During the Qingming Festival, I secretly left my husband, a young Major General, to return to my ancestral village alone, intending to fulfill his duty of paying respects to our ancestors.

But as soon as I reached the door, I heard my father-in-law calling someone else his daughter-in-law:

“Come here, Dung Dung, eat some more food. My daughter-in-law is truly the most thoughtful!”

“That guy Tưởng Thành is truly blessed for eight generations to have married your daughter.”

My hand, which was about to knock on the door, froze in mid-air, my mind completely blank.

My marriage to Jiang Cheng, a military man, has lasted seven years, but I’ve never met either of our parents.

It’s simply because every time I suggest visiting home, he always refuses, citing urgent duties as the reason.

I tried to suppress the panic inside me, flipping through my phone to double-check the address. Maybe it was a case of mistaken identity, or maybe I’d gone to the wrong house.

But the next second, the door opened. The person who opened it was the General’s husband, who had just told me he was busy with an urgent mission.

The gift bag in my hand fell to the ground with a loud, jarring crash.

Seeing me standing at the door, Jiang Cheng’s smile instantly froze, his face turned pale, and he exclaimed:

“Su Xanxan?! Why are you here?!”

I looked at him, my throat tightening, my voice trembling: “Tuong Thanh, didn’t you say there was an emergency training session?”

No sooner had I finished speaking than a coquettish female voice rang out from inside the house: “Mr. Thanh, who is it? Come in quickly, the food will get cold.”

At the call, a young woman carrying a bowl came out of the house and casually took Jiang Cheng’s arm. She looked up at me, her eyebrows slightly furrowed, her tone wary and hostile:

“Who are you? Why are you lurking outside my door like this?”

I could see her face clearly. It really was her, Bai Rong.

That year, Jiang Cheng’s special task force was recruiting office staff, and her resume was far below the standard. I saw that she was quick and efficient at her work, so I specifically spoke to Jiang Cheng about it, and that’s why she was kept on.

As for Jiang Cheng, he showed no intention of pushing away even though Bai Rong had her arm around him; only his eyes avoided mine, not daring to look me straight in the eye.

“Xan Xan, stop making a fuss. I’ll explain this to you later. For now, you go home.”

“Causing trouble?” I laughed, a laugh tinged with endless coldness.

“I went to pay my respects to the ancestors in his place, wanting to be a proper daughter-in-law of the Jiang family. But when I arrived, I heard my father-in-law calling someone else his daughter-in-law, and saw my husband being intimate with another woman. Is this what you call causing trouble?”

My father-in-law heard the commotion and came out. He looked at me, then at Jiang Cheng and Bai Rong, his expression immediately turning serious. But instead of scolding Jiang Cheng, he turned to me, his tone stiff and impatient:

“Who are you? Coming to our house to cause trouble? Dung Dung is the legitimate daughter-in-law of our Jiang family. Get out of here and don’t disrupt our family’s ancestral worship ceremony.”

The neighbors, hearing the commotion, all poked their heads out to see what was happening, and their whispers and pointing reached my ears.

I took out my phone and opened the photo of my military marriage certificate with Jiang Cheng.

It was a special military version, with its own serial number and red seal from both the military district and the Civil Affairs Bureau. I held the phone up in front of Jiang Cheng:

“Tưởng Thành, tell them. Am I, Tô Xán Xán, your legal wife? Are these seven years of military marriage considered real?”

Tưởng Thành’s face alternated between red and white, his lips trembled, and he was unable to speak for a long time.

Bai Rong took another step forward, brushed my phone aside, and a contemptuous smile spread across her lips:

“What marriage certificate? I think you forged it! In this family housing complex, who doesn’t know that Jiang Cheng’s wife is me, Bai Rong? We’ve been together for seven years, and our child is already five years old. Who do you think you are to dare come here impersonating him?”

With?

I stared at Bai Rong in astonishment, then looked inside the house. A little boy, about five years old, poked his head out, fearfully calling, “Dad, Mom, who is she? Why is she bullying you?”

Tưởng Thành unconsciously reached out and stroked the child’s head. That gentle gesture was something I had never felt in our seven years of marriage.

It turned out that he didn’t lack time to see his parents; he simply didn’t want to introduce me to them.

It’s not that he’s too busy to celebrate the ancestral worship ceremony with me, but rather that I’ve never been the one he goes with.

He’s not like me, feeling it’s not the right time to have children; rather, he doesn’t want to have children with me.

Seven years of pampering, seven years of sweet words—it turns out it was all a meticulously woven lie.

For your sake, I concealed my identity as the Commander’s daughter, silently working hard at the grassroots level. For your future, I used my father’s connections to coordinate resources and equipment, staying up all night researching weapons technology for you, guiding you from an ordinary officer step by step to the rank of Major General.

Even when he declined my leave due to an urgent mission, I foolishly understood and felt sorry for his hardship.

But in the end, I was nothing more than a stepping stone for his advancement, a wife hidden behind the scenes, unable to show her face.

Meanwhile, Bai Rong brazenly used her status as his wife to enjoy everything in her husband’s home, participating in ancestral worship ceremonies and celebrations every year, surrounded by everyone like the moon and stars.

