Chapter 47: Prophetic Dream

Chapter 47: Chapter 47: Prophetic Dream

"Removing landmines?" For some reason, Su Wan’s heart skipped a beat with unease when she heard the words.

"Yeah, didn’t you know, Wanwan? Actually, the most famous and frequent mission for our Southwest Military Region is demining the border regions of Yun Province."

The word "landmines" made Su Wan’s heart jump. "The ones left over from past conflicts?"

Before she married Lu Zhengchuan, she had looked into the main duties of the Southwest Military Region. The Southwest Border was not yet completely free of conflict.

"That’s right." Zhao Qing sighed, her eyes filled with worry. After all, her husband had been on this kind of mission before.

"The heroes of the past fought to win us our current peace and independence. So, even if enemies prowl our borders, our comrades and soldiers will never give up. No matter how cruel the enemy is, and even knowing the danger, the soldiers of Hua Country will not shrink back in the slightest."

A resolute, uplifting spirit radiated from Zhao Qing, making her shine. She stood like a stone monument, unyielding no matter what storms came her way.

Su Wan was captivated by her presence.

"The soldiers who take on missions like that are all warriors and heroes," Su Wan affirmed. "But... it must be very dangerous."

"It is incredibly dangerous. The demining missions usually last anywhere from half a month to a full month. One careless mistake, and a soldier could be killed. But if we don’t clear those mines, it not only hinders our troop movements but could also easily harm civilians."

Su Wan nodded in understanding. The Southwest was full of dense forests. If the mines weren’t completely cleared, anyone who accidentally wandered in would be walking to their death. Furthermore, if the area wasn’t clear, soldiers would be forced to take detours, which would not only affect the tactical situation but also hand the initiative over to the enemy.

If the roads within your own territory weren’t safe, you’d be ridiculed on the international stage, which would in turn affect trade profits and technological development.

"That’s why I said that since Liu Lang is daring to marry Zheng Zhizhi now, if he doesn’t want to ruin his future, his best choice is to take on this mission."

"With the military honors from a mission like that, the leadership will be more forgiving. Besides, he already took the initiative to compensate the Liu Family. His only real issue is that misguided filial piety. As long as his merits outweigh his faults, this personal matter won’t be a big deal, provided no more trouble comes of it."

Su Wan nodded. "You have a point."

She wasn’t particularly interested in what Liu Lang would choose to do, so she didn’t give it much thought.

Unexpectedly, Zhao Qing’s next words made her heart nearly stop.

"Actually, the person who has done this mission most often is Battalion Commander Lu," Zhao Qing said, her tone full of admiration. "That’s why Lu Zhengchuan made battalion commander at such a young age."

Su Wan couldn’t help but rub her chest, which had grown tight with discomfort. "...Isn’t a mission like that too dangerous for Lu Zhengchuan?"

"Let me tell you, Battalion Commander Lu really lives up to his military academy training. He’s an expert on all sorts of landmines, which is why he can complete every mission with precision and has earned so many commendations. In the army, he’s considered a god of war. He’s truly exceptional."

But Zhao Qing’s admiration only filled Su Wan’s heart with more worry.

She couldn’t help but ask anxiously, "Lu Zhengchuan... he won’t be doing that mission anymore, will he?"

"I doubt it. He’s married to you now, Wanwan, and you have a child on the way. He surely wouldn’t take on such a dangerous mission." Seeing Su Wan’s face turn pale, Zhao Qing belatedly realized she had frightened her and quickly tried to offer reassurance. "Don’t worry. At Battalion Commander Lu’s current rank, even if a mission like that came up, he would only be involved in an advisory and planning role. He wouldn’t go into the field himself."

Perhaps it was because of what Zhao Qing had said that day.

That night, Su Wan had a dream.

When she woke up, Su Wan discovered it was already bright outside. A glance at her watch showed it was already past eight.

When she came out of her room, Zhang Yun and Zhao Qing were already in the courtyard making molds.

Hearing the noise, Zhang Yun looked up in pleasant surprise. "Sister-in-law? You’re awake?"

"...Mmm." Su Wan rubbed her weary forehead. After greeting Zhao Qing, she went to wash up.

By the time she finished washing up, Zhang Yun had already placed a warm breakfast on the table and called for her to come eat.

Su Wan had a couple of bites. "Did Xiao Li come by this morning?"

There were steamed buns from the mess hall on the table.

"He did. He dropped off breakfast and asked when you were planning to go to the Capital, and also about the train tickets for Third Brother Su. Then he left. He was also going to help me buy some groceries on his way, since we’re running low."

Su Wan’s thoughts turned to her dream from last night. In it, Lu Zhengchuan was driving somewhere when his entire convoy ran into a landmine. The vehicle and everyone in it were obliterated in an explosion.

Her vision was filled with fiery red, so intense it made her eyes ache.

She couldn’t help but wonder, ’In my previous premonition dreams, when my family and I were in danger, Lu Zhengchuan was never there. Could it be because something had already happened to him?’

The more she considered it, the more unsettled she became. Her previous premonition dreams had all come true.

’Was last night’s dream just my mind dwelling on what Zhao Qing said during the day, or was it another premonition?’

"Wanwan, what’s wrong? Why are you zoning out?"

Zhao Qing noticed she had been in a daze ever since breakfast, and had even nearly used the wrong color on the ceramic plate she was painting.

She couldn’t resist giving her a little nudge to snap her out of it.

Su Wan snapped out of it. Just as she was about to say something, there was a knock at the door.

It was Zhang Ru.

She was carrying a basket of apples.

"Wanwan, I was in the county town and happened to find someone selling apples. I heard you were accepted to university? This is perfect, let me congratulate you."

Su Wan went to welcome her inside. "Sister-in-law Zhang, you’re too kind. Just coming over is enough. You really mustn’t bring such wonderful apples next time."

Zhang Ru smiled and pushed the basket toward her. "I’ve been meaning to visit ever since I heard you were pregnant, but I kept delaying. Now there are two happy occasions to celebrate, so it’s a double blessing! Please, take it. Don’t be so formal with me."

"Well, in that case, I won’t be polite," Su Wan said with a smile, accepting the gift and pulling her inside.

She asked Zhang Yun to get some peanut brittle and White Rabbit creamy candies for Zhang Ru.

"Wanwan, don’t fuss over me. You’re pregnant, you need to take good care of yourself. And with this work you’re doing, don’t wear yourself out. With Xiao Lu’s allowance, you shouldn’t be short on money." Zhang Ru’s curious gaze lingered on Su Wan’s belly for a few moments. "The baby’s over three months along now, right? You don’t seem to be showing much. Is it because you’re so thin, Wanwan?"

Su Wan could feel her elder-like concern. After a moment’s hesitation, she decided to be honest. "Sister-in-law Zhang, I’ll tell you the truth."

"I plan to attend university, and I have to take the train to the Capital in mid-August. My due date is next January. When the time comes, I’ll definitely need to find someone to help me, and giving birth in a hospital costs a significant amount of money. I’m just preparing a little extra now to be ready for any unexpected needs."