Chapter 45 A Joyous Event

Looking down over the snow-capped mountains, mist and icicles fall.

Like a heartless person turning away without a second thought, completely disregarding the feelings of those around them.

As the gaze gradually returned to the ground, tiny figures, as small as dust, emerged, seemingly carrying something, with a dense array of small black dots behind them.

Nature is merciless, and natural disasters are innocent!

Ganda Gyatso rushed out and went straight to find his uncle.

Hosen, who had fallen a step behind, quickly tugged at him. "He's outside!"

"The person has definitely been moved!"

As soon as he finished speaking, Ganda strode out.

The two sides quickly reunited, and the team members felt relieved to see their captain return safely.

Only then did they turn their gaze to the boy.

Hosen plopped down, catching his breath as he looked across at the person opposite him.

The boy muttered a few words, then fed him something.

He then examined the wound, seemingly dissatisfied with the previous treatment given to him.

The medic who was bandaging the wound stepped forward to say something, but found that the other man's movements were even more careful and correct than his own. Looking at the bottles and jars on the ground that smelled of traditional Chinese medicine, there was nothing he didn't understand.

So he didn't say anything, but instead explained it to Captain Huo privately.

"Captain, that boy should have studied medicine!"

"Yes, I know."

"Master Gyatso, is it possible for your uncle to hold on until he is taken to the hospital?"

As the young Ganda looked back, everyone saw a pair of dark eyes sweeping straight at him.

In that instant, I felt as if I had been seen through, a chilling sensation running through me.

He shook his head and blinked, and only after showing some expression did he seem to realize what was happening.

"No need, I can manage."

“Master Gyatso, this is no joke. Your uncle hit his head and is bleeding. It would be best to get an X-ray if possible,” the medic quickly explained, afraid that he didn’t understand the consequences.

Several comrades echoed in agreement, saying that the hospital was well-equipped and that they would feel at ease going there.

After all, some of them had undergone surgery, and it must be said that Western medicine does have some merit.

"I know, but he's stopped bleeding, so it's okay."

After the boy finished speaking, he turned his gaze to the dilapidated temple behind him, staring blankly at it.

But in other people's eyes, he was dissatisfied and throwing a tantrum.

Hossen received a signal and instructed his men to investigate; soon the men returned and saw him nodding in surprise.

Knowing something, Hosen thought for a moment, then got up and walked over to the boy.

"We can't stay here for now, let's head down."

Gyatso seemed to understand something, "Please take us to the town at the foot of the mountain, where we can stay."

"Attention everyone, target: the town at the foot of the mountain."

Once the order was given, several people set up a makeshift cot and carried the person down.

On the way, Ganda wanted to help, but Hossen pushed him back, telling him to just hold onto the bag.

We traveled and stopped frequently, and went through several rounds of changes before finally arriving!

Loin, who was preparing to study diligently and even endure hardship, never expected to receive a letter from the capital.

The sender was the same person, Brother Xia!

The initial joy was quickly replaced by doubt. Recalling the contents of the previous letter, Luo Yin had a guess, and after seeing the contents of the new letter, he was certain.

As expected, it was another invitation.

Xia Ge complained in her heart that she hadn't replied to her letter, and that he had spent time specifically inquiring about the equestrian open competition, which was scheduled for February of the following year, and that the capital city had already begun to promote it.

Because of our previous contact, I felt they definitely had a spot.

Just imagine how skilled the boys and girls must be at horseback riding, having grown up on horseback!

"While there's still time, let's get ready quickly. I hope we can meet again. By the way, it's been a long time since I've seen your family's cooking. If there's a chance, let's keep in touch."

Seeing Luo Yin at the end, her lips twitched slightly.

So, this was your ultimate goal after all!

She read it several more times, memorizing the details, and decided to go back and talk to her second brother about it.

The long-awaited holiday is coming soon, and the temperature is starting to drop sharply.

