Chapter 40: Chapter 40: Preparations Before Joining the Army

The Jeep took a tour around Huaihua Village and returned to the Gu Family residence, where everyone was waiting, making it exceptionally lively.

Sheng Zexi led Gu Jia Ning out of the car. Before the elders of both families and in front of the leaders’ likeness, they made vows, promising to join hands in this life and become revolutionary partners.

“Bravo!” Accompanied by a loud cheer, everyone burst into applause.

As dishes were brought to the table, the banquet began.

The villagers attending this wedding banquet knew how much Sheng Zexi and the Gu Family valued Gu Jia Ning, but they didn’t expect it to be this much—a table with ten dishes, symbolizing perfection, divided into five meat and five vegetarian dishes.

Moreover, the meat dishes were not just a touch of meat; they were visibly substantial.

“This is truly extravagant; it must have cost a fortune,” someone remarked.

“Who cares how much it cost? As long as we can eat to our hearts’ content.”

“Yeah, today we should eat to our fill.”

Lu Weixian was also stunned at the sight of this table of dishes, especially the meat dishes, which almost made him drool.

He felt fortunate to have been invited by the Gu Family today.

Lu Weixian had been in the countryside for more than two years, having poor relations with his family in the city. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have been sent to the countryside. His family in the city seemed to disregard his existence, never sending him anything. Being young, he lived a tight life these past two years, rarely getting to eat meat throughout the year.

So, he remained quite thin.

Seeing the table full of dishes and meat now, how could he not be happy?

Especially when the meat entered his mouth, he was almost moved to tears.

Gu Jia Ning, led by Sheng Zexi, also sat down to partake in the banquet. After all, it was their banquet; naturally, they needed to be present.

According to tradition, Gu Jia Ning, as the bride, wasn’t supposed to attend the banquet and should stay in the bridal chamber.

Not long ago, Wen Zhqing, who married into the Bao Family, had to do the same.

But the Gu Family and Sheng Zexi couldn’t bear to let Gu Jia Ning go hungry, especially now in this new, modern society, which is different from the old feudal ways.

This time, the villagers of Huaihua Village were completely satisfied with the banquet.

Lu Weixian and another female educated youth, after returning to their place, faced many jealous stares and snide remarks.

But neither of them cared much about these.

Having lived under the same roof for so long, they were very clear about the true nature of these people.

So, there was no need to deliberately make friends.

Regardless of others, as long as one lives well, let them say what they will.

After finishing her wedding banquet, Gu Jia Ning returned to the bridal chamber to rest.

Having been busy since early morning and feeling tense from nervousness, she was both physically and mentally exhausted, and once she was able to rest, she quickly fell asleep.

When Sheng Zexi came in, he saw his little bride sleeping soundly.

He slowly sat on the bed, gazing at his little wife’s peaceful and beautiful sleeping face, a serene expression on his brows.

He leaned over gently and planted a kiss on Gu Jia Ning’s smooth forehead, then tucked her in lightly before leaving.

Gu Jia Ning slept soundly and didn’t wake up until after dinner.

Gu Jia Ning was going to follow the army, and they had bought train tickets for the next day. Sheng Zexi had asked a comrade to buy two sleeper train tickets, considering the train journey would take three days and two nights—a long trip.

Since the train departed in the morning, they needed to pack their luggage that evening.

The Gu Family had prepared many things. After dinner, Gu Jia Ning was called to her parents’ room where they gave her the dowry money Sheng Zexi had given earlier, along with the money and tickets originally meant for her.

Yao Chunhua had also prepared thick new cotton clothes, a cotton jacket, and a quilt.

“It’s the coldest time in the Northwest now. Remember to wear these cotton clothes and jacket, and take this quilt with you despite the inconvenience,” Yao Chunhua said, her eyes reddening. She couldn’t bear it. Her daughter had grown up by her side and now would be going to the faraway, cold Northwest.

“Mom, I understand,” Gu Jia Ning said, stepping forward to hug her mother. Under her father’s eager gaze, she also went to hug him.

These cotton clothes, jackets, and quilts were all made by her mother day and night after learning about her marriage. How could she find it inconvenient to take them?

Even if they were burdens, they were sweet burdens.

“Once you’re over there, the only person you can rely on is Mr. Sheng. When things come up, you two should discuss them and not act on whims, okay?” Old Gu advised solemnly.

“If you need anything, just call or write home, and we will send it to you,” he added.

“Yes, Dad, Mom, I know.”

After leaving her parents’ room, her brothers and sisters-in-law gave her more things.

Her eldest sister-in-law gave her a thick red scarf she had knitted herself. When trying it on, Gu Jia Ning found it very fitting and warm, making her skin look fairer and more delicate.

Her eldest brother gave her a bunch of tickets which might be needed in the Northwest.

“Eldest Sister-in-law, today is the last day of treatment. Soon you’ll be able to conceive. I hope—I’m in the Northwest for only a short time before hearing good news about you and Eldest Brother,” Gu Jia Ning said.

“Yes, yes, your words bring good fortune,” Yang Manman replied, beaming with delight.

Recently, under her sister-in-law’s treatment, she felt firsthand the changes in her body.

She already knew the answer, but with her sister-in-law’s assurance as a doctor, she gained even more confidence.

Her sister-in-law truly had skills.

Perhaps soon, she and her husband would welcome their child.

Her second brother and sister-in-law directly gave her many preserved meat products, all caught by her second brother hunting in the mountains recently.

“I heard that once it snows heavily in the Northwest, mountains get blocked, making it hard to find clothes and food. All these are preserved and can last a long time,” he explained.

“Take them all, and if they’re not enough, let me know.”

“Second Brother, this is too much. Leave some for Second Sister-in-law. She just gave birth and needs nourishment,” Gu Jia Ning suggested.

Second sister-in-law Su Miao shook her head, “Ningning, just take them. If I need more, your second brother can get them. It’s easier for us to get them here, while over there, it’s not so convenient.”

Unable to refuse any longer, Gu Jia Ning had to accept them.

As for her third brother, Gu Yunzhou, he handed her a small box. Back in her room, she found it full of beautiful jade jewelry, many of which were of excellent quality and exquisitely beautiful.

Gu Jia Ning couldn’t help but laugh, realizing her third brother knew her love for beautiful ornaments and collected them specifically for her.

Though these items were not highly valued now, they would be quite valuable in the future.

The gifts from her three brothers and sisters-in-law were all carefully chosen and precious.

With her eyes moistening with warmth, Gu Jia Ning felt deeply touched.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep