Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
“Daily training will be grueling, and in times of war, soldiers like you will be on the front lines. There’s a real risk of losing your life or being used as bait. Aren’t you afraid of that?” Shao Yunduan questioned.
“Even if I become an officer as an Advanced Scholar, from a Recommended man, I may not be able to help you. Besides, the army doesn’t consider where you’re from. Your fate will depend solely on your own actions once you’re there. Are you still determined to join the army?”
Shao Xiaoqi was taken aback, but his hesitation only lasted for a moment before he nodded. “Fifth Brother, I’m not afraid. I want to join the army. I feel the need to do something meaningful with my life, or I’ll regret it in the future. With you and Fifth Sister-in-law at home, I won’t fear anything or have anything to be afraid of. That’s enough for me!”
Shao Yunduan chuckled. “You’re just a kid. What do you understand about the things adults talk about? Don’t worry about our family.”
Shao Xiaoqi smiled sheepishly.
“Don’t answer me so hastily. Take some rest and think it over. The recruitment process won’t be completed so quickly. The deadline is still a few days away. Take a couple of days to ponder on it and let me know then.”
Shao Xiaoqi’s eyes brightened. He added, “Fifth Brother, l . . . ”
“No more words for now. Pretend I haven’t heard anything. Go and contemplate. Don’t make any impulsive decisions.”
‘Qi, this is your life, and 1 won’t interfere. But you must take responsibility for your choices and think through them thoroughly. Remember, you have loving parents and siblings who genuinely care about you.”
Tears welled up in Shao Xiaoqi’s eyes as he nodded.
Shao Xiaoqi quietly retreated to his own room to avoid his mother’s scolding.
Shao Yunduan contemplated something else in the study before gathering his thoughts and heading to his parents.
Ms. Fang anxiously inquired, “Did you stop him? Where is he?”
“Don’t worry, mom!” Shao Yunduan reassured her with a smile. “l explained everything to him and gave him two more days to think it over. Mom and dad, let’s not keep nagging about this. Let’s wait and see.”
Ms. Fang declared, “1 will never agree to this. He’s not going anywhere. I will keep him confined to a room until the recruitment period passes. I will definitely put a stop to it!”
Qiao Xuan remained silent, observing the conversation.
Shao Sanlang rubbed his hands together and enthusiastically agreed, stating it was a brilliant idea. They should indeed do that.
Shao Yunduan sighed helplessly. ‘Qi is a grown man, not an object to be controlled. It wouldn’t be fair to confine him.”
“l don’t care. I am his mother, and I’m doing this for his own good!” Ms. Fang retorted.
However, she cast a skeptical glance at Shao Yunduan. ‘Duan, tell me, did you agree with his decision?”
Shao Sanlang chimed in, “Mom, of course not. Fifth Brother would never be so unreliable.’
Shao Dalang nodded in agreement. “Absolutely, Fifth Brother is always level-headed.’
Qiao Xuan pondered for a moment, then winked at Shao Yunduan with a smile.
Shao Yunduan rubbed his nose and cleared his throat. “Regardless, mom, don’t worry. Qi will do just fine!”
Ms.. Fang sighed and muttered, “l still can’t shake off this uneasy feeling in my heart…”