RMM -Chapter 337 Broad and Prosperous Path

The next morning, Su Ruo got up bright and early. After coming downstairs, she walked into the garden to watch the old man practicing Tai Chi. Watching his movements flow so smoothly and effortlessly, she thought, Wow, this is so artistic. When I’m old, I should also pull the Commander along to practice Tai Chi.

“Grandpa, you must be tired. Here, have some water.”

Seeing the old man finish his movements, Su Ruo quickly brewed a cup of tea and handed it to him. Tai Chi might look easy, but who knows how exhausting it really is?

“Hehe, not tired at all. I’m used to it by now.”

The old man accepted the tea with a cheerful smile, clearly in a good mood.

“Look at Grandpa’s spirit and this exercise routine—he’s bound to live a long life.”

Su Ruo flattered him with the sweetest words she could think of. Sure enough, hearing her “praise,” the old man’s smile grew even brighter.

“You little trickster, all you know is how to sweet-talk people.”

They lingered in the garden for a while longer. Seeing Su Ruo come down early to keep him company put the old man in an excellent mood. With great interest, he introduced her to the flowers he had planted and his birds, talking for quite a while. Su Ruo didn’t lose patience; she followed along happily, admiring the flowers and teasing the birds with him, and finally even performed the yoga moves she had been practicing.

The old man didn’t understand yoga very well. Watching Su Ruo twist her body into those strange poses made him anxious. All that twisting—don’t hurt yourself! There are plenty of exercises for keeping fit; why learn this weird “yoga”?

When she finished a set of movements, the old man finally exhaled in relief. He said aloud, “Ruo, what on earth is that? Why study something so creepy? Don’t hurt yourself while trying to exercise. Better not do this anymore. Tomorrow, if I have time, I’ll teach you the Five-Animal Frolics—much more reliable than this.”

Su Ruo was speechless, her face dark. She had just wanted to show off a little…

When the two of them left the garden, breakfast had already been laid out in the dining room. Everyone else was in the living room, waiting for the old man to take his seat.

“Ruo Ruo, why are you up so early?”

Shen Liang asked, holding her precious grandson while teasing him, then turned to Su Ruo.

“Mom, you make it sound like I usually sleep until noon,” Su Ruo said, pretending to be upset, shaking Shen Liang’s arm.

“That’s right. Our Ruo Ruo is the most diligent—satisfied now?” Shen Liang said, naturally pleased by Su Ruo’s playful words.

Xie Yuechen watched this warm scene of maternal love and filial piety, his gaze softening and his entire demeanor becoming gentler.

He had never fully understood the meaning of “home” before. For him, home was like the military—maybe even less so. Out of 365 days in a year, at least 300 were spent in the army. But now, he felt increasingly connected to home, willing to immerse himself in the family’s atmosphere. His mood could be influenced by his loved ones, and he had started to become more sentimental in some ways.

For instance, at this moment, seeing Shen Liang and Su Ruo interact made him feel warmth and joy, a deep sense of satisfaction that was hard to describe.

It was Sunday, and Xie Jian’an hadn’t gone to work. Dressed casually at home, he thought he’d hold his grandson more. Once he left, who knew when he’d return? By then, Xie Zi would likely look different again.

The family didn’t worry about “eat without talking, sleep without speaking” at this time. They had a lively breakfast together, then all sat in the living room, chatting and laughing happily.

Xie Yuechen didn’t go out today either. Sitting in front of his father, he chatted while closely observing his son in his father’s arms, careful not to let any reaction or need go unnoticed—a level of attentiveness bordering on overkill.

Su Ruo sat with Shen Liang in the garden, sipping floral tea and chatting leisurely.

The garden had trees. Though not large, they provided ample shade. Su Ruo and Shen Liang sat beneath one, sunlight filtering through the leaves in dappled patterns, the occasional breeze drifting by—it was incredibly comfortable and soothing.

“Mom, life at home is just too wonderful. I don’t want to leave,” Su Ruo sighed after taking a sip of tea. In the army, she mostly stayed at home—where would she find such a garden to pass the time?

