Zhao Xueting stamped her foot and stormed away in high dudgeon.
Wang Jun rubbed his hands looking a little sheepish. Do not take her to heart Ma’am. Doctor Zhao is just… well let us get you settled first.
Jiang Shuiying smiled. I do not take her to heart. Did you not see she could not argue her way past me.
The base guesthouse stood beside the family quarters a neat two story building with laundry strung along the corridors and the warm scent of midday meals drifting through the air. Jiang Shuiying was shown to a room at the back on the ground floor. It was far more comfortable than the inn in town.
Niannian stepped inside bounced twice on the bed then leaned against the window ledge to look out. Mother there are so many uncles out there. Are we going to live here now. We will not have to leave again.
Jiang Shuiying watched him and a soft ache rose in her chest. If your father comes back and does not recognize us we will not be able to stay here long.
Niannian’s eyes brightened trying to soothe her. Mother do not be afraid. You have the marriage certificate. What is there to fear.
His homespun Sichuan words made both Wang Jun and Jiang Shuiying laugh aloud.
She set down their things wrung out a cloth to wipe his face and fetched a kettle of hot water from the boiler room. The woman in charge of the guesthouse was Aunt Zhang warm and kind. Seeing her with a small child she gave extra hot water and two steamed buns. Have something to fill your stomach first the canteen is not serving meals just now.
Jiang Shuiying thanked her and shared the buns sitting side by side sipping hot water. Niannian ate with cheeks rounded full and Jiang Shuiying felt the tight knot inside her chest loosen a little at last.
Niannian.
Yes Mother.
We will stay here for a few days. Be good and do not wander off. Mother has things to take care of.
Once settled she set to learning everything around her. She noted the canteen opening times the hours when vendors arrived which wives were easy to talk to and which were quick to take offense. Within two days she knew the place better than those who had lived there half a year.
At first the other wives were polite but soon they saw she had a ready smile skillful hands and a sincere honest heart. She stitched torn clothes without being asked watched over children so others could rest and sat down with those worried over money to work out accounts clearly and fairly. Within three days her room had become a gathering spot. Wives came and went holding children carrying bowls or bringing small gifts of flour and vegetables.
Sister Jiang about that soft bean curd you mentioned how do you make it. We would all love to try it.
Jiang Shuiying set to work at once lighting the stove and preparing a fresh batch. That evening she carried it from door to door sharing a bowl with every family. Niannian followed behind holding his small bowl calling out Thank you Auntie whenever someone slipped him a piece of candy.
When they reached the third house trouble was waiting. This was the home of Lieutenant Sun. His wife Xiulan was a quiet shy woman who usually kept her head down and spoke very little. As Jiang Shuiying knocked a loud crash sounded from inside like a bowl hitting the floor followed by Xiulan’s quiet hurried weeping.
Lu Qingnian happened to be passing and paused watching curious to see how this stranger would respond. Jiang Shuiying handed her bowl to Niannian. Hold this and stand right here do not move. She pushed open the door stepping inside where the air reeked of strong liquor. Lieutenant Sun stood gripping Xiulan by the arm his face flushed red with drink. Broken crockery littered the floor and one side of Xiulan’s face was already swollen streaked with tears.
At the sight of Jiang Shuiying she looked both relieved and ashamed bowing her head so low it nearly touched her chest. Lieutenant Sun turned scowling. Who are you. Get out this is my home.
Jiang Shuiying stepped to Xiulan’s side gently drawing her behind her and looked the man up and down then smiled. Lieutenant Sun from Second Company am I right. My name is Jiang I am staying at the guesthouse.
I do not care where you are from. What do you want.
I was just passing and heard such a commotion she said calmly I came to see what was happening. Do not misunderstand I am not here to stop a fight. She stepped aside still smiling. Go right ahead. I will just stand here and watch. A real man should be like you is that it. Strong enough to come home and strike his wife. I will make sure everyone at the Company Office hears how you use your fists. Fighting no enemies bandits no one just your own wife. Your reputation will spread far and wide.
You have no right to threaten me with the Company.
I am not threatening you I am simply telling the truth. What part of what I said is untrue. Jiang Shuiying took two steps toward the doorway glancing back.
Lu Qingnian had paused on his way to headquarters watching with undisguised admiration. Her spirit and fearlessness stirred something in him making him feel as though he might fall in love all over again. Everyone knew Lieutenant Sun treated his wife badly and earlier attempts to intervene had changed nothing.
If you disagree we will go to the Company Office right now and let the Captain decide she said. I would very much like to meet him and ask what kind of leadership it is when his officers practice their boxing on their wives at night.
She stood in the doorway speaking clearly so that passing soldiers stopped and looked over. If you believe I am wrong come with me now.
Lieutenant Sun was drunk but not foolish enough to see this end well for him. Jiang Shuiying turned her voice softening toward Xiulan. Pack your things. You are coming to stay with me. Let him keep his company with the wine jars.
Xiulan wiped her tears standing still. Come along Jiang Shuiying said gently tugging at her sleeve. Are you still sorry to leave him. He breaks bowls and strikes you and do you know how much those bowls cost.
Xiulan gave a shaky laugh through her tears.
Lieutenant Sun Jiang Shuiying turned back to the man come to the guesthouse tomorrow morning when you are sober and apologize. If you do not I will report this to the Company and then I will find Xiulan a good husband. There are plenty of men here who would cherish her as she deserves.
Wives had gathered outside listening peering through doorways and smiling at her words. Lu Qingnian watched her standing firm and fair and found himself smiling too. He turned to his orderly. Do you know who that woman is.
The orderly glanced toward the courtyard. They say she came all the way from Sichuan with her child looking for a certain Captain. It has been days now and he has not come forward to meet her. People say he abandoned her.
Before the orderly could finish Lu Qingnian spoke softly to himself. How could anyone abandon someone so fine. What a terrible pity.