After lunch, Lu Zhiheng planned to leave the Qingshan Brigade.
“Zhiyao, big brother is heading back first. If anything happens, call me. If that guy bullies you, hit him back—or if you can’t, I’ll come to help. As for his family, handle it as you see fit. Our little darling shouldn’t suffer any grievances.”
“Okay, big brother, I understand!” Lu Zhiyao forced a smile.
“Here’s the address for Mom and Dad. If you miss them, you can write. Your second brother has resumed his post, your third brother went with Mom and Dad—write to me when you have time, alright?”
“I know, big brother. You should take these things back with you; leaving them here is too conspicuous.”
Lu Zhiyao handed back all the items he brought. Though her brother didn’t need them, it would be awkward with her sister-in-law if they stayed.
“These are from your sister-in-law. Don’t worry—just stay here and be well. And if you don’t feel like going to work, big brother can send food every month. Don’t force yourself!”
“You’re so kind, big brother.”
Lu Zhiyao hugged him, realizing how different her original self was. That version of her, born into comfort, had a wonderful family yet chased after a man blindly.
“Alright, Zhiyao, I’m leaving. Go inside now.” Lu Zhiheng prepared to get into the car, then turned to He Lingyun: “Don’t let her suffer. If she does, you’ll answer to me.”
“Don’t worry, big brother. I won’t let Zhiyao suffer.”
Seeing this, Lu Zhiheng felt better and quietly left.
Watching the military vehicle drive away, tears slipped down Lu Zhiyao’s cheeks.
“Zhiyao, don’t cry. I’m here.”
He Lingyun tenderly wiped her tears and held her close. Luckily, few people were around—otherwise, gossip would have started.
“Aling, I want to see the people at the cattle shed. My parents are there too, and I want to help them… maybe someone can assist.”
Though she knew help for her parents was unlikely, she wanted to act—mainly to cut off the female lead’s backing.
“Alright. It’s too conspicuous in the daytime. I’ll take you there at night.”
He Lingyun understood her longing for her parents and agreed to any request.
The people in the cattle shed were all influential figures, currently restrained by circumstances but destined to rise once this turmoil passed.
Lu Zhiyao remembered what Lu Zhiheng had told her: these were special connections of her family, temporarily in exile in the frontier.
At night, Lu Zhiyao prepared some coarse grain.
One person in the shed was a friend of her grandfather, giving her a reason to approach. She also remembered from the book: among them were top medical authorities, a professor from the Imperial Capital, and professors from Huaqing University.
Under the cover of darkness, Lu Zhiyao and He Lingyun sneaked to the cattle shed.
“Who’s there?” someone inside shouted, hearing the movement.
“Is Chairman Lei Zhenyu here?”
“Heh, someone still knows me in this small place?”
A rough voice called from the door, followed by the creak of it opening.
“Little girl… you’re Old Lu’s granddaughter?”
“Yes, Grandpa Lei. I’m Lu Zhiyao, granddaughter of Lu Dianchao.”
Hearing her grandfather’s name, Lei Zhenyu immediately opened the door fully. “Old Lu’s granddaughter? Come in, come in.”
“And this?” he asked, noticing He Lingyun behind her.
“This is my fiancé, He Lingyun, from the Qingshan Brigade.”
Inside, Lu Zhiyao saw the remaining five elders. They were like her grandparents’ generation—though poorly dressed, they didn’t look defeated. The older ladies were elegant, showing beauty even in their aged features.
Lei Zhenyu called one over: “Aqin, come quickly! This is Lu Dianchao and Zhong Jie’s granddaughter.”
Yu Qin took Lu Zhiyao’s hands warmly. “Child, why are you here?”
“Grandma Yu, I came down to this area. My brother visited yesterday, and that’s how I knew you were here. Are you all well?”
Among these six, Lu Zhiyao recognized Lei Zhenyu and Yu Qin. The others, though seen in the book as professors or officials, were harder to distinguish.
“Is your grandfather and grandmother well?”
“Grandma Yu, my grandparents and parents went to the frontier. I don’t know their current situation. My big brother said you and Grandpa Lei were here and told me to check on you.”
“Good, good. You kids are fine; don’t worry. We’re doing well.”
If it weren’t for their tattered clothes and rough hands, Lu Zhiyao might have believed them completely.
She presented the grain she had brought. Though simple, it was far better than their previous meager rations.
“Child, take this with you. You yourself came all the way down…”
“Grandpa Lei, Grandma Yu, and all of you, my brother prepared this food, and I’m just passing it along. Don’t worry; my own supplies are sufficient.”
With her words, they no longer refused.
“Good child, we thank you first!”
They felt the hardship of life—despite contributions to the nation, they were suffering due to the female lead’s luck-stealing system, which drained the country’s fortune, causing unrest.
“Grandpa Lei, Grandma Yu, it’s late. I should go back.”
Lu Zhiyao checked the time—it was past midnight. She still had work the next day, so she didn’t want to disturb them further.
“Wait, be careful!”
He Lingyun stayed silent the whole time, merely accompanying her. His role was to ensure her safety—he didn’t seek credit or advancement through her family.
He had recognized Lei Zhenyu as a top military figure. For him, these elders were simply Lu Zhiyao’s connections; his sole mission was to protect her.
“Aling, why aren’t you saying anything?”
“Zhiyao, next time you come, be careful. Don’t be seen, understood?”
“I know, Aling.”
A few days ago, He Lingyun had opened a small side door at the west courtyard to ensure Lu Zhiyao’s trips were safe.
After escorting her in, he returned home, his heart unsettled.
The Lu family was more formidable than he imagined. To win their approval, he’d have to work even harder. Otherwise, even General Lei might oppose Lu Zhiyao marrying him.
For now, the girl was still young; waiting a couple of years would be fine. Meanwhile, he would clarify matters with his parents.