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

Chapter 180 "The Hunchback"

"Who exactly is the powerful backer in the provincial capital?" A cold glint flashed in Gu Chenghuai's eyes.

Yang Junzhi smiled and said, "Although it's tricky, it's not a big problem. My father and father-in-law can handle it."

He added, “The military region sent a telegram saying they would send people over. So what if those people have powerful backers? They can’t compare to ours.”

The matter was of great importance, so the military region telegraphed Jiang Zemin directly. He was still in office, intelligent, and of impeccable character. Even the most arrogant... those people had to give him some face.

Knowing that his comrade was reliable, Gu Chenghuai didn't say anything more, and asked again, "Who is the military region sending?"

Yang Yunzhi actually knew, "I heard her surname is Ning. Are you familiar with her?"

Commander Ning?
I never expected it to be him.

Gu Chenghuai narrowed his eyes slightly, "...We haven't exchanged more than a few words."

He is about to rejoin the team, so he probably won't be able to wait for this person to arrive.

"What's this person like?" Yang Junzhi inquired.

He was a retired soldier, and one who retired due to injury, so it's impossible for him not to have regrets.

After that "miracle drug" appeared, he always wondered, if the drug had already appeared when he was injured, would he still be fighting alongside his comrades?
Therefore, Yang Yunzhi valued this unnamed medicine more than anyone else.

He hoped his comrades wouldn't have the same regrets as him.

"A hero who is patient and determined," Gu Chenghuai said.

It was rare to hear a comrade-in-arms describe someone like that. Yang Junzhi was somewhat surprised. "He seems quite extraordinary. Cheng Huai, don't worry, with me keeping an eye on things, no one can take our peaches before that hero arrives. Stealing them won't work, and taking them openly is even worse."

Yes, their peaches.

Such medicine, which benefits the people and the country, can bring immeasurable benefits to anyone who handles it.

"Don't worry about me," Gu Chenghuai said.

With the Yang and Jiang families overseeing the delivery of the medicine, and the Yun family providing protection, everything will be fine.

Yang Yunzhi patted his chest.

"If there's anything you can't handle, send me a message immediately," Gu Chenghuai instructed again. This matter concerned his fourth brother-in-law's important affairs, so he couldn't be careless.

"Don't worry, it's still under control." Yang Junzhi felt there wasn't much of a problem.

He waved the bag in his hand again; it was a gift of mushroom and meat sauce from his comrade. "Really not coming over for a visit? I'll treat you to a meal."

After eating his fill in the cafeteria, Gu Chenghuai waved his hand and said, "No, my wife is waiting at home."

As soon as he finished speaking, he got on his bicycle, glided off, and disappeared from Yang Junzhi's sight in no time.

It was right after get off work, but Yang Junzhi didn't go back to the office; she went straight home.

Jiang Huiqiao noticed what her husband was holding and asked, "What are you holding?"

"Mushroom and meat sauce," Yang Yunzhi replied. "It was a gift from Cheng Huai, made by my sister-in-law herself."

Jiang Hui smiled as she thought of Lin Zhao and his four children, whom she had seen at dinner last time.

Before meeting them, she imagined they would be... a dark-skinned, simple country girl, and a country child tanned dark and with a runny nose. But after meeting them, she realized that the family had nothing to do with being dark-skinned; they were more like city people than she, a city person who had never experienced hardship.

Jiang Huiqiao doesn't have children yet, and is at the peak of her maternal love, especially fond of the soft-hearted twins.

The baby was fair-skinned and sat obediently in her lap; he was incredibly cute.

"Your comrade is so lucky. I wonder when our family will have a new addition."

I wasn't in a rush before, but after seeing the adorable Gu family boy, I really want a child.

Yang Junzhi: "There's no need to rush. When the time is right, it will happen naturally. We're both healthy and our relationship isn't broken. It's just a matter of time."

"Eat first, then take a nap. You have to go to work this afternoon."

He took his wife to the washroom to wash her hands, and the couple sat back down at the dining table.

