Ma’am let me suggest something Wang Jun said. Stay one night nearby and I will bring you back tomorrow. I will speak to the commanding officer and explain everything.
Jiang Shuiying thought it over and agreed there was no better choice.
Wang Jun led her to a small guesthouse nearby. It cost fifty cents for the night. The room was simple with a wooden bed a small table and a drafty window. Jiang Shuiying made up the bed and settled Niannian to sleep first. He had been on the go all day and fell asleep the moment his head touched the pillow a soft smile on his lips and Father whispered faintly in his sleep.
Jiang Shuiying sat beside the bed brushing her hand over her son’s face then touching the precious things tucked safely inside her inner pocket. These few items she had brought with her were as dear to her as life itself. She intended to make a home here in Heishiling. Once settled she would look for work or some small trade to support them.
Leaning against the wall she closed her eyes to rest and her mind drifted back to when she was eighteen. It was Lu Qingnian’s first leave after joining the army. The night before he left a light rain fell and the pomelo tree in the courtyard bloomed filling the air with a sweet heavy scent. He slipped through the back window his trouser legs caked in mud and his coat torn by branches. She was chopping fodder in the yard and nearly dropped her knife in surprise. How did you come here.
He grinned and placed a finger to his lips signaling for her to keep quiet. Then he brought out a red paper package from behind his back holding a pair of brand new cloth shoes. I made them. Mother taught me. It took me half a month and I pricked my fingers so many times. He held out his hands showing tiny pinpricks across his fingertips. The stitching may not be very neat I hope you will not mind.
She unfolded the shoes and saw the thick sturdy soles every stitch firmly placed even if not perfectly straight. Hidden near the toes were two small embroidered characters Nian and Shui stitched in dark blue thread so fine they were almost invisible unless you looked closely. Why must a grown man learn to make shoes she chided yet tears fell fast splashing onto the new cloth and leaving faint damp marks.
He grew flustered and knelt to wipe her tears with his sleeve soon his own eyes glistening. Moonlight fell across his face clearly showing the thin scar above his eyebrow. Shuiying wait for me he said softly but with unshakable resolve. She nodded swallowing hard. When I return I will marry you properly and bring you into our home with honor.
He unfastened the silver lock from around his neck warm from resting against his skin. Two small characters Nian and Shui were etched crookedly into its surface carved secretly by him with a nail when he was twelve. Mother said this is our betrothal token to be shared between us he said his voice soft with emotion. Even if we are far apart or separated by many years when the two halves fit together we know we have found the right person.
Hush now she said quickly pressing her hand gently over his mouth. Do not say such things. You must come back to me. Her cheeks flushed warm.
From the army he wrote to her every month. When he turned twenty two and was old enough he came home on leave at once and they were married. Shuiying he whispered close to her ear his voice thick with tears warm and trembling I have finally married you. I will take care of you for the rest of my life. She buried her face in his uniform and nodded as tears soaked through the crisp fabric. Do not cry he said patting her back awkwardly just wait for me here.
Jiang Shuiying opened her eyes abruptly. Outside the moon was full and bright. She spoke quietly to the window Qingnian you promised you would return. Now I am here you must keep your word.
She rose before dawn the next morning dressed Niannian and washed his face. The boy sat lacing his shoes struggling with the knots and growing frustrated. The laces do not want to work with me Mother.
Do not hurry take your time she said kneeling to help him tie them neatly and straightening the collar of his padded coat.
By nine o’clock Wang Jun arrived. Come with me Ma’am I have spoken to the officers and you may stay at the base guesthouse while waiting for Captain Lu to return. Her heart beating fast she took Niannian’s hand and followed him through the gates.
It was her first time inside the base. The grounds were wide and orderly rows of barracks stood neat and straight. Soldiers passed by and looked curiously at the woman and small child walking with Wang Jun. Near the First Battalion headquarters they met a young woman in a white coat walking toward them. She was about twenty three strikingly pretty with her hair tied back in a ponytail and a stethoscope around her neck.
Doctor Zhao Wang Jun greeted her.
Zhao Xueting stopped and looked Jiang Shuiying up and down taking in her simple cotton clothes and plainly dressed child. Her brow furrowed. Wang Jun who is this.
This is Captain Lu’s wife Wang Jun explained she has come to join him.
Zhao Xueting’s expression hardened at once. Captain Lu’s wife she said sharply I was never told Captain Lu had a wife.
She says she is his wife and this is their son.
How ridiculous Zhao Xueting scoffed. Qingnian was injured three years ago and lost his memory he remembers nothing from before then. There can be no wife. I believe you have been deceived by an imposter.
Who are you calling an imposter Jiang Shuiying stepped forward meeting her gaze directly. You are Zhao Xueting are you not.
Zhao Xueting looked taken aback. You know who I am.
I have heard your name Jiang Shuiying said her eyes resting on the white coat. You seem to be always nearby. Do you have feelings for Lu Qingnian.
Zhao Xueting’s face flushed bright red. And what if I do.
This then Jiang Shuiying replied with a quiet smile. You are very beautiful yet your hopes seem even higher. If you truly care for him you must wait until we are divorced before you can have any place in his heart. Otherwise your beloved Qingnian would be committing bigamy and I am certain you would never wish that upon him.
Wang Jun and Niannian could not help smiling quietly at her words. Zhao Xueting had no answer to give and stood speechless her face dark with anger.
Jiang Shuiying turned to her again. Doctor Zhao when Captain Lu was rescued three years ago he carried a letter from home. Is it in your possession.
Zhao Xueting’s complexion shifted from red to pale and back again. What nonsense you speak she snapped I know nothing of any letter. She looked away defensively despite her angry words.
Jiang Shuiying knew then the letter was indeed with her. Niannian tugged gently at the hem of the white coat looking up. Auntie Zhao keeping things that do not belong to you is not what good children do. Then he repeated his mother’s words earnestly. Very beautiful but wanting even more.
Zhao Xueting was furious and pulled her arm away roughly. How dare you she cried where did this rude child come from.