CHAPTER 345: 330, EXCHANGE MY RANK FOR MY WIFE’S FREEDOM.

Hua Jun seemed to have anticipated her reaction, sneering, "Miss Tian, I didn’t expect you to have so little ability. Right now, everyone outside is talking about you. What you’re doing will affect your husband, your child, and your family. Don’t you want to get out of here sooner and see them?"

Child? Tian Sangsang’s face darkened, her beautiful eyes losing their sparkle. She had been locked up here for three days now. How was Yanyan? He must be fine, right?

As for Jiang Jinghuai, that man, he was a typical chauvinist, couldn’t even make a proper meal—anything he made was barely edible. Without thinking, she could already picture the little guy’s pale face right now. She really wasn’t a good mother. Sometimes she could be very caring to him, but other times she completely ignored his feelings, just like how she dealt with Jiang Jinghuai.

The two of them were always distant, sometimes not even managing to keep up appearances. The impact this had on the child was undoubtedly terrible. She swore that if she got out of here, she would make it up to her son.

But this attempt to lure her into submission? No way! If she confessed, she’d truly never get out! She’d never see her son again! There was no way she’d fall for Hua Jun’s trick!

"It seems you’re still stubborn and unrepentant, sticking to your own opinions." Hua Jun crossed her arms, looking at her with a mix of disdain and pity. "Miss Tian, do you realize, from the moment you stepped into the interrogation room, you’ve been tarnishing your husband’s reputation? Your identity as a military wife means you should be stricter with yourself than anyone else when it comes to discipline. Yet your actions show zero consideration for his feelings, throwing him into the public spotlight. You’re ruining his career."

"I don’t understand why Jiang Jinghuai chose to marry you. Though I’ve heard about your story, he gained absolutely nothing from marrying you. You contribute nothing to him and constantly bring him trouble. If you had a shred of self-awareness, you’d confess obediently." She acted as if she were giving heartfelt advice. "Even if you don’t think of him, think of his family. They hold status and prestige in Beijing; they can’t afford anyone tarnishing their name."

A useless woman, just a pretty face. She couldn’t understand why Jinghuai married her.

Tian Sangsang felt a pang in her chest. His family? Jiang Jinghuai never even talked to her about them.

Suddenly, she laughed, the dark shine in her peach-blossom eyes curling with disdain. "You sure sound righteous. I didn’t quite catch what you meant. I’m not helping him, but you can?"

"Tian Sangsang!" Hua Jun was so furious she flung her sleeves and marched out the door, her face icy cold.

What kind of insensible woman had Jiang Jinghuai married? Hua Jun thought angrily, not sure whether she was enraged by Tian Sangsang’s words or frustrated from having her intentions exposed. Even so, she maintained her usual air of nobility. When she spotted the man opposite her, she immediately swapped her expression for a faintly bitter smile.

"Jinghuai, you came to see her?"

Jiang Jinghuai’s deep gaze shifted from the door, his stern face betraying no emotion.

"How is she?"

"Not very well." Hua Jun’s smile grew more bitter, shaking her head helplessly before carefully choosing her words. "She refuses to eat, doesn’t respond, and won’t cooperate no matter how we question her. Honestly, your wife is quite something, like a rose with thorns—she’s almost driven me up the wall. Why don’t you go in and see her?"

Jiang Jinghuai didn’t go in. Instead, he said, "Sorry for the trouble." Knowing her temperament, he realized she might indeed refuse to eat, drink, or speak.

"It’s fine."

His voice turned low. "Can she still come out?"

"You know the higher-ups are paying close attention to this case. But if you want, I can help you." Hua Jun looked at him, an amorous light flashing in her phoenix eyes. "After all, we used to..."

"Hua Jun." His brows furrowed, his face emanating icy authority. "This is your job. Don’t bend the law for personal reasons. I will take responsibility for my wife."

Hua Jun froze in the wind. His refusal was resolute and absolute, leaving no room for opportunity.

**

The office of the military district commander was spotless and sternly dignified.

A large potted plant sat by the desk, a towering green sapling resembling the man’s upright posture. The setting sun cast its golden light as the man stood by the window, his long coat fluttering in the breeze.

"Jinghuai, I’ve heard about your wife’s case. People from Beijing will be handling it. You said you wanted to vouch for her—your integrity is well-known, but this matter..." Lu Lixing, sitting in the chief seat, shook his head faintly.

"With my military rank," Jiang Jinghuai replied.

"What did you say?"

"Commander." Jiang Jinghuai’s black hair was tousled by the wind, but the last rays of the sunset lit up his face with incredible resolve. "I’m willing to use my military rank to vouch for my wife. She is not someone with problematic conduct."

Lu Lixing sighed softly, "You performed exceptionally well during last month’s military exercises. We’ve decided to promote you; the notice will come soon. Once it does, you’ll hold the rank of Major. Have you thought this through carefully?"

"Yes."

"By doing this, you won’t just lose your promotion; you’ll likely be demoted two ranks. There’s a relocation coming up—two officers are needed for the border station. Would you want your name included in that list?"

"I’m willing."

"Ah, Jinghuai." Lu Lixing looked at him with complicated emotions. "Last time, because of your family troubles, you missed a promotion opportunity. And now again... Great ambitions require detachment from personal sentiment. You’ve worked hard and endured so much to build your career here, rejecting help from your family. I know how difficult it’s been; your achievements didn’t come easily. To throw it all away for a woman... Do you really want to bury half your military accomplishments? Is that what you truly want?"

To a soldier, military rank was invaluable, earned through blood and sweat. Every step forward was precious, representing not just dreams but also convictions. The truth was, he didn’t want to let go.

At that moment, Jiang Jinghuai’s heart, once cold and hardened, now felt soft and strained. Lu Lixing could even see his subtly reddened eyes.

Jiang Jinghuai thought about his son’s question today: "Why hasn’t Mommy come back yet?" He had promised to bring her back, no matter the cost. Besides, he didn’t want her to suffer any longer.

Military merits could be earned again. As long as the green mountains remain, the rivers will never run dry.

"If I can’t even protect my wife, what’s the point of my rank?" Jiang Jinghuai’s gaze was steady. "Commander, I ask for your approval."

"Very well, go ahead." Lu Lixing waved his hand. "You can take her home now."

"You can leave now, Tian Sangsang," someone said to her.

Tian Sangsang, who had prepared to endure as long as necessary, was taken aback. "Are you joking?"

"After investigation, your conduct was found to be fine. You can leave now. Or do you want to stay here for tea?"

Tea? Who would want that!