As usual, they got two dishes from the cafeteria and made do with what they had. For the couple, it was a compromise, but it was something countless people could only dream of.

Jiang Huiqiao opened the jar of meat sauce, and a rich, spicy aroma wafted out. "Wow, this tastes amazing! Dad will definitely love it."

It refers to his biological father.

Grandpa Jiang has always had a strong palate since he was young, and that hasn't changed even in his old age. This sauce has meat, mushrooms, and is spicy; those who prefer strong flavors will love it.

"Chenghuai gave me two bottles; I'll go give one to Dad later." Yang Junzhi was very close to the Jiang family. He and his wife were well-matched in terms of social standing and had just developed feelings for each other. They lived a sweet and happy life, and the two families got along like one big family.

“Okay, let Dad keep an eye on that matter,” Jiang Huiqiao said.

"Dad is really taking this seriously." Yang Junzhi chuckled as he broke open the multigrain bun, scooped in meat sauce with a spoon, and stuffed it inside. The bun absorbed the oil and water, and with a gentle press, the oil-soaked multigrain bun looked incredibly tempting.

He handed it to his wife.

"Try it, it's absolutely delicious!"

Jiang Huiqiao didn't stand on ceremony. She took a bite, and the aroma of the meat and mushrooms burst in her mouth, making her eyes light up.

"good to eat!"

"I could eat this for a year straight!"

she said.

Yang Junzhi looked at her with a smile, "Is it really that exaggerated...?"

Before he could finish speaking, a meat sauce sandwich was stuffed into his mouth.

I bit instinctively.

Then the tiger's body trembled.

“It’s good!” He chewed quickly and swallowed.

I'm even hungrier now.

Surprised that Cheng Huai's seemingly pampered wife had such skills, he said with a mix of astonishment and admiration, "I didn't realize that my sister-in-law had such good skills."

Jiang Huiqiao: "Yes."

Seeing Yang Junzhi stuff a thick layer into the steamed bun, a look of pain appeared on her elegant face.

"Take less, or there won't be any left to eat."

Yang Yunzhi ignored him, saying, "Thicker ones are more fragrant."

"..."

Meeting Jiang Huiqiao's dissatisfied gaze, the man suppressed a laugh, "Don't worry, I'll go find my sister-in-law to exchange it after I finish eating."

"Can it be exchanged?"

“Okay.” Yang Junzhi nodded; he had heard his comrades mention it.

"Great!"
-
After returning to the village, Gu Chenghuai delivered thank-you gifts to each household and secretly inquired about Zhang Manyue's whereabouts over the past month.

Because this person had a weak presence and no close friends in the village, the investigation progressed slowly.

The findings from the investigation were not very useful.

There was no use in rushing this, so he walked home at a leisurely pace.

Was walking.

Suddenly a child started talking about Li Ergou's family.

His movements faltered slightly, but he was greatly inspired.

He waved to the child who was talking.

The child looked around, made sure his twin father was calling him, and nervously went over.

"Uncle, you were looking for me?"

The twins' father was the most successful man in the village, and every family used him as an example when educating their children. He was also a proud soldier and had high prestige in the village. All the children admired and liked him...

Suddenly called out, the mischievous boys instantly became docile, clutching their chins under their patched burlap shirts and slowly approaching.

Gu Chenghuai handed over a few candies, his cold and hard eyebrows softening slightly, and said, "What were you just saying? Say it again."

Staring at the candy in his hand, the mischievous boy with the lively eyes swallowed a few times, subconsciously wanting to stuff all the candy into his pocket. He restrained himself and reluctantly shared it with the other children.

I won't look at it anymore.

Stand up straight.

To answer Gu Chenghuai's question.

"...We said no one should hide in the stone hollow later, because there's a new ghost there, it's Uncle Er Gou's wife..."

Gu Chenghuai asked patiently, "Why do you say that?"

The soldier's friendly attitude made the mischievous boy unconsciously lower his guard and become a spirited young man again. "Because I saw her go there. My grandma said that a ghost doesn't leave until at least seven days after someone dies. Uncle Er Gou's wife hasn't been dead for seven days, so she's a new ghost and must be there. Anyone who goes there will be haunted!"

