Chapter 42
Yu Yao made two plates of rice candy and peanut candy, using a lot of oil and sugar, which almost made the children around her cry.
Gu Qing said that as long as she came here, she wouldn't have to compromise on food.
Many people actually admire the strong. The more cautious you are, the more people will say you are petty. And no matter what you do, there will always be people who don't like it, so it's better to be yourself.
It must be said that Gu Qing's words really touched Yu Yao's heart. She just didn't want to be restricted, and she felt that Gu Qing must have seen through it.
The two of them packed two lunch boxes and hurried to Brigade Commander Cao's house before dinner.
While walking on the road, they met many people who were out for a walk. Many sisters-in-law and aunts were sitting under the trees with fans in their hands, shooing away mosquitoes while watching their children running around. The scene was full of life. It would have been better if they had not looked at the two of them with strange eyes.
Because some of the looks were too explicit, Gu Qing might have felt a little uncomfortable.
He coughed lightly and said, "You can get along with them slowly. In fact, many of them are quite good. They may have some minor flaws, but it shouldn't be difficult to get along with them."
After saying that, he glanced at Yu Yao, who was blinking her innocent eyes, and after a pause, he added, "Of course, it's okay if you don't want to. Just do what you want. As long as you don't take the initiative to cause trouble, you can do whatever you want. Don't put yourself in a difficult position."
Seeing that he was speaking cautiously, Yu Yao hummed and said with a smile, "Why are you so nice?"
Yu Yao was a head shorter than Gu Qing. She was looking up at Gu Qing and saw that Gu Qing's ears were visibly red.
Seeing this, Yu Yao chuckled again.
Suddenly, she felt someone grab her hand that was hanging by her side and pinch it. Gu Qing said in an uncomfortable tone, "Stop it."
Now it was Yu Yao's turn to feel embarrassed.
There is a difference between verbal teasing and physical touch.
After Gu Qing found out, he raised his eyebrows. It seemed that she was not much better than himself, so how dare she tease him?
Thinking of the soft touch from his palm just now, Gu Qing's eyes darkened a little, and he said: "From now on, I will live with you, not with them. It doesn't make sense to sacrifice my wife just to maintain the relationship with them, right?"
As soon as the word "daughter-in-law" came out of her mouth, Yu Yao felt her heart boiling with anger for some reason.
But hearing what Gu Qing said, he must have been a troublemaker in his family compound.
In fact, Yu Yao understood what he said. The reason why he explained to her was probably because he was worried that she would be affected by what happened yesterday afternoon and that she would be isolated in this courtyard.
However, even if she behaved terribly, there would still be people who would show kindness to her, such as Mrs. Yan whom I met this morning.
Yu Yao doesn't care. If they can get along well, then they can. If they can't, then forget it. She is not a very sociable person.
You will gradually understand these.
Because of the interaction just now, the atmosphere between the two people was still somewhat ambiguous all the way to Cao Lu's house.
Cao Lu saw the affectionate couple and smiled, "Come on, come on."
Seeing Gu Qing holding a lunch box, Cao Lu said with a straight face: "You kid, you're here, why are you holding anything? The little girl doesn't understand, don't you understand either? Do you want to make a mistake?"
Gu Qing smiled and said, "How could that be possible? This is a snack made by Ah Yao herself. Didn't she hear that my sister-in-law is a good cook, so she specially asked my sister-in-law to help her taste it?"
"Oh? Let me try it first." Cao Lu has always been a foodie, otherwise Gu Qing would not have let Yu Yao bring the food over.
Sure enough, as soon as he picked up the lunch box, he ate several pieces in a row.
"Alright, alright." Auntie Zheng snatched the lunch box, "Try two pieces. You've eaten them all. Why don't you discuss the recipe with Miss Yao?"
Cao Lu smacked his lips and said to Gu Qing, "You are so lucky, let's go, let's talk business first, Yu Yao will come with us."
The three of them entered Cao Lu's study together, and Cao Lu immediately became serious.
"Comrade Yu Yao, we have to thank you for what happened in Daqing Mountain."
