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Wu Yansheng received a letter from Qin Xuemei in Beijing. After reading it, he was so angry that he tore the breakup letter to shreds.

"Break up? Qin Xuemei, how dare you break up with me?" he roared at the air.

He was truly unwilling to accept it.

In his view, Qin Xuemei should belong to him.

He himself is a college student, talented, from a good family, and has a promising future.

Although I left Saihanba, it was only temporary.

Once he's established himself in Beijing, it would be perfect to bring Qin Xuemei back.

But now, Qin Xuemei actually wants to break up with him.

What was the reason? Was it because of his performance in Saihanba? Was it because he filed a formal complaint against Suning?
"Ridiculous!" Wu Yansheng threw things. "What did I do in Saihanba? I was just upholding my principles! What's wrong with reporting Suning? His whole seedling cultivation project is a mess!"

But after the anger comes a deeper resentment.

I'm thinking of Shen Mengyin again.

I was still communicating with him a while ago, but I haven't been talking to him lately.

I wrote a letter to inquire, but it was like throwing a stone into the sea.

It's obvious that Suning is behind this again.

"Su Ning, you stole my future, you stole my woman, and now you won't even let me contact Shen Mengyin!" Wu Yansheng gritted his teeth. "I'm not finished with you!"

Wu Yansheng blamed all his hatred on Su Ning.

If it weren't for Suning, he believes he would still be in Saihanba, and might even have become the technical director by now.

Qin Xuemei will not break up with him.

"Su Ning, it's all your fault! It's all your fault!" Wu Yansheng paced back and forth in the house, getting angrier and angrier the more he thought about it.

At this moment, Wu Yansheng's father, Lao Wu, came home from get off work. Seeing his son like this, he frowned and asked, "Yansheng, what's wrong with you again?"

"Dad, I've been bullied!" Wu Yansheng immediately complained.

He then embellished the story, recounting how Su Ning ostracized him in Saihanba, how he resorted to underhanded tactics, and how he sabotaged his relationship with Qin Xuemei.

"This Su Ning, is he really that arrogant?" Old Wu's expression darkened after hearing this.

“Arrogant!” Wu Yansheng said, “Dad, you don’t know. He’s doing this whole-light seedling cultivation thing in Saihanba, which is completely against science. I reported him, and those experts from the Ministry of Forestry actually approved it! Su Ning must have pulled some strings and gotten things done!”

Old Wu, being a veteran cadre, couldn't stand this kind of thing. "How could this happen? Abusing power for personal gain and wasting national resources is a crime!"

"It's a crime!" Wu Yansheng seized the opportunity to say, "Dad, you have to help me. We can't let this kind of person get away with it!"

"Hmph! How can I help?" Old Wu asked.

"Investigate him!" Wu Yansheng said. "Su Ning was a regimental commander in the Volunteer Army and was transferred to civilian life. A person like him, who has been in the army for so many years, can't possibly be without some problems. Moreover, he gave up a promising future and voluntarily applied to go to the godforsaken Saihanba. There must be something wrong with that. We need to investigate his past, check his incriminating materials. As long as we find even one problem, we can bring him down!"

Old Wu hesitated, "Is this... appropriate? He's a combat hero."

“So what if he’s a combat hero?” Wu Yansheng said. “Does being a combat hero give you the right to act recklessly? Dad, you’re a veteran Party member; you must uphold the purity of the Party. People like Su Ning are a black sheep and must be eliminated!”

These words struck a chord with Lao Wu, a veteran who valued organizational discipline above all else.

Moreover, he disliked Su Ning very much. This time, he did everything he could for Wu Yansheng's sake, and he used up countless favors.

“Okay, I’ll check,” Lao Wu said. “But you can’t do anything reckless. Whatever you find, follow the procedures.”

"I know, I know," Wu Yansheng agreed verbally, but he was secretly plotting something.

He would make a huge fuss as soon as any problem was found with Suning.

The matter was brought to the Ministry of Forestry, to the newspapers, and became known throughout the country.