Seeing my stunned expression, Bai Rong became even more triumphant. She pressed closer, her tone full of arrogance: “I gave you face, but you don’t know your place? Get out of here! Believe it or not, I’ll tell Brother Cheng to report you to the higher ups, sue you for disturbing the peace in the barracks, and make your life a living hell!”

The saying goes, “Life is not as good as hell.”

For years, for your sake, I secretly paved the way, helping you reach your current position. Now, someone wants to use your power to threaten me.

Rage ripped through my reason, and I lunged forward and slapped her hard across the face.

Bai Rong cried out in pain, staggering and banging against the door frame.

“Ah! They’re beating someone!” shouted a soldier’s family member.

“How dare you assault someone in a military housing complex? This is utter chaos!”

Several young men, sons of military families, who were chatting nearby heard the commotion and surrounded me. Without a word, they twisted my arm and forced me to my knees.

Taking advantage of the opportunity, Bai Rong scrambled to her feet, grabbed the broom by the wall, raised it high, and glared menacingly: “I’ll teach you a lesson for being so insolent!”

Just as the broom was about to come down, my mother-in-law heard the noise and ran out.

Tưởng Thành was jolted awake by the chaotic scene before him. Seeing me pinned to the ground, his face turned pale, and he cried out in alarm once more:

“Su Xanxan?! Don’t lay a hand on her!”

Jiang Cheng’s cry caused the broom in Bai Rong’s hand to freeze in mid-air.

She turned her head to look at Jiang Cheng, her face full of resentment and confusion, as if she were the one being bullied.

My mother-in-law frowned and sized me up:

“What’s going on here? Who would come to our house causing trouble on Qingming Festival? Cheng, is she someone you know?”

My father-in-law’s face darkened as he looked at me pinned to the ground, his eyes filled with disgust. He shouted to the neighbors who were watching:

“Look everyone, I don’t know where this crazy woman came from, she came to our house causing trouble and even resorted to violence, she’s so uneducated!”

I braced myself against the ground, trying to stand up, but the young men pressed down on my shoulders so hard it hurt.

I could only coldly stare at Jiang Cheng, then at his parents standing behind him. Seven years of hope and illusion shattered in an instant.

I burst out laughing, my voice hoarse: “It’s been seven years, and you two don’t even recognize your own daughter-in-law? All the offerings for the ancestors and tonics I send back every year, it turns out you’ve been using them all to support outsiders?”

My mother-in-law’s expression changed slightly as if she suddenly remembered something, but she remained defiant, pointing her finger at me and scolding:

“What nonsense are you talking about! We don’t know you at all! Don’t stand here making baseless accusations. If you want to extort money, at least look where you are. This is a military housing complex, not a place for you to cause trouble!”

My father-in-law immediately chimed in, pointing his finger directly at me, his tone arrogant:

“In our Jiang family, Dung Dung is our only daughter-in-law. Every year she joins us in the ancestral worship ceremony and celebrates the Lunar New Year; everyone in the neighborhood knows that. You look completely unfamiliar; you must be trying to trick my son, Cheng, into becoming a Major General, aren’t you?”

“Did you hear that?” A young man pinning me down sneered, his voice full of contempt. “Uncle Tưởng has already disowned you, and you’re still so shameless. You’re truly without any sense of decency.”

Tưởng Thành’s face alternated between red and white, and he stood rooted to the spot, utterly embarrassed, his expression even more unsightly than if he were crying.

He took a step forward, lowering his voice, his tone both pleading and warning:

“Su Xanxan, you go first. We can talk about whatever it is when we get home. Don’t make a fool of yourself here; it’ll have a bad influence.”

“Let’s talk about it at home?” I struggled, the pain in my arm intensifying, but I still stared at him, my eyes blazing with anger: “Tang Cheng, right here and now, let’s make it clear in front of everyone! Am I, Su Xanxan, your legal wife? Do these seven years of military marriage count for anything?”

Tưởng Thành’s lips trembled, his eyes darted away towards the courtyard, unable to utter a single word.

His silence was the most direct answer. The crowd around him immediately stirred, whispers and murmurs arose, and their gazes towards Jiang Cheng became even more suspicious.

“Could it really be true? General Jiang looks so upright, could he really have another woman outside?”

“This girl doesn’t look like she’s lying, and she even has a military marriage certificate in her hand. Did Major General Jiang have an affair in his marriage?”

“Tsk tsk, you’re already so grown up, and you’re treating your mistress like your official wife while keeping your legal wife a secret? This is outrageous!”

The gossip was like needles piercing my in-laws’ hearts. My mother-in-law immediately panicked, jumping up and shouting:

“Don’t talk nonsense! Don’t you all know what kind of person my son Thanh is? He’s a Major General in the army, with a clean record, how could he possibly do such a thing!”

She pointed at me and poured all the dirty water over my head in a harsh tone:

“This kind of woman is definitely a leech-like stalker, completely lacking self-control! Judging by her clothes, she’s probably not from a prestigious family, just desperate to climb the social ladder, isn’t she? My son Thanh has a bright future ahead of him, how could he possibly be interested in a woman like you!”

The father-in-law joined in, spitting everywhere:

“It’s obvious she’s not a decent person! Wanting to ruin a military family? Dream on! Our Dung Dung is the Commander’s daughter, she’s well-mannered, sensible, and she and Thanh are a perfect match. What kind of person are you?!”

