At this moment, an elderly man approached Zhao's mother and daughter slowly.
"Grandpa Wu!"
"Is there news about my brother?"
Seeing the old man arrived, Zhao Ying immediately smiled, quickly opened the courtyard door, and asked excitedly.
"Ying, you're as clever as ever." The old man chuckled and praised Zhao Ying, his gaze shifting to Zhao Shi, who stood nearby, her expression filled with unease.
"Village Chief, how is my son, Feng'er?" Zhao Shi asked anxiously.
It had been nearly ten months. She hadn't received any news about her son since he was conscripted. The possibility of him being assigned to the dangerous northern frontier or border forces was a constant source of worry for her.
"I've been searching for a while. I don't know the specifics of Zhao Feng's situation, but it seems he's been assigned to the logistics corps," the village chief, Wu, replied.
"The logistics corps?"
A look of relief spread across Zhao Shi's face. "That's excellent news. The term of service for the logistics corps is typically two years, meaning there's only about a year left."
"You seem quite knowledgeable about Qin's military organization," Wu chuckled. "That's correct. The logistics corps usually serves for two years."
"Mother," Zhao Ying chimed in, "didn't I tell you that my brother would be fine? He's not exactly the strong, imposing type who'd be sent to the main combat units."
"How can you say that about your brother?" Zhao Shi scolded, giving her daughter a disapproving look.
Despite her reproach, the confirmation from the village chief had significantly eased her worries. Knowing her son wasn't assigned to combat units brought her immense relief far more than any promise of honor or promotions. What she valued most was her son returning home safely.
"Well, it's true."
Zhao Ying stuck out her tongue playfully, her tone lighthearted. Despite her usually elegant demeanor, she would often let her guard down and act mischievous in front of her mother and brother, a habit fostered by her brother's indulgence since childhood.
"But I also heard something else," Wu said hesitantly, unsure if he should continue.
"Village Chief, just say it. I can handle it," Zhao Shi urged.
"Qin has launched an eastern campaign against Han."
"Zhao Feng's logistics corps is likely stationed in Han," Wu explained cautiously, watching Zhao Shi's reaction.
Hearing this, Zhao Shi trembled slightly but quickly composed herself. Forcing a smile, she said, "It's fine. Feng'er is in the logistics corps, not the combat units. He'll be safe."
"You're right."
"The logistics corps' primary duties on the battlefield are clearing corpses and transporting supplies, so you don't need to worry too much about Zhao Feng. Besides, that boy has always been clever and resourceful. He'll be fine even in foreign territory." Wu reassured her kindly.
The village of Sand had a population of fewer than five hundred people. Although this might sound like a lot, it included men, women, and children, as ancient Chinese society often lived in close-knit communities rather than spreading out.
In this village, Zhao Shi's family played an important role. Both mother and daughter were highly skilled in medicine, tending to the villagers' illnesses big and small. Their services were far more affordable than seeking medical help in the county, as Zhao Shi and Zhao Ying often accepted grains and daily necessities as payment instead of money.
Their reputation for healing extended beyond the village. People from neighboring villages, and even some who had failed to find a cure in the county, would come seeking their expertise. As a result, Zhao Shi and Zhao Ying were highly respected and well cared for by their community.
Even though Zhao Feng, the household's sole male member, was away serving in the military, the village's young men would voluntarily help the family with their farming, a gesture of gratitude for Zhao Shi and Zhao Ying's kindness.
"Thank you, Grandpa Wu, for bringing news about my brother," Zhao Ying said gratefully.
"Otherwise, my mother would have worried herself sick."
Wu smiled warmly. "It's only right. Besides, I'm sure that in just a year, Zhao Feng will be back home safe and sound."
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