On horseback, Loin felt the biting cold wind; her fingers and face felt as if they were being scraped by ice blades.

It was both painful and cold, and every now and then a gust of wind would come, and dust and sand would hit my face.

"Ptooey, ptooey, ptooey~"

Loin loosened the reins, letting Big White roam freely.

The wind howled, and after the sandstorm subsided, Luo Yin opened her eyes again and began her journey.

The journey back was always more joyful than tiring.

Luo Yin's mood was even better; her good mood reached its peak after meeting her older brother and sister-in-law.

"Big brother, what are you doing at home?!"

Hada came up with a smile, her tone equally joyful, and said, "Little sister, you're back. Your sister-in-law had been having stomach problems recently, and I was thinking that winter is coming soon, so if we don't get some exercise, it might be difficult to set off."

"Oh, is my sister-in-law alright?"

She hurried to look for her sister-in-law, but Hada shook her head with amusement.

"It's nothing serious. I was worried about premature birth at this point, but I've already taken leave from school and am just waiting to give birth."

Luo Yin nodded upon hearing this, then looked at the vast grassland and asked, "Big brother, are you planning to give birth at home?"

Hada shook his head, then seemed rather nervous, like a new father.

"Your sister-in-law and I are planning to go to the county hospital when the time comes."

"That's great! I think it's a good idea!" Luo Yin clapped her hands in affirmation.

"Hey, hey, what are you talking about? Come back quickly and dinner is ready."

Inside the yurt, someone called out, and people outside came to greet them.

"Here I am!"

"Okay!"

"It will be ready soon."

The family of eight, plus the newborn in her belly, became a family of nine, sitting around a table, laughing and enjoying their meal.

Mao Yixige, sitting in the main seat, squinted his eyes and looked at his children and grandchildren with a smile.

And on the belly of the eldest granddaughter-in-law!

As if thinking of the wonderful days to come, she then glanced at Bart's legs, her eyes welling up with tears.

"Alright, all of you will be well from now on."

After Ani finished speaking, he silently sipped his wine and listened to them talk.

Luo Yin had already eaten her fill and was talking to her second brother. Mu Ren was eating heartily, gnawing until there wasn't a single piece of meat left on the bone, when he suddenly stopped when he heard what his little sister was saying.

"Little sister, what did you say?"

"Second brother, you heard that!"

Luo Yin wiped her fingers, poured herself a cup of milk tea, and turned to look.

Mu Ren's eyes darted around. "Did I hear that right? It really is a competition in the capital, an equestrian open?"

"I'll give you that letter later, and you can take a close look at it."

She thought, "My second brother has this talent, why doesn't he give it a try?"

Urina kept giving her daughter-in-law and son instructions; Anibate, who was standing nearby, paid attention to the two of them.

Upon hearing the content of the conversation, Bart's eyes suddenly lit up.

Time flies, and after two days of rest, Luo Yin embarked on her studies again.

Another half month has passed, and Hosen's team has been stagnant in the West for quite some time.

In addition to completing the tasks assigned by the transfer order, there is another task this time: to bring back one person.

However, due to the impact of the natural disaster, many inconveniences were caused. Only after the disaster relief efforts were over did they realize that the target was the boy they had met earlier, Ganda Gyatso!

After several verifications, Hosen finally confirmed that it was correct.

But considering the recent events, Ganda's thoughts were clearly more complicated. Moreover, thinking about the transfer order from his superiors, Hosen pondered for a long time and finally made a plan.

Hosen sent his men out to inquire about the boy's situation.

The information was quickly returned, revealing that Master Gyatso only had that uncle as a relative.

There were no other blood relatives associated with him!

"Captain, this boy looks rather pitiful. His parents have passed away one after another, and he has been raised by his uncle since he was a child."

“That’s right. We’ve saved his uncle before, so we should be able to get through to him if we just ask.”

The team, once again setting foot in the Shigatse region, was panting heavily.

This can't be done; their increasingly pale faces are a consequence of the high altitude.

