As for what happened in the valley, Jiang Qiao forgot about it the next day and rode home with Gu Zhengfeng.

Gu Hanting was happy about the sudden appearance of his son and granddaughter, but it still surprised the old man quite a bit.

"Why are you back at this time of year? Why didn't you tell me beforehand? And Qiao'er, isn't the child supposed to be in school? What happened?"

Gu Zhengfeng chuckled and pulled his elderly father to sit down. "Dad, I'm fine. I just came back to see Jingwan and the child, as well as you elders. Also, I asked Jiang Qiao for leave; the child is going to Beijing before May Day."

Upon hearing that word, Gu Hanting inexplicably tensed up. "Why would you go to that place?"

The old man's voice trembled slightly as he worried that his granddaughter's secret would be exposed.

Gu Zhengfeng knew what the old man was worried about. "Dad, listen to me. I'm going to the capital with the child because of something. She's earned a first-class merit and we're going there to receive the award."

Gu Hanting looked at his son hesitantly, "What's the point of a child like you for that credit? You haven't done anything great. Let the soldiers have it. Girl, let's not earn this credit. Let's give it to those who have truly made a difference."

Gu Zhengfeng gave a wry smile. "Dad, this is something that other people would love to have, so why are you turning it away? Besides, can we just say we don't want it? The leader specifically asked for it to be given to Jiang Qiao, so we can't be ungrateful."

Gu Hanting snorted, "You may like it, but my granddaughter may not. Wouldn't that expose the child to everyone's gaze?"

Our Qiao'er is a girl, she doesn't need such great achievements. As long as our child grows up safely and honestly, that's enough. Those superficial things are useless.

Gu Hanting thinks too much. You know, this little girl is so young, yet she has accomplished so much. If she encounters someone with a narrow mind, wouldn't they try to take advantage of their granddaughter?

Ma Liu listened from the side, frowned, and glanced at Gu Zhengfeng and Jiang Qiao. "Zhengfeng, what good will this do for our child? If it doesn't, just say that Qiao'er is sick and can't go, then that's fine, isn't it?"

Wen Jingwan couldn't understand why the older generation didn't seem to approve of such a good thing.

Just as he was about to speak, Gu Zhengfeng shook his head at his wife and then carefully explained the benefits of this achievement to the old man.

"The girl wants to be a doctor. You know, for a doctor, merit isn't really that important." That was Qiao Jie's first reaction.

Ma Liu stroked his chin and pondered for a long time before looking at Qiao Jie and Gu Hanting. "Big brother, Lao Gu, it's not a bad thing. At least this thing can prove that our Qiao'er is a hero."

If my daughter works in a public institution in the future, she will at least be valued by her superiors, and promotions and salary increases will definitely be prioritized for our child.

Don't tell me to let the girl learn from you and become a traveling doctor. Who knows if they'll still allow it in the future? This market can open and close at will. We have to consider both sides of things and not just think about the bad.

You think nobody knows about our child? I reckon at least in some people's eyes, this child has already been labeled. We can't fool ourselves about this—”

Gu Hanting sighed, "In my heart, the child is still young, and I don't want her to face too many things so early. Sigh, since I can't push it away, I'll just have to accept it. What's meant to be will be.

Jiang Qiao held the old man's hand and said with interest, "Grandpa, I know you're doing this for my own good. I didn't want to before either, but whether I push it away or accept it, I'll become famous."

If I decline, and it falls into the eyes of those with ulterior motives, they might accuse me of disrespect, so I might as well accept it calmly.

I already put in a lot of effort and almost died. I was just lucky and skilled. Otherwise, I probably would have been posthumously honored as a martyr.

I'd rather it be the former than the latter, so I'll just deal with whatever comes my way and let nature take its course.

Gu Hanting and Qiao Jie nodded. "That's the only way. You kid, I was wondering why you suddenly came back. It turns out it's because of this. Let me tell you, how did you get that girl over there? How did you bring her back to me safely? Big cities are nice, but it's still more reassuring to live in our county town."

"Uncle, don't worry. I'm heartbroken to lose my daughter, but I'll make sure she comes back safely."

With the matter settled, Wen Jingwan finally breathed a sigh of relief. She truly couldn't understand why the old man would think such a bad thing. It was such a good opportunity; she wished she could make a contribution, but alas, she had no chance.

She placed her son in her husband's arms and then pulled Jiang Qiao aside to discuss the clothes they should wear to Beijing.

"No way, I'm not going to wear any new clothes. My usual clothes are fine. I heard that even the top leader wears patched clothes. Why would I make new clothes just for the future? We're short of fabric at home, you know."

Gu Hanting nodded from the side, "Just keep a calm mind."

Ma Liu added, "Girl, if you happen to meet some high-ranking leader in the past, ask for some calligraphy to take back and hang at home, wouldn't that be great?"

Upon hearing this, even Gu Hanting gave him a thumbs up, saying, "You're amazing, a true master."

Ma Liu smiled calmly, "It's just that I've experienced more and seen more, so I have more to consider. Girl, remember, if you have the chance, be sure to ask for it. Don't look down on your grandfather and maternal grandfather because of their bad class background. It is said that they both made contributions to the War of Resistance against Japan back then, but we just don't mention it."

Jiang Qiao suppressed a laugh, nodded, and said in a serious tone, "Grandpa Liu, I'll listen to you. Why don't you come with me and stay there for a while?"

Ma Liu hesitated, but still shook his head. "I won't go for now. I can go anytime I want. My apprentices are definitely not idle even when I'm not around. I do miss those kids. Go and see them for me later. I guess they've grown quite a bit."

Qiao Jie patted his brother on the shoulder; the old man knew exactly what Ma Liu was thinking.

"No rush. You can come anytime you want later. Or, when you've had enough, how about we go see my sister?"

Ma Liu's eyes lit up. "Great! That's perfect, brother. It's settled then."

Jiang Qiao was not too keen on the idea. "Are you two alright? Or, after I finish my business, I'll go with you?"

Qiao Jie and Ma Liu shook their heads together, "No need, why can't we two? Your grandpa isn't old yet, I can still walk, and your grandpa Liu is here with me. While I can still move, I'll take one more look."

The group discussed the matter of the old man going out and decided it was feasible.

Finally, Gu Zhengfeng made the decision: "Okay, you guys go ahead first. Qiao'er will come after she finishes her business. If you come back, we'll go together."

Turning to Gu Hanting, she said, "Dad, this time, I have to take Jingwan and the child with me—"

Gu Zhengfeng was embarrassed, but Gu Hanting could understand his son's thoughts. "It's okay. Jingwan and Shitou have been back for so long, it's time for them to go back. You can all go together this time."