The same thought surfaced in Feng Qingxue and Jiang Xiaoyue’s minds, especially with Xiaoyue.
She had brought quite a few items today, some she could buy without a care due to her wealth, some were financial aids from her family, and some were entrusted by her comrades. It took many people just to gather these presents.
As for Bai Xue? Her gifts were plentiful and valuable, things that you couldn’t even get hold of with money.
Feng Qingxue suppressed her feelings and laughed, "Yes indeed, Bai Xue, you are too kind."
Bai Xue glanced at the basket, her face showed no particular expression, she nonchalantly said, "There’s no need for formalities between us. They wanted to give me these, I took them. I had no intention of letting them enjoy it, it would be better to give it to you and Xibao. Xibao is so cute, a hundred times more well-behaved than those two children!"
"’Them’?" Feng Qingxue and Jiang Xiaoyue cordially sought for clarification.
"Su Junlin’s older brother and his parents!" Mention of her in-laws and brother-in-law sparked a hint of disgust in Bai Xue’s eyes, "I mentioned that I wanted to visit you, they immediately gave me these. I know what they are up to."
Something stirred within Feng Qingxue, "What are they up to?"
Bai Xue paused, "They wanted me to snoop around, regarding what sort of relationship you have with General Wang, why your family and Xibao are been received by the old leader, why General Wang favors you exceptionally. Additionally, who was the one carrying Xibao in and out of the old leader’s residence recently? I know now, the person in the courtyard earlier was Xibao’s grandfather, where is the other one?"
"That’s my uncle, he’s already returned to his hometown." As Feng Qingxue’s thoughts raced, she asked, "Why are they looking into these? And why are you letting me in on this? Aren’t you afraid they’ll hold you accountable?"
Bai Xue scoffed, "They make my life miserable, why would I listen to them!"
It was clear that her resentment towards the Su Family ran deep, it was powerful enough to reach the sky.
Jiang Xiaoyue was utterly confused, "Why do they want you to inquire about these? What are they planning? The old leader has his ways. General Wang and Xiaoxue are fellow villagers, he likes Xibao, there is nothing wrong in showing a bit of favoritism! Not to mention General Wang, even the old leader takes special care of people from his hometown, regularly aiding the impoverished residents. My dad does the same, every year there would be people from his hometown seeking financial assistance, I’ve seen it myself on multiple occasions."
While Feng Qingxue was recalling what the book recorded about Su Junshu, she smiled at Bai Xue, "Exactly, it is odd that they want you to probe these matters. We have nothing to hide, just like what Xiaoyue mentioned. General Wang and I are from the same hometown, he particularly likes Xibao. My father and uncle were received by the old leader because our production brigade has excellent living conditions, among the best nationwide, the old leader wanted to know the specifics. Our brigade once sent some grains and other local produce to the old leader who often hosted many guests. I saw the photos taken during that time, General Su was there as well, what’s there to spy on?"
Her mind raced as she connected Su Junshu’s military rank and position with Wang Xinsheng’s military rank and position, then thought of Wang Xinsheng being demoted and assigned to another position, and it was Su Junshu who took over Wang Xinsheng’s duties. Feng Qingxue felt like she had begun to understand something.
Despite both holding high military ranks, although Su Junshu was slightly older, Wang Xinsheng was evidently esteemed more by the old leader.