Their military region has always been short of funds. To be more precise, in this era, there is no wealth anywhere. Although the things Yu Yao found cannot be completely owned by the military region, the rewards given out are enough to make their military region feel relaxed for two or three years.
Because he said it so seriously, Yu Yao was almost at a loss for words and could only say, "Serving the people is what I should do."
Cao Lu's face lit up with joy, "What a great way to serve the people, Comrade Yu Yao, you have a high level of awareness."
Yu Yao could hardly hold back any longer. If she had known, she should not have teased Gu Qing on the way here. She should have asked Cao Lu about his attitude. She had no idea what the other party meant.
"You're joking. I'm just doing what an ordinary person should do."
Hearing him say this, Cao Lu's smile faded a little. "As for your reward, we are planning to give you a reward of 2,000 yuan and two military service quotas. Do you think you can accept it?"
Although two thousand yuan is just the tip of the iceberg of the property that Yu Yao found, to put it bluntly, these properties belong to the people, and it is her duty to hand them over. However, such matters all depend on self-awareness, so Cao Lu’s statement that she has a high level of awareness is true.
In fact, they had already tended to believe Yu Yao's identity when she got the things. If she had not failed to explain how she got the things and later showed her immense strength, she would not have been investigated.
Yu Yao was a little unsure, so he looked at Gu Qing and asked for his opinion.
"This is what you deserve. You don't have to bear the burden." Gu Qing said.
"Yes, yes, yes, you don't have to worry. When I say I will give it to you, I'm not just saying it casually. This is a decision we all made after discussion. But if you think there's something wrong, we can discuss it again. For example, we can convert the enlistment quota into money."
After he said that, Yu Yao had an idea. After making sure that his idea was not too extreme, Yu Yao said, "Can I exchange one of my military quotas for an easier job? My second brother is not in good health, I don't know if it's possible."
Yu Yao didn't say that she couldn't support Yu Sheng, but it could be seen from Jiang Limei and Yu Ping that the Yu family members were extremely competitive. He would definitely not allow himself to eat for free here. Even the issue of accommodation was caused by Yu Yao.
Her second brother can write, but now he doesn't get paid for submitting articles to newspapers, and he may get into trouble easily because of writing about sensitive things. She can't let her second brother take risks.
Cao Lu was also aware of Yu Sheng's affairs, and Gu Qing even reported to him about Doctor Yao's affairs.
"That's fine, but... you have to let us think about it. I'm sure you've seen these past two days that there are many people in our family compound, many of whom are unemployed, and Comrade Yu Sheng is in poor health. Although it's a reward, people's words are scary, don't you understand?"
Yu Yao nodded. That was true. She would forget about it. She didn't want her second brother to be wronged. "Then I will go back and discuss it with my second brother to see what he thinks."
Cao Lu had no objection and said, "Okay, let's discuss this matter later. Do you have any other questions?"
"Not for now."
"Okay, but you know this matter involves a lot of people. We may not be able to publicize it. We will say that you helped us catch saboteurs in Wanyuan County, so we gave you the opportunity to serve in the army and some subsidies."
Yu Yao expressed her understanding for all these. She didn't care much about the false reputation. She only cared about the real money.
"I can do anything. It depends on your arrangement."
Cao Lu was more and more satisfied with her knowledge of current affairs. He ignored Gu Qing's unfriendly look and said with a smile, "One more thing. I heard from Gu Qing that you are very strong?"
Yu Yao glanced at Gu Qing. She knew that she couldn't keep this secret, but when asked this question, she still didn't know what to say. This was why she hated lying. If she wasn't careful, she would reveal her lies.
"Yeah, it's OK."
Cao Lu laughed, "I heard that you took down our gate with one hand, is that okay?"
Yu Yao was a little embarrassed. "I'm sorry, I was impulsive. The gate has been repaired. I won't do it again next time."
Cao Lu waved his hands and said with a smile: "I am not blaming you. I also heard about what happened yesterday. Let me handle this matter. We have already criticized Comrade Fang Dongmei. If she comes to trouble you again, we will directly ask her to leave the family compound."
