[SM] 41: The Azure Dragon Crosses the River

Song Zhaodi was both amused and exasperated. How could such a tiny child be so fierce? “Go quickly. When you get back, I’ll cook, and you can tend the fire.” “I really don’t want to go.” The child pouted and whined as he headed next door. Zhong Jianguo received a phone call and immediately asked […]

[SM] 42: Simple and Ordinary

Zhong Dawa and Zhong Erwa returned after washing their faces, only to see four dishes on the small square table. They gaped in surprise and asked in unison, “Is today New Year’s?” “It’s not New Year’s, but the Dragon Boat Festival is coming up in a few days. I’ll find someone to trade for some […]

[SM] 43: Another Scheme

In the evening, Zhong Jianguo returned home and didn’t see Song Zhaodi. Instead, he spotted a letter on the table. He opened it and immediately recognised his eldest brother’s handwriting, which made him quite happy. However, after reading it carefully, he felt a pounding headache. Clang! Hearing the noise, Zhong Jianguo turned toward the sound […]

[SM] 44: Visitors at Home

Duan dasao received Song Zhaodi’s advice and immediately discussed the matter of attending the health school with her daughter, Liu Ping. She knew her husband well. Commander Liu had made it clear that the university recommendation spots would go to his soldiers, and he would not change his mind—even if Liu Ping threatened him with […]

[SM] 45: Calculations and Schemes

Song Lainan’s face flushed red in an instant, and she slapped her daughter on the butt. “Haven’t you ever eaten before? Embarrassing!” The little girl let out a loud wail and started crying. Erwa instinctively moved closer to Dawa. Song Zhaodi’s second brother-in-law immediately picked up his daughter, Du Tao, and glared at Song Lainan. […]

[SM] 46: Impossible to Guard Against

Song Zhaodi panicked and instinctively stood up. “Don’t… don’t tell me it’s the English book I wrote for you?” Zhong Dawa nodded fiercely, unable to hold back any longer, and burst into tears. Feeling a tightness in her chest, Song Zhaodi walked over to Dawa, picked him up, and wiped his tears. “Don’t cry, don’t […]

[SM] 47: Recognising Kin from Afar

Song Zhaodi was speechless yet amused. “You all talk about slaughtering chickens and ducks every day—have you ever considered how they feel? The oldest among them is barely a year old.” Zhong Jianguo responded matter-of-factly, “A drake’s only purpose is to be eaten.” He continued, “Once that gander grows up, we’ll have a feast—braised goose […]

[SM] 48: Celebrating the New Year

Song Zhaodi couldn’t help but laugh. “Are you afraid he’ll steal from our house?” “You never know. Better safe than sorry.” Zhong Dawa glanced at Zhong Jianguo. “That’s what Mom says.” Zhong Jianguo lightly smacked the back of his head. Remembering how he made the kid cry last time, he kept it gentle this time. […]

[SM] 49: Visiting Her Natal Home

Duan dasao came out carrying a plate of braised pork just in time to hear the conversation. Back in the kitchen, she asked Song Zhaodi, “You and Jianguo have been married for so long, how come there’s still no news?” “The kids are still young. We’ll wait until they grow up a bit,” Song Zhaodi […]

[SM] 50: Where is Brother Going?

Zhong Dawa exclaimed, “Right now?” “Yes, right now,” Song Zhaodi replied. “Go get your clothes. Binhai is cold, so bring your thickest cotton-padded jackets and shoes. Just one set of inner clothes will do—there’s a heated brick bed at your grandmother’s place. If your underwear doesn’t dry after washing, you can bake it on the […]

[SM] 51: Precocious

The woman turned and ran. “Wait.” Song Zhaodi suddenly thought of something. “If you dare to speak a word about tonight to anyone, and I so much as hear a whisper of it, I’ll come straight for you and kill you.” She paused, taking a deep breath. “I have relatives in Shencheng. These two kids […]

[SM] 52: A New Addition to the Family

Zili and Gengsheng didn’t move. Erwa followed Sanwa to the staircase and saw that their two new older brothers hadn’t caught up. He went back, grabbing each by the hand. “Come on.” “They’re arguing,” Zili said worriedly in a hushed voice, reminding Erwa. Zhong Erwa glanced back at Song Zhaodi and Zhong Jianguo, then said […]

[SM] 53: Dawa’s Mischief

Song Zhaodi immediately felt like she had punched cotton, her strength absorbed without resistance. She glared at Zhong Jianguo and snapped, “Go upstairs!” “Huh? Oh!” Zhong Jianguo was overjoyed, quickly following her up while chattering, “Comrade Song Zhaodi, I must say, being able to marry you in this life must mean I was a great […]

[SM] 54: Preparing for the New Year

When Zili and Gengsheng were brought back by Song Zhaodi, their hands were ice-cold, and their little faces were frozen pale. Duan dasao felt terrible seeing the two children in such a state. Upon returning to Wengzhou Island, she couldn’t help but mention to Commander Liu that the two kids were truly pitiful. With Liu […]

[SM] 55: Mischievous Children

Gengsheng suddenly asked, “Big Brother Dawa, aren’t you eating?” Zhong Dawa choked. “Of course I’m eating. But I’m the one sneaking out to get the pork cracklings, not you guys. You just sit here and wait to eat, and now you’re ratting me out? What kind of little brothers are you?” “I’m not your little […]

[SM] 56: The Foodie, Dawa

Zili wanted to say, “Then I won’t ask.” But just as the words reached his lips, he remembered what Sanwa had said earlier. He found it hard to believe that a three-year-old, barely over three months, could be so sharp and playful. Testing the waters, he asked, “Sanwa, what did you just say?” “You can’t […]

[SM] 57: The Horse Doesn’t Know Its Own Long Face

Zili hurriedly wiped his tears. “No, it’s not that.” “Really?” Song Zhaodi said, “Tell me the truth, Zili. I’ve been wanting to beat that rascal Zhong Dawa for a long time.” Zhong Dawa put down the basket of steamed buns and ran out. “Mom, I wasn’t naughty today, I didn’t cause any trouble.” He looked […]

[SM] 58: Appearance Reflects the Heart

Zili didn’t know what was happening and hurriedly called out, “Dawa, Dawa, come down.” “What’s going on?” Zhong Dawa pushed open the window. “Are you calling for spirits or something?” Song Zhaodi said sternly, “Come down!” Dawa shivered. “Right away!” He quickly ran downstairs. “What’s the matter, Mom?” Song Zhaodi said, “Your dad is now […]

[SM] 59: Regiment Commander Zhong Gets Angry

Zili was puzzled. “Then why are you still going?” “Lin Zhong said that the conches and crabs on the shore belong to whoever picks them up,” Zhong Dawa counted on his fingers. “There are five of us. If each of us picks a little, we can make a whole pot. Don’t you want to eat?” […]

[SM] 60: Cutting Ties

Bai Lin suddenly found it hard to breathe. Bai Zao looked at Song Zhaodi in utter disbelief. How could such a woman exist in this world? Zhong Jianguo saw that the Bai siblings were rendered speechless by Song Zhaodi’s words. He held back his laughter, keeping a stern expression. “Let’s eat. I have things to […]