The Commander’s daughter?

Hearing this, I narrowed my eyes, my heart filled with sarcasm.

My father was the commander of the military region, and I was his only daughter. I knew all the commanders of the same rank in the military region, but I had never heard of any family having a daughter named Bai.

Before I could think any further, Jiang Cheng’s expression had turned extremely grim. The surrounding gossip and his parents’ hurried explanations had driven him to the brink.

He suddenly lifted his head, as if finally making up his mind, snatched the child and shoved it into his mother’s arms, then pointed at me and said loudly:

“Su Xanxan, haven’t you caused enough trouble?! I told you a long time ago, we’re over!”

“I have a family now, a wife and children! Can you please stop clinging to me like a madwoman? Don’t you realize how much of a mess you’re causing? Don’t you have any shame left?”

Bai Rong, standing beside them, listened and was initially stunned, then a look of sudden understanding appeared on her face.

She suddenly lunged forward and swung her hand, slapping me hard across the face.

Chat!

My cheeks were burning and my ears were ringing.

Bai Rong pointed directly at my nose, saliva almost spraying onto my face, making a show of intense anger:

“So it was you! You’re the promiscuous woman who kept bothering General Jiang, and wouldn’t leave no matter how hard I tried to get rid of you?”

“I only heard him mention it before, that someone kept bothering him. I never imagined you’d dare chase me all the way to this apartment complex to cause trouble? If I don’t teach you a lesson today, do you think this military apartment complex has no rules?!”

The more she talked, the angrier she got, and she raised her leg as if to kick me.

That kick sent a sweet, metallic taste of blood rising in my throat.

I mustered all my strength, broke free from the grip of the group of young men, and looked up, staring intently at Jiang Cheng:

“Tưởng Thành, if you claim you and Bạch Dung are a couple, then show everyone your marriage certificate!”

Unexpectedly, there was not a trace of panic on Bai Rong’s face.

She adjusted her collar, which I had wrinkled, turned and went inside, quickly retrieving a stack of documents stamped with red seals, and with a loud “clack,” threw them on the ground right in front of me.

“Open your eyes wide and look carefully.”

She said arrogantly, “This is the marriage certificate with the seal of the Civil Affairs Bureau, and there’s even an official family registration form with the military seal! Do you have anything else to say?”

My marriage certificate with Jiang Cheng is a special version for military personnel, with a unique serial number, and absolutely cannot be wrong.

Therefore, her version must be a fake.

I raised my head and sneered, “Tang Cheng, you even dared to forge a military certificate?”

I held up the documents I was carrying: “Do you dare to come with me to the Political Department right now for a direct confrontation?”

“Let’s have a confrontation! Who’s afraid of whom!”

Bai Rong puffed out her chest defiantly, but a fleeting glint of tension flashed in her eyes.

Just then, from a distance, the sound of hurried and orderly footsteps echoed.

A squad of soldiers wearing armbands that read “Military Control” quickly parted the crowd and entered.

Leading the group was a stern-faced Lieutenant, frowning as he surveyed the chaotic scene: “What’s going on? Who’s causing trouble? Don’t they know this is a military housing complex?”

As soon as my father-in-law saw the visitor, he eagerly greeted them, his face beaming with joy:

“Officer Li! Oh, why are you all here? It’s a misunderstanding, it’s all just a misunderstanding! Someone came to our house to cause trouble for no reason, it’s just a small matter, we can handle it ourselves!”

The Lieutenant named Li glanced at Jiang Cheng, his tone softening slightly: “General Jiang, be mindful of your influence. Recently, the superiors have been tightening discipline and conduct.”

My heart sank. That tone sounded so familiar.

While everyone’s attention was distracted, I suppressed my pain and quickly used my phone to send my location and a brief distress message to Qin Shuo—my father’s deputy.

A young military officer came up to me and said, “What’s going on? Why the fight?”

I took a deep breath, trying to speak calmly:

“Comrade, I am Su Xanxan, the legal wife of Jiang Cheng. This Comrade Bai Rong has forged a certificate of kinship, impersonated a military family member for a long time, and recently assaulted me and illegally restricted my personal freedom. I request verification of the authenticity of that registration and appropriate action.”

No sooner had I finished speaking than Officer Li calmly walked over, picked up the registration form from the ground, glanced at it, and then looked at Bai Rong.

Bai Rong immediately signaled to him with her eyes.

Officer Li folded the paper, casually handed it back to Bai Rong, then turned to me, his tone full of impatience:

“I’ve checked, the procedures are complete. This girl, I think she’s causing trouble for no reason. Do you have some kind of misunderstanding with Major General Chiang?”

My heart has completely grown cold. And it was just as I expected.

I snapped, “You didn’t even follow the basic verification procedure; you just looked at it once and declared it genuine? Is that in accordance with regulations?”

“What kind of attitude is that!” Officer Li’s face darkened. “Obstructing a law enforcement officer? Take her back to the duty room immediately and question her about her identity and purpose for being here!”

Two guards immediately stepped forward, intending to escort me away.

“Officer Li, Officer Li, please calm down.”

Bai Rong then stepped forward, pretending to intervene: “It’s just a minor family dispute, we wouldn’t dare trouble you any further. We can handle it ourselves, and we’ll definitely report back to you later.”