"I want to talk about another thing. Our military region has a special unit, code-named Candle Dragon, which is composed of some outstanding comrades who are responsible for carrying out some special tasks."
Yu Yao was shocked. Is this something she can listen to?
"You...you don't want me to join this unit, do you?"
Cao Lu smiled and nodded, "Please think about it."
"I can't do it. I'm just a little stronger, but I don't have any other skills. I'm afraid I can't do it."
Seeing Yu Yao's strong refusal, Gu Qing smiled unkindly, and then Cao Lu glared at him fiercely.
"I know you don't like being constrained. Mr. Gu has told me so. But since our team is carrying out special missions, we will naturally receive special treatment. You don't have to come to work on weekdays, and your treatment will not be worse than Mr. Gu's. You will have a maximum of three missions per year."
After he said that, Yu Yao was actually a little moved, but she still had a feeling that the other party was fooling her.
However, his next words were a heavy blow, "If you join the Candle Dragon Team, we can find a way to arrange a second-class merit for your second brother. Not only will he be given a civilian job in the army, but he can also be given a separate place to live."
"You...you are not lying to me?"
Cao Lu was stunned at first, then he burst into laughter, "Do you think I'm someone who would joke around casually?"
After that, he became serious, "Comrade Yu Yao, the country is short of talent now, and we really need talents like you."
First it was sugar-coated bullets, and now they start talking about emotions.
Yu Yao cursed the old fox in her heart, but she still tried to remain calm and said, "Can you give me some time to think about it?"
"Of course."
Gu Qing was not talking nonsense. Aunt Zheng's cooking skills were really good. The homely dishes she made tasted extremely delicious.
She kept inviting Yu Yao to eat and praising the delicious candies she made, which made Yu Yao feel a little embarrassed.
After dinner, when Gu Qing sent Yu Yao back, there were no people on the road. He turned on the flashlight and naturally held Yu Yao's hand.
It was not a good time to talk on the road, so Yu Yao could only sigh, "Mrs. Zheng's cooking is so delicious."
Unexpectedly, Gu Qing squeezed her hand and said, "You cook better."
The clear voice sounded particularly alluring in the silent night. Yu Yao's face flushed and she said angrily, "You are the only one who knows how to say nice things."
Gu Qing wanted to say this only to you, but he didn't want to appear too frivolous, so he just chuckled twice and said nothing more.
He felt that the more they spent time together, the more he would discover Yu Yao's good points.
From what he had just seen, he knew that Cao Lu was very satisfied with Yu Yao, which made Gu Qing very happy.
Cao Lu was his guide and an elder whom he respected very much. With their blessings, Gu Qing felt that he was not far from getting married.
When the two of them returned, Yu Sheng was still waiting for them in the living room. When he saw them come back, he got up to rest.
He doesn't talk much, but his kindness to Yu Yao is sincere.
"What do you think about what happened just now?" After Yu Sheng left, Gu Qing asked about Yu Yao's plan.
Yu Yao was a little confused. She had a lot of concerns, such as what the mission was and whether she could complete it, what kind of punishment she would receive if she failed, and if she couldn't get used to the job and wanted to leave, would she be able to resign easily?
"What do you think?" Yu Yao sincerely asked Gu Qing for his opinion.
Seeing that she was like a lost deer, Gu Qing couldn't help but reach out and ruffle her soft hair, saying, "You have to think clearly about what you want to do in the future. I can only say that the missions of Candle Dragon are not easy, but they are all very important. If you go in, you must do your best to complete every mission."
"Of course, if you don't want to do it, don't force yourself. Neither I nor Commander Cao will blame you. Everyone has the right to choose their own life. Maybe you are strong but not suitable for this kind of work."
Seeing Yu Yao's shining eyes, he slowed down his tone and said, "Whether you choose to stay at home and take care of our family, or choose to go out and find a job you like that is fulfilling or leisurely, or join Candle Dragon, I will support you, and I believe you can do well."
