Chapter 149: Lin Hongda Leaves Home Once Again

She had always known that her husband was a man of great integrity, deeply concerned for the welfare of his country and his people. Back in their modern life, had it not been for the sudden turn of events, Lin Hongda would certainly have participated in the world championships to bring honor to his nation. Now that they had traveled through time to this place, they were subjects of the Great Yao Kingdom. With war suddenly looming and the opportunity to fight on the battlefield presenting itself, how could Lin Hongda possibly let it pass him by?

"Alright, look at you, stop crying," Lin Hongda said, pulling her into his arms and wiping away her tears. "I am just going to see what it is like; it is not certain that I will actually be sent to the front lines. If I feel it is not right, I will tell General Xiao and come back immediately, all right?"

"You're lying!" Liao Shuxia sobbed. "You would never do that! Do I not know you well enough by now?"

Lin Hongda said helplessly, "Please, stop crying. The children are watching."

Liao Shuxia finally composed herself and wiped her tears dry.

"Father, are you really going?" Lin Sangqian asked. Before, when he went out, it was only for a month at most. But this time...

Lin Hongda was silent for a moment before saying, "I have already given my word to General Xiao."

"When are you leaving?" Liao Shuxia asked, her voice choking.

"Once General Xiao’s injuries are fully healed. Probably in about half a month."

"What about Young Master Yu?"

"He said he would respect my decision."

Yu Jingtiao was naturally reluctant to part with Lin Hongda; after all, it was not easy to find such a skilled protector. However, he understood that this conflict was no ordinary matter. Since General Xiao held Lin Hongda in such high regard, he would not stand in his way.

Suddenly faced with this news, everyone felt a sense of sorrow.

"Come now, don't be like this," Lin Hongda said with a forced smile. "Have a little faith in me, won't you? Perhaps when I return, I will be a general who strikes fear into the hearts of our enemies! When that day comes, you will all be able to enjoy the fruits of my success!"

"I am quite content with how things are now," Liao Shuxia replied. "Our daughter and son are here, our family is growing, it is lively and happy, and our business is thriving. What more could I ask for?"

Lin Hongda sighed. "This time, the Yidian people are coming with aggressive intent; this battle is destined to be a difficult one. If Great Yao is defeated, the consequences will be unimaginable. Although our town is remote and far from the front lines, if Great Yao suffers a total collapse, we will surely be implicated. When that time comes, our peaceful life will be gone."

He wanted to go to the battlefield not only to protect his country but also to protect his home. Liao Shuxia understood all of this, of course. She also understood that, no matter what, she could no longer stop him. Lin Wenyan stood to the side, seemingly wanting to say something, but after a moment of thought, he remained silent.

Lin Hongda’s gaze fell upon Lin Sangqian. He walked over and patted his daughter’s head. He said nothing, yet Lin Sangqian understood everything.

During this time, the business at "McChicken" became increasingly prosperous. Because many people had previously misunderstood the relationship between McChicken and Lin Sangqian, once the truth was revealed, they felt a deep sense of guilt and naturally supported the business even more. Furthermore, everyone knew that their recovery from illness was due to the medicine provided by Lin Sangqian. Thus, the townspeople regarded her as their benefactor.

Every day, long queues formed outside the fried chicken and milk tea shop. People constantly brought gifts for Lin Sangqian—food, toys, and fine fabrics. Lin Sangqian was naturally embarrassed to accept them, but while some listened when she asked them to take their gifts back, others would simply drop them and run, or sneakily leave them at her doorstep. Lin Sangqian felt both amused and deeply touched.

Over the past few days, she had been planning to open new shops. Since the fried chicken and milk tea business was so popular, she decided to open a branch. Lu Chengren had also purchased the old Wanhua Restaurant and was busy with renovations. Now, no one would compete with him for business; his "Fu Man Cheng" had become the largest restaurant in town. Lin Sangqian had also provided him with several new recipes, making him so happy that he could not sleep for several nights.

Lin Yanbei had taken the academy examinations, and while the results were not out yet, he felt quite confident.

General Xiao, a man of martial arts and a veteran of many campaigns, possessed a strong constitution, so his wounds healed quickly. With the war looming, he was anxious to return. Lin Hongda made his final decision to depart with the General. On the night before he left, Liao Shuxia barely slept, constantly checking his luggage, feeling as though no matter how much she packed, it would never be enough. Lin Hongda was also awake, but he dared not speak to her. He was afraid of seeing her cry, and he was afraid that he, too, would break down.

Early the next morning, Lin Sangqian and the other girls rose from bed. Although they had enjoyed a hearty dinner the night before, they insisted on making dumplings to see Lin Hongda off. Lin Sangqian prepared two types of fillings: pork with green onion, and chives with egg, with a large shrimp tucked into each dumpling.

Lin Hongda was leaving today, and everyone felt a heavy heart. Fortunately, Lin Beitao and Xiao Yawen kept the mood light, making the farewell feel less sorrowful. After finishing the dumplings, General Xiao and his two subordinates arrived, waiting for Lin Hongda outside.

Liao Shuxia personally strapped the pack onto Lin Hongda’s back, her eyes red as she said, "Take good care of yourself out there. If you truly end up on the battlefield, remember that blades have no eyes. You must be careful, ever so careful. Do not try to be a hero."

"I know," Lin Hongda lowered his head and kissed her forehead. "Rest assured, I will not let anything happen to me. I will return safely to see you and the children."

"Yes!" Liao Shuxia fought back her tears. "Alright, go now! Don't keep General Xiao waiting."

"All right... You must take good care of yourself as well."

Lin Hongda spoke a few more words to his children before turning to leave. At the gate, General Xiao and his men were waiting on horseback, leading a horse for him. Lin Hongda, having learned to ride in his previous life, mounted the horse with ease. He looked back one last time at his family standing at the door.

"Wait for me. I will return."

With that, he nodded to General Xiao and rode off with them. Liao Shuxia stood rooted to the spot, watching blankly. Then, suddenly, she began to run after them, crying and shouting, "Big Dog! You must be safe! We will be waiting for your return, please come back soon!"

Lin Hongda heard her voice, and two hot trails of tears rolled down his face. Yet, he dared not stop, and he dared not look back. For he knew that if he turned around, he would surely lose the courage to leave.