Let's see how Suning can stay in Saihanba any longer.

……

The next day, Lao Wu began to take action.

He inquired about Suning's situation through his old comrade-in-arms.

“Su Ning? I know him. He’s from the 45th Division of the 15th Army. He fought in the Battle of Shangganling. He’s a tough nut to crack,” said an old comrade-in-arms.

"How is this person? Is there anything wrong with him?" Old Wu asked.

"Problem? What problem?" the old comrade asked, puzzled. "Su Ning performed very well in the army, earned merits, and was wounded. When he was transferred to civilian work, the organization wanted to keep him in Beijing, but he asked to go to the grassroots level. What problem could a comrade like that have?"

Old Wu was still unwilling to give up. "Think about it more carefully. For example... lifestyle? Financial issues? Or... any inappropriate behavior on the battlefield?"

His old comrade laughed. "Old Wu, are you investigating enemy spies? I know Su Ning; he's an upright man. In Korea, once his regiment went without food for three days, and he gave his only half-eaten compressed biscuit to a wounded soldier. What could be wrong with a man like that?"

At this point, Lao Wu was truly speechless.

But his son, Wu Yansheng, still refused to give up.

“Dad, if the military can’t find anything, then check the local authorities!” Wu Yansheng said. “He’s been working at the Weichang Forestry Bureau for over a year; there’s definitely something going on. For example… embezzlement? misappropriation of public funds? Or an improper relationship with a female colleague?”

"Don't make wild guesses," Lao Wu said. "You can't make things up without evidence."

"Then let's find evidence!" Wu Yansheng urged. "Dad, don't you know people in the Chengde Prefectural Committee? Have them check the accounts of the Weichang Forestry Bureau and the projects handled by Su Ning. I refuse to believe he has no problems at all!"

Old Wu, unable to resist his son Wu Yansheng's persistent nagging, finally agreed, "Alright, alright, I'll go ask. But don't get your hopes up too high. If Su Ning is really that clean, they won't find anything."

“He can’t be clean!” Wu Yansheng was certain. “In a place like Saihanba, far from the reach of the emperor, how could he not have taken some benefits? How much funding did he approve for the whole-field seedling cultivation? Buying equipment, buying seeds—there are so many ways he could have made a fuss about it!”

Old Wu thought about it and realized it made sense.

So he called a former subordinate of the Chengde Prefectural Committee.

"Old Zhang! I need your help with something. I heard that Su Ning, the former deputy director of the Weichang Forestry Bureau, has a project in Saihanba. Could you check the accounts and see if there are any problems?"

Old Zhang said on the other end of the phone, "Old Wu, I know this Su Ning. He's a combat hero, and he's very diligent in his work. Investigating him... isn't that a bit inappropriate?"

"Precisely because he is a combat hero, we must be even more strict with him," Lao Wu said grandly. "We are responsible for him, and we are also responsible for the organization. Check it out; if there are no problems, that's best; if there are, correct them promptly."

"Well... I'll arrange for someone to take a look," Old Zhang reluctantly agreed.

After hanging up the phone, Lao Wu said to Wu Yansheng, "I've already put in a good word. But whether we can find out the problem is hard to say."

"We definitely can!" Wu Yansheng said confidently. "Dad, just you wait and see. This time, we'll definitely bring down Suning!"

Wu Yansheng returned to his room and began writing a letter.

It wasn't for Qin Xuemei, nor for Shen Mengyin.

Instead, he gave it to his college classmate in Harbin, who now works at a newspaper.

"Old classmate, I have a news tip for you. Su Ning, the deputy director of the Saihanba Mechanical Forest Farm, is abusing his power for personal gain, wasting national resources, and implementing the so-called 'all-light seedling cultivation method,' which is completely a personal blunder. I hope your newspaper can investigate and report on this to expose the truth..."

He wrote in great detail, describing Suning as an arrogant, pretentious bureaucrat who wasted national resources.