The child spoke with conviction and unwavering belief.

Gu Chenghuai: "..." Where did this little superstition come from?

"Did anyone go with her there?"

The mischievous boy said, "She was with that hunchback, talking about something about children, or someone being waited for..."

He scratched his head, looking embarrassed. "I was asleep at the time, and my mind wasn't clear. I only heard a few words."

“That hunchback…” Gu Chenghuai frowned and murmured.

The Diao family moved to the village before the famine. They had a low profile, worked honestly, lived their lives diligently, and never had any conflicts with the villagers. They were practically invisible.

Diao Tuozi was the head of the Diao family. He was a man of few words and had a hunchback. The villagers called him Diao Tuozi.

It's unimaginable that someone like him would have any connection with Jang Manyue.

After telling the mischievous boy not to make a fuss, Gu Chenghuai turned and left.

The boy stood with his legs together, chest out, head held high, and his voice was strong and clear: "Mission accomplished!"

Gu Chenghuai, who had taken a few steps, stopped, his expression softening slightly, and returned the greeting.

This is a real departure.

The little boy stood still, imitating Gu Chenghuai, and saluted. He felt that his hand was not straight, so he carefully adjusted his movements.

After a while, it skipped and hopped home.

If Gu Chenghuai had any doubts, he would investigate them thoroughly.

Upon investigation, it was discovered that the Diao family was acting strangely.

Diao Tuozi's identity documents from back then appear to have been altered.

This is very wrong.

A dark cloud settled over Gu Chenghuai's eyes. He was certain that Diao was not a good person, so he contacted the place that stamped the documents.

The news we received was absolutely astonishing.

But it turns out...

The other party did issue a relocation certificate, but the Diao family turned back halfway. The staff remembered very clearly that Diao Tuozi was injured by a donkey cart. The superstitious old man stubbornly believed that this was a warning from God, so he stopped leaving and stayed. Now the family has three workers and lives a very comfortable life.

So it seems that the hunchback from Fengshou Brigade... isn't the same hunchback mentioned on the relocation certificate.

So who are they?

Are they infiltrating from the other side, or are they Japanese dogs?
Gu Chenghuai's expression shifted, and the smooth lines of his jaw muscles gradually tightened.

After hanging up the phone, report the matter.

It should be handled by a dedicated person. He's still on leave and a soldier, so it's not appropriate for him to interfere in local affairs.

The local police took the matter of the "Diao family" very seriously and sent several people to monitor them day and night, and they did discover some clues.

The Diao family, so poor they drank only the water from a hot pot, actually owned a courtyard in the county, where a deaf-mute old woman lived.

The more they looked at it, the stranger it seemed, so the police officers raised their level of concern even further.

These are all things for later.

Gu family.

Upon learning from Gu Chenghuai that the military region had sent leaders over and that a decision would be made within half a month at most, Lin Zhao was overjoyed.

"So, the military takes this very seriously?" Lin Zhao asked in a light tone, her eyes looking over expectantly. "There's a pretty good chance Fourth Brother will take his hat off, right?"

Gu Chenghuai nodded. "Yes! It's very likely."

Lin Zhao rushed over and hugged his strong waist tightly, "Cheng Huai, you are so good, you are the best in the whole world."

Even knowing his wife was trying to confuse him, Gu Chenghuai couldn't suppress the smile on his face.

After praising the man, Lin Zhao, finding him too hot-tempered, quickly stepped aside to check on the four children.

Gu Chenghuai felt a pang of disappointment, but he didn't seem to care. It was normal for Xia Zhaozhao to find him too hot and not want to get too close; she would cling to him again when it got colder.

Ever since Qianbao went missing once, the twins have been very protective of their younger siblings, searching for them everywhere if they haven't seen them for even a short while.

"Qianbao? Qianbao? Where did you go?"

And there it was, Hengbao's loud voice rang out again.

