Rebirth: The Courtyard Bride Is Cool and Radiant

Chapter 172: Chapter 172 You Better Be Prepared

Song Changxuan let out a deep sigh. ”All this shouting and fighting every day, aren’t you afraid of setting a bad example for Xuan?”

Thinking of her son, the displeasure on Ge Qiutang’s face lessened considerably. ”My son certainly won’t learn anything bad,” she said.

Right, she had a son. What did that Ji woman have to compare with her?

She glared at her husband and said curtly, ”I’m going to pick up our son. I’ll bring your change of clothes over in a bit.”

Only after she left did Qiao Shaoguo turn to Song Changxuan. ”Changxuan, everyone says Ge Qiutang is a wild one, but she still takes good care of you. Since you chose to take responsibility back then and now have a son, it would be better to rein in some of those thoughts.”

Song Changxuan understood what Qiao Tuan meant, but he truly couldn’t explain himself clearly. After all, the rumors circulating were so detailed and vivid. He sighed. ”Ever since I decided to marry Ge Qiutang, I’ve let go of Ji Rongjia. You might not believe me, but I’m telling the truth.”

Although it’s said that there’s no smoke without fire, Qiao Shaoguo also knew many things were spread by the gossipmongers in the Agricultural Reclamation Group. ”It’s time to rectify the group’s atmosphere,” he said.

He had barely finished speaking when Ge Qiutang walked in, holding their child and carrying a bundle.

She tossed the bundle onto the bed and looked at Qiao Shaoguo. ”Qiao Tuan, my Changxuan was injured on duty. Since I’m taking care of him, am I eligible for some kind of allowance?”

Qiao Shaoguo hadn’t expected Ge Qiutang to know about such things. ”Who told you that?”

Ge Qiutang didn’t answer him directly. ”I may not have eaten pork, but I’ve seen pigs run. I’ve been in the group this long; I can’t be completely clueless about everything.”

Seeing that she didn’t want to talk to him, Qiao Shaoguo asked about Song Changxuan’s injuries and the situation on the mountain instead.

It would have been fine if he hadn’t brought it up, but the moment he did, Ge Qiutang flared up. ”I’m telling you, Chief Qiao, and I don’t mean to be harsh, but it’s been several days! You can’t, just because Qiao Wenyu is your nephew, disregard the lives of others, can you? If my Changxuan hadn’t gone up the mountain to find them, he wouldn’t have been so badly injured! If there hadn’t been so many people, and if everyone hadn’t been so loyal, I dread to think what would have happened!”

If it were someone else who had gotten lost on the mountain, he, as the regimental commander, would surely have righteously declared: ’This is Song Changxuan’s duty.’ But his own nephew was involved. No matter what he said, everyone would think he was using his public office for private gain.

Song Changxuan couldn’t take it anymore. ”Alright, that’s enough! Quiet down. It’s my duty anyway. Why all the nagging?”

Ge Qiutang’s eyes reddened. ”Song Changxuan, so nothing I do or say is ever right, is that it? I’m only saying this because I’m worried about you! You’re truly heartless.”

After saying her piece, she ignored him, tossed the clothes she was holding onto him, and picked up their son from the floor. ”Since you look down on me so much, then fine, I’m done serving you!”

Before Song Changxuan could react, she stormed out with their son.

Song Changxuan and Qiao Shaoguo exchanged a look, both somewhat dumbfounded. How could she just storm off over one little disagreement?

They both sighed simultaneously. Song Changxuan spoke first, ”Just let her be.”

Thinking of the people missing on the mountain, he said, ”Qiao Tuan, you’d better prepare yourself. After all, several days have passed. Today we searched as far as Boar Ridge and still didn’t find anyone. I’m afraid it’s more bad news than good.”

Upon hearing this, Qiao Shaoguo could no longer keep up his composure. His hands trembled as he fumbled in his pocket for a cigarette pack, taking a long moment to pull out two cigarettes. But then he remembered Song Changxuan was injured and tried to put one cigarette back into the pack. His hands were shaking so badly that he couldn’t manage it for the longest time. Exasperated, he gave up and simply stuck it behind his ear.