Rebirth: General, Don't Mess Around!

Xia Yunyin left the task to Xia Jinyuan, who felt completely at ease. After chatting for a few more sentences, Xia Yunyin received a phone call and quietly slipped away from the Xia family’s old residence.

Before he left, he didn’t forget to remind Xia Jinyuan to cover for him.

Xia Jinyuan waved his hand, signaling him to leave quickly.

Receiving a call late at night and acting all secretive, it was clear there was something fishy—probably off to some den of vice to enjoy himself.

Xia Jinyuan was well aware and didn’t bother to meddle. He knew his brother’s character through and through; Old Fifth was carefree and tended to spend money like water, but he indeed knew how to earn it. The money was his to spend, and he wouldn’t do anything terrible. On the other hand, if there was a good deed to be done, he could be counted on to take part.

During university, one of his classmates fell gravely ill. The classmate came from a remote village, and it was no small feat for him to have continued his education through high school. The illness was undoubtedly a disaster for the whole family. Later, it was Old Fifth who generously lent a hand. Now, despite being stationed far on the border, that comrade never forgot to write letters to Old Fifth, expressing gratitude for the second chance at life he gave him.

The Xia family had never been one to forget their roots. Each member had their own moral boundaries; they were clear on what was acceptable and what was absolutely off-limits.

Among the siblings in the family, only the fifth brother was the exception, an eccentricity he inherited from their uncle—genetics at play, unchangeable.

After Xia Yunyin left, Xia Jinyuan washed up and went to bed, careful not to disturb the old master and Old Madam who had retired early for the night. It wasn’t until the next day, early in the morning, that he appeared in the courtyard, startling the old master who was practicing Tai Chi.

”How come you’re at home?” The old master relaxed his stance, extremely surprised to see his grandson at home, ”Didn’t you go with Little Ye yesterday? How come you’re back already?”

Xia Jinyuan was also troubled, feeling like all the elders in his family were hoping they’d go out.

”I came back last night; you and grandma had just gone to rest. I’ll head to Dan Gui Garden after breakfast.” Xia Jinyuan walked to the center of the courtyard and began practicing Tai Chi alongside his grandfather. ”It’s been a long time since I’ve practiced. Take a look and see if my moves are up to standard.”

The old master, hearing that his grandson would be visiting Dan Gui Garden later, felt reassured. Seeing him actually practice, the old master was invigorated. ”In the past, you didn’t want to practice with me. Now that I’m not inclined to have you join me, you insist on doing so.”

”Your posture is wrong, why are you raising so high? Trying to lift the sky? It should be level with your shoulders, and your horse stance needs to be stable. If your lower body isn’t firm, how were you trained in the unit? You haven’t practiced well yourself, and yet you have the nerve to lead the team?”

The old master was strict, and by the end of the Tai Chi sequence, Xia Jinyuan had broken out in a warm sweat.

Old Madam watched from a distance for a long time but didn’t go over to disturb the pair. The grandfather, grandson, and grandmother trio were cheerful and harmonious in the courtyard adorned with red plum blossoms defiantly blooming despite the snow.

Over at the Fu family in Dan Gui Garden, very early in the morning, the security guards and Uncle Fu were cleaning up together in preparation for New Year’s Eve. With ”Fu” character posters and paper-cuts for window decorations and large red lanterns hung around, the place had a festive Spring Festival atmosphere.

Ye Jian joined in the effort, cleaning the furniture and mopping the floors upstairs and downstairs, even occasionally humming a few military songs, clearly enjoying herself immensely.

Singing ”We soldiers are unique in our own way,” Old Man Xia from downstairs immediately continued, ”It’s because we are all wearing simple uniforms.” Ye Jian’s laughter raised in volume as she sang, ”We soldiers are unique in our own way...” Just after finishing the phrase, Uncle Fu and a security guard, who were cleaning in the courtyard, came in and joined in singing, ”Though we say we’re different, actually we’re quite the same, all in the prime of youth, stout-hearted lads.”

One could say that the house was filled with soldiers!