"This awful weather is getting harder and harder to travel in."

"Yes, I had only heard that it was unpleasant here before, but actually going there is really unpleasant."

Despite having experience, many people still find the lack of oxygen uncomfortable.

"Alright, everyone shut up and take a break."

Hosen spoke, signaling everyone to stop.

After a long and arduous journey involving oxcarts and foot transport, they finally arrived at a rest stop in town, only to discover that Ganda and the others had left a few days earlier.

They asked where they were going, but received no information whatsoever.

"Could they have gone up the mountain?"

"It's possible!"

"team leader..."

"Go up the mountain."

After another day and night of hard work, Hosen and his group finally saw a glimmer of light when they climbed to the top of Rongbuk Monastery, the tallest building in the area.

On the last day of the school's final exams, Luo Yin handed in her exam paper and hurriedly packed her luggage to go home.

As soon as I arrived at the entrance, I saw my two older brothers waiting for me at the front gate.

Luo Yin immediately grabbed her things and ran quickly towards the two of them.

"Big brother, second brother, you're here."

"Wait, what are you doing here?"

She looked around and noticed that her eldest brother looked tired but had a happy expression, while her second brother was also so happy that he was moving his hands and feet in unison.

"What's wrong? Did something happen at home?"

She wasn't even aware that her voice was trembling.

"Little sister, this is great news, a really great thing."

Mu Ren was the first to pull her out, holding her tightly in his hands as if trying to convey his excitement through his muscles.

“It’s Dad. Dad noticed he had some feeling in his legs a couple of days ago, so we took the opportunity to send him to the county for an X-ray. Even the doctor said it was incredible, saying that we’ve taken good care of Dad and that his leg muscles haven’t degenerated.”

"Really? Father really felt it?"

Luo Yin's eyes shone like stars as she looked at her second brother.

Yes, it's true.

"Let's go first, to the hospital!"

The three siblings sped all the way and arrived at the hospital quickly.

As she walked to the inpatient department, Luo Yin's excited expression calmed down when she saw her sister-in-law lying in the ward.

"Sister-in-law~" Her gaze swept over her two older brothers, as if asking, "Where is our father?"

"Yes, where are Dad and Mom?"

Aruna, supporting her back, waved to her, "Don't worry, another doctor just came by and asked Dad and Mom to come over for a chat."

"Sister-in-law, how have you been lately? Are you feeling alright?"

Seeing this, Luo Yin had no choice but to shift the topic to her.

"I'm doing great~"

"The doctor said it would be in the next day or two, and I'm really looking forward to it. I hope he comes out soon."

"Ha ha ha ha!"

Qiqige came in from outside and saw her daughter talking to her in-laws.

Qiqige is equally delighted about the upcoming arrival of her grandson.

After exchanging greetings, the group quickly became acquainted. Just then, Urina pushed a wheelchair in from outside.

"Father, Mother."

"Dad, Mom, how are you? Are you alright?" Luo Yin quickly stepped forward, her eyes scanning their condition.

"Haha, everything is great."

"Father-in-laws, are you done with your work? Dinner is ready at home, let's go over and have some together." Qiqige was waiting for them to come back.

"No need, it's too much trouble for you, Mother-in-law. We'll just eat out." Urina quickly declined, not wanting to cause any trouble.

Bart, however, was completely different from how Loin remembered him, a faint smile playing on his lips.

Whether it was the good news he heard from the doctor that eased his brow, his family was very happy.

Despite repeated refusals, Qiqige went out for a meal with everyone. Considering that his sister-in-law was alone, her brother hurriedly grabbed the food and ran back to the hospital.

After the meal, the group discussed having the eldest brother and Urina stay.

Since Aruna is about to start her attack in the next couple of days, and Hadda's vacation won't last long, Urina will definitely have to stay.

"I'll leave your father to you two. I'll go back with my in-laws."

Perhaps because they had discussed it beforehand, Bart had no objections.

