80 village women marry military officers; it was supposed to be a fake marriage.

The entire Chang family was moving away to guard the border with Chang Jingxiang. Wang Xuemei knew she wouldn't see Lin Yue and Huo Qingxia for a while, and she felt quite sad.

She also considered going with them, "Xiaoyue and Qingxia are leaving here, and I want to go with them too."

Huo Qingyan smiled and shook his head. He felt that Chang Jingxiang's trip there was only temporary and that he would be back soon.

"They're just going there temporarily, they'll be back soon, and you'll be able to see each other again very soon."

Wang Xuemei looked at him with a skeptical expression. "Are you serious? I have a feeling they'll be gone for a long time."

Huo Qingyan didn't say much; there were some things she couldn't tell her family either.

Soon the day of departure arrived. They were in two vehicles: the women rode in the school bus, and the men followed in the larger vehicle, which was loaded with a lot of goods.

Huo Qingxia scratched her head sheepishly, "Hehehe, my mom is just exaggerating. She thought we were going to stay for several years."

The cart was mostly loaded with things that Huo's mother had prepared for her, including food and other necessities.

"There are many of you, and Xiaoyue is about to give birth, so it's good to prepare more."

Huo's mother genuinely liked Lin Yue and treated her like her own daughter.

Mrs. Chang thanked her with a smile, but she was too embarrassed to say that she had already bought a truckload and delivered it in advance.

"Oh, thank you so much. You're so thoughtful. I didn't prepare anything."

Chang's father and Chang Jingxiang exchanged a glance, both suppressing their laughter.

Chang's mother prepared just as much as Huo's mother, but she didn't know how long these things would last, so she was worried they might expire before she could use them.

After giving her daughter a few instructions, Huo's mother took Chang's mother's hand and whispered, "Qingxia has been hurt this time. Going out with you will be a good way for her to relax."

Please keep an eye on things for me. Call me if anything happens, and I'll take a car over right away.

Chang's mother patted her hand, "Don't worry, with us watching over her, Qingxia will be fine."

She's a good girl, and she'll definitely meet someone better in the future. Don't worry or get upset.

Qingyan met the right person, didn't she? When it comes to matters of the heart, you just have to let nature take its course; when fate brings you together, you can't stop it.

Fearing that Wang Yiming would hear the news and come after them, Huo Qingxia urged her parents to go back quickly.

"Mom and Dad, you must not tell anyone that Xiaoyue and I left. I want to have some peace and quiet."

Mrs. Huo understood what she meant. "Don't worry, your father and I will just tell him you went abroad, and he'll give up on that idea."

The group quickly set off, making frequent stops as they needed to take care of the elderly, children, and Lin Yue, the pregnant woman.

Chang Jingxiang didn't try to hide it. People could easily find out where he went by checking, so there was no point in sneaking around. It was better to be open and honest.

The more openly you operate, the less likely they are to act rashly.

After three days and three nights, we finally arrived at our destination. Everyone breathed a sigh of relief the moment the car stopped.

This place offers a wide view, with blue skies, white clouds, mountains, and green trees stretching as far as the eye can see, making one feel refreshed and relaxed.

Chang Jingxiang was transferred to the remote Linxian County, which is right next to the border and is surrounded by mountains and trees.

The locals can only make a living by growing crops on a small plot of farmland at the foot of the mountain. The bolder ones will go up the mountain to hunt and then exchange the hunted animals for food in the nearby town.

However, due to the weather, there are fewer and fewer prey in the mountains, and the locals have lost their source of livelihood, making their conditions increasingly difficult.

But no one dared to venture into the deep mountains, fearing they might encounter wild beasts or bad people secretly crossing the border.

After Chang Jingxiang and his men arrived, they moved into the area where the company was stationed.

The area is bordered by military units to the south, and the rows of brick and tile houses to the north were built specifically for military dependents.

They are all red brick and tile houses, each with its own courtyard, consisting of two south-facing rooms, one east-facing room, and one west-facing room.

The area is home to many people, and the rising smoke from their chimneys gives it a lively atmosphere.

Although the conditions here are harsh, some families are still willing to accompany the soldiers, as the women all want to stay with their men and live their lives together.

Moreover, in addition to basic allowances, the soldiers guarding the border also receive extra subsidies. Since there are few places to spend money here, they can save a considerable amount of money over the course of a year.

Moreover, the military built schools specifically for the children and hired teachers. The tuition fees were also very cheap, which greatly relieved the soldiers' worries.

Lin Yue stood in the courtyard assigned to them by the army and took a deep breath.