Besides, with so many people at home, the liveliness was so much better. In the army, it was just her and Xie Zi. Fortunately, Xie Zi was still little and needed constant care—otherwise, it would have been lonely.

“If you really don’t want to leave, then don’t. Let Yuechen return to the army on his own later,” Shen Liang teased, clearly seeing through Su Ruo’s playful words. She wasn’t lying, but it wasn’t a straightforward truth either. No matter how wonderful home life was, it couldn’t beat her dedication to following the army.

Sure enough, Su Ruo chuckled, “Mom, I’m just joking. You actually took me seriously?”

A joke—she had fought hard to follow the army. How could she give it up voluntarily? Even if life there was monotonous, the Commander was there. Seeing him morning and night made life meaningful. Hardship was nothing compared to that.

She had long realized that wherever the Commander was, that was her home.

“Do you think I don’t see through your little mind?” Shen Liang tapped Su Ruo’s forehead lightly. She recalled how, when Xie Jian’an went to the grassroots level, Su Ruo had insisted on going with him, even knowing hardship awaited.

Su Ruo wasn’t embarrassed—she had spoken casually, and her mother-in-law understood. No need for awkwardness.

“How’s life in the army? Too hard?” Shen Liang couldn’t help but worry. Su Ruo had been pampered all her life; suddenly following the army, life might be chaotic. But seeing her smile, she couldn’t bring herself to tell her not to go. She could only ask, then guide her, knowing Su Ruo would eventually follow Yuechen wherever he went.

“It’s great, Mom. I’ve told you countless times. I’m doing very well there. Don’t worry. I can take care of myself, Xie Zi, and the Commander. Look, I’m fine now, aren’t I?” Su Ruo said earnestly, frustrated that they never seemed to trust her. It’s just following the army—what’s the big deal? She hated answering this question repeatedly.

“I just can’t help worrying. You’ve never been away from home before—of course I’d be concerned.”

Shen Liang’s reasoning was solid. She was truly worried about Su Ruo and Xie Zi facing hardship.

“Mom, don’t treat me like a helpless little girl. I’m now a wife and a mother. I can handle things, so rest assured,” Su Ruo said softly, comforting her mother-in-law, realizing it would take some time for her to be completely reassured.

Seeing Su Ruo’s determination, Shen Liang let the matter drop for now—this issue wouldn’t be resolved quickly anyway.

By noon, the Su family of three arrived at the Xie family mansion, with Su Feng leading the way.

Yesterday he hadn’t been able to come, and today his daughter and grandson were leaving for the army. If he didn’t come see them now, who knew when he would next? He had missed his precious grandson terribly.

“Give me my grandson—I want to hold him.”

After greeting the old man, Su Feng asked Xie Jian’an for Xie Zi, who was carefully handed over, with a reminder to be careful.

“I’ve held him plenty of times. Why worry?” Su Feng replied casually, without looking at Xie Jian’an.

Truthfully, Xie Jian’an was indeed worried. Su Feng had spent his life in battle, accustomed to knives and swords. He was a warrior—how could he be gentle? He might accidentally scare or hurt his grandson.

But Xie Jian’an kept these thoughts to himself. Speaking them aloud would upset Su Feng and lead to another argument. He didn’t fear Su Feng physically—just verbally. Every argument ended with him composed, Su Feng bold and domineering.

Xie Jian’an had endured many such defeats. Outwardly calm, inwardly annoyed, he wisely chose silence this time to avoid frustration.

Zhang Huaqing and Su Heng hovered by Su Feng, eyes seemingly glued to Xie Zi, not moving an inch.

Su Ruo watched this scene, smiling, and felt certain about her decision last night.

Seeing everyone so attached to Xie Zi, she knew how much they would miss him when he was gone. The trip wasn’t far, and as long as the Commander was free, he could drive them over. Their little family would spend weekends here.

Su Ruo felt triumphant—life ahead was truly a broad and prosperous path.