211
It was getting late. However, Mother Tao, who had a kind face, was still sitting at home. In order to add a piece of warm clothing to her son who was about to leave thousands of miles away, she was still sitting under the light and sewing a warm vest. It could really be said that a mother was worried about her son.
"Dad, Mom, we're back. We've kept you waiting.”Tao Zhigang brought Yao Cuiping home happily.
"Oh, you two are back." Mr. Tao, who had just returned from work, answered honestly," It's getting late. Go and rest."”
At this moment, Tao Zhigang suddenly noticed that his mother was still sewing clothes under the lamp. He quickly asked with concern," Mom, it's already so late. Why aren't you sleeping yet? Why are you still doing needlework?”
" That's right. When I came back from work, I tried to persuade her. She's usually not in good health, so I told her to rest early, but she refused. She said that she was..."
"Thinking about how you're going to the army, the weather is starting to turn cold. Mom is afraid that you'll wear thin clothes when you go out, so I'll sew a quilt for you at night. It'll be good to protect you from the cold when you meet the sentry.”Before Father Tao could finish, Mother Tao interrupted.
"Ahem, Mom, we don't lack clothes now. When the time comes, we'll have clothes given by the army. We won't get cold.”
" Sigh, there are some from the army, but they can't compare to the ones your mother sewed herself." Thousands of needles and threads were connected to the mother-son relationship.”At this moment, Yao Cuiping, who was close to Tao Zhigang, also praised Tao Zhigang's mother sweetly." This is called sacred 'motherly love.'”
"Uh, yes, yes, yes. Divine 'motherly love,' divine 'motherly love!”Tao Zhigang patted his head guiltily." Cuiping, you're right. Why didn't I think of that?"”
"This is just like what Meng Jiao described in 'Song of a Wanderer' during the Mid-Tang Dynasty.
'The thread in the hands of a loving mother, the clothes on the body of a wandering child.
Before leaving, I was afraid that I would come back late.'”
Before Yao Cuiping could finish reciting, Tao Zhigang also remembered the recitation,"Who said that the heart of an inch of grass can repay the three spring rays?"'”
"Alright, alright, stop fooling around.”The mother deliberately scolded her son.
"Gang 'er, quickly bring Cuiping to wash up and sleep. You still have to rush out with the soldiers early tomorrow morning.”
"Yes."
Looking at his mother's back that was filled with motherly love, Tao Zhigang's eyes could not help but burst into tears. Yao Cuiping was also moved and leaned against Tao Zhigang's shoulder.
After a short pause, the two of them calmed down a little before they went back to their respective rooms to rest.
In the end, only Mrs. Tao was left in the hall, quietly making a vest for her son.
212.
The next morning, it was just past four o'clock in the morning. There was still no light outside the window. Tao Zhigang, who had been longing to be a soldier for a long time, got up early in excitement. He pulled the lamp and checked the military supplies issued by the army and the things that he wanted to bring.
When he realized that his mother had stuffed a cotton vest that she had made last night into his bag, he suddenly felt a burst of soreness and tears, once again experiencing the sacredness of maternal love.
From the registration form to the physical examination and political review, and finally to the official departure, everything seemed so tense and orderly, but it was all carried out in an orderly manner...
Finally, Tao Zhigang spent his last night in his hometown and welcomed the second dawn of his return to the army.
At this time, Tao Zhigang's father, who was sleeping with him, his mother, who was sleeping in the next room, and his lover, Yao Cuiping, were also alarmed and scrambled to get up. They were busy with the preparations before they left.
"Sigh, why are you up so early?”Yao Cuiping, who had come to Tao Zhigang's room to help pack up, rubbed her sleepy eyes and asked with a smile.
"Oh, I heard from the soldiers that today's marching mission is quite arduous. We have to take a continuous bus and set off for a long distance. We have to try to rush to the Shanghai army on the same day.”
"Wow, so nervous!" Yao Cuiping couldn't help but feel surprised.
"That's right. In the army, we have to be nervous and do our best. This is like marching to war.”Tao Zhigang immediately explained.
"Zhigang, what time did the soldiers set off?”Mr. Tao, who was waiting at the side and ready to send him off, asked.
"We'll head to the Commune at 5:30 and leave on time at 6:00 on the tractor.”Tao Zhigang told his father in time.
"Well, what time is it now?" Father Tao asked thoughtfully.
"It's half past four now." Yao Cuiping quickly looked at her watch and answered Father Tao.
"Uh, Zhigang, you have to hurry up and prepare something. Your mother still wants you to have some breakfast before you leave.”Mr. Tao lit a cigarette and urged.
"Yes, I understand."
As she spoke, she heard Mrs. Tao's voice from the kitchen outside."Oh, Gang 'er, the noodles are ready. Quickly bring Cuiping out to eat while it's hot.”
"Oh, Cuiping, let's hurry up and go out to eat noodles. My mom has already cooked them.”
"Yes, alright."
Tao Zhigang then led Yao Cuiping to the front of the hall and watched as his mother served two bowls of steaming chicken drumstick noodles filled with motherly love. He instantly felt a warm current surge through his body and immersed himself in a blissful atmosphere.
Looking at her son who was eating chicken drumstick noodles before leaving, Mrs. Tao couldn't help but remind him,"Remember, Zhigang. Be careful on the road. When you arrive at the army, write a letter to your family often so that Mom can rest assured.”
"Yes, Mom, I don't know how many times you've told me, but I've already memorized it.”Tao Zhigang tried his best to comfort his mother as he ate his noodles.
"Alright, the child has remembered. Don't tremble anymore. Let him finish this meal peacefully. We're about to set off.”Mr. Tao said impatiently. Then, he turned to his son and said,""However, Zhigang, when you're in the army, you have to listen to the chief. You have to be unafraid of hardship, abide by discipline, unite your comrades, and work hard.”
"Yes, Dad, I understand. Don't worry.”Tao Zhigang replied to his father after wiping his mouth.
"Oh, if you can talk, it's not called trembling. When I talk, it's called trembling.”Seeing that her husband was also reminding her son, Mrs. Tao also stepped forward and retorted unwillingly.
"Uh, okay, okay. Don't say anymore. I can understand your feelings. You're all doing this for my own good.”Seeing that his parents were arguing over him, Tao Zhigang couldn't help but comfort them." Dad, Mom, please don't worry. I won't let you down. I'll do as you say."”
"Yes, Uncle, Auntie, don't worry. Zhigang is no longer a child. He will remember what you said.”
At this moment, Tao Zhigang's siblings had already been woken up and rushed into the hall.
"Haha, big brother, you look so beautiful today.”A little girl at home rubbed her eyes and pointed at Tao Zhigang's green military uniform.
"Big brother, are you really leaving?" Then, one of the older sisters asked reluctantly.
"Yes, big brother really has to leave. He's going to join the army.”Tao Zhigang picked up his little sister and answered.
"Brother, where are you going to be in the army?”Tao Zhigang's younger brother asked curiously.
"It's in the Shanghai Garrison Guard District, the big Shanghai.”Tao Zhigang told his siblings in a straightforward manner.
"Is it fun there?" The little girl in his arms playfully stroked Tao Zhigang's military cap and asked.
"You little fat ghost!" Tao Zhigang gently tapped his little sister's forehead and then turned to his other three sisters-in-law and said,"Big Brother is gone. You have to listen to your parents at home.”
"Then you must bring a lot of candy for me to eat next time you come back.”The little sister in his arms subconsciously brought up the terms of the exchange.
"Okay, big brother promises to bring back a lot of candy for you to eat.”Tao Zhigang immediately agreed.
"Alright, alright, stop hugging your big brother.”At this moment, Mother Tao quickly went forward to carry her daughter." Come down quickly. Don't waste your big brother's time." Then, she sent them back to their room to sleep.
