The mother of the era is reborn to support her cannon fodder children!

Chapter 173 "Your Third Son Has Disappeared"

Lin Zhao appeared calm and composed on the surface, but her heart was already clenched with anxiety!
She carried a small bamboo stool and quietly placed it at the door of Lin Shifan's room. She sat there guarding the door, listening intently to any sounds coming from inside.

At first, it was deathly silent inside, without the slightest sound.

The agonizing minutes passed.

“…Fuck!” A hoarse male voice, suppressed to the extreme, rang out.

Lin Zhao's heart, which had been hanging in suspense, eased a little, and the corners of her mouth almost couldn't help but turn up in a smile.

Still have the energy to curse? Looks like you're alright!
She held her breath, her entire focus on the door.

The atmosphere here piqued their curiosity, and they started to peek over, trying to get closer.

Lin Zhao glanced at him out of the corner of her eye and quickly waved her hand.

The children were like puppets whose pause button had been pressed, frozen in place, not daring to move forward another step, with only their bright eyes still glued to their aunt.

"..."

This child's curiosity is so boundless it's practically off the charts!

Time ticks by, so slowly it's agonizing.

The painful gasps from inside the room also completely stopped.

"?"

what's the situation?
Lin Zhao's heart suddenly clenched, and he sprang up from the stool, rushing to the door and raising his hand to smash it.

Just then, with a "thump!", it slipped out from under the door.

The sound of bones hitting a hard object.

"Third Brother?" Lin Zhao called softly, "Are you alright?"

Lin Shifan stood up, leaning on the stool. The veins on the back of his hands were bulging, and his movements were slow, as if he were carrying a thousand pounds. He loosened one taut, white finger, then another... loosened the last finger, and his entire weight pressed down on his legs.

I couldn't feel a single ounce of pain in my leg bone!

He looked dazed and incredulous.

I tentatively took a step forward, one step, two steps... and walked very steadily.

Lin Shifan almost suspected that his legs were numbed. No, that's not right. He could stand up without crutches. He was... really healed!
"Brilliant!"

Outside the door, Lin Zhao's lips twitched at the sound of that shout.

Alright, looks like nothing happened.

Lin Zhaochong nodded to the others in the family, gave them an OK sign, grabbed his small bamboo stool, sat down lightly, picked up the pomegranate juice his sister-in-law had squeezed, and took a big gulp.

"Is your third brother alright?" Lin Heling sensed something was amiss, but without a concrete answer, she remained uneasy.

Lin Zhao put down the enamel mug, wiped his mouth, and nodded with great certainty.

“It’s alright!” She held up three fingers. “I promise. Third Brother’s leg is fine. He doesn’t need to be discharged. He can stay in the army and continue doing what he loves.”

Lin Heling and Song Xiwei looked relaxed.

The cloud of worry that had lingered between his brows for days vanished in an instant.

During this time, the third brother forced a smile, but he was actually listless and lacked energy for anything. He wasn't without regrets; he wanted to stay in the army, he dreamed of it, and how could his parents not see that?

Now that he can stay, they are worried but also happy for their son.

Just as I was thinking this, the door creaked open slowly.

Lin Shifan came out.

Seeing his family in the yard, he grinned, his smile brighter than the sun.

He walked towards Lin Zhao and the others.

He walked steadily without that obstructive cane.

Step by step, he walked steadily and firmly to his family.

"Dad, Mom, I'm all better!" Lin Shifan's voice was loud and clear. Before Song Xiwei could complain about his noise, he quickly added, "I feel like I have all the strength in my body, especially my legs. I could kick a wild boar away. Dad, Mom, I'm afraid I can't stay at home and be a dutiful son anymore. Don't you think that's a pity?"

Looking at his cheeky face, Song Xiwei turned her face away and said, "Your father and I have more than one son. If all else fails, we still have Zhaozhao."

Besides, she doesn't need anyone to take care of her.

Lin Zhao nodded, "Yes, yes, yes, Mom and Dad will live with me! I really want to live with Mom and Dad!"

Before Lin's parents could even open their mouths in agreement, Chen Yu quickly stated, "That won't do. Da Dan and the others won't be able to part with their grandparents, so Zhao Zhao's little scheme is going to fall through."

Other young wives don't like living with their parents-in-law, but Chen Yu is different. Her parents-in-law are very understanding and never interfere in their son's room. Living in the same courtyard with them is stress-free.

Lin Zhao changed the subject and asked Lin Shifan, "Third Brother, when does your vacation end?"

"It was supposed to be a month, but I want to go back sooner." Lin Shifan's expression became more serious.

He wanted to go back early not for his own sake, but because "Xiao Si's medicine is extraordinary, very extraordinary! I want to go back and report it. He has made such a great contribution, and his operation is excellent... It's not impossible for him to get rid of his label!"

“Third Brother and I are thinking the same thing,” Gu Chenghuai’s steady voice interjected at the opportune moment.

"Hmm?" Lin Shifan asked in confusion.

