Rebirth: Splendid Marriage in the 80s Chapter 2687 - 2623: Related to Her

What precisely had Father encountered previously to sustain such severe bodily harm?

His face disfigured, one eye rendered half-blind, and one leg shattered to the point of crippling, he now moved with a pronounced limp, unable to quicken his pace.

Whenever he ventured out, a multitude of gazes would fixate upon him with an uncomfortable intensity.

Despite persistent inquiries, Father steadfastly refused to divulge the cause.

Father possessed a cultivated mind; his background must have been respectable in days gone by. Yet, for all these years, he had secluded himself in this remote hamlet, living out his days in obscurity.

That evening during supper, Ding Haijing was unable to restrain himself and posed the question once more.

"Dad, I recall you mentioning that after my discharge, you wished for my assistance with something. Could you please tell me now? What is it?"

When he had enlisted back then, Father had expressed a hope that if he acquired valuable skills within the Alliance, he might assist him with a favor upon his retirement.

Father Ding paused, a flicker of hesitation crossing his features.

"This matter..."

"Dad, please just tell me."

Father Ding remained silent for a considerable duration, then seemingly resolved himself. "Now that you are venturing out, have you encountered the Lu Family? The Lu Family of Pingzhou."

"Cough, cough, cough!"

Ding Haijing nearly expelled his breath in a violent fit of coughing.

He was utterly taken aback to hear the designation 'Lu Family of Pingzhou' spoken by his father, who had been hidden away in this secluded village for over two decades.

Indeed, those very words, 'Lu Family of Pingzhou,' had surfaced with notable frequency in his recent experiences.

"What is wrong?" Father Ding peered at him, suspicion coloring his expression.

"Dad, could it be that you are connected to the Lu Family of Pingzhou?"

Upon hearing this query, Father Ding immediately scoffed.

"Who would deign to be a part of the Lu Family? I merely inquired if you had heard of the Lu Family of Pingzhou."

"Of course, I have heard of them."

"Really?" Father Ding's agitation grew palpable. "Even in the Capital City, you have heard mention of the Lu Family of Pingzhou?"

"Yes. Why do you ask?"

"What is the current standing of the Lu Family? Have they experienced a decline, or have they, after all this time, ascended to the zenith of their power?"

Observing Father Ding's keen interest in the Lu Family's circumstances, Ding Haijing began to suspect that the reason for his father's present condition might be intrinsically linked to that very family.

"There are members of the Lu Family residing in the Capital, holding positions of considerable influence—ranking within the third or fourth echelon. The Lu Family of Pingzhou serves as their steadfast foundation."

"They have actually attained such a prominent status?"

At these words, Father Ding's focus seemed to drift, lost in contemplation.

Ding Haijing observed him quietly, refraining from pressing further, awaiting his father's next utterance.

"Then—" Father Ding appeared to gather his resolve, drawing a deep breath before continuing, "what of the Jiang Family?"

Ding Haijing's heart skipped a beat. He inquired cautiously, "The Jiang Family? Which Jiang Family are you referring to?"

"The Jiang Family of D State. How fares their situation?"

So, he truly had brought up the Jiang Family of D State!

Could it be that...

"Old Master Jiang's eldest granddaughter is now the wife of the Chief Alliance Officer." This was information Father should have been privy to, having heard it on radio broadcasts.

However, their secluded mountain village was exceedingly remote, and the radio signals often proved unreliable.

Consequently, Father, living in solitude, experienced profound loneliness, with no one to converse with daily. He spent his time confined to the house, sometimes going extended periods without encountering another soul.

His days were occupied with tending to a few chickens, collecting eggs, and occasionally practicing calligraphy in solitude.

Yet, no matter the extent of his past persuasions, Father adamantly refused to relocate to a more populated area, perpetually concerned that his appearance would cause distress to others.

"That, I am aware of." Father Ding paused, then inquired further, "Old Master Jiang is advancing in years—how is his health? And that Sixth Young Master of the Jiang Family, the younger brother of the Chief Alliance Officer's wife—has he been located yet?"