Qi Taiguo’s call was answered by Father Qi, who, upon learning that both his mother and mother-in-law were on their way, couldn’t help but feel a headache coming on.
Father Qi was pained and anxious, and of course he would inquire about the matter, but Qi Taiguo didn’t want his elderly father to worry, so he simply said it was an accident and let it go at that.
After hanging up the phone, Qi Taiguo told Cheng Su that both of the elders were coming; Cheng Su let out a bitter smile.
With both mother and mother-in-law coming, there was sure to be a commotion.
Knowing that Qi Taiguo had not yet reported back to the military after his return, and with nothing pressing on her end, Cheng Su suggested he go ahead and report in.
Qi Taiguo agreed as he indeed had to make a report, and additionally, he needed to make a request for a transfer away from Chiang Qing.
Back at the military base, Qi Taiguo was intercepted by Gao Linbing.
"You’re back just in time. If you hadn’t come, I would have had to look for you. That incident last night where you went to see Military Doctor Chiang, it’s been reported to Regimental Commander Mai. I said, why are you so impulsive? That’s the Commander’s wife, are you not wanting to serve anymore?"
What Qi Taiguo caused at Chiang Qing’s place couldn’t possibly be kept secret; it spread wildly, making it difficult for Gao Linbing not to know.
And the person he had a conflict with was the wife of a high-ranking official—Lu Shufen was not an easy-going person. Having been beaten and her daughter nearly killed, she couldn’t just let it go.
It was said that as of last night, the matter had reached the Regimental Commander, and they hurried to call Qi Taiguo back today.
"The Regimental Commander is very angry. You, you are too impulsive!" Gao Linbing was running around frantically.
"It’s alright, I’m mentally prepared," Qi Taiguo patted Gao Linbing on the shoulder.
Gao Linbing opened his mouth, sighed, and asked, "Is your wife okay?"
"She’s hanging in there. She’s doing alright," Qi Taiguo pressed his lips together.
Gao Linbing nodded and said, "After all, you were in the right to begin with, and it’s understandable. When you get to the Regimental Commander, first admit your mistake, there’s no harm in that, then tell the truth."
Qi Taiguo felt warmed inside and said, "Good brother, I will remember this favor!"
As Gao Linbing watched him walk away, he thought to himself that if it were him, he probably would have fought with all his might as well.
Upon arriving at the Regimental Commander’s office, Dong Jun came out from inside. Seeing Qi Taiguo, he raised his eyebrows and said, "Commander Qi, your courage really is uncommon. I just don’t know if you can make it through this one!"
Qi Taiguo gave him a fleeting glance and said, "I believe that the country has justice."
Dong Jun let out a cold laugh and brushed past his shoulder as he left.
Qi Taiguo took a deep breath, knocked on the door, and entered the Regimental Commander’s office.
As expected, as soon as Regimental Commander Mai saw him, he unleashed a tirade, scolding him for being brainless, impulsive, and displaying blind courage without considering the consequences.
Qi Taiguo kept silent.
"How is Comrade Cheng Su’s health?" After finishing his scolding, the Regimental Commander asked another question.
"Not good, she’s pallid, with a very poor complexion, looking very weak. The doctor said that it was the severe impact that caused the miscarriage, with injuries to the stomach and womb. If she doesn’t recover well, it will be difficult for her to have children in the future," Qi Taiguo spoke while looking down, in stark contrast to his earlier words to Gao Linbing. He knew what would be beneficial for him and naturally painted as dire a picture as possible.
Regimental Commander Mai’s face paled slightly as he took a deep sigh.
"But you still can’t be so impulsive. Madam Jiang lost a tooth because of you, and she’s accusing you of attempted murder, going so far as to threaten to strip you of your military status," the Regimental Commander rubbed his forehead as he spoke.
This incident was indeed a headache; he had just returned from a meeting in the province the day before and was overwhelmed when he heard the news. The wife of a Commander assaulted on his turf and her daughter nearly got killed—how could this not be a serious matter?