In Zenda, Yu Xiaoqing studied a map inside a large stockade he had requisitioned.
At that moment, He Shuguang, who had once trained Wang Yan and the other cannon fodder, ran in. "Report!"
"Speak!" Yu Xiaoqing stood with his hands behind his back without turning around.
"Commander, a woman and a child have arrived outside. She says she wants to see you."
"A woman? A child?"
Seeing Yu Xiaoqing turn back with a frown, He Shuguang cautiously said, "Yes. She says she's Wang Yan's wife, and that Wang Yan sent her here to find you."
"Wang Yan?"
Yu Xiaoqing's frown deepened. He let out a long breath. "I'd like to see what tricks this routed soldier is playing. Let her in!"
"Yes, sir."
He Shuguang acknowledged the order and ran out. Before long, he led the way back in, with Shangguan Jieci following behind him, holding the child's hand.
"You're Yu Xiaoqing?" Shangguan Jieci gave him a once-over, her gaze settling on the two-star insignia on his collar.
"I am. You're Wang Yan's wife?" Yu Xiaoqing asked in return. "As far as I know, Wang Yan is only a routed soldier. He fled all the way here from Northeast China. He never had a wife."
"I was someone he picked up in Myanmar." Shangguan Jieci briefly explained what had happened.
"Quite the twist of fate. This routed soldier really got lucky—not only did he pick up a wife, he even got himself a child."
Shangguan Jieci naturally caught the mockery in Yu Xiaoqing's words. She snorted. "Wang Yan told me to come find you. He said you'd arrange a place for us to stay and provide food and drink for the two of us."
Yu Xiaoqing stared at Shangguan Jieci, then let out another long breath and nodded. "Anything else?"