This day was a special one.
All official accounts across the net were broadcasting a single message.
At noon today, there would be a live broadcast of a medal ceremony. The nation's leader would personally award the combat hero Gong Ye.
His distinguished honors included First-Class Merit twice, Second-Class Merit six times, and Third-Class Merit over ten times.
He was a living recipient of First-Class Merit.
And not just one, but two.
The first First-Class Merit was awarded when he was in his thirties.
At that time, a group of foreign mercenaries had infiltrated L Country.
They were brutal, committing every conceivable atrocity, impeccably equipped, and exceedingly cunning.
They were a well-trained terrorist force.
Their modus operandi was always surprise attacks, after which they would retreat into the border's primeval forests, causing immense losses to the nation and claiming the lives of many soldiers.
His superiors dispatched Gong Ye to resolve the situation.
The mercenaries' objective was provocation, and they immediately attempted to flee.
Gong Ye's mission was to eliminate them before they could escape across the border.
If they managed to escape this time, L Country would suffer profound international humiliation and become a laughingstock.
Numerous countries would eagerly try to provoke and test L Country's limits.
The established deterrence against mercenaries entering L Country would be shattered.
During the protracted pursuit, most of the provocateurs were eliminated, with only a few exceptionally cunning ones continuing their flight.
This mission was perilous, a near-death experience, but through Gong Ye's efforts, the enemy was ultimately annihilated.
In the final engagement, the provocateurs were mere dozens of meters from the border, on the verge of escape.
The second First-Class Merit.
Just recently, Gong Ye had assassinated an international drug lord, an operation involving numerous classified details that could not be disclosed.
The Second and Third-Class Merits were not elaborated upon.
Additionally, there was an introduction to his family background: he was a proud third-generation descendant, from a lineage of heroes.
His grandfather was a founding father, whose honors were countless.
Gong Ye's father was also a remarkable soldier, who had rendered invaluable service to the nation, but he tragically sacrificed his life on the border, never to return.
Gong Ye, however, did not choose an ordinary life; in fact, he could have lived very comfortably under the protection of his grandfather and father.
He chose to inherit the legacy of honor from his grandfather and father.
For the sake of the nation, he sacrificed his personal life.
This resulted in his entire family being targeted for retaliation, leading to the demise of the entire Gong family, leaving only Gong Ye.
A family of meritorious heroes, they were treated with kindness by the nation and revered by the people.
In an instant, the online fervor reached unprecedented heights, deeply stirring the patriotism of the public.
This overshadowed the attention generated by Xia Linfeng.
Unusually, the comment section was pristine, devoid of any trolls or keyboard warriors.
It was filled entirely with expressions of concern and admiration.
In times of peace, there are always those who bear heavy burdens.
All these preparations were in anticipation of Gong Zhi Jing's return.
Gong Ye had earned numerous honors, but he had never held a medal ceremony nor officially accepted any awards.
He cared little for such things, but he cared for his daughter! Everything was for his daughter.
The medal ceremony was to be held at the Gong family residence.
Early that morning, Gong Zhi Jing was picked up by Gong Ye. This time, she was to make an appearance.
Now that she had given birth, it was time for her to return home, her true home!
On the way home, Gong Zhi Jing's feelings were a complex mix, but she was undoubtedly filled with anticipation.
In reality, the Gong family residence was not far from the Ling family's, but the Gong residence was closer to the heart of the entire capital.
It was almost adjacent to the Forbidden City. The Gong residence was a magnificent villa, exuding an imposing grandeur.
As the car stopped at the entrance, Gong Zhi Jing, cradled by Ling Yu Chen, was seated in a wheelchair.
Although she could now walk, her wounds had not fully healed, and Ling Yu Chen, to prevent her from tiring, had thoughtfully prepared a wheelchair.
Gong Zhi Jing was slowly pushed closer.
A striking plaque stood prominently, bearing large, crimson characters – Home of First-Class Merit.
Above the main gate hung two more plaques: one for Home of First-Class Merit, and another for Home of Second-Class Merit.
They were incredibly imposing, easily igniting a sense of fervor.
To the left of the main gate hung six smaller signs.
Pillars of the Nation, Guardians of the People, Meritorious Servants of the Nation, Glorious Home, and others, some of the lettering now faded.
Gong Zhi Jing's heart trembled, her entire being instantly filled with solemn reverence, a surge of pride coursing through her.
This was a bloodline passed down through generations, a military spirit forged in valor.
Gong Ye was waiting at the entrance.
He wore his military uniform, his chest adorned with numerous honor badges, his epaulets bearing more insignia than a garden bore flowers.
"Dad."
Gong Zhi Jing's emotions were almost overwhelming, her voice catching.
If she had grown up in the Gong family, would she too have become a soldier?
Gong Ye smiled gently, his scarred face seeming to soften considerably.
"You're back. Dad will take you to the ancestral hall first, to offer incense to your grandparents and your mother."
The Gong family residence was vast, decorated in a vintage style, yet showing signs of decay. A sense of desolation and age permeated the surroundings, inexplicably evoking sadness.
This place had once been bustling and prosperous, but times had irrevocably changed.
Of the once-great family, only she and her father remained.
She had no memories of this place, but upon seeing the baby carriage and toys in the living room, her heart involuntarily stirred once more.
The so-called ancestral hall was merely a room in a corner, housing numerous memorial tablets.
"I had this room made after the Gong family incident. In that catastrophe, dozens of our family members perished without a single survivor."
Although Gong Ye spoke in a subdued tone, each word landed on her heart like a heavy stone.
It was deeply painful.
After Gong Ye offered incense,
Gong Zhi Jing, supported by Ling Yu Chen, joined him in completing the incense-offering ritual.
"Let me show you to your room! Your mother had it prepared for you early this morning."
It was on the second floor. Ling Yu Chen carried her, following behind Gong Ye. He wouldn't let her walk a single step.
What kind of room was it?
She saw the profound love of a mother for her daughter.
A princess bed, pink carpets, canopies, a dressing table, various stuffed animals, cute landscape paintings on the walls, and more.
When Xia Wan Tang lived here, her room had been dark and small, barely large enough to fit a bed and a desk.
This room was so spacious, with a wall of wardrobes containing several beautiful dresses.
Beyond the window lay red walls and green tiles. If one were on a higher floor, could they overlook the entire imperial palace?
Gong Zhi Jing spent a long time in this room.
Even though she had never lived here, she felt a profound sense of belonging and intimacy.
...
In the afternoon, everything was ready.
The entire Gong residence was cordoned off by armed soldiers, and simultaneously, countless cameras were trained upon it.
Simply taking a photo outside the Gong residence and posting it online would ignite a frenzy, let alone broadcasting live.
Within seconds, countless viewers flooded the livestream.