Finally, it was time for Tao Zhigang to step out of the house. He picked up his bag, and Father Tao and Yao Cuiping helped him carry his luggage and satchel. They were about to head to the nearby community center to report for departure.
Seeing this scene, Mother Tao rushed forward with tears welling up in her eyes. She hugged her son again, admiring and caressing him.
"Mom, don't be sad. I'll come back to see you when the time comes.”Tao Zhigang also held his mother's hand affectionately and comforted her reluctantly.
"Alright, let the child go." At this moment, Father Tao urged his wife," It's getting late. Let the child go quickly. Otherwise, it'll be troublesome if we delay the departure time of the troops."”
After Mr. Tao's final reminder, Mrs. Tao reluctantly let go and looked at her son sadly.
With her husband and girlfriend sending her off, she rushed to the nearby community...
213.
When they arrived at the public square, the sky gradually began to brighten.
Under the arrangement of being in charge of leading the troops, Tao Zhigang and the new recruits of the township went up to the tractor appointed by the township government to send off the new recruits. Looking at the relatives of the hometown standing around the car, the new recruits kept waving at them.
Of course, Tao Zhigang, who was sitting in the car, was also bidding farewell to his father and his lover, Yao Cuiping." Dad, Cuiping, you should go back quickly. Don't send me off anymore."”
"Uncle, you haven't had time to eat breakfast yet. Why don't you go back first? I'll send Zhigang off here.”At this moment, Yao Cuiping also spoke up.
"Dad, Cuiping is right. Hurry up and go back to eat.”Tao Zhigang couldn't help but urge his father, who didn't even bother to eat to send him off.
"Okay, I still have to wait for work. Little Yao, I'll leave Zhigang to you. I'll go back first.”Father Tao looked at Yao Cuiping and said. Then, he turned to his son and greeted,"Zhigang, I'll let Cuiping send you off now. Have a good journey. Also, remember what Dad and Mom told you.”
"Yes, Dad. Go back and tell Mom not to worry. I'll write a letter to you when I get to the army.”Tao Zhigang waved goodbye to his father. Then, he reminded Yao Cuiping,"Cuiping, why don't you go back too? The car is about to leave.”
"No, wait a little longer. I want to see you off until the end.”At this moment, Yao Cuiping's eyes became red and moist, and she seemed particularly attached to Tao Zhigang.
Finally, the tractor started its engine. As the wheels slowly drove forward, the people who were sending them off once again rushed forward to wave at the recruits.
Yao Cuiping also strode forward and handed an envelope that she had prepared earlier to Tao Zhigang. She whispered,"Don't open it now. Open it when you're in the army. Remember!”
"Oh." Tao Zhigang nodded knowingly and quickly stuffed the envelope into his bag.
At this time, the recruits who had discovered the secret couldn't help but laugh secretly.
As the tractor sped forward, Yao Cuiping rubbed her tearful eyes as she watched the recruits gradually disappear into the distance. She had no choice but to follow the people who sent her off and return to their respective homes.
214
After a bumpy journey, Tao Zhigang and his fellow recruits arrived at South Edict County City at around seven o'clock.
As the local railway transportation was still lagging behind, they could not take the train. They could only rely on the road car to transport them to Jiangcheng City below, and then take the train to Shanghai. Therefore, the recruits who had rushed to the county town were all gathered at the station square, waiting to get on the bus...
Nearly 1,000 recruits dressed in green military uniforms stood in a large square formation, as if they had created a prairie. Instantly, they brought a green atmosphere to the people, and their thoughts were integrated into the green realm.
Then, under the arrangements of the leader of the receiving team, the recruits boarded the military cards that were waiting there in an orderly manner and began to move towards Jiang City.
215
Some of the recruits who had gotten the military card looked at the hometown where they grew up and were reluctant to leave. However, most of the recruits were extremely excited to be able to serve in Shanghai.
As the military card set off, the personnel in charge of each vehicle began to distribute simple breakfast to everyone. With bread and a pot of water, the recruits in the vehicle quietly and excitedly discussed.