"I've already taken care of what needed to be done," Gu Chenghuai said succinctly. "I sent an urgent telegram. In case someone tries to steal the credit halfway through, I also sent a separate telegram to the capital."

Because of Old Master Yun's high position and his oversight, things went smoothly.

We should guard against petty people, not honest ones. There are many fair and selfless people in this world, but there's no shortage of unscrupulous individuals who abuse their power for personal gain. Especially now, with the country under constant scrutiny from across the strait and overseas, and with internal and external spies infiltrating in various ways, we must be vigilant.

"Who did you find? Is he reliable?" Lin Shifan pressed.

He is a loyal and righteous person, and has many good comrades-in-arms, some of whom come from excellent families.

“The Yun family,” Gu Chenghuai uttered.

As soon as he mentioned the Yun family, Lin Shifan's pupils contracted slightly, and he understood instantly.

The Yun family, their name is legendary!
Grandpa Yun is a role model worshipped by countless young soldiers; just hearing his name commands respect.

Those were truly veteran revolutionaries who had fought their way through gunfire!

A legendary hero with outstanding military achievements!
With Elder Yun acting as a pillar of stability, Lin Shifan felt very reassured.

He glanced at Gu Chenghuai with surprise in his eyes, "I didn't expect you to have connections with the Yun family..." His tone was tinged with envy. He wasn't envious of anything else, after all, such a heroic figure wouldn't help others with connections. He was just envious that his brother-in-law's name was on the old hero's list. What an honor that was!

Tsk, I'm so jealous.

Gu Chenghuai remained calm, his handsome face still upright, and said modestly, "I was also lucky. I shared a dormitory with Elder Yun's grandson and happened to save Yun Jian's life. He considers me a close friend."

How smug.

That's really smug.

Lin Shifan felt resentful, pouted, and muttered in a voice only he could hear, "Who doesn't have a few close friends they'd risk their lives for..."

This little bit of bragging isn't important. What's important is that my leg injury is healed, completely healed. All that stiffness and weakness is gone!

A surge of warmth filled his heart, and a feeling of pride welled up within him. He bent down, grabbed Xi Bao by the armpits, and easily lifted her over his head, laughing loudly, "Xi Bao, your third uncle can toss you high in the air again!"

Xi Bao giggled and laughed, being tossed nearly two meters off the ground but showing no fear whatsoever, as happy as a little fish.

The little girl was quite clever. Noticing that her third uncle's arm was unusually strong, she cried out repeatedly, "Third uncle is so amazing! Throw it higher! Not high enough!" Lin Shifan was happy to cooperate and laughed as he continued to push the ball higher.

When it comes to sheer audacity, it has to be his daughter, Xibao.

The courtyard was bustling with activity when a small head peeked in through the doorway.

A little girl named Daya from the village stood timidly at the door, wanting to say something, but her mouth opened and closed repeatedly, and she hesitated for several seconds without saying anything.

When Xi Bao landed and saw her, she immediately hugged Lin Shifan's neck tightly, "Third Uncle, I don't want to play anymore. Sister Daya is calling us to play."

Lin Shifan patted his niece's head and put her down, saying, "You little brat who kicks people away after they've served their purpose!"

Xi Bao giggled and rushed to meet Daya, asking in a clear voice, "Da Ya, where are we going to play?"

Daya whispered, "It's not just for fun. There's a big show going on at the Liu family's place. Do you want to go?"

The younger generation of the Lin family all knew that their family had almost been harmed by the Liu family, and they held grudges. Now that there was a show to watch, how could they miss it!

"Look, look." Xi Bao nodded her little head rapidly, repeating it three times.

They immediately called their friends and siblings, and ran out the door.

Hearing the commotion, Lin Zhao asked in surprise, "What happened to the Liu family?"

"Without that imposing son-in-law, life must be tough, right? A person needs to have some food in their belly; without food, they'll have a bad temper, and a bad temper leads to constant arguing." Chen Yu's tone remained gentle, but carried a hint of coldness.

She was also furious about the Liu family's plot to harm her. Her children were almost cuckolded!
Lin Zhao asked casually, and was completely calm about the Liu family's situation, which did not stir any waves in her heart.

Chen Yu stroked her pregnant belly, thinking about how Li Song's legs had recovered, and changed the subject: "Now that Xiangxiang's city boyfriend is all mobile, will he look down on us country girls and try to climb the social ladder, and break up with Xiangxiang?"

Xiangxiang had broken off an engagement before, and if this one falls through again, her aunt will go crazy.

The others paused slightly, and the atmosphere became a little tense.

Song Xiwei said, "That young man has an upright appearance and doesn't look like someone who would try to curry favor with others."

“Xiwei, don’t have high expectations of other people’s character,” Lin Heling said, a cold glint in her eyes. “Especially people you’ve only met once.”

Faced with enormous profits, even close friends can become strangers, stabbing you in the back without mercy.

When Song Xiwei saw her husband's expression, she knew that he was thinking about something again, and it was still a bad memory.