Officer Li waved his hand: “Alright, if it’s an internal family conflict, then you all handle it quickly, and be mindful of the consequences!”

After saying that, he led his men back out of the hospital gate but didn’t leave completely.

As soon as the inspector left, the atmosphere in the yard became even more tense. Seeing that the inspectors had acknowledged the certificate, the neighbors’ gazes towards me grew even more contemptuous.

Bai Rong rotated her wrist and walked over to me.

Tưởng Thành also stepped forward, lowering his voice: “Tô Xán Xán, I’ve given you a way out, but you chose to disregard your own dignity.”

My father-in-law spat: “That jinx! He almost made my son lose face in front of the boss!”

The mother-in-law was even more venomous: “Thanh, Dung Dung, why waste words on her? You have to let her know that this apartment complex doesn’t tolerate shrewish women like her!”

“Did you hear that?”

Bai Rong suddenly grabbed me by the collar, dragged me into the courtyard, and said, “Today, I’m representing the unit to teach a lesson to a piece of trash like you who doesn’t know the rules!”

No sooner had she finished speaking than a powerful punch landed squarely on my stomach. I doubled over in pain, and she then kneed me hard in the face.

Blood immediately gushed from his nose, and his vision went black.

“This punch is on behalf of Mr. Thanh! A beating for that despicable, leech-like person who’s clinging to your house!”

“This punch is for me! A punch for daring to lay a hand on me!”

She punched and kicked relentlessly, targeting vulnerable areas like the ribs and lower back—places that are extremely painful but not fatal.

“This is a fight on behalf of all the soldiers in this area! A fight against that cursed thing that’s ruining the holiday atmosphere!”

As I was kicked to the ground and struggling to get back up, Jiang Cheng used the tip of his military boot to grind hard on the back of my hand that was bracing itself against the ground. The excruciating pain made me gasp for breath.

“Does it hurt?”

He looked down at me from above, his voice low: “Su Xanxan, for the past five years, watching you at home tinkering with those component blueprints, pretending to sacrifice for me, I found it ridiculous. Without a background or family connections, what kind of support were those petty antics of yours?”

My father-in-law walked up to me, spat loudly, and said, “Hmph, a naive fool who doesn’t know her place, yet you dare think you’re worthy of my son? Get out of here while you’re smart!”

Bai Rong was exhausted from fighting, panting heavily as she gestured to the two men: “Lift him up.”

I was roughly dragged up, my whole body aching. Bai Rong came to me and patted my swollen, blood-stained face.

“Did you see those security guards just now? I’m telling the truth, and it’s true. I said you were causing trouble, and you are the one causing trouble. Even if I were to remove you from office here today, I could still sort everything out.”

Seeing her arrogant demeanor, I smirked, my mouth bleeding, and burst out laughing.

Judging by the time, it should be almost here. Since I was born, no one in the army has ever dared to be so disrespectful to me.

“What are you laughing at?” Seeing me laugh, Bai Rong grabbed my hair and slammed my head against the wall.

A dull “clunk” sound echoed, and a hot, damp patch appeared on my forehead.

“You’ll regret this…” I mustered all my strength to lift my head and look at her.

Bai Rong laughed mockingly: “Haha, regret? What do I have to regret…?”

Her words suddenly stopped, she looked up in astonishment at the gate, the rest of her sentence stuck in her throat.

From a distance came low, rumbling sounds that grew closer; it was the sound of numerous military vehicles speeding towards them at high velocity, their momentum far surpassing that of the military control convoy from earlier.

I spat out a mouthful of blood, my voice hoarse but clear:

“Guess who’s coming?”

The roar of the military convoy’s engines shook the ground violently.

Three camouflage-painted off-road vehicles braked sharply in front of the hospital gate, their doors wide open.

Qin Shuo, accompanied by more than ten soldiers in plain clothes, wearing red armbands that read “Guard,” jumped down decisively and immediately took control of the entire courtyard area.

When Qin Shuo saw my blood-covered face, his eyes suddenly turned cold, and he quickly stepped forward to support me: “Colonel Chan Chan, are your injuries serious? Qin Shuo arrived late.”

His voice was calm and steady, but it carried an undeniable hint of concern.

The four words “Colonel Xán Xán” along with the appearance of the security guards plunged the entire garden into a deathly silence.

Bai Rong was the first to react, she screamed:

“What are you doing?! I’m a family member of Major General Chiang! Which unit do you belong to that you dare cause trouble?!”

Qin Shuo completely ignored her. After helping me stand steady, he took the first-aid kit from the soldier next to him and skillfully applied pressure to the wound on my forehead.

He turned his head and ordered in a low but extremely clear voice, “Retrieve the records.”

A soldier immediately brought up a military-grade tablet.

Qin Shuo glanced at the screen, then looked up at Bai Rong: “Bai Rong, your father is Bai Zhigang, a retired worker from the No. 3 Military Supply Depot of the military region. You yourself are an office worker in the printing department of the Regiment, still on the payroll.”

He paused for a moment, his gaze shifting to Jiang Cheng, whose face was now drained of all color: “General Jiang, your military marriage registration file with Comrade Su Xanxan is completely full. Given the current situation, you need to explain this clearly to the organization.”