"Ahem, I've already changed cars twice since I came here. I changed from a tractor to a car. I heard that I have to change trains when I reach Jiang City. It looks like it's quite complicated to get to Shanghai.”A big-headed recruit sitting in the carriage could not help but mutter to himself.
"From the map, it is a total of five hundred kilometers from our hometown, South Edict, to Shanghai, which is a journey of more than a thousand li. We need to change cars continuously for eight to nine hours before we can finally reach our destination.”Gao Jun, who was sitting next to him and was usually referred to as the "advisor", explained to him.
"It's really 'thousands of miles away.' It's quite far!”At this moment, Pan Yue, who was called "little fatty", could not help but sigh.
"Yeah, it won't be so easy to come back and visit in the future.”Then, Guo Yunlong, who was called "Big Guy", also started talking.
"Ahem, a man has ambitions in all directions. What's there to be afraid of?”However, Huo Da Yong, who was addressed as " Old Bored " by everyone, said disapprovingly.
"That's right. In order to protect the motherland, no matter how far you are assigned, you have to be willing to do it.”Following that, Tao Zhigang, who had a strong sense of integrity, also warned everyone.
"Mm, not bad! The words spoken by the two rookies sounded a little like the words spoken by us soldiers. In life, we must have lofty ideals.”Hearing this, a platoon leader praised him.
216
After about two hours of bumpy driving, the military truck team arrived at the Jiangcheng train station at around nine o'clock in the morning.
Under the prior coordination and arrangement of the higher-ups and the local authorities, the recruits followed the personnel in charge of leading the troops and immediately boarded the special express train that escorted the recruits to Shanghai.
Due to the limited railway transportation conditions in our country, the recruits who got on the train sat next to each other in the tank car covered with straw every 15-20 people.
As the signal light on the station lit up, the special military train full of recruits began to drive forward. Then, it increased its speed and rushed straight towards Nanjing and Shanghai.
Chapter 217
Most of the recruits on the train came from the countryside and rarely went out, let alone to Shanghai. Some of them had not even seen the train before. At this time, everyone was curious as they gathered in front of the window to watch the scenery along the way.
Not long after, some recruits began to knock on their backpacks, saying " Old K." Some were quietly reading books, while others were chatting with their soldiers. The chubby little Pan Yue, the big Guo Yunlong, and the old boring Huo Dayong, who were sitting in the corner of the carriage, were playing around Tao Zhigang...
"Quick, quick, quick! Quickly take out that letter and let us all admire it.”
"Yes, let's see what secrets his girlfriend gave him before she left.”
Pan Yue and Guo Yunlong picked up Tao Zhigang's satchel.
"Don't be like this. There's actually no secret.”Tao Zhigang grabbed his bag and struggled to break free.
"If you don't have any secrets, then why are you hiding them so tightly that you don't dare to show them to us?”Pan Yue deliberately asked again.
"That's right. Then why don't you dare to show it to us?”Huo Da Yong took the opportunity to join in.
"Okay, okay, okay. Please let go of me. I'll take it out from my bag, okay?”Tao Zhigang finally could not withstand the siege and could only give up the dispute and compromise.
"Alright, everyone let go and let him take it out himself.”Pan Yue immediately agreed and let go of Guo Yunlong.
Then, Tao Zhigang slowly untied his satchel and took out the envelope that his lover Yao Cuiping had secretly stuffed into his hand before he left. Just as he was about to open it, he was unexpectedly snatched away by the scheming Pan Yue.
Then, Guo Yunlong, Huo Dayong, and the others also surrounded him.
Pan Yue quickly opened the envelope and took out a five-inch photo." Oh, everyone, come and enjoy it. This is the jade photo that Tao Zhigang's girlfriend gave him before she left.”
"Don't look around. Give it back to me.”Tao Zhigang, who was embarrassed, quickly went forward and snatched the letter from Pan Yue's hand, but the photo was passed to Guo Yunlong, who was next to him.
"Wow, she's so beautiful! Just like a movie star."