Qiqige wanted to decline, but the importance her in-laws placed on her made her smile.

The group walked and stopped frequently, eventually taking the person to the hospital. They watched as Mu Ren took a package from the cart and handed it to his mother, and Qiqige nodded in satisfaction.

Bart told Urina to take care of her health and to tell her not to worry about things at home.

Urina nodded, telling them to hurry back and that she would send someone to inform them if there was any news.

I watched as the two mothers walked away hand in hand.

The three people stood there, exchanged a glance, and smiled knowingly.

"Haha, let's go home!"

The good news came at noon on the third day.

My sister-in-law's younger brother came to our house in person and said that his sister gave birth to a baby boy weighing more than five pounds early yesterday morning.

Annie was delighted and immediately laughed.

Bart, too, wiped away tears of joy.

Luo Yin was so happy that she jumped and danced, shaking her second brother's hand and cheering.

"Hahaha, this is great! I'm going to be an uncle!"

"Haha, that's great!"

"Ani, Dad, shall we go and bring Sister-in-law back now?"

Bart calmed himself and looked at Ani.

The capital city is busiest at the end of the year.

There are many small stalls and vendors on the street.

At this time of year, no matter what you do on weekdays, no one will bother you or cause trouble.

Comrade Xia received a package from the north and was in a good mood.

When he saw the familiar oil paper package, the corners of his mouth turned up even higher.

He opened a bag, and a savory, meaty aroma immediately wafted out.

"Mmm, this is exactly the taste."

He ate the meat strips, opened the envelope, and quickly read through it.

It seemed as if he saw something, and something flashed in his eyes.

"Hmph, she even knows how to give gifts. This girl is indeed shrewd."

"Alright, I'm beholden to those who feed me, and I'm obligated to accept their gifts!" He took out two bags from below and went to find the person who gave him the gifts.

At the same time, Xia put in a little more effort and later inquired about some information about the equestrian open for her.

Xia Mingjiang also stopped by Red Oak on the way and learned that Huo Sen had actually returned.

"Good lad, you've been gone long this time."

Xia finally caught the man and arranged to meet him, only to find that he was accompanied by someone else.

"Hey, wait a minute, who's this guy? Whose kid is this?"

She looks young, but she's dressed quite well...

Xia Mingjiang's eyes widened; this boy looked...

"Don't make wild guesses. This is Ganda Gyatso, who is currently living with me. This is my friend Xia Mingjiang. You two know each other, right?"

Xia Mingjiang knew the origin of the boy just by hearing his name. After looking at the boy closely, he became more and more curious and then guessed the story behind it.

The boy didn't seem to care at all, nodded, and sat quietly to one side.

He completely ignored the gazes directed at him.

Hossen sipped his tea and waited for the food to be served.

Xia gave him a meaningful look, but he pretended not to see it and ignored him.

Xia Mingjiang was so angry that his eyes twitched, but he couldn't do anything about it.

"If you have something to say, I'll go out first."

"No," the young man said.

"Hey, cough cough."

Xia watched helplessly as he got up and left, feeling embarrassed, but Huo Sen didn't stop him.

The door closed, and Xia Mingjiang's eyes were solemn.

"Hey, what's going on?"

"What are you asking about, just like I said?"

"No, whether we're brothers or not, I know everything about you. Don't try to fool me." Xia's face gave off a "you're hiding something from me" vibe, as if to say, "Don't lie."

Hosen raised his cold eyes and glanced at him indifferently.

"That's all I can say. I can't tell you anything more if you ask." Hosen said the last few words with a rare hint of sarcasm.

"Tsk tsk tsk, I knew it... I was wrong before."

Xia thought it over and over, but she didn't dwell on it. She just deeply admired her own intelligence.

"Oh, right, I brought you some things, take these and eat them." He pulled a bag out from under the table and handed it to him.

"What?"

He tapped his chin lightly, "Take a look!"

"Dried meat, from the grasslands, you've contacted them again?"