The familiar scent gave her a momentary illusion, as if she had returned to the time when she had just married Chang Jingxiang.

Back in her previous life, she was a timid and inexperienced young girl, terrified that Chang Jingxiang would abandon her.

She carefully takes care of Chang's parents, hoping that through her own efforts, Chang Jingxiang will not divorce her and can give her a safe and stable life.

In the end, she not only got divorced, but also suffered betrayal and even a tragic death at the hands of her family.

At that time in her life, she knew she was destined to divorce Chang Jingxiang, so she was no longer so anxious and instead calmly accepted everything that was going to happen.

Instead of placing your hopes on anyone else, actively strive to change yourself so that you have the ability to face challenges.

Having come this far, she not only has a job she can be proud of, but also a stable relationship with Chang Jingxiang and a child.

The same event can have different outcomes depending on the choices made in two lifetimes.

Huo Qingxia went in and out of the room, curious about everything there.

It was the first time Huo Qingxia had seen the snow-covered mountains in the distance, and the first time she had seen the villagers with their rosy cheeks from the cold, yet still beaming with simple, honest smiles.

Xiao Bao followed behind her; he really liked this aunt.

His aunt would play with him and buy him lots of delicious food. Most importantly, she had a very good relationship with his mother, and he liked the people his mother liked.

Huo Qingxia put her things in the east room and said with a big smile, "I'll live in this room. The room on the west side will be used as our reserve supplies."

In the house on the south side, Chang's parents lived in one room, while Lin Yue, Chang Jingxiang, and their child lived in another.

Chang's parents had also experienced being sent to the countryside, so they were not picky about their current environment.

Especially since they brought so much food, they weren't hungry or thirsty, it was like a vacation.

Moreover, it's very quiet here, and the air is very fresh. When they have free time, they can go out for a walk, which is a good choice for these older people.

Chang Jingxiang went directly to the military base for handover. Huo Qingyan drove over with the things prepared by Huo's mother, and then went back after dropping off the things.

Mrs. Huo was worried about mailing the items, which were mostly food and household goods, and feared something might go wrong on the way, so she asked Huo Qingyan to drive the shipment.

Huo Qingyan poked Huo Qingxia's forehead with his finger, "Take care of yourself, don't wander around, and come home as soon as you've had enough. Your parents are very worried about you."

Huo Qingxia slapped his hand and rubbed her forehead in annoyance. "Huo Qingyan, how old am I? You still poke my forehead. Don't I have any dignity?"

Huo Qingyan pouted, "In my eyes, you're still that little kid. If you need anything, just call me. I won't find you annoying."

Huo Qingxia originally wanted to retort, but her eyes still reddened when she heard his words. "I really like it here. It's very quiet here, which is perfect for me to think about my life."

"Please, whatever you do, don't tell Wang Yiming I'm here. Don't let him disturb my peaceful place of cultivation."

Huo Qingyan understood. "Don't worry, if he causes trouble again, I'll break his legs."

After Huo Qingyan left, Chang's parents started packing their things.

Lin Yue wanted to help, but Chang's mother gave her a bag of candied melon seeds and told her to go inside and chat with Huo Qingxia.

Helpless, Lin Yue had no choice but to ask Chang's father for help. Chang's father smiled and waved his hand, "I have to listen to your mother too. You can go back and sit down."

Chang's mother winked at Huo Qingxia, who immediately understood and pushed Lin Yue into the house.

"Come on, come on, you have time now, let me vent."

Xiao Bao, carrying bags of snacks, followed behind them, shaking his head happily.

He felt it was wonderful to move here; his grandparents, parents, and his beautiful aunt were all together.

Unlike before, when it was just him and his grandmother at home, his mother and the others were busy with work and sometimes they wouldn't see each other for a long time.

Huo Qingxia turned around and saw his adorable appearance, then turned around and hugged him in her arms.

"Our little baby is so cute, let Auntie give him a kiss."

Xiao Bao was amused and laughed heartily; the two quickly became best friends.

Lin Yue sat on the sofa, looking at the two children, and her anxiety subsided considerably.

She was also worried that her parents-in-law and children wouldn't adapt well to the place, and she didn't want them to suffer because of her decision.

As soon as Chang Jingxiang arrived at the military base, he saw Zhou Zhigang, who was already waiting there.

When Zhou Zhigang learned that he had been demoted, he immediately submitted an application to be transferred together.

"Captain, you've finally arrived. I have something to report."

Chang Jingxiang nodded. He had asked Zhou Zhigang to come first to get a feel for the situation.

