleeve as if clinging to a lifeline. Brother Qingnian she pleaded her voice trembling. She is lying. I would never deceive you.
Lu Qingnian gently freed his sleeve and walked to stand beside Jiang Shuiying facing the assembly.
It is true I have lost my memory he said clearly so that every person in the hall could hear. But from the very first moment I saw her I felt drawn to her. I wondered how anyone could leave someone so good behind. When I learned I was the one she was looking for I was so happy I could not sleep all night.
A roar of applause and cheers erupted filling the hall.
Good man. A true soldier.
Before the applause died down Lu Qingnian turned and looked at Jiang Shuiying with a mock serious expression. But do not be too pleased. I have something to say to you in front of everyone.
The hall quieted. You walked up here in front of hundreds of people without even speaking to me first. Do I have any say in this family.
Jiang Shuiying looked away and the tips of her ears turned pink. Lu Qingnian cleared his throat and turned fully to face the audience adopting a formal tone. Since everyone is here and since we have found each other let me make a few things clear. I am used to giving orders in the army and I intend to be head of the household at home as well.
Someone in the audience could not help laughing. Lu Qingnian took Jiang Shuiying’s hand and held it up for all to see. Look at these hands. Hardened with calluses cracked and chapped from the cold. All these years while I was gone she has worked the fields and raised our child alone. So the first rule is this. From now on I will take charge of all meals. I will do the cooking and the housework. I am not used to anyone else doing it.
The wives in the audience drew breath in surprise.
And the second rule he continued holding her hand his voice softening is that if anyone must face embarrassment or trouble it will be me. You must ask me first and let me take the part that is hard.
Jiang Shuiying blushed and whispered tugging at his sleeve. Stop everyone is watching.
That is exactly why I am saying it Lu Qingnian spoke even louder. And third do not come to me asking permission to spend money. I cannot approve every small purchase.
Laughter broke out across the hall.
Quiet Lu Qingnian said unflustered as he took a red booklet from his pocket and placed it firmly in her palm. You will make all decisions about spending yourself. This is all my pay. Every cent is now in your care.
The audience watched wide eyed. Jiang Shuiying opened the booklet and saw the savings recorded there. More than one thousand five hundred yuan saved a little at a time over the years. The very first entry had been made shortly after he lost his memory.
One of the wives exclaimed aloud. What a wonderful man.
The hall erupted in applause louder than before. The wives cheered the loudest. He does the cooking he protects her and he gives her every penny. Why cannot my husband be like that. He would not even lift a finger at home. Battalion Commander do you have a brother.
Niannian stood between them looked up and called out. Old Man will you make steamed pork buns tomorrow.
Yes Lu Qingnian answered at once.
Jiang Shuiying put the booklet safely away and stepped closer. Her voice was soft. I would like that very much. For breakfast then.
It will be done Lu Qingnian replied keeping a straight face though his eyes shone.
Zhao Xueting stood alone at the edge of the stage unnoticed. She stamped her foot turned and ran from the hall weeping.
In the front row Deputy Political Commissar Zhao sat gripping his teacup so hard it creaked. The certificate was genuine and verified in front of the entire division. Lu Qingnian had made his feelings perfectly clear yet he had humiliated his daughter publicly. He would not forget this.
The celebration ended in joy but bitterness had taken root in the Commissar’s heart.
Zhao Xueting ran straight from the hall to the post office. Her hair was loose and her uniform dusty and she did not care.
Is there a letter for Lu Qingnian from Sichuan she asked the clerk.
One arrived today.
I am Doctor Zhao from the medical team she said placing her identification on the counter. He is busy and asked me to collect it.
The clerk checked her papers and handed over the letter. She signed her name took it and hurried to a quiet corner where she tore it open. The letter bore the official seal and the village secretary’s handwriting. It confirmed that Lu Qingnian and Jiang Shuiying had been married in nineteen eighty one and that they had a son named Lu Nian.
The letter slipped from her fingers and fluttered to the ground. She sank down holding her face and wept. She picked it up folded it carefully and placed it deep inside her pocket. She would keep it safe for now.