Bai Rong’s face was as white as a sheet of paper, yet she still struggled:

“Liar! I… I have a family registration certificate and a marriage certificate!”

“Fake.”

Qin Shuo’s voice was cold and stern, “The seal number doesn’t match the records, and the signature verification is complete. Regarding the matter of you forging military certificates and impersonating family members of military personnel, the disciplinary department will conduct a detailed investigation.”

No sooner had he finished speaking than two more military vehicles sped towards them.

Political Commissar Zhao and a few other officials quickly got out of the car, followed by two officers wearing “Discipline” armbands.

Political Commissar Zhao’s eyebrows furrowed tightly upon seeing the scene.

His gaze swept over my blood-soaked collar and the mess in the yard, finally settling on Officer Li from earlier, and he snarled:

“Officer Li! Were you just here? Why didn’t you stop them? Why didn’t you verify their identities? Where did your principles go?!”

Officer Li was sweating profusely, unable to speak properly:

“Political Commissar, I… I thought…”

“You think so?” Political Commissar Zhao interrupted, “Covering up for self-interest, a serious lack of responsibility! Suspended from duty pending review and disciplinary action!”

Two disciplinary officers stepped forward, directly presenting their badges to Jiang Cheng: “Comrade Jiang Cheng, based on the initial verification results, you are suspected of serious disciplinary violations. Your position is now officially suspended, and we request your cooperation in the investigation.”

Bai Rong was completely panicked, trying to hide behind the crowd, but two security guards held her tightly. She cried out desperately, “I didn’t do it! It’s a misunderstanding! Mr. Cheng, please say something!”

Tưởng Thành completely broke down. He suddenly broke free, lunging forward to grab my hand, but Tần Sóc stepped forward and stopped him.

Amidst a crowd of people, he cried out desperately, “Xanxan! Xanxan, I was wrong! I was forced! Please, for the sake of our five years of marriage, help me out… I can’t be suspended from my position!”

My mother-in-law collapsed to the ground, beating her chest and sobbing: “Please, leaders, have mercy! We are old and senile! It’s all because that woman deceived us!”

My father-in-law was trembling so much he couldn’t utter a complete sentence.

The soldiers and their families around them fell silent. Those who had been joining in just moments before now bowed their heads, wishing they could disappear into the ground.

I brushed away Qin Shuo’s hand that was supporting me, stood on my own two feet, and wiped the blood from my face. Looking at the people in front of me, only a cold calmness remained in my heart.

Qin Shuo lowered his voice and requested instructions: “Comrade Chan Chan, should we take the person away first? Commander Su has received the report and instructed that the matter be handled strictly according to military discipline and that all efforts be made to ensure the comrade’s rights are protected.”

I looked toward Political Commissar Zhao and the disciplinary officers:

“Political Commissar Zhao, sirs, I request that the organization handle this matter strictly in accordance with the law and discipline. I will submit all the technological documents and equipment that I personally researched and provided to the army, as well as the records of related resources coordinated by my father. Regarding the parts related to infringement of rights and fraud, please also conduct a comprehensive investigation.”

Political Commissar Zhao nodded solemnly: “Comrade Su Xanxan, rest assured. The army will absolutely not cover up any violations of the law, nor will it allow those who have made contributions to suffer. The organization will give you a fair explanation for your contributions and the suffering you have endured.”

A cold wind swept across the yard, dispelling the smell of alcohol and the earlier noise, leaving only muffled sobs and heavy breathing.

As Bai Rong was being escorted away by the disciplinary officers, her legs went weak and she could barely walk, muttering, “It can’t be.”

Tưởng Thành was carried away by two soldiers, his face ashen, devoid of any of the imposing presence of a Major General.

Qin Shuo signaled to the soldiers to take both her and her husband’s parents away from the scene to cooperate with the investigation.

The neighbors silently made way, their eyes filled with complex emotions; not a single person dared utter a word.

Five years of patience and sacrifice, only to be met with such ruthless calculation and humiliation. Now, discipline is ironclad, and retribution is imminent.

The following day, the Military District Disciplinary Task Force and the Equipment Audit Group simultaneously conducted inspections of Jiang Cheng’s unit.

All the funding for equipment upgrade projects and scientific research cooperation documents approved by him has been frozen for item-by-item verification.

The person in charge of the audit gave me a preliminary report:

“Comrade Xán Xán, it has now been clarified that Bạch Dung abused her position in the printing department and used her family’s identity to falsely claim and receive research funding and welfare benefits for many years. The amount is extremely large. She also conspired to access and alter ownership records of some technical documents that you anonymously provided.”

Sitting in the makeshift reception room, looking out at the solemn barracks, I calmly replied, “All the evidence must be complete and clear. In accordance with the Disciplinary Regulations and the Criminal Code, any case requiring prosecution will be resolutely transferred.”

News spread quickly throughout the system. Several research collaboration units that had previously worked with Jiang Cheng (essentially because they valued Su Xanxan’s technical background) simultaneously sent official letters, declaring that future collaborations would be in direct opposition to me.

The temporary cooperative relationship established through Jiang Cheng was immediately terminated.

In just a few short days, all the projects that Jiang Cheng was in charge of or had his name on came to a standstill.