After finishing the letter, Wu Yansheng smiled with satisfaction.

"Su Ning, you wait. I'll ruin your reputation!"

The letter has been sent.

Wu Yansheng believed that this time he would definitely succeed.

Once the newspaper exposes it and the higher authorities launch an investigation, Suning is definitely finished.

In time, Qin Xuemei will know who is truly capable and who is worthy of her trust.

He became increasingly smug the more he thought about it.

Little did he know that by doing this, he would not only fail to harm Su Ning, but would also expose his own despicable nature.

Because those who can truly withstand investigation are people like Suning.

What cannot withstand scrutiny is Wu Yansheng's own cunning.

But Wu Yansheng is now blinded by hatred.

He couldn't see any of this; all he wanted was revenge, even at any cost.

But who will this retaliation ultimately target?
I'm afraid even he himself couldn't have imagined it.

……

Three days later, Su Ning invited Qin Xuemei to the old camp nursery.

That was the nursery where the first full-light seedling cultivation was experimented.

The seedlings have been transplanted, but the land is still reserved for cultivating new seedlings.

"Comrade Xuemei, I've made up my mind." Su Ning got straight to the point.

Qin Xuemei's heart pounded. "Please speak."

“I agree.” Su Ning said solemnly, “I agree to become your revolutionary partner and work together to green our motherland and Saihanba.”

Qin Xuemei was stunned, her face full of disbelief. "Really? You...you really agree?"

“Really.” Su Ning nodded. “I’ve thought about this a lot these past few days. You’re young, educated, and idealistic, and you’re willing to dedicate your youth to Saihanba. A comrade like you deserves respect and is worth cherishing.”

“But I have to make this clear. Being with me will be tough. I might stay in Saihanba for the rest of my life. The conditions here are poor, the work is demanding, and there's no time to take care of your family. If you regret it, it's not too late.”

“I have no regrets!” Qin Xuemei said immediately. “Director Su, I’m not with you for personal enjoyment. I want to fight alongside you to turn Saihanba into an oasis. No matter how hard or tiring it is, I’m willing to do it.”

“Okay.” Su Ning smiled. “Then it’s settled.”

"It's a deal!" Qin Xuemei smiled, tears welling up in her eyes.

“Also,” Su Ning said, “don’t call me Director Su anymore. Just call me Su Ning, or… Old Su is fine too.”

“I’ll call you Comrade Su Ning.” Qin Xuemei blushed.

“Okay.” Su Ning nodded. “Then let’s go to the bureau tomorrow to get a marriage certificate and register our marriage.”

"So fast?" Qin Xuemei was a little surprised.

"Is it fast?" Su Ning said. "We're all people who get things done, not those superficial things. Once it's decided, we'll get on with it, and then we'll get back to work."

"Okay, I'll do as you say." Qin Xuemei nodded.

The two chatted for a while longer and finalized the details.

The next day, Su Ning and Qin Xuemei obtained a certificate at the forest farm, went down to the dam together, and registered their marriage at the Weichang County Civil Affairs Bureau.

The news spread like wildfire.

The first to find out were the staff of the Civil Affairs Bureau.

They were stunned when they saw Su Ning and Qin Xuemei come to register.

"Director Su, you...you and Technician Qin?" The clerk couldn't believe it.

“Yes, we’re here to register our marriage.” Su Ning said naturally.

"Congratulations!" The clerk quickly processed the paperwork.

The certificate was issued, the form was filled out, and the stamp was affixed. Soon, the two red certificates were obtained.

"I wish you happiness!" the clerk said.

"Thank you." Su Ning accepted the marriage certificate.

Looking at the red marriage certificate, Qin Xuemei felt indescribably happy.

From today onwards, Qin Xuemei is Su Ning's wife.

Although the wedding hasn't taken place yet, it's legally a done deal.

Back at the Saihanba Forest Farm, Qu He was stunned when he heard the news.

"What? Su Ning and Qin Xuemei have registered their marriage?" he asked his secretary.

