Wei Guodong went to the hospital to see his wife at noon. Wan Qiong was very surprised when she saw her: "Why are you at the hospital when you're not sick or in pain?"

Wei Guodong excitedly told his wife, "Do you know what? I met the master who saved us back then."

Wan Qiong asked suspiciously, "He came to the military base?"

"No, he is the master that Rong Lianhu mentioned earlier, and he is also his daughter's current master."

Wan Qiong frowned: "He's taking a father and daughter as apprentices? That sounds so unreliable."

Wei Guodong explained: "That's not how it is..."

He recounted the connection between Rong Lianhu and Qing Xuanzi, and then said, "Wife, you should get along well with Doctor Fu and see if you can bring her daughter over as your daughter-in-law in the future."

Wan Qiong was dumbfounded: "You...you made a special trip just to tell me this?"

"No," he quickly explained when he saw that his wife had misunderstood. "I know that Rong Lianhu will definitely go back to have New Year's Eve dinner with them tonight. I want to ask him to take our family to visit our benefactor."

Wan Qiong asked, puzzled, "What exactly are you planning?"

Wei Guodong smiled slyly: "Bring our son along too."

Wan Qiong rolled her eyes: "My son is at least the only son of a brigade commander. Is it necessary to be so eager to please him?"

Before they went to the Korean War, the two of them already had three daughters. After they went to Korea, Wan Qiong injured one of her fallopian tubes and thought she would never have any more children. However, in the last year of her service in Korea, she unexpectedly had a son, who is now only three years old.

His father was so eager to find him a wife, and besides, he had forgotten what the girl looked like.

Wei Guodong said, "It's settled then. I'll go back now to prepare the gift. You should go home early after get off work."

After saying that, he left in a hurry, not giving Wan Qiong a chance to refute him at all.

In the afternoon, the army's kitchens were bustling with activity, and Fu Ya from the town also did her best to prepare a sumptuous New Year's Eve dinner for her family.

Pheasant meat, rabbit meat, roe deer meat, goat meat, venison, and most eye-catching of all are various fresh vegetables.

Night fell, and a cold wind howled, but the atmosphere in the military camp was unusually warm.

The cooks were busy at work, with meat broth simmering in large pots, its aroma filling the air and making mouths water.

The soldiers changed into their clean uniforms early in the morning, waiting for the bugle call to signal mealtime.

Finally, the bugle call to start the meal sounded, and soldiers from each regiment and battalion rushed out at top speed.

Soon, the seats in the canteen were filled with soldiers, all waiting for the leaders to speak.

At the canteen of the Second Battalion of the Third Regiment, Rong Lianhu, as the battalion commander, went up to speak, "Comrades, today is Lunar New Year's Eve, and we are gathered here to celebrate this special holiday together."

"In the past year, we have experienced many difficulties and obstacles, but with everyone's unity and courage, we have overcome all difficulties."

"Today, we have a sumptuous New Year's Eve dinner, and we also have wild boar meat donated by patriots. These are the best support and encouragement for us."

Rong Lianhu's voice was loud and powerful, which made the soldiers' blood boil and they applauded and cheered.

"I hope that in the new year, everyone will continue to carry forward the fine traditions of the military, defend the motherland and the people, and make our country more prosperous and strong!"

The soldiers shouted in unison: "Defend the motherland! Defend the people!"

The sound was deafening, full of power and determination.

Rong Lianhu smiled with satisfaction and continued, "Alright, comrades, let's raise our glasses together, using soup instead of wine, and toast to the new year! Happy New Year and all the best!"

The soldiers raised their glasses and shouted in response, "Happy New Year!"

The mess hall was filled with laughter and joy, the atmosphere warm and lively, as the soldiers sat together, enjoying this rare moment of reunion.

After Rong Lianhu finished speaking, he exchanged a few words with Yan Hai and left.

But when he arrived at the military base gate on his bicycle, he saw Wei Guodong holding the bicycle, with his wife and son standing beside him.

Rong Lianhu suddenly had a very bad feeling. He stopped the car in front of them and asked, "Brigade Commander, Dean Wan, what's going on here...?"

Rong Lianhu's voice carried a hint of helplessness. He vaguely guessed Wei Guodong's intentions, but he couldn't believe that he would actually do it.

With a "I'm just here to freeload" expression on his face, Wei Guodong smiled brightly: "Commander Rong, it's New Year's Eve today, and I thought we shouldn't neglect our benefactor. I brought some small gifts and would like us to go and wish Master Qingxuan a Happy New Year, and maybe even freeload a meal."

Rong Lianhu stared wide-eyed at Wan Qiong and the three-year-old boy next to Wei Guodong. The boy was holding a string of bright red candied hawthorns and looked very curious.

Rong Lianhu couldn't help but complain, "Brigade Commander, are you here to offer New Year's greetings or to steal our food?"

Wei Guodong laughed and patted Rong Lianhu on the shoulder: "Don't say that. I just wanted to take this opportunity to let the child meet Master Qingxuan and learn more. Besides, I came here with sincerity."

He pointed to a large package behind him, which was filled with various local specialties and alcoholic beverages.

Rong Lianhu sighed, knowing that once Wei Guodong made up his mind, nothing could change it.

He said helplessly, "Fine, I can't do anything about you, but if Master Qingxuan doesn't like you, you can't blame me."

"No, no, let's go."

Rong Lianhu remembered that he had three daughters, so he asked, "Where are your three daughters? Why didn't you bring them along?"

Wei Guodong waved his hand: "Don't worry, they've already eaten."

"Alright, you guys follow me!"

Wei Guodong's family followed Rong Lianhu and rode their bicycles toward Qing Xuanzi's courtyard.

Despite the biting wind in the night, Wei Guodong was in high spirits, as if this trip would bring him to the pinnacle of his life.

Although Wan Qiong felt somewhat helpless about Wei Guodong's plan, seeing the expectant looks on her husband and son's faces, she had no choice but to go along.

Two red lanterns hung in Qing Xuanzi's courtyard, with candles lit inside to illuminate the way home for those returning.

Before they even reached the door, they saw two small figures standing there, glancing in the direction they had come from.

Wei Guodong recognized the two boys from Rong Lianhu's family from afar and laughed, "Look, your sons came out to greet me when they knew I was coming."

Rong Lianhu didn't bother arguing with him. These two kids must be hungry and couldn't wait any longer, so they ran outside to wait.

Sure enough, his son's words the next second confirmed his guess.

Rong Zhiyuan raised his little hand high, waving and shouting, "Dad, why are you only coming back now? My little sister is hungry!"

Rong Lianhu came up and laughed heartily! "Is my little sister hungry, or are you just craving something?"