"Yes, she looks just like Sister Lin from 'Dream of the Red Chamber'.”At this moment, Huo Da Yong, who was also watching, also said honestly.
Upon hearing Old Menzi's words, Pan Yue, Guo Yunlong, and the other recruits couldn't help but laugh out loud.
"Alright, you're also joining in the fun, aren't you?”Tao Zhigang's face instantly turned red. Feeling embarrassed, he said to Huo Da Yong in a warm and angry tone," I'll settle the score with you when we get back to the army."”
Then, the photo was sent to Gao Jun, who was at the end of the bunk." Eh, Tao Zhigang, isn't this your old classmate, Yao Cuiping?”Gao Jun looked at the photo and recognized it." Looks like you're quite lucky with women."”Inadvertently, he flipped through the photo and suddenly noticed the poem's handwriting on the back of the photo." Sigh, there's a poem on the back of this photo.”
Tao Zhigang's discovery immediately aroused the curiosity of the recruits present. They couldn't help but surround him again.
"With tears I send you to the army,
I give you a portrait to keep with you as a memento.
Though separated by mountains and rivers,
The first love of a schoolmate is closely linked.
I hope you will not forget to return to the army,
I often think of my hometown and remember it in my heart.
The mountains and heavy waters again regret that it has been so long,
I hope we can meet soon."
Gao Jun recited the poem according to the back of the photo.
"Cough! It was written in a rather soft and touching way.”
"Little Tao, you still understand what she means. You can't let her wait for you for too long.”
"That's right, Zhigang. She has a special liking for you and is reluctant to part with you. You can't let her down.”
After listening to Gao Jun recite the poem on the back of the photo, Gao Jun, Pan Yue, Guo Yunlong, and several other fellow recruits who were present also followed suit and said something to Tao Zhigang respectfully, making him not know whether to laugh or cry. He simply could not get off the stage.
" Alright, give it back to me. Stop joking around. Otherwise, I'm really going to be very anxious with you." At this moment, Tao Zhigang impatiently went forward and snatched the photo again.
"Alright, alright, stop making a fuss. We're about to reach Nanjing Station and get ready to go down for dinner.”A military officer who was slightly older than the recruits announced to everyone.
Then, everyone quieted down.
Under the coordination of the relevant military supplies department, the recruits would have a lunch when they entered Nanjing Station to replenish their physical strength during the long-distance march.
After a while, the special military train that escorted the recruits sounded a long whistle and began to enter Nanjing Station.
"Tell everyone that the team will get off the bus and eat in an orderly manner. The time limit is half an hour. I hope that everyone will hurry up and finish eating as soon as possible.”At this moment, Instructor Wan, who was in charge of leading the team, officially announced to everyone," Do you understand?”
"Understood!" The recruits immediately answered in unison.
Chapter 218
Then, under the arrangement of the team leader, the recruits on the military line quickly got off the car and walked into the station hall. They received their lunch boxes and finished their meals. Then, they quickly filled their flasks with water and boarded the stuffy military line again.
219
Next, the special military line that escorted the recruits set off again, speeding from Nanjing Station to Shanghai Station...
The recruits who had replenished their energy sat on the straw mat. Some of them were looking at the scenery outside through the ventilation holes. Some of them leaned on their backpacks and slept. Some of them chatted with the soldiers.
"Hai, Pei Wenshu, it seems like we are really going to Shanghai to be soldiers?”Liu Tiezhu saw that the train had passed Nanjing Station and could not help but ask Pei Wenshu excitedly again.
"How can it be fake? Our recruitment this time is on behalf of the Shanghai army. The recruits are all from the Shanghai Garrison Guard.”Pei Wenshu said seriously.
"Is Shanghai fun?" Then, Pan Yue asked innocently.
"Yes, it's fun!" Pei Wenshu seemed to be excited when he asked this question. He sat up straight and introduced,"There are many fun places in Shanghai. There was the Bund, which attracted tourists. There was the bustling Nanjing Road and the 24-storey International Building. There is also the largest animal park in the country with the most variety of animals in the western suburbs, etc."