Zhou Zhigang showed Chang Jingxiang the wrist guards and knee pads in his hand, saying, "After I arrived, I found that many soldiers had leg and arm pain. After searching for a long time, I finally found out that there was a problem with their equipment."

In temperatures below -20 degrees Celsius, going out on patrol in these tattered clothes, it's no wonder they get frostbite.

They say it's all cotton, but look at it and feel it—there's no cotton at all. It's clearly shoddy workmanship.

Furthermore, the protective fencing along the border suffers from severe electrical leakage, resulting in numerous electric shocks to soldiers.

And their shoes wore out very easily; the soles were like paper.

Chang Jingxiang frowned. The border guards' equipment was specially approved by higher authorities, so the quality shouldn't be this poor.

He gripped his knee pads tightly. "When did this start?"

Zhou Zhigang has only been here for a short time and hasn't found out much. Some people who know the situation won't say much in order to protect themselves.

"I don't know yet. I've asked a lot of people, but none of them dare to tell the truth."

A few days ago, a new recruit was electrocuted while on patrol. He almost lost his arm. I saved him, and that's when he told me about what happened.

However, he's new here and doesn't know much about the situation.

Chang Jingxiang went directly to the training ground and asked everyone to take off their shoes so he could see them.

The soldiers looked at each other, none of them making a move. They knew Zhou Zhigang was the new military doctor, but they didn't know who the person next to him was.

Zhou Zhigang introduced everyone, "This is your new regimental commander, Commander Chang. Just answer whatever he asks."

The original regimental commander in the army was to be transferred back to Beijing. His subordinates all went to curry favor with him and did not come out to greet Chang Jingxiang. Only a counselor came.

Counselor Zhang Feiyu quickly said to everyone, "Yes, yes, this is the new Commander Chang, who came from Beijing."

The soldiers were furious when they heard that they were going to the capital. They thought these people were just here to gain experience, that they only knew how to form cliques, and that they would leave after a while without doing anything of substance.

Chang Jingxiang waited for a long time without anyone speaking. He walked a few steps to an older soldier and said to him, "Take off your shoes."

Liu Yong looked at the others, then at his counselor, who shook his head slightly at him.

Chang Jingxiang noticed this out of the corner of his eye, and his face turned cold. "I told you to take off your shoes."

A soldier's duty is to obey orders and follow commands. Liu Yong was intimidated by his imposing manner and obediently took off his shoes.

Chang Jingxiang didn't care about the smell; he just picked it up and tore it open, and the sole was easily ripped apart.

These shoes are problematic even on flat ground. Border patrols involve walking on mountainous terrain, so wearing them is practically the same as not wearing any shoes at all.

He gripped the shoe tightly in his hand and continued, "Take off your socks!"

Liu Yong's face flushed red, wondering what the new regimental commander was up to. "I..."

He looked to Zhang Feiyu for help, and Zhang Feiyu was also extremely nervous, wiping the sweat from his forehead.

It's quite rare for someone to sweat in this freezing weather, so Zhou Zhigang felt it necessary to take his pulse; this person's body was too hot.

Chang Jingxiang's voice rang out again, "I'll say it again, take off your socks."

Liu Yong gritted his teeth, took off his socks, and stood barefoot on the ground, shivering from the cold.

Chang Jingxiang bent down and lifted Liu Yong's leg. Liu Yong didn't expect him to do that and almost fell. Fortunately, the soldiers next to him caught him quickly.

When Chang Jingxiang saw the thick calluses and chilblains on Liu Yong's feet, his eyes were even colder than before. When he glanced at Zhang Feiyu, Zhang Feiyu was so frightened that he shuddered.

"Take off your shoes."

Zhang Feiyu's eyes nearly popped out of their sockets. "Ah...wh...what?"

Chang Jingxiang glared at him, and Zhang Feiyu shrank back and took off his shoes.

Chang Jingxiang tried to tear it open again, but it wouldn't open. He tried harder, but it still wouldn't open.

Chang Jingxiang's forehead veins bulged as he threw the shoes in front of Zhang Feiyu. "Find him a pair of shoes, exactly the same as the ones you're wearing."

After he finished speaking, he turned to the soldiers and said, "Stop training. Those who should go back to their dormitories ..., and those who should go home should go home. If you haven't received any notice, go to sleep."

None of the soldiers dared to move; they had no idea what the new regimental commander was up to.

Zhang Feiyu didn't dare to delay and ran to the logistics department to find a pair of shoes and bring them over.

Chang Jingxiang handed the shoes to Liu Yong, saying, "Put these on and come patrol with me."