When this was mentioned, Hossen's tone became somewhat subtle.

Xia Mingjiang gave a brief explanation, but the topic then veered off course until Master Jiacuo returned.

Another Lunar New Year has arrived.

This year's plans are the most prosperous and successful ever.

Luo Yin and her family got busy early on, as the newborn and her father's health were improving—a double blessing. The family was very generous; Ani personally slaughtered two sheep to prepare for the festival.

The main team had planned ahead and worked together for several days to clean up the house and shed. Then came the big shopping day, with almost everyone in the family going except those who couldn't go out.

The next few days brought new arrangements; my sister-in-law and her nephew were currently in the winter, recovering from childbirth.

The eldest and second eldest brothers followed Ani, busy cleaning up the remaining bones to prepare soup.

Luo Yin stayed with her father and mother, frying various things inside the yurt.

Pot after pot of steaming food was served, its aroma wafting far and wide.

Twenty-eight years ago, her eldest brother took her and her second brother to deliver things to relatives.

They first went to the city to bring a large piece of meat, as well as various pastries and drinks, to their sister-in-law's family. The father-in-law was so pleased that he insisted they stay for dinner.

The group waved their hands and said a few words, then bought a lot of things and went to their uncle's house.

When I returned, it was already New Year's Eve.

This New Year's Eve dinner was the best Luo Yin could remember.

There were several meat dishes on the table, and even the dessert was canned fruit.

Next to Luo Yin and her sister-in-law were orange sodas, while the others had alcohol in their glasses.

Urina smiled as she watched the family sitting together, their faces beaming with happiness, and then turned her gaze to Bart.

Bart gently patted the back of her hand with his large palm.

"Father, please say a few words on this auspicious day."

Ani looked tenderly at the baby in the swaddling clothes, then glanced at the baby's eyes as they looked at the pairs of eyes that were staring at her.

"Yes, there are two happy events this year. One is the safe birth of my great-grandson, Olger; the other is that Bart's health has improved. I am very happy that the family is getting better and better, and I hope that your future will be even smoother."

As Ani spoke, she suddenly pulled out several things wrapped in red paper from her clothes.

"Here, one for each of you. I wish you health and safety."

"Father, what is this...?"

Bart was still wondering whether he should accept the offer, seeing his reaction.

"Hurry up and take them. You and Urina will each get one, and your great-grandson will get one too."

One by one, the red envelopes were quickly distributed, and Urina, who was receiving one for the first time, was also stunned.

Luo Yin, who could tell from the pinch that he was not stingy, looked at her second brother and saw that he was also looking at her. The two smiled at each other.

"Alright, everyone, don't be shy, take whatever you want to eat."

"Eat your food, eat your fill."

"Eat, eat, listen to your Ani, everything will be fine." Bart spoke, getting the children below moving.

Aruna, sitting by the bed, gently tapped her swaddled son with her finger, looked at the red envelope on his body, and then looked at her husband.

Hada nodded, and then picked up a piece of meat she liked.

"Eat quickly, before the kid wakes up."

Aruna instantly recalled his loud voice when he yelled, and quickly started eating.

The chapter of 75 years has come to an end, and we have entered 76 years.

The days seem to fly by as soon as the Lantern Festival is over.

Muren then received a call informing him to head north, and that he must arrive at Xilingol League Station within half a month to assemble.

"Second brother, I really want to go with you. I also want to see the capital."

"Little sister, this really won't work. The captain said this open tournament is quite difficult and will take at least a month to get there. You're about to take your high school entrance exam, so I can't take you with me."

"Sigh, I kind of regret skipping a grade."

In the end, Grandma found out about it and naturally gave him a good scolding.

Luo Yin missed the opportunity to go north, while her second brother was granted permission to travel for a month and a half.

Urina helped pack all the luggage and belongings for the journey.

Luo Yin felt a little jealous, and Po didn't like her second brother.