A baby's voice rang out from the toilet, "I'm peeing."

"Why didn't you call me? Don't fall down, or you'll turn into a stinky baby!" Hengbao ran towards the toilet.

Yu Bao picked up the small bucket and followed. The bucket contained water, which was used to flush the toilet. His father made the bucket specifically for flushing after using the toilet.

Lin Zhao is clean, and her two children have been taught to be clean as well.

"...Qianbao wet his pants!" Hengbao shouted. "Brother, go find Qianbao some new pants, his crotch is all wet."

Qianbao understands what he's saying and knows he's embarrassed, so he blushed instantly.

Her fair face was flushed as if painted with rouge, her eyes were moist, and she was full of shyness.

Yu Bao scolded his younger brother, "Heng Bao, keep your voice down, Qian Bao will be embarrassed. Would you be happy if I yelled at you for wetting your pants? Qian Bao is still little, so what if he wets his pants? Grandma said you were three years old and still wet the bed."

Hengbao loudly protested, "...I, I wet the bed because I was cold. Grandma said that people pee when they're cold!"

Yu Bao helped Qian Bao take off his wet pants, but he didn't take off his little underwear embroidered with ducks. His mother said that children should have a sense of shame and shouldn't walk their birds around.

"Qianbao, if you need to go to the toilet again, call your brother. Mom says you're too small and can't do many things. When you grow as tall as me, you can do everything." The older brother coaxed his youngest brother.

After being comforted by his older brother, Qianbao buried his face in his brother's arms and was taken out.

"Hengbao, you're punished by having to flush the toilet."

Hengbao had no objections and obediently started charging.

The second son had a loud voice. When Lin Zhao heard it, she went into the house to get pants for the third son. Before putting on clean pants, she didn't forget to wash his bottom.

Qianbao was well-behaved throughout, raising his hand when asked, sitting down when asked, and crossing his legs when asked...

After changing his pants, the little one is clean and adorable again.

Lin Zhao hugged her son and couldn't help but kiss him twice. "You're still young. You need to know to call for help before doing anything. There are so many people in our family."

"Mmm." Qianbao glanced at his wet pants and nodded earnestly.

Yu Bao carried the basin to the sink, stood on a small stool to wash his younger brother's pants, while Heng Bao scooped water and looked for soap.

"Qianbao, look how good your brother is to you. When you grow up, you have to be good to your brother too, okay?"

"Ah."

Qianbao responded, and Yaobao gave her own milk bottle to her second brother, making a drinking motion.

Hengbao grinned, "My little sister made me drink milk powder."

After laughing, he stroked Yao Bao's soft hair and said, "Brother won't drink, you drink it yourself, and Grandma will grow taller if you drink it."

Seeing that her brother wasn't drinking, Yao Bao started drinking herself.

The scene of brotherly love and sisterly respect is beautiful and calming.

Lin Zhao said, "Yu Bao and Heng Bao are both good older brothers. What kind of reward do you want for helping your younger brother wash his pants?"

Yu Bao loves it when her mother praises her, and a bright smile spreads across her face.

"Mommy, I want to eat the kind of fried meat that's served during Chinese New Year, is that okay?"

Last year during Chinese New Year, he and his younger brother were still little kids who were hungry for meat. Their mother gave each of them a piece of fried meat strips. Yu Bao still remembers it vividly and suddenly asked to eat some.

“Sure, I’ll make it tomorrow,” Lin Zhao readily agreed.

Hengbao said, "Mom, I want to eat fish."

"Okay, I'll have your dad take you fishing tomorrow. We'll cook as soon as we catch any."

"Okay!" Hengbao jumped up, his voice full of joy. He didn't even ask his dad's opinion. He knew that as long as his mom said it, his dad would definitely agree.

Gu Chenghuai, who was chopping wood: "..."

It started raining that night, and the raindrops hit the window, making a pattering sound.

Lin Zhao was afraid that the children would be scared, so she slept in the children's room again.

I was asleep when the sound of rain and a few knocks on the door faintly drifted into the room.