The so-called “political achievements” he had accumulated over the years have been completely exposed.

At the same time, the Military District’s Disciplinary Inspection Commission issued an internal memo. To protect the privacy of the family members of active-duty military personnel, the memo omitted my specific name and family relationship, but the details of the case were extremely clear:

Major General Tuong Thanh, belonging to Unit X, seriously violated political discipline, organizational discipline, integrity discipline, and conduct discipline; suspected of adultery in marriage; prolonged deception of the organization; abuse of his position to forge certificates for others; and misappropriation of resources and scientific research funds.

Bạch Dung, who had a special relationship with Bạch Dung, colluded in violating discipline and the law.

Both have been subjected to coercive measures, and the case is currently undergoing an expanded trial.

The announcement has sent shockwaves through the military.

The image of Jiang Cheng as a “young and talented” figure completely collapsed. Further issues related to the matter began to be exposed by those in the know.

Bai Rong’s father – the retired worker – after learning about his daughter’s predicament and how it implicated him, even tried to use his old connections to plead for help.

But as soon as he returned to his old unit, he was approached by comrades from the Disciplinary Committee and the Security Department.

“Comrade Bach Chi Cuong, both before and after his retirement, abused the convenience of his position and remaining influence to repeatedly violate regulations, facilitating his daughter Bach Dung’s activities in the military and assisting in covering up illicit financial transactions. After consideration, it has been decided to partially revoke his retirement benefits, and related issues will be included in the overall investigation.”

Bai Zhigang was stunned into silence, and soon after, he was taken away for questioning. That once ordinary and peaceful family completely fell apart in an instant.

The news reaching the military housing complex caused even more turmoil. Neighbors who had previously surrounded the Jiang family, praising Bai Rong for being “filial and capable,” now completely changed their attitude.

Many people have reported to the organization that they witnessed or suspected irregularities but did not pursue the matter further out of respect for others.

The apartment complex management also received many letters complaining about the Jiang family’s past dishonest words and actions. It’s true that: “Only when the tide goes out do you know who was swimming naked.”

After the investigation was completed, Jiang Cheng’s parents no longer had the courage to stay in the apartment complex.

No one wanted to associate with them; even when they met, they would avoid them by taking a roundabout route. The two had no choice but to hastily pack their belongings and quietly move to seek refuge with relatives far away, a truly miserable situation.

The disciplinary investigation into Jiang Cheng progressed rapidly. Authorities confirmed numerous serious violations and affirmed that the core “equipment innovation achievement” he used for promotion was actually the appropriation of technical expertise anonymously provided by his wife (Su Chanchan).

In the detention center, faced with irrefutable evidence and the harsh punishment she was about to face, Bach Dung’s psychological defenses completely collapsed.

She often speaks incoherently and is in an extremely bad state.

Based on the investigation results, the organization issued a document confirming my rights and providing official defense.

The divorce, facilitated by the organization and based on clear facts, proceeded very quickly.

Tưởng Thành signed the divorce agreement and the related responsibilities confirmation document.

He must compensate me for the infringement of intellectual property rights and bear all the consequences of his disciplinary and legal violations.

What he lost was not only his military rank and freedom, but also all the glory and prospects he had gained through deception.

Apparently, after signing the document, he kept muttering to the officer in charge: “If only I had…”

But there are no “what ifs” in this world. He himself has sullied his uniform, betrayed his vows and his family. All the bitter consequences he faces today are his own doing.

Qin Shuo then reported the final situation to me:

Jiang Cheng was officially dismissed from the military and handed over to the judicial authorities, Bai Rong was fired and prosecuted, her father was punished accordingly, Jiang Cheng’s parents had their records tarnished and lived in hardship.

After finishing his report, Qin Shuo stood at attention, looking at me solemnly: “Comrade Xanxan, everything has basically been handled. Commander Su and Political Commissar Zhao both want to solicit your opinion on future work arrangements. The military equipment research department urgently needs specialized talents like you.”

I looked at him and slowly nodded.

The following month, in my capacity as a technical expert, I officially joined the Center for Military-Civilian Integration Scientific Research under the Military District’s Equipment Department.

On my first day in office, I attended a project coordination meeting. Facing the research department heads and representatives from relevant units, I got straight to the point:

“The center currently has three pre-feasibility study projects that are behind schedule and have uncertain prospects. A detailed assessment and handling plan must be submitted within a week. Any project that needs to be stopped must be decisively halted. The audit team will immediately review all details of the use of funds for the old projects, and any violations found will be reported to the Disciplinary Committee according to established procedures.”

After saying this, a senior deputy director, looking troubled, rubbed his hands and said, “Researcher Su, although these projects are progressing slowly, they are the result of everyone’s hard work. Some colleagues have been involved for a long time. Could you perhaps give us a little more time…?”

I looked up, my voice calm but firm: “Research funding and personnel dedication are for breakthroughs in key technologies to enhance the military’s combat capabilities, not for fostering idleness or accumulating seniority. Either provide a feasible technical roadmap and clear timelines, or stop here and allocate resources to more valuable projects.”

The deputy chairman’s expression changed, and he ultimately said nothing more. The entire hall fell silent; no one had any further comments.

