Ning Ge had just told Cheng Su that someone from above might come down to visit and comfort the troops, when Qi Taiguo’s side received the visitation team. The visitors brought many condolence goods, along with various fruits, under the guise of superiors comforting the soldiers of the army.
As the head of the condolence team handed some precious supplements to Qi Taiguo and patted his shoulder, he said, "Commander Chiang highly appreciates Comrade Qi Taiguo’s bravery and skill in battle and hopes that you will continue to make great efforts for the country..."
Everyone looked at Qi Taiguo, and they all knew what this was about, but it was just using the condolence for the whole army as an excuse.
Qi Taiguo’s lips were pressed tightly together as he sneered inwardly.
This sort of lip service completely bypassed the private matter, meaning it was thoroughly covered up, not mentioned at all.
Indeed, how could it be mentioned? Such an embarrassing matter.
"Thank you for the superior’s care!" Qi Taiguo’s face showed no excess emotion, just an air of cold hardness.
The condolence team was taken to visit the troops and rest, while in the blink of an eye, Qi Taiguo had the so-called condolence gifts sent to the canteen by a soldier, saying it was for everyone’s benefit.
He wouldn’t take such things home; he found them disgusting.
Gao Linbing came over and said, "Don’t take it to heart. Such condolences are really just formalities. They wouldn’t actually admit their wrongs in public."
After all, how could a high-ranking official display their own mistakes and confess to a mere company commander?
So this condolence was actually just for show, representing an attitude of the military.
Qi Taiguo’s face was grim as he said, "I know, but I just find such condolences even more disgusting!" It would have been better if they hadn’t come at all, rather than leaving one feeling disgusted.
Gao Linbing patted his shoulder and sighed, saying, "I don’t even know what to say, but from now on, I’m afraid your path will be more difficult."
Having offended a high-ranking official like Jiang Conghe, one could expect petty retribution.
Qi Taiguo’s heart chilled as he said, "It’s fine, I’m psychologically prepared!"
If he was afraid of such petty revenge, he would have never offended them or rejected Chiang Qing’s so-called courtship.
...
Back at home, Cheng Su was preparing dinner when Qi Taiguo announced his return and took off his military uniform, sitting on the sofa.
Putting down the tomato in her hands, Cheng Su came over and sat down, telling him about Ning Ge’s words.
"They’ve already come today!" Qi Taiguo sneered.
Cheng Su was taken aback, "They came? What did they say?"
Qi Taiguo repeated the official pleasantries and added, "I threw those supplements into the canteen; I didn’t bring them home."
"Hmm, we don’t care for those things anyway, bringing them home would just be an eyesore!" Cheng Su wasn’t concerned and said, "I think this Jiang Conghe is a ruthless person, Taiguo, you need to be careful."
Seeing the worry on her face, Qi Taiguo replied, "It’s nothing, I’ll be careful. After all, ’the heaven is high and the emperor is far away’; he can’t do much to me right now."
Cheng Su came closer, holding his hand, saying, "I know. I just worry that this person has a dark heart and holds grudges. As a Chief, if he gives you any underhanded tactics during a mission, that would be troublesome!"
What she feared was not Jiang Conghe’s overt sabotage but his ability to insidiously use his authority to deliberately send Qi Taiguo to his death, which wasn’t outside the realm of possibility!
Qi Taiguo saw her fear clearly and comforted her, saying, "Don’t worry, I will definitely strive to rise higher and ensure you no longer have to worry."
It was because his military rank was too low that he could be manipulated; he understood that only by holding a higher position could he ensure his and his family’s safety.