“Absolutely true. I just came back from the Civil Affairs Bureau and saw it with my own eyes,” the secretary said.

Qu He was stunned for a long time, then suddenly burst into laughter, "Good! Good! Su Ning got things done without making a sound! Qin Xuemei is also good, she's educated and energetic, she's a good match for him!"

He immediately called Yu Zheng, "Old Yu, I have great news for you! Su Ning and Qin Xuemei have registered their marriage!"

"What? Really?" Yu Zhenglai was also surprised.

“I just confirmed it, it’s true,” Qu He said. “That’s great, your wife won’t have to help him with anything anymore.”

"That's great news!" Yu Zhenglai exclaimed happily. "I have to go to Bashang to congratulate them in person!"

When the news reached Bashang, it caused an uproar.

Meng Yue was the first to know because Qin Xuemei called her.

"What? You registered with Director Su?" Meng Yue exclaimed.

"Keep your voice down," Qin Xuemei laughed on the other end of the phone. "I just finished registering."

"That's wonderful! Congratulations, Xuemei!" Meng Yue was genuinely happy for her.

After hanging up the phone, Meng Yue immediately announced, "Listen up, everyone! Xue Mei and Director Su have registered their marriage!"

The cafeteria was quiet for a few seconds, then erupted in cheers.

"Really?" Sui Zhichao asked.

“Absolutely true!” Meng Yue said. “Xue Mei said it herself.”

"My God!" Da Kui jumped up. "Director Su and Technician Qin, it's really over?"

"It's a done deal!" Ji Xiurong exclaimed happily. "I knew they were a perfect match!"

Shen Mengyin's eyes lit up. "That's wonderful! Xuemei has finally found her happiness!"

Feng Cheng smiled as well, "Director Su and Technician Qin are indeed a match made in heaven."

Zhao Tianshan was even more excited, "We have to celebrate properly! When they come back, we'll have a big, lively wedding!"

"Yes! Let's have a wedding!" everyone said in unison.

Everyone started discussing how to plan the wedding.

"Conditions on the dam are poor, but we can keep things simple," Zhao Tianshan said. "Let's decorate the canteen, cook some good food, and have a lively time together."

"I'm going to pick flowers!" Shen Mengyin said. "It's spring now, and there are wildflowers on the dam. I'll pick them to decorate the canteen."

“I’m going hunting!” said Da Kui. “I’ll get some game to make a dish.”

“I can make desserts,” Ji Xiurong said. “Although I don’t have many ingredients, I can make some simple ones.”

"I'll take charge of the decorations," Meng Yue said. "Let's make the cafeteria a bit festive."

Everyone divided the work and got to work enthusiastically.

In the afternoon, Su Ning and Qin Xuemei returned to Bashang.

As soon as I got off the bus, I was surrounded by people.

"Congratulations, Director Su! Congratulations, Technician Qin!" everyone shouted in unison.

"Thank you, thank you everyone," Su Ning said with a smile.

Qin Xuemei blushed, but smiled sweetly.

Zhao Tianshan stepped forward and said, "Director Su, Technician Qin, we've discussed it and we're going to hold a wedding for you two in Bashang. It will be simple, but it's the thought that counts."

“No need for that,” Su Ning said.

"No trouble at all!" Sui Zhichao said. "Director Su, you've always taken care of us. Now that you're getting married, it's only right that we do our part."

“Exactly,” Da Kui said. “Bashang is our home. It would be so nice to have our wedding at home.”

Su Ning looked at Qin Xuemei, "Xuemei, what do you think?"

Qin Xuemei nodded, "I'll listen to everyone."

“Okay, let’s do it,” Su Ning said. “But keep it simple and don’t let it affect the work.”

"Don't worry, it won't be delayed!" Zhao Tianshan assured him.

For the next two days, Bashang was like a festival.

Shen Mengyin picked a bunch of wildflowers and decorated the canteen beautifully.

Red, yellow, purple—they're all wildflowers, but they're very vibrant.

