The crowd erupted in excitement. Some people stared with wide eyes, saying in disbelief, "What? Second-class merit? And a 5000 yuan bonus? That's incredible!"

"5000 yuan! I could never earn that much money even if I worked hard all my life, but this person got it right away."

Everyone's eyes were full of envy and yearning.

"Captain Xu is truly blessed."

"But what did Captain Xu's family do? How did they get a second-class merit?"

Hearing everyone's discussion, Governor Jiang, Commander Liang, and Political Commissar Wen exchanged glances.

They had discussed this before. In order to ensure Shi Qingqian's safety, neither her cooperation in arresting the traffickers nor her handing over of the formulas could be made public.

But now that everyone is talking about it, there must be an explanation.

Governor Jiang thought for a moment, then turned to them and said, "Everyone, Comrade Shi Qingqian participated in a secret mission. It's not the time to make it public yet, but this second-class merit is well-deserved. Everyone should trust the organization's decision and respect Comrade Shi Qingqian's efforts and honor."

After hearing what Governor Jiang said, those people did not stop talking immediately.

"A secret mission? That's quite impressive! That's a second-class merit. He must have done something truly remarkable."

"No wonder she hasn't been seen leaving Captain Xu's house for a while. It turns out she's gone to participate in a secret national mission."

"Yes, Comrade Shi Qingqian must be extraordinary to be able to participate in such a mission."

"I married such a capable wife. I wouldn't mind her even if she couldn't work in the fields, let alone cook."

"But what kind of secret mission is this? I'm really curious."

"No matter what, this is all for the country and for us ordinary people. Comrade Shi Qingqian deserves our admiration!"

"Right, right, right. Let's stop speculating. We'll know when it's made public."

……

After seeing off several leaders, Shi Qingqian went into the house and took out some candy from the cabinet.

Shi Qingqian held the sugar jar and Zhang Lanxiang held the small bag, and the two walked to the gate of the yard.

"Come on, come on, don't just stand there, come and get some candy and share in the joy!" Zhang Lanxiang greeted them warmly.

When everyone heard this, they gathered around, their faces filled with joy.

Shi Qingqian smiled and put the candies one by one into everyone's outstretched hands, "Everyone, please feel free."

A middle-aged woman took the candy and smiled until her eyes narrowed into slits: "Captain Xu's mother, you are so lucky. Your son is the youngest commander in the military region, and your daughter-in-law has just won a second-class merit. You will be blessed with great fortune in the future!"

Zhang Lanxiang smiled from ear to ear, "Thank you for your good wishes, thank you for your good wishes!"

A little kid took the candy, peeled it open and put it in his mouth impatiently, mumbling, "Thank you, Auntie, you are so great!"

Everyone took candies and kept saying congratulations and praises.

"Captain Xu's family is obviously a promising family."

"Your family's life will definitely get better and better in the future."

Shi Qingqian and Zhang Lanxiang kept responding to everyone's enthusiasm, and the courtyard gate was filled with laughter.

After distributing the candy, everyone dispersed contentedly.

……

At noon, Xu Huaian brought Xiaodouzi, who had just finished school, into the yard. Xiaodouzi, carrying his schoolbag, ran ahead, skipping and jumping.

Xu Huaian was dressed in military uniform, looking heroic. He was walking and talking to Xiaodouzi.

As soon as I entered the yard, I saw Zhang Lanxiang coming towards me with a happy face.

Zhang Lanxiang's eyes narrowed into slits as she smiled, and she said in a remarkably loud voice, "Third Brother, you're finally back! Today is a big happy occasion for our family!"

Xu Huaian was a little confused and asked, "Mom, what's the good news? Look how happy you are."

Zhang Lanxiang took Xiaodouzi's hand and said excitedly, "Qingqian won a second-class merit. Today, the governor and the division commander came to our house to commend her!"

Xiaodouzi opened his eyes wide and shouted in surprise: "Wow, Auntie is so amazing!"

Xu Huaian also revealed an expression of surprise and pride, and said, "Really? This is really great!"

Zhang Lanxiang nodded repeatedly and said, "Of course it's true? I even won a bonus and a medal!"

As she spoke, Zhang Lanxiang pulled them into the house, talking non-stop about today's lively scene, her eyes full of pride.

When she returns, she will definitely fry 20 kilograms of melon seeds and sit at the village entrance for a month, so that all the old ladies in the village can open their eyes and see how powerful her daughter-in-law, Zhang Lanxiang, is.

"Let's eat. We don't have time to cook more dishes today. When you come back early tomorrow at noon, we'll have a big meal to celebrate this happy event," Zhang Lanxiang said with a smile.

Xiao Douzi tugged at Zhang Lanxiang's clothes and said coquettishly, "Grandma, I want to eat sweet and sour pork ribs."

A Miao had made it for him once before, and the sour and sweet taste instantly captured the child's taste buds.

As Xiaodouzi spoke, he swallowed his saliva, as if the delicious sweet and sour pork ribs were right in front of him.

Ah Miao smiled and patted Xiao Douzi's head, saying, "Okay, let Aunt Miao make you sweet and sour pork ribs for lunch tomorrow. Make more so you can eat as much as you want!"

Xu Huaian also laughed and joked: "This kid, just thinking about eating."

Xiaodouzi pouted and said, "Uncle, sweet and sour pork ribs are really delicious. You will like it too."

Shi Qingqian looked at Xiaodouzi tenderly and said, "Little greedy cat, I will definitely let you eat it tomorrow."

As everyone talked, they sat around the table and began to enjoy this simple but joyful lunch.

After lunch, Shi Qingqian took Xu Huaian back to the room and closed the door.

Shi Qingqian had a puzzled look on her face. She looked straight at Xu Huaian and asked, "Have you known about this for a long time?"

"No," Xu Huaian shook his head.

Shi Qingqian said firmly, "Don't pretend. When I told you just now, I didn't see you being surprised at all. It was as if you had known it for a long time."

Xu Huaian was slightly startled, then smiled and said, "Wife, I did hear some rumors before, but I'm not sure."

Shi Qingqian took a step closer and asked, "Then why didn't you tell me in advance?"

Xu Huaian took Shi Qingqian's hand, patted it gently, and explained: "It's not confirmed yet, I'm afraid that telling you will make you feel disappointed."

Shi Qingqian wrinkled her nose and said, "Humph, you have so many excuses."

Xu Huaian quickly coaxed: "Don't be angry, wife, I'm happy for you too."

Shi Qingqian rolled her eyes at him, but couldn't help but raise the corner of her mouth: "Forget it, I'll let you go this time."

"By the way, did you go to the hospital this morning?" Xu Huaian asked.

Yesterday, Shi Qingqian said that she wanted to go to the hospital for a prenatal check-up today.

Shi Qingqian shook her head: "I originally wanted to go in the morning, but I accidentally fell asleep and then the commander and the others came again, so I can only go later."

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