In the following days, I led the team in a rapid technical review, restarting two key projects that had stalled due to scheduling disputes, and directly coordinating the recruitment of new partners and experts.

The entire center quickly realized that the newly arrived Researcher, Ms. Tô, worked based on her talent and decisive demeanor, and no one dared to discuss her past anymore.

That day, right after the technical meeting with the industrial department ended, Qin Shuo knocked on the door and entered, his face serious:

“Comrade Xán Xán, Tưởng Thành is in the reception room outside the barracks. He insists on seeing you, and the guards have tried to dissuade him, but he won’t leave.”

I gently pinched the bridge of my nose and coldly said, “Tell him to leave; that’s not where he should be.”

Shortly after, Qin Shuo returned, frowning slightly: “He refused to leave, his emotions were a little agitated, and he attracted the attention of some people.”

I stood up: “I’ll go see what’s going on.”

At the temporary reception point outside the barracks, Jiang Cheng was wearing a faded, worn civilian suit, his hair disheveled, his face haggard, a far cry from the handsome Major General he once was. Seeing me, his gaze froze, and he was about to rush forward but was blocked by Qin Shuo.

“Xan Xan! I know I made a mistake, can you give me another chance?”

His eyes were red and his voice hoarse, “I… I can’t find a job or a place to live right now… Out of respect for our past friendship, please help me out, even if it’s just arranging a temporary job…”

I stood a few steps away, calmly looking at him: “Your predicament is a consequence of your own violations of discipline and the law. When you were using my technology and resources to pave the way for yourself, why didn’t you think about our friendship?”

“I was blinded by Bai Rong!” He hastily defended himself, his voice trembling with tears, “She seduced me, and I have my own troubles too…”

“Covering the eyes?” I interrupted, my voice tinged with sarcasm, “Covering the eyes to the point of not letting me see my face for five years? Covering the eyes to the point of bringing her into the apartment complex to live together as husband and wife? Tưởng Thành, what you chose was never love, but a shortcut. Now that the shortcut is cut off, you finally remember loyalty?”

Several soldiers and their relatives passing by glanced over. Jiang Cheng’s face turned from red to white, and he was about to say something.

“Regarding the losses caused by your appropriation of technological achievements, the compensation decision has taken effect.”

I didn’t give him a chance to speak, “Before you complete that duty, there’s nothing more to say between us. Please leave the military area immediately and don’t disrupt order.”

After saying that, I turned my back and walked away. Behind me, Tang Cheng cried out in despair, “Su Xanxan! How can you be so heartless? Must you drive me to my death?”

Without turning my head, I simply instructed Qin Shuo beside me: “Notify the security department that if he approaches the barracks or research center again to disrupt order, handle him according to regulations.”

I thought everything was over, but unexpectedly, half a month later, on a day off, while I was on my way to the military compound where my father lived, Jiang Cheng reappeared.

He was holding the other child’s hand and waiting on the road not far from the gate of the compound.

Next to him were a few people holding cameras, who looked like reporters from some local tabloid newspaper.

As soon as he saw my car, he immediately grabbed the child, rushed into the middle of the road, knelt down, and cried hysterically:

“Xan Xan! You can’t be so heartless! The child is so young, it’s innocent! Even if you hate me, please look at the child and help me and our son!”

The frightened child screamed and cried, its small, thin face looking truly pitiful. Those who looked like reporters immediately raised their cameras and started snapping pictures frantically.

The soldiers’ families and passersby were also drawn to the scene, stopping to watch. Some, not understanding the situation, began whispering amongst themselves:

“What’s going on? They look like soldiers… why would they leave the child like that?”

Hearing the murmurs, Tưởng Thành cried even louder, shouting into the camera:

“Look at this, everyone! Before, she said she supported me in defending the country, but now that I’m down on my luck, she’s turned her back on me! She doesn’t even care about her own child! Does she have any conscience left?!”

I sat in the car, motionless, calmly dialing Qin Shuo’s number and saying only one sentence: “Bring the documents and tell the comrades from the Security Department and the Propaganda Department to come to the gate of the compound immediately.”

Less than 15 minutes later, Qin Shuo arrived with two security guards and a propaganda officer.

Security personnel quickly separated the reporters and onlookers to maintain order.

The propaganda officer stepped forward and addressed the crowd in a clear voice:

“Comrades, please don’t be misled by biased statements. Regarding Comrade Jiang Cheng’s case, the Military Disciplinary Committee has reached a clear conclusion and made a decision on his handling of the matter. He is involved in serious violations of discipline and law. His personal life has also been investigated and clarified, and is completely unrelated to Comrade Su Xanxan.”

Qin Shuo produced a copy of a document bearing a red seal, displaying it for everyone around him to see:

“This is the official explanation from the authorities. Upon verification, this child is not related by blood to Comrade Tô Xán Xán. Tưởng Thành concealed his marriage and lived with another person under the guise of being husband and wife for a long period, which is a serious disciplinary violation. His current actions stem from dissatisfaction with the organization’s decision and a deliberate attempt to exploit public opinion to cause trouble.”

Next, Qin Shuo played a recording on his handheld device. It contained Jiang Cheng’s previous conversations with others, clearly revealing his contempt and deceitful details about Su Xanxan, the content of which was crystal clear.

As soon as the recording finished playing, the scene became chaotic.

