“Is everything you said true? Is he really Zhao Guoqing from Zhangjia Village Hongqi Brigade in Quancheng County? His parents are still alive and he has very dark skin but he is quite tall.”
Jiang Chiye nodded “The Zhao Guoqing I know is from Quancheng. I do not know more details beyond that.”
Zhou Daya’s gaze dimmed. She looked at Jiang Chiye and Xu Yaoyao pleadingly “May I go with you to the base? I did not tell my husband I was coming so he does not know I am here.” It was her first time traveling far from home and she felt nervous. Seeing this uniformed officer made her feel safe so she decided to ask hoping it might be him.
Xu Yaoyao had not expected to hear such a story and spoke up “Daya did you and he get a marriage certificate?”
“Marriage certificate?” Zhou Daya looked confused then shook her head “My husband said it makes no difference whether you have one or not. In our village you are truly married once you hold the wedding feast. Getting a certificate requires a note from the brigade leader and it costs fifty cents so we did not bother.”
“Daya you cannot be so foolish” Xu Yaoyao said “Just for fifty cents you did not get one? Without a certificate legally speaking he is still single.”
Zhou Daya looked distressed “But everyone in our village does it this way! Couples live their whole lives without one.”
Xu Yaoyao fell silent realizing this was common in this era especially in rural areas. She did not know what else to say.
“Daya without a marriage certificate things will be very unclear at the base.”
“Is having a wedding feast not enough?” Zhou Daya’s eyes went wide.
Xu Yaoyao looked to her husband. Jiang Chiye spoke firmly “It is alright. Come with us and we will find out if he is the man you know.” If it was him hiding a marriage and taking another wife at the base it was a serious matter and a disciplinary offense.
Zhou Daya stood up excitedly and bowed deeply “Thank you both Comrade.”
“You are welcome” Jiang Chiye replied coolly. He turned to his wife his expression softening “My dear why do you not rest? You did not sleep well last night.”
Xu Yaoyao thought of the night before and her cheeks flushed pink. She gave him a tender reproachful look. Who was to blame for her lack of sleep? She had said no but he had kept going and she had eventually lost track of how many times.
Jiang Chiye knew he was to blame but he could not help it. He had tasted something wonderful for the first time and his wife had been so inviting. He busied himself arranging the bedding for her “Rest now. I will fetch some water.”
Xu Yaoyao nodded and slipped off her shoes to lie down. He placed their bags on the upper bunk and left with the kettle. Zhou Daya put her things beneath her bed and lay down too but her mind was in turmoil and she could not sleep.
The journey from the capital to Yangcheng took about two days by train. Xu Yaoyao found the time difficult to get through but soon they were nearing their destination. She sat on the edge of the bed watching Jiang Chiye pack their things. Zhou Daya looked on with clear envy “Yaoyao your husband is so good to you.” She had never met a man so patient and caring and he was handsome too they looked perfect together.
Xu Yaoyao glanced at him and met his loving gaze her cheeks warm with quiet pride “He is very good and I am also a good wife coming all this way with him.”
“That is true you are the best” Jiang Chiye agreed warmly.
Zhou Daya smiled sadly used to admiring them by now. The train pulled into the station. Jiang Chiye carried the luggage in one hand and held his wife’s hand in the other walking toward the platform. Zhou Daya followed closely behind terrified of being left behind. He walked at a steady pace and she managed to keep up.
Outside the station was crowded. Jiang Chiye in his uniform stood tall and imposing his demeanor keeping people at a distance.
“Regimental Commander over here!” A young soldier waved and ran over. His eyes widened seeing the beautiful woman walking beside him. He had heard the Commander married on leave and had expected someone ordinary.
Jiang Chiye noticed the staring and frowned sharply “What are you looking at? Address her as Sister in Law.”
Liu Qiangjun snapped to attention “Greetings Sister in Law.”
“Hello” Xu Yaoyao smiled warmly and handed him a handful of wedding candies “Take these and share in our joy.”
Liu Qiangjun looked to Jiang Chiye.
Jiang Chiye nodded “Take them. Since when have you become so hesitant?”
“Thank you Sister in Law” Liu Qiangjun grinned broadly catching sight of the quiet woman standing behind them “Regimental Commander who is this?”
“Wife of Deputy Company Commander Zhao.”
Liu Qiangjun looked shocked his eyes wide with questions but Jiang Chiye’s look silenced him. He swallowed the words and greeted her “Greetings Sister in Law.”
Zhou Daya looked up shyly “Hello.”
“Let me carry your luggage Sister in Law.”
“Oh there is no need really.”
“It is no trouble.” Liu Qiangjun took her bags and led them to the vehicle. The women sat in the back and Jiang Chiye rode in front. They traveled to the coast boarded a ship and sailed for half an hour to reach the island. Xu Yaoyao stepped off pale and exhausted her hair damp with sweat and sea spray looking fragile and deeply touching.
Jiang Chiye supported her his eyes full of concern “Can you manage? Shall I carry you?”
Xu Yaoyao shook her head “I am just a little seasick I will be fine.” She could not possibly let him carry her in front of everyone. Zhou Daya was also unwell and crouched nearby still feeling sick. Liu Qiangjun stood beside her unsure how to help.
“Qiangjun take her to the guest house to rest” Jiang Chiye said “I will go ahead.”
“Yes sir.”
Jiang Chiye had submitted their marriage paperwork in advance and an official quarters had been assigned and prepared for their arrival. He brought his wife to their new home pulled out a clean stool and said “Sit and rest. I will boil water so you can wash and settle in.”
“Alright” Xu Yaoyao looked around the yard. It was spacious but bare apart from one persimmon tree. It would be lovely to plant flowers or vegetables here. She might not be much of a cook but Jiang Chiye certainly was.