Chapter 25: Find an Excuse and Make a Quick Escape

Aunt Qi was thrilled by the unexpected agreement; she had initially thought the matter would be difficult, but never imagined that Mrs. Zhang would consent so swiftly.

With the head of the household’s approval secured, Aunt Qi spoke with even greater enthusiasm: “This isn’t just your wish, dear sister, it’s mine as well. I’ve watched Commander Zhang grow up since he was a child—I know his temperament inside and out.”

When women engage in casual conversation, certain topics naturally flow with ease.

From Zhang Tiejun running around naked as a toddler, to his mischievous youth, and now standing firmly on his own, Aunt Qi’s eloquence painted him as the quintessential prodigal son who had turned his life around, a treasure beyond price.

Matchmaking affairs are always perplexing for those involved but entertaining for onlookers.

Zhang Xiaohua, realizing the conversation wasn’t about her, felt a surge of excitement. She eagerly propped her chin in her hands, listening intently without missing a word, and even chimed in with comments when the mood grew lively.

“Tiejun, what kind of girl do you like? Tell Aunt Qi.”

When it came to climbing mountains or wading through rivers, Zhang Tiejun was fearless, but romance and matchmaking posed a real challenge for him.

Rarely shy, he nevertheless restrained himself to avoid appearing difficult, saying resolutely, “It’s nothing. As long as mother’s happy, that’s enough.”

“Look at that, what a fine young man!” Aunt Qi beamed with delight. “Mrs. Zhang, I truly admire you. If only my little Shuanzi were half as outstanding as Tiejun.”

Mrs. Zhang’s pride in her son made such flattery strike a chord deep within her.

“Oh, he’s not that great; it’s just your praise,” Mrs. Zhang replied, then instructed, “Xiaohua, go to the kitchen and cut some meat for Aunt Qi to take with her.”

One should not be ungrateful when receiving favors, and Aunt Qi, having gained something valuable, was eager to act: “Alright then, I happen to know a few excellent girls, some from neighboring villages. Tomorrow, Tiejun can come with me.”

“That might not be very suitable,” Zhang Tiejun interrupted, raising his hand. “I have to go up the mountain soon.”

“But didn’t you say you wouldn’t be going for the next few days?” Mrs. Zhang asked, puzzled.

Feeling awkward and wanting to avoid suspicion, Zhang Tiejun gestured toward the clouds overhead. “I see the bright sun coming out; I promised Secretary Qiao I’d go hunt some meat.”

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Aunt Qi, a veteran in the matchmaking world, viewed forced and voluntary matchmaking as entirely different—like heaven and earth. Matters of mutual affection couldn’t be rushed or pressured.

Some men were like stubborn donkeys, resistant to being led, even stepping backward; some women were like bears climbing mountains, always seeing higher peaks ahead.

“Alright, a bit of daring is best for a young man. Having your own career gives you confidence,” Aunt Qi praised. “When you’re back, will you come with me?”

Mrs. Zhang knew her son’s stubborn nature well. Pressing him too hard might backfire.

“Well then, Aunt Qi, please take the trouble of finding us a good family,” Mrs. Zhang said, handing over a large chunk of smoked venison.

Aunt Qi’s face lit up with joy. “Mrs. Zhang, rest assured!”

While Mrs. Zhang went out to see Aunt Qi off, Zhang Tiejun quickly put on his hunting clothes.

“Mother, I’m heading out.”

“Wait a moment, stand here,” Mrs. Zhang said, scrutinizing him. “Why aren’t you going with Aunt Qi to meet those girls?”

“I told you, I’m going up the mountain to hunt,” Zhang Tiejun replied. Though trained in psychological warfare, he couldn’t help but feel a bit intimidated by his mother.

Mrs. Zhang glanced at him silently, then said softly, “Alright, I won’t say more. But take care of yourself. I’m old now; I don’t have many years left. One day, I might just go without a warning. I don’t mind dying, but I’m afraid that when I’m gone, I won’t have the face to meet your father below.”

This gentle reproach was harder for Zhang Tiejun to bear. At a loss for words, he kept nodding: “Mother, rest assured a hundredfold. I’ll definitely bring home a daughter-in-law for you.”

With this promise, Mrs. Zhang felt somewhat relieved.

“Brother, didn’t you say you’d take me to the market?” Zhang Xiaohua suddenly appeared.

“If I don’t go up the mountain today, I might not get the chance for a while,” Zhang Tiejun quickly reassured her. “When I come back, I’ll take you shopping.”

Though reluctant, Xiaohua knew her brother’s duties were important. Unable to argue, she held out her pinky finger. “Brother, promise?”

Zhang Tiejun crouched down affectionately, their eyes meeting. “Pinky swear, never change for a hundred years. Whoever breaks it is a little dog!”

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Having set aside trivial worries, Zhang Tiejun gathered himself and began his trek into the Guandong Mountains.

After much time spent adapting, he had gradually found a safe passage up the mountain. This path was no small matter; the Guandong Mountains brimmed with both opportunity and danger. For hunters unfamiliar with the terrain, wandering into the domain of wild beasts could result in death. If lucky, one might escape with their life; if not, they might perish instantly. Encounters with wild animals were bad enough, but running into a ghostly maze was worse—a disorienting trap from which no one emerged, leaving only bones behind.

Zhang Tiejun casually sketched several routes on his leather map—such landmarks could be a matter of life and death.

Staring at the map, he fell into deep thought. According to the markings, the game nearby were mostly small prey weighing a hundred to two hundred pounds. To find larger quarry, he might need to explore new paths.

At a fork in the road, he hesitated briefly but chose the path he had never taken before.

With a light load and fine weather, Zhang Tiejun planned to explore this new route.

Marking his trail carefully, he advanced cautiously in search mode.

Around noon, he sat by a small stream, tearing at a steamed bun. Though it had hardened over the morning, he ate it with relish, pencil in hand, sketching details.

Suddenly, a woman's cries echoed nearby: “Help! Somebody, please!”

“Humph, humph, humph.”

Just as he rose to investigate, the desperate shouts came again from not far off.