The reporters exchanged uneasy glances and put away their cameras. The military family members nearby also changed their attitude, clamoring for criticism:

“So this is the kind of person they are! They’re a disgrace to the army!”

“He committed a crime and got punished, yet he still dares to come here and cause trouble!”

Tưởng Thành’s face turned ashen, and he collapsed to the ground, clutching the child, unable to speak.

I rolled down the car window and looked at him with a cold gaze:

“The organization has given you appropriate punishment and a chance to repent. What you did today is a challenge to discipline and a loss of your last shred of self-respect. If you continue to cause unreasonable harassment, spread false information, disrupt military order, or defame others, we will apply stronger measures according to regulations, including criminal prosecution.”

After that day, Jiang Cheng never appeared around the area again.

Qin Shuo recounted that due to his disruptive behavior and deliberate spreading of false rumors, he was severely reprimanded by the local police in coordination with the military security department.

After that, he took the child and left the area, and we haven’t heard from him since.

Having gotten rid of all my distractions, I focused all my attention on my new research assignment.

Towards the end of the year, the new type of personal reconnaissance equipment that I led the research on had completed all preliminary testing, successfully passed acceptance testing, and was ready for deployment to border guard units.

The research center held a brief closing ceremony, which Political Commissar Zhao personally attended and affirmed the contributions of our team.

The day before New Year’s Eve, I returned home to my father’s military compound.

In previous years, due to the somber mood, my family’s Lunar New Year celebrations were always very quiet.

But this year was different; my mother had been busy preparing since early on. The house was decorated with red couplets and the character “Fu” (meaning good fortune), and the air was filled with the aroma of delicious food.

My father also rarely finished work early to come home; he would sit in the living room watching military news.

My mother took my hand, her eyes filled with relief: “Before, seeing you torment yourself like this broke my heart. But now it’s all good; you’ve returned to your rightful place, doing work you love and that’s beneficial to society.”

I smiled and nodded: “Mom, the past is the past. This is the best way now.”

My father looked up from behind the newspaper, his voice serious but full of concern: “Xanxan, work is important, but personal matters must also be considered. You’re not a child anymore, maybe…”

“Mr. Tô!” My mother interrupted him, “The girl has only just settled down, what’s the rush! Xán Xán, don’t listen to your father, fate will bring you what you deserve.”

Looking at my parents, I felt an unusual warmth in my heart. The gloom of the past was being gradually dispelled by this warmth.

On New Year’s Eve, my family of three, along with Qin Shuo (whose hometown is far away, so he stayed to celebrate the New Year with us), gathered around the dinner table. The dishes weren’t extravagant, but they were all my favorites.

My father took tea instead of wine, raised his glass and said, “The past year hasn’t been easy. It’s for a new beginning, and also for our perseverance.”

I raised my glass, gently clinking it against my parents’ and Qin Shuo’s glasses.

Outside the window, the sound of fireworks crackled in the distance, gradually growing closer, while the lights inside shone warmly. This peace and stability were so precious.

The hurts and betrayals of the past, under the iron fist of discipline and the cleansing power of time, have become a thing of the past. And I, finally, stand firm on the path I have chosen and excelled at.

After dinner, Qin Shuo briefly summarized the final developments for me: Bai Rong was sentenced to a fixed term in prison by the military court for multiple crimes, and her father was punished accordingly.

After being discharged from the military, Tưởng Thành had his official residence confiscated. He took his child to another place and, reportedly through an acquaintance, found manual labor, leading a very difficult life.

His parents had a tarnished reputation, and even in the apartment complex, they didn’t dare look anyone in the eye.

I just nodded slightly after hearing it. Right and wrong, black and white, discipline and the law have delivered the fairest verdict.

Their fate was entirely their own doing.

On the morning of the first day of Tet, the house was bustling with guests coming to offer New Year’s greetings. There were old comrades and former subordinates of my father, as well as leaders and experts from collaborative research units.

In these conversations, everyone naturally focuses on new equipment and upcoming collaborative projects; absolutely no one mentions irrelevant past events.

Everyone understands that the current Su Xanxan is a core technical expert in the Equipment Department, a leader who can drive key technological breakthroughs.

In the afternoon, after all the guests had left, I stood in the small courtyard, the winter sun shining brightly. From the distant training ground, the shouts of slogans echoed, everything exuding order and strength.

Qin Shuo walked over with a stack of documents: “Comrade Xanxan, the preliminary plan for the field trip to the Western testing ground for coordinated training on adapting to new equipment after the holiday has been completed. Please take a look.”

I took the document, reviewed it, and offered some suggestions for adjustments. Tan Shuo meticulously took notes.

My mother came out of the house, put a coat on me, and gave me a peeled tangerine: “Don’t just worry about work, take a break. Your father said he’ll make your favorite ‘three-ingredient’ dumplings tonight.”

I took a bite of the tangerine, and the sweet, refreshing taste filled my mouth.

Turning around, I saw my father standing by the window talking to my mother, his eyes occasionally resting on me, carrying a barely concealed sense of pride.

A new year, new tasks, new challenges.

Unfortunate past experiences have become pebbles that temper my will. The path beneath my feet is now clear and firm, leading to a distant and promising future to strive for.

– Run out of-