Da Kui actually caught a wild rabbit, and Lao Wei stewed a pot of rabbit meat, the aroma filling the entire camp.

Ji Xiurong used the last bit of flour to make a few simple snacks.

Although it doesn't look pretty, it's full of heart.

Meng Yue cut out several "囍" (double happiness) characters from red paper and pasted them on the doors and windows of the cafeteria.

Feng Cheng transplanted several saplings from the nursery and planted them at the entrance of the canteen, calling them "wedding trees" to symbolize that their love, like a tree, would take root and grow in Saihanba.

On the wedding day, several tables were set up in the dining hall and joined together to form a large long table.

On the table were rabbit meat, pastries, cornbread, and a soup that Lao Wei had specially prepared.

Although there was no alcohol, there was hot water and warmth.

Everyone sat together, with Zhao Tianshan acting as the master of ceremonies.

"Comrades, today is a joyous day for our Saihanba Mechanized Forest Farm! Director Su and Technician Qin have become revolutionary partners, and from now on they will fight side by side to build Saihanba together!"

There was thunderous applause.

"Now, let's hear from the bride and groom!"

Su Ning stood up. "Thank you everyone. It's fate that brought Xue Mei and me together, and it's also because we share the same ideals. We are both willing to dedicate our lives to Saihanba and to the greening cause of our motherland. In the future, we will work even harder to turn the desert into an oasis as soon as possible!"

Qin Xuemei also said, "Thank you everyone. I will learn from Comrade Su Ning, work hard, and make Saihanba even better."

"Great!" Everyone applauded.

"Next, the bride and groom will exchange gifts!" Zhao Tianshan said.

There weren't any expensive gifts.

Su Ning gave Qin Xuemei a fountain pen, a Parker pen he had captured on the Korean battlefield, which had been with him for more than ten years.

“I’ve used this pen for a long time. Now I’m giving it to you, hoping you will use it to record the changes in Saihanba and our struggles,” Su Ning said.

Qin Xuemei gave Su Ning a notebook with the inscription on the first page: "Revolutionary partners, of one heart and one mind. Greening the motherland, forever united in heart and mind."

“I will use this notebook to record every day we spend in Saihanba,” Su Ning said.

After a simple ceremony, everyone began to eat, chat, and sing.

Although there was no grand ceremony or lavish banquet, everyone offered their sincere blessings.

Because this is Saihanba, on the land where they fought together, in the spring they irrigated with their sweat.

Such a wedding, though simple, is of extraordinary significance.

It witnessed not only the union of a revolutionary couple, but also the unity and friendship among the builders of Saihanba.

It is also their deep affection for this land and their hope for the future.

……

It was late at night, and the wedding was over.

Everyone helped tidy up, and then everyone rested.

The new house for Suning and Qin Xuemei is the dugout where Suning used to live.

Everyone helped decorate, put up the "double happiness" character, and changed the bedding. Although it's still simple, it's very cozy.

"Are you tired?" Su Ning asked.

"I'm not tired," Qin Xuemei shook her head. "Today is the happiest day of my life."

"It might get even tougher in the future," Su Ning said.

"I'm not afraid." Qin Xuemei looked at him. "With you, I'm not afraid of any hardship."

Su Ning grasped her hand, "Let's work together to turn Saihanba into an oasis."

"Yes, let's work hard together."

Outside the window, the night in Saihanba is very quiet.

But their hearts were warm.

Because they knew that from now on, they were not only comrades, but also comrades-in-arms.

They are husband and wife, partners, who will walk hand in hand through every day of their lives; they will fight side by side on every inch of Saihanba; they will use their youth and passion to irrigate this desert.

Until it becomes an oasis, and the dream comes true.

Their love will take root, sprout, blossom, and bear fruit on this land.

"Xuemei..."

"Ok?"

"Next comes our wedding night."

"Ah."

"nervous?"

"Ah."

"Relax! I will be with you for the rest of my life."

...(End of chapter)