"Listen to you."

Lin Heling never unleashed her bad mood on those close to her; it was only because she was thoroughly disgusted that she revealed a trace of it.

He composed himself, his eyes crinkling with a smile again, and turned to Gu Chenghuai with gentle eyes: "Chenghuai, I'm troubling you with Jiusi's matter."

Gu Chenghuai didn't mind, "Father, you're too kind, it's no trouble at all."

For him, anything that can be accomplished through personal connections is nothing.

After finishing their business, Lin Zhao didn't linger. She left the oil and soap with her family, but took the rice dumplings and salted duck eggs with her!

The twins haven't had zongzi yet, so I'll take some back for the older and younger ones. As for the salted duck eggs? For their father. Gu Chenghuai has lived through hard times and likes rich, oily flavors; these salted duck eggs ooze oil with the slightest touch, he'll definitely like them.

How many big eggs? Let's wait and see, we'll send them over when she draws one.
-
The setting sun gilded the village entrance with a golden edge.

The bicycle carrying the couple home had just entered the familiar shade of trees at the village entrance when Lin Zhao's smile hadn't yet faded when she saw two people standing guard by the stone pillar at the village entrance. They were both members of the village's security team, and their expressions were unusually solemn.

Gu Chenghuai's eyes were sharp as a hawk's, and he caught the anxious atmosphere between the two at a glance. He narrowed his eyes and his heart sank.

...Something happened?

As he pondered this, he fiddled with the bicycle bell.

The crisp sound of a bell broke the stillness.

"Jingle Bell!"

The two people on the other side were interrupted from their thoughts. They looked over when they heard the sound and saw Gu Chenghuai and his wife return. Their faces lit up with joy.

But he uttered a sentence that terrified Lin Zhao and his wife.

"Chenghuai, your third son is missing!"

The expressions on Gu Chenghuai and Lin Zhao's faces froze instantly, their minds going completely blank.

Who would have thought that they would just go out for a routine trip and their child would... disappear?! There were so many adults at home!
The bicycle stopped in front of the two of them.

Lin Zhao jumped off the back seat of the car, her legs weak.

"What do you mean?" She stared at the two of them, her voice tense. "...The third child you're talking about, is it my Qianbao?"

At that moment, her mind was blank.

"Yes, your Qianbao is missing!" Uncle Changsheng shouted anxiously, his voice cracking. "Even your Dahuang is missing. Your Alan has been hit on the head and is bleeding profusely. You need to go back and check on him."

The young man who was with Changsheng's uncle quickly added, "There's no need to worry too much. There are people guarding the village entrance. The bad guys shouldn't have left the village yet. The brigade leader suspects that your Qianbao has been taken to the mountains, and he has already led people to search for him!"

Thus, Lin Zhao learned the whole story.

Lin Zhao's face drained of all color in an instant, turning deathly pale.

She heard it clearly and understood it; all her hopes were shattered!

The next second, she ran home like a madwoman.

First, I saw Yu Bao and Heng Bao standing in the courtyard, looking like they had lost their souls.

The two boys were terrified by the atmosphere at home; their faces were pale and their eyes were swollen like peaches.

Seeing Lin Zhao rush in, afraid of being scolded by her mother, she dared not go forward, lowered her head, tears streaming down her face, hitting the muddy ground, her shoulders heaving, her face full of despair.

it's over...

They lost their younger brother.

Mom... will never like them again.

Lin Zhao felt a dull pain in her chest, as if something had struck her.

She stepped forward and hugged the twins on either side, her arms trembling with panic as she tried her best to remain calm. "Don't be afraid, it'll be alright... Qianbao will be fine, didn't you say... Dahuang is with him, Dahuang is smart, it will protect Qianbao, he'll be alright... he'll be alright..."

I don't know if I'm comforting the child or myself.

at this time.

The chilling description from the original book, the words about the fate of the three children, seeped into Lin Zhao's mind.

[“Mother, I’m so cold…so cold…I can’t find my way home…” A little boy, thin as a shell, huddled in a corner. Snow fell, covering his small body. His breathing was shallow, and gradually, he stopped moving. Two days and two nights passed, and the snow finally stopped. Everyone started shoveling snow. In a forgotten corner, someone found a child’s body. He was so thin he was unrecognizable, without even a tattered cotton coat. He had frozen to death on a snowy night. No one knew where he came from, whose child he was…]
She completely broke down emotionally, her tear ducts seemed to have lost control, and tears flowed uncontrollably.

Her Qianbao...

Now is not the time to cry, calm down first! Lin Zhao took a deep breath, steadied herself, and tried to keep her voice calm but it was still trembling, "Where's my sister? Is Yaobao alright?"

Yu Bao choked back tears and shook his head.

"Yaobao is with Second Aunt."

Lin Zhao didn't say anything more, calmed herself down, and found Gu's parents in the main room.

"Father, Mother, what happened..." she asked as soon as she entered the door, every muscle in her body tense. "Where is Qianbao?!"

(End of this chapter)