Mu Ren probably knew that before he left, he was busy doing chores for his family all day long, doing all sorts of heavy work, whether it was hammering or banging.

"Father, why aren't you worried about my second brother going out this time?"

Bart was weaving something when he heard this and looked up at her.

"What, you didn't get through to your mother, so you're trying to stall me for an opportunity?"

"I didn't."

Perhaps sensing that she was upset and couldn't calm down, Bart paused and explained, "Your second brother may seem careless and simple-minded on the surface, but he's actually quite shrewd."

"Oh, how so?"

"You think your second brother went out unprepared? You're worrying for nothing. You weren't home, so you don't know that since your second brother revealed that he wanted to go to the capital for the competition, several people have come to the house to say they wanted to take him along and add a spot for him to the competition."

"How come I didn't know about this? I've heard about it too."

Luo Yin was surprised and puzzled.

"They're from Ulanqab. Your second brother knows that too. Later, somehow the organization department here found out as well, and they said they could add an extra spot for your second brother."

“After your second brother told me, I asked him about his plans and then agreed.”

"Oh, I see. So, Father, you agree that Second Brother should go, right?"

Bart's gaze was somewhat unfocused, but it quickly hardened.

“I don’t know either, but times are changing and society is changing.” He paused, then continued, “I also read your letter to the second brother. I don’t know what the future holds. But it seems that you and the eldest brother have your own plans. Your mother and I can still manage, and I don’t think we can keep your second brother tied to the grasslands forever.”

"Since he wants to try, then let him try."

Luo Yin looked at her father and calmly shared his thoughts.

I think he's the most handsome person within a hundred miles right now!

"Dad, you're amazing!"

“Really, your idea is really great.”

"Hahaha, now I'm not envious of your second brother going to the capital."

"No, I'm still envious, but I still have a chance."

The day of departure came quickly. When everything was arranged, everyone escorted my second brother to the county station.

Because it was an equestrian competition, Shirayuki experienced riding a train for the first time in her life.

Because of Mu Ren's situation, the county specially allocated space in the transport carriage.

Mu Ren bought a train ticket, but because he missed it, he decided after discussion to stay with it.

So the group bought a lot of food in town and gave it to him.

When everyone had been seen off until they could not go any further, I watched as my second brother led his horse inside with the staff.

Urina and her tears flowed uncontrollably.

"Second brother, be careful and stay safe."

"Muren, Muren!"

"Friendship first, competition second!"

The group waited until the train whistled and had driven quite a distance before they came to their senses.

Seeing that the other three elders looked rather downcast, Luo Yin cheered them on, saying, "Second brother will definitely be fine. Even if he doesn't succeed, he'll still be the first in our family to go out and see the world. Just think how amazing second brother is."

"Pfft, what's so special about seeing the world like this?"

"Alright, didn't you take leave to come out? Let's take you back to school quickly."

"Yes, yes, we can't let it interfere with our studies."

Luo Yin wanted to talk to the others, but in the end, she had no choice but to slink into the school gate.

The days of studying were tedious and boring; every day I opened my eyes to a new day.

Like an NPC, Loin lived the same daily life.

Gradually, she got used to it, and even started to like it.

When the weekly and monthly test results came out, Luo Yin felt reassured seeing the stable scores.

She was eager to take the high school entrance exam, so she quickly skipped a grade.

Time flies, and it's already mid-March.

The countdown to the high school entrance exam has begun, and my second brother still hasn't returned.

Fortunately, he had called ahead to say that his grades were very good, and he estimated that he would be arriving in Inner Mongolia soon.

Luo Yin looked forward to her second brother's return, while also thinking about the days in June.

Luo Yin thought with great regret that she probably couldn't be brought along this time either.

Dad seems to be recovering better and better these days.

Every time I come home, I see that he looks great, and even Ani and Ama look much better. Thinking of this, I can't help but think of Taobao Market and Grandpa Qin.

As Luo Yin was lost in thought, she heard the school bell ring.