RMM – Chapter 47 Family Reunion

“You did well this time. Old Su had nothing but praise for you. I reckon you’ll be promoted in rank soon.”

Seated calmly in his chair, Xi Jian’an spoke to Xi Yuechen with his usual composed demeanor, but his tone was filled with pride and satisfaction.

Among their peers, how many young men could compare to his accomplished son?

“Mmm, the political commissar of the military district also said a few words to me.”

Xi Yuechen sat upright. Unlike Xi Jian’an’s authoritative air developed through a civil career, he exuded a military sharpness and strength, a bearing honed through years of disciplined service—every word and movement guided by self-restraint.

Xi Jian’an was pleased with his eldest son’s composure in the face of praise. A man destined for higher achievements had to stand out from the very beginning.

“After the commendation ceremony, you’ll likely be transferred to a different region. It’s a rare and valuable opportunity for you—make sure to seize it.”

Though a government official himself, Xi Jian’an wasn’t intimately familiar with military affairs. No matter how high his position, it wasn’t the same domain. For inside information, he had to rely on connections. The Su family had many members in the military—almost all high-ranking and influential. Their younger generation was equally outstanding. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say the Su family held great prestige in the military.

The marriage alliance between the Xi and Su families wasn’t purely about benefits, but its advantages were undeniable and long-term. The Xi family, aside from Xi Yuechen, was composed of civil servants. Despite their accomplishments, they had no influence within the military. The Su family, on the other hand, had always focused on military development. While both sides had their strengths, such separation wasn’t ideal for long-term strategy. The alliance brought unity and complementary support. Beyond the combined political-military influence, it served as a warning to those with less-than-honorable intentions. On a more personal level, Xi Yuechen’s smooth career progression wasn’t just due to his own merit—the Su family’s support played a key role.

Xi Yuechen was the family’s only member advancing in the military. Every step forward he made was a milestone in the family’s expansion into a new domain—naturally, he had their full backing. The Su family’s respect for him stemmed not just from years of friendship between the two families, but also from the fact that Xi Yuechen was their son-in-law.

“Transfer?” Xi Yuechen asked in surprise.

Why hadn’t Commissar Wang mentioned anything?

“Is this information reliable?” He couldn’t help but confirm again.

“Old Su mentioned it casually in passing. Judging from the context, it’s almost certain. Just prepare yourself so you’re not caught off guard.”

Truth be told, the news caught Xi Yuechen off balance. He had expected a promotion to senior colonel would mean leaving his current regiment, but he hadn’t anticipated a cross-region transfer. That meant… leaving B City?

He frowned, feeling vaguely uneasy.

“All right, stop thinking about it. What’s meant to come will come. Go on now—it’s getting late. You all should head over to the military compound later.”

Xi Jian’an cut off his son’s wandering thoughts and stood up to leave.

When the two came downstairs, Shen Liang and Su Ruo were already busy in the kitchen.

Though both were in the kitchen, Su Ruo was really just assisting. Shen Liang hadn’t let her do much. She probably sensed that Su Ruo wasn’t feeling too well today. And indeed, Su Ruo had gone all-out dressing up, which ironically made it more obvious that she was trying to hide something.

Seeing her mother-in-law treating everything as normal, Su Ruo relaxed and stopped being awkward. She smiled and chatted as they worked. The kitchen radiated warmth and harmony.

When Xi Yuechen entered the dining room and saw the scene in the kitchen, his heart softened, and even the lines on his face relaxed. The discomfort from earlier upon hearing about the transfer melted away.

“Hey, what are you staring at, bro?”

Xi Yuehui’s voice sounded suddenly behind him. Xi Yuechen quickly regained his composure and turned to look at his younger brother, who was lounging on the sofa nearby.

“Bro, I see you and Sister-in-law are getting along pretty well. That’s great, heh.” Xi Yuehui teased with a grin but fell silent under his brother’s sharp glance, offering only an awkward chuckle.

“By the way, how did things go with yesterday’s matter?”

Ignoring the teasing, Xi Yuechen walked over and asked calmly.

At the mention of yesterday, the smile on Xi Yuehui’s face vanished. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d been treated so unfairly—falsely accused, handcuffed, and provoked. There was no way he’d just let that slide.

Only he knew how many people had called last night under the guise of concern, but clearly enjoying his misfortune.

“Don’t worry about it, bro. We’ll handle it just fine. We’ll make sure to get justice for Sister-in-law.”

Hearing this, Xi Yuechen didn’t press further. He knew his younger brother was more motivated by personal pride than a sense of justice, but didn’t call him out on it.

“Good. Just be careful not to overstep.”

“Relax. It’s a small matter—I can handle it.”

Xi Yuehui sounded confident, but internally, he hesitated. Should he tell his brother that his romantic rival was involved in the incident—and was likely the key to finding the mastermind?

After thinking it through, he decided against it. Saying something now would only seem like he was trying to stir the pot. It was better to let his brother and sister-in-law handle their own issues.

Feeling better after sorting things out in his mind, he remembered how sharp his brother was at reading people. To avoid suspicion, he quickly changed the topic: “Bro, are you and Sister-in-law heading to the military compound later? She mentioned you’re having dinner here tonight and going back tomorrow.”

“Mmm, got it.”

Xi Yuechen glanced at the bustling kitchen and nodded.

“Oh, Yuechen, you’re down. Hungry? Dinner will be ready soon. Ruoruo, don’t bother in there anymore—go keep Yuechen company.”

Shen Liang turned and called out when she saw the two brothers. She also tried to get Su Ruo to rest. After all, she had noticed Su Ruo was moving a bit slowly, likely not feeling well.

“No need, Mom. I’m not tired. Let Yuechen and Yuehui go sit. I’ll help you here,” Su Ruo said with a smile. As a daughter-in-law, how could she sit back while her mother-in-law cooked for her?

She had called Xi Yuechen “Commander” several times before at the Xi home. Though Xi Yuehui had teased her a few times, everyone was used to it now and didn’t fuss about the title.

“It’s fine. Let her help,” Xi Yuechen said at the right moment, seeing she insisted on staying.

Seeing her determination, Shen Liang didn’t push it and let her stay to chat. In her heart, she felt gratified—her chosen daughter-in-law truly was one in a million. She’d watched this girl grow up and hadn’t chosen wrong.

“Commander, you and Yuehui go sit with Dad. Dinner will be ready soon,” Su Ruo said, noticing Xi Yuechen still lingering at the kitchen door. What was he doing there—enjoying the cool air?

Xi Yuechen, upon hearing this, obediently turned and walked away, much to Xi Yuehui’s quiet amusement.

The Xi family didn’t have many chances to gather, so tonight’s dinner was a warm and joyful one. Even the usually stern Xi Jian’an and Xi Yuechen had relaxed, with their good moods nearly written on their faces.