Reborn as the Villain's Wife, I Shine in 80s-Chapter 455 - 440 Farewell, as you leave from here (Thanks for the 490 monthly votes last month)

Chapter 455: 440 Farewell, as you leave from here (Thanks for the 490 monthly votes last month)

Tian Sangsang stopped eating the water caltrops, pressed her lips together, and asked, "When is he leaving? Or has he already left?"

Guan Kunling shook her head, a faint trace of joy flickering in her eyes as she looked at her. "Not yet. He departs tomorrow."

"How do you know that so clearly?"

She paused. "Brother Jiang once saved my life."

She had said this before, as for when it happened, Tian Sangsang did not bother to ask.

"You also saved his life once before, when you rescued Yanyan."

Guan Kunling replied, "That’s why I am bound to you all."

Tian Sangsang neither agreed nor disagreed. "They all say you look like his sister."

Guan Kunling quietly lowered her eyes. "But I’m not." She glanced at her again. "Will you see him off?"

Tian Sangsang hesitated, then nodded heavily. "Yes."

Previously, when she read the newspaper, it hadn’t affected her much. But now, on hearing that Jiang Jinghuai was leaving, memories resurfaced. She wasn’t a heartless person; she clearly understood how dangerous this trip to the frontlines would be. Knowing the trajectory of the future, out of patriotism, she felt she had to do something.

She didn’t know whether it was possible to minimize sacrifices, but she knew that if she acted, she could bear it with a clear conscience. How many heroic souls were buried on foreign battlefields back then? They were our ancestors, and many of their bodies could never be returned home.

Surely, any normal person who witnessed the suffering of their compatriots couldn’t help but be moved. Politics and military matters had nothing to do with her; she had no right or desire to interfere. She was just an ordinary citizen and had no interest in changing the international situation. All she wanted was to save the people of her homeland.

That war ended in victory, one where the many overcame the few, but at great cost. Future generations would reflect on that war with heavy hearts, realizing the steep price that had been paid.

There were many reasons for this.

First, the army of the past often carried a particular trait to varying degrees: a blind charge forward, resorting to human wave tactics without hesitation. Relying on sheer numbers, they used their bodies to secure opportunities for their comrades to break through. However, unless absolutely necessary, this could have been avoided. With a competent commander and effective strategies, sacrifices could have been reduced.

Second, our army was not fighting on home soil but penetrating deep into foreign territory. A lack of familiarity with enemy terrain led to significant casualties. We lacked experience in jungle, mountainous, and nighttime warfare and overlooked the climate differences between us and the enemy. What we had presumed to be an easy victory turned into a bloody stalemate when it became clear the enemy was ruthless, resulting in mutual devastation.

Third, our army hadn’t fought in a war for over twenty years, while the enemy had been fighting continuously. Ironically, many of the tactics we taught them were turned against us in the end.

Finally, our army was too benevolent, steadfast in its principles of sparing the elderly, women, children, the sick, and prisoners. The enemy didn’t share these scruples. War is merciless, and interests are clear-cut. To them, we were invaders, and treating invaders with compassion was laughable. Furthermore, crucial logistical support, which should’ve been a top priority, was frequently targeted and destroyed by the enemy. Various additional reasons compounded, leading to insufficient supplies and exacerbating the situation.

Tian Sangsang carried these thoughts as she stepped out of the store.

She felt as though she was setting up an elaborate chessboard. She couldn’t directly go to headquarters and tell them what they should or shouldn’t do. That would arouse suspicion and might even jeopardize her life. She wasn’t that foolish. Instead, she needed to inform someone trustworthy—Jiang Jinghuai, perhaps?

As a person, one had to make decisive choices; otherwise, the consequences would spiral out of control. She understood this truth well, but implementing it was a different story—it was extraordinarily difficult. Humans are not unfeeling plants; to live without attachment is nearly impossible. People’s hearts are made of flesh, not of iron. She often liked to view problems through an omniscient perspective, but when the issues were her own, she realized she couldn’t be an all-knowing deity.

Clearly, she had resolved to move on and start a new life; the past seemed so distant now. Yet some things were undeniably real, and when touched upon, they surged back to the forefront of her mind.

Just like the child in her womb—this was an indisputable reality.

No matter what, she had never entertained the thought of letting Jiang Jinghuai die or seeing him in danger without extending a hand to help. The exhaustion between them was a matter of the heart, not one of life and death. There was no deep-seated hatred between them. If he were to perish on the battlefield by accident, Meng Shuyan would be devastated.

**

Standing at the gate of Jiang Jinghuai’s house, she paused for a moment.

"Tian Sangsang?" Ye Binyi, who was watering flowers in the courtyard, immediately set down the wooden ladle and opened the gate, peering behind her. "Where’s Yanyan?" After speaking, her gaze shifted directly to Sangsang’s belly, staring intently.

"He didn’t come."

Hearing the commotion, Jiang’s father stepped out from the living room and gently said, "Sangsang, you’ve returned. That’s good. Come in quickly. Binyi, you—"

Ye Binyi suppressed her inner misgivings and was about to say something.

Tian Sangsang preempted her. "I’m here to see Jinghuai. Is he home?"

Reluctantly, Ye Binyi replied, "He is. Come in, then. If you have something to say, say it inside."

"No need. I just have a couple of things to say, then I’ll leave." Tian Sangsang glanced upstairs.

Ye Binyi’s expression darkened in displeasure, radiating discontent. What did she mean by "say a couple of things and leave"? Was she not planning to stay? At the very least, she should wait until the baby was born before leaving!

Soon after, Jiang Jinghuai descended the stairs. Ye Binyi and Jiang’s father tactfully withdrew.

He gazed at her deeply, his eyes red and his voice hoarse. "You’re here."

Tian Sangsang cast him a cold glance. "I heard you’re heading to the frontlines?"

"Kunling told you." He neither affirmed nor denied it, but the delight was visible in the corners of his eyes. "You came, after all."

"The two of you seem to be working together." Tian Sangsang emphasized each word deliberately. "I didn’t come here for you."

"I don’t care about the reasons; I care about the result." His dark eyes burned into hers. "It doesn’t matter why you came. What matters is that you’re here. You still care about me, don’t you, Sangsang?" 𝚏𝕣𝕖𝚎𝚠𝚎𝚋𝚗𝐨𝐯𝕖𝕝.𝕔𝐨𝕞

"This has nothing to do with caring." Tian Sangsang sneered coldly. "I am someone who holds the fate of the nation in my heart. I was concerned about the frontlines; that’s why I came to you. Are things as dire as the newspapers refuse to report?"

His brows suddenly furrowed, and his gaze grew intense as he stared at her. "How do you know?"

"I guessed."

He fell silent for a moment before his tone turned grave. "Who are you, really?"

"I thought I told you before." Her heart constricted as she regarded him mockingly. "Or did you think I was someone else? Let me guess—did you think I was a spy?"

Just like a few days ago, rage bubbled to the surface, only to collapse into a helpless melancholy.

"Shit!" she cursed under her breath. She should never have come today; she might as well have let him fend for himself!

"Sangsang!" Seeing her expression, Jiang Jinghuai panicked and pulled her into his arms.

"I’m sorry. I wasn’t accusing you."

"I’m sorry, Sangsang," he kept repeating.

She lashed out, hitting and kicking him, but he only held her tighter, his hands steady around her waist. Gently, he said, "Don’t get angry. Just don’t get angry. You can’t move around recklessly right now."

"If you want, hit me with your hands. Hit me as much as you want." He grabbed her hand and pressed it against his face.