Hearing his words, Yu Yao was deeply moved. He gave her the greatest respect and trust. Every word he said struck Yu Yao's heart.
"This is not a small matter. You should think about it carefully these few days. Don't worry. It's a little late today. Go to bed early. I'm going back first and will pick you up tomorrow."
Yu Yao then remembered that they had to accompany their second brother to see a doctor tomorrow. Suddenly, Yu Yao became nervous again, hoping that Doctor Yao could find a solution, but his granddaughter was also a time bomb.
"Okay, then go back slowly."
Gu Qing felt cared for and squeezed Yu Yao's hand again, but he didn't dare to do anything else. He just went out and left. Before leaving, he asked Yu Yao to close the door, looking grumpy.
However, Yu Yao was enjoying it and stopped thinking about those troubles. As soon as she lay down, she remembered that she had not yet given Gu Qing the money she had spent on the supply and marketing cooperative today. She couldn't help but feel annoyed with her memory.
As a result, she dreamed of Gu Qing all night long.
The next day, the sky was clear.
When Yu Yao opened the door, she saw Gu Qing sitting in the living room.
"You're awake." Gu Qing smiled so hard that his eyes were blinded. Yu Yao also gave him a foolish smile and went to wash up, as if she didn't notice her second brother was beside her at all.
Gu Qing brought meat buns from the cafeteria. The buns were made of crispy crust. Yu Yao liked them very much, but they were a little too big. After eating one, she hesitated.
"Can't eat another one?"
Gu Qing picked up a bun, broke it open, and handed the half with more meat to Yu Yao.
Suddenly, the two of them remembered what happened in Wanyuan County. They all smiled, not noticing that Yu Sheng had been watching them.
The sun was a little hot, but fortunately it was autumn and not too hot. It didn't take the three of them too much time to walk to the village.
But the three of them together were still somewhat eye-catching, and whenever they bumped into someone, someone would stare at them.
Fortunately, they had already found excuses, such as changing vegetable seedlings and catching chickens and ducklings. Of course, these are not all excuses. Now is a good time to grow some spinach, radishes and cabbage, so they can all be used as excuses.
Yu Yao was observing and memorizing the route along the way.
After entering the village, they didn't know if it was Gu Qing's deliberate act, but they met almost no one along the way. They walked along a small path into the mountains, which made Yu Yao a little excited.
She suppressed her eager heart and followed the two people around a pond and saw the thatched hut at the foot of the mountain.
"Right over there."
After Gu Qing finished speaking, he felt Yu Yao pulling his sleeve.
She whispered, "I feel like someone is following us."
"Yes." Gu Qing gave her a reassuring look and turned to say, "Comrade Yao Li, it's me."
After he finished speaking, Yu Yao saw the murderer who killed the original body in the book.
However, the Yao Li standing in front of them at this time had dry hair, yellow cheeks, and was wearing an empty old dress. She was almost unrecognizable due to her thin appearance. Yu Yao could not connect her with the person in the book who stole someone else's husband and forced her original body and grandfather to death.
She was on guard at the time, and only when she looked at Gu Qing did her attitude soften.
"Are they here to see a doctor?"
Gu Qing nodded, "Is Doctor Yao feeling better?"
"Well, I feel much better after taking the medicine. You guys should go in quickly. The three of you are too conspicuous." Her tone was light, without any malice in it.
But Yu Yao still felt a little uncomfortable when he saw her, maybe it was a psychological effect.
Even though she comforted herself in this way, Yu Yao still decided that she would always come with her second brother whenever he came to see the doctor. Who knows if this future villain would suddenly go crazy.
Yao Li opened the door of the straw hut, and a smell of Chinese medicine rushed out. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't very pleasant either.
"Doctor Yao, this is Comrade Yu who I told you about and who wants to see you for a physical examination." After Gu Qing introduced him, Yu Sheng handed the things he bought to the other party.
"I'm very happy that you can come to see an old man like me. You don't have to be so polite."
Yu Sheng: "I will have to trouble you again in the future. You should take care of yourself. You will get better one day."
This has been Yu Sheng's belief since childhood, and he feels that things are indeed getting better and better now.
