Southern Ming Rebel Army

Suzhou City, New Year’s Eve.

Although it was New Year's Eve, there was not much joy in the city of Suzhou. The army would set off in a few days, and no one knew whether this would be the last time they would see each other.

There were eight dishes on the table at Han Xiong's home. Although there were not many dishes, it was obvious that Han Xiong's wife had cooked them with great care. The two children looked greedy and couldn't wait to devour them, but seeing their mother's heavy eyes and their father's yet to pick up their chopsticks, they had to hold back and just kept looking at the delicious dishes.

Han Xiong smiled and said, "Use your chopsticks and pick up whatever you want to eat." After hearing their father's words, the two children immediately started eating their favorite foods.

Han Xiong also took two chopsticks, but seeing his wife Li's frown, he put down his chopsticks helplessly and said, "Don't worry, although I am a scholar, I am also skilled in archery and horse riding. Besides, I have experienced several battles and am surrounded by the army. You just need to take care of the children at home and don't worry about other things."

Li held back her tears and said, "You are fighting for your country, how could I stop you? I just hope you will remember that our children are still young, so please take good care of yourself."

Han Xiong's nose felt sore when he heard this, and he said seriously, "When the world is at peace, I don't want to be an official. I just want to be by my wife's side, grow old together, watch our children and grandchildren grow together, and enjoy the joy of family. Such a life is the greatest happiness and satisfaction for me." After saying these words, Han Xiong seemed to see a beautiful picture of the future, and a gratified smile appeared on his face.

Li smiled and said, "My husband is concerned about the country and the people, how can he bear to live in the countryside?"

Seeing his wife's happy face, Han Xiong laughed and said, "Come on, you have never drunk alcohol, so drink a few glasses with me today."

……

Inside Meng Jun’s mansion.

The table was filled with all kinds of dishes, and the maids were still serving them. Meng Jun said helplessly, "Mother, these dishes are enough, no need to serve more."

Mrs. Zhou smiled and said, "It's okay, there are only a few dishes left." After a pause, she said, "Come, Yun'er, sit down and eat too."

Zhao Yuner said timidly, "Madam, I..."

Meng Jun was a little embarrassed, coughed, and then said, "Come and sit down, we are all family."

After seeing Zhao Yuner sitting down, the old lady said again, "Jun'er, we have to leave on the eighth day of the first lunar month."

Meng Jun put down his chopsticks and replied, "Yes, it has been decided. The army will set out on the eighth day of the first lunar month."

"Well, now that you have made the decision, just do it. You must be careful in everything. Even if something unexpected happens, as long as you are safe, I can die with my eyes closed," the old lady sighed.

"Don't worry, mother. I'll take care of it. Please be careful about everything," Meng Jun replied.

Zhao Yuner, who was sitting next to him, also showed a worried look, and then said, "My lord, you have been fighting on the battlefield, exposed to the wind and rain, so I hope you can put on more clothes and eat regularly, and take care of yourself.

A few people were eating and chatting. At this time, Zhao Yuner took a bite of fish and suddenly felt nauseous. She immediately got up and ran out of the door, retching non-stop.

Meng Jun was a little confused. He stood up and walked to Zhao Yuner and asked, "What's wrong? Are you feeling unwell?"

Zhao Yuner just shook her head and said nothing.

Old Mrs. Zhou frowned, then thought of something and said, "Come on, go get the doctor."

After a busy period, the doctor bowed to Meng Jun and the old lady and said, "Congratulations, sir, congratulations, old lady, the young lady is pregnant."

Old Mrs. Zhou showed a happy look on her face and said hurriedly, "Thank you, doctor. I am sorry to bother you to come here on New Year's Eve."

The doctor reminded everyone of some things they should pay attention to and then stood up to say goodbye.

Old Mrs. Zhou was happy but also a little worried. Her son hadn't even married yet, but his concubine was already pregnant. How could any good family be interested in her son?

Meng Jun was a little flustered. He had lived two lives and was a father for the first time. Suddenly, Meng Jun felt that the responsibility on his shoulders was even heavier. He had to deal with national affairs, family affairs, and world affairs. Meng Jun couldn't describe this feeling in words, he could only feel it himself, but he also firmly believed that he could overcome the current difficulties by moving forward courageously. And that indescribable feeling would become a driving force to motivate him to move forward...

It was different in Yang En's family. Yang En only had his uncle Yang Can's family in Suzhou. On New Year's Eve, Yang En would definitely go to Yang Can's house.

At this time, Yang Can was displeased with Yang En. He cursed in a low voice, "Boy, you actually lied to your own family. The Zhang family definitely did not intend to welcome Governor Meng into the city before. You lied to me and the Zhang family. The last time I met the second son of the Zhang family, I drank several meals with him and he told me everything."

Yang En said slowly, "Uncle, please don't talk nonsense. Everyone knows that your uncle is the meritorious official who helped the governor enter Suzhou. If your uncle didn't want to live a safe life, it would be a piece of cake for him to leave the town."

Yang Can cursed in his heart, "Bullshit, I'm going to stay at home and be comfortable first, why should I leave this town?"

Seeing that Yang Can did not respond, Yang En said, "As for the Zhang family, they have been supporting the governor wholeheartedly. When the Qing army besieged the city, the Zhang family provided money, food, and people. I have even received news that the Zhang family even wanted to marry their little daughter to the governor. Do you think the Zhang family will not be grateful to me or will they blame me?"

Yang Cang said angrily, "Nonsense, how come I have never heard of it?"

"I am the Chief of the Metropolitan Governor's Office, so I am naturally more informed than my uncle..."

Before the two of them finished talking, Yang Can's wife, Yang, interrupted and said, "It's New Year's Day, what's there to quarrel about between uncle and nephew? Come on, eat, eat."

……

After the banquet at home, Meng Jun went back to the army. It was New Year's Day, how could he stay at home? He had to celebrate the New Year with the soldiers.

When the soldiers saw the governor, they cheered. A brave soldier asked, "Governor, why are you not at home during the New Year?"

Meng Jun laughed and said, "You know it's Chinese New Year, I must come to see if my brothers are eating well. If it's good, I want to have a share of the New Year's Eve dinner too."

Everyone laughed, and the soldiers gathered around, talking to each other. One soldier asked, "The commander-in-chief must have a lot of delicious food at home, why would he be greedy for the food in the army?"

Meng Jun laughed and cursed, "Bullshit, I feel more comfortable in the army than at home."

The soldiers immediately burst into laughter. Meng Jun chatted with them, asking the soldiers' names and backgrounds from time to time. The scene became heated for a while.

At this time, a soldier asked, "General, why don't you get married? I already have a wife."

"Zhao Sanlang, you're so young and already have a wife and children?" Meng Jun asked in surprise. He looked to be only about eighteen years old.

Zhao Sanlang nodded and said proudly, "I already have two children."

Meng Jun laughed and said, "Let me tell you, I have a son too."