Doctor Yao didn't say anything more. He asked Yao Li to put away the things. Then, using the light from a small window high up in the room, he said, "Give me your hand."
He took her pulse, frowned, and said after a while, "Show me the test results."
Yu Sheng quickly handed over the inspection results in Shanghai to the other party.
After receiving the results, Doctor Yao looked at them carefully, and immediately saw his brows furrowed deeper and deeper. After a long while, he said, "Your condition is a little serious."
Everyone was worried, and he said, "But it's not impossible to treat it. Fortunately, it's not an emergency. As long as it works, there won't be any problem if you treat it well. It's just that this medicine is a little hard to find. I'll write down the prescription first, and you can look for it. If you can't find it, I'll think about changing the prescription, but the effect is definitely better with this one."
It’s similar to what Yu Yao thought. Yu Sheng’s illness was dragged out. If he wants to be cured, he has to take care of himself. If he wants to take care of himself carefully, Chinese medicine is the best choice.
Due to the special situation of the place, the few people did not stay in the hut for long. After getting the prescription, the three of them said goodbye and left.
Yao Li also followed them out of the straw hut.
After walking for a long time, Yu Yao still felt a burning gaze behind him, but when he turned around, he only saw Yao Li drying herbs, with a focused expression and seemed not to pay attention to them.
"What's wrong?" Gu Qing saw her turn around and also looked back.
Yu Yao looked at the wormwood on the roadside and said, "It's nothing. I just thought that the people here are quite nice to them and even let them go up the mountain to collect herbs."
After a long pause, Gu Qing said, "Yes, this place is close to the army, and everyone will be more restrained in what they do. What have you been looking at?"
"Let's pick some of this wormwood and take it back. I'll make cakes for you."
The living conditions of the people here are obviously much better than those in Qingyang Village. Where can you find such wild vegetables on the main road in Qingyang Village?
"Is this edible?" Gu Qing had never eaten it before.
Yu Yao explained to him how to eat Artemisia, and Gu Qing listened carefully, but Cao Lu's words echoed in his mind. Maybe he should give some advice to the girl.
It allows her to work for the country and do something she likes.
The three of them picked a lot of tender wormwood and filled the baskets they had just brought over. They then went to the villagers to exchange them for some vegetable seedlings and seeds. They did not exchange the chicks for the time being so that they could find an excuse to come back later.
Gu Qing naturally listened to Yu Yao.
It’s a pity that after walking around, a few people couldn’t find the large-leaf curculigo used to wrap the wormwood cake. This large-leaf curculigo looks like a boat, so it is also called boat grass.
So Yu Yao did the next best thing and bought some banana leaves at a villager's house, which could also be used to make mugwort cakes.
After returning home, Gu Qing took the prescription and prepared to go out, but just as he reached the gate of the hospital, he was stopped by Yu Yao, "Don't worry if you can't find it. Su Ye's aunt is in the Shanghai Hospital. I can write to her for help."
Yu Yao thought that he could go into the mountains to look for it, but the other party would most likely not agree to that, so he decided not to bring it up for now.
After sending the people away, Yu Yao and Yu Sheng made mugwort cakes at home. The authentic mugwort cake should be made by mixing 60% rice flour and 40% glutinous rice flour, then adding the cooked mugwort into the dough and kneading it into a dough, and then filling it with fried wild onions and diced pork.
After steaming, the combination of the plant-flavored skin and the meat aroma is so fragrant that it can make your tongue savory.
But now they had no wild onions, so they could only use green onions instead. Fortunately, Yu Yao still had some skills, so she quickly prepared everything and asked Yu Sheng to wrap it up.
This kind of mugwort cake is not like steamed buns, which must be wrapped with leaves, otherwise the dough with glutinous rice flour will stick together when steamed.
Yu Yao looked at the mugwort cakes she had made and smelled them with great satisfaction, but suddenly she heard Yu Sheng say, "Yao, I want to live in the village."
She raised her eyes and glanced at him, and almost instantly Yu Yao knew what he was planning.
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