Listening to Pei Wenshu's introduction, the recruits were all overjoyed.
"There are so many fun places in Shanghai, so where exactly will we be assigned? Would he be able to stand guard together with the Nanjing Road First Good Eight Company? "Hahaha," Gao Jun, who was called the advisor by everyone, continued Pei Wenshu's words and asked jokingly.
" Hmm... this..." Pei Wenshu was momentarily stunned by the question. Then, he scratched the back of his head and remembered that before departure, the higher-ups had stipulated that it was not advisable to reveal the distribution of the new recruits before they arrived at the destination, so as to avoid causing emotional fluctuations and affecting the morale of the recruits. Therefore, he continued to answer mysteriously,"This is a military secret. Anyway, you will understand when the time comes.”
"Oh, we've really been assigned to Shanghai as soldiers this time.”
"Then we can stroll around the Bund, Nanjing Road, and visit Chenhuang Temple.”The recruits once again surrounded Pei Wenshu and cheered.
"Hai, Pei Wenshu, do you know how to speak Shanghainese?”Then, Pan Yue asked Pei Wenshu comically.
"You've been a soldier in Shanghai for a few years. How can you not speak Shanghainese?”Pei Wenshu immediately replied jokingly.
"Then can you say a few words to us on the spot?"
"Yes, yes, yes. Quickly tell us a few words.”A few recruits immediately made a request.
"Yes, alright." Pei Wenshu cleared his throat and began to speak with a Shanghainese accent."Ah Na is Shanghai Ning, but what kind of place Ning is Nong?”After a pause, he picked it up and said," If I want to go to Shanghai, I'll take you to Shanghai to shoot elephants..."
"Oh, we don't even understand what you're saying.”
"If you can understand it, how can it still be called Shanghainese?”
"Pei Wenshu, what did you mean by 'Nong' just now?”
"It's you."
"Then what does 'Ana' mean?”
"I meant 'Ana'."
"Oh, there's still the 'Elephant Pattering'.”
"'Elephant patting' means playing.”
"Hahaha, how interesting!"
"Then we can learn to speak Shanghainese when we get to Shanghai in the future.”
"Yes, you will be able to say it better than me.”
He saw a few recruits and Pei Wenshu laughing in the Shanghai dialect.
"Uh-huh!" At this moment, Instructor Wan, who was sitting at the side and responsible for leading the troops to look at the roster, deliberately coughed twice at Pei Wenshu." Pei Wenshu, tell them to be quiet. Don't make too much noise.”
" Shhh-" Pei Wenshu immediately stretched out his finger and pressed it to his mouth, signaling for the recruits to quieten down.
Not long after, Instructor Wan closed the register and came to Tao Zhigang and Gao Jun, who were sitting nearby. He started talking to them as if he understood the situation.
"Do your two families live in the same farm?”
"Yes, at the headquarters.”Tao Zhigang answered first.
"But not in the same area." Gao Jun then pointed at Tao Zhigang and added," His house is in the second branch, and my house is in the first branch.”
"Uh, your family's unit is quite big.”
"Yes, our family's unit is called Qingshan Farm. It's a public institution with several branches.”Tao Zhigang explained.
"So you guys were classmates in the past?”
"Yes, we're in two neighboring classes. We've been classmates for several years.”Gao Jun immediately replied.
"From the form, you all have a high school education. That's pretty good. Now that the army is developing the 'two modernizations' construction, we need people like you who are cultured.”Instructor Wan said happily.
"Okay, then we won't disappoint the chief's expectations when we get to the army. We must work hard and bring out all the knowledge we've learned.”Tao Zhigang expressed on the spot.
"Yes, in school, which subjects do you prefer?”
"Yes, in school, I mainly lean towards science and like to study mathematics, physics, and chemistry. Tao Zhigang, on the other hand, preferred the liberal arts. He usually liked to do some literary creation.”Gao Jun replied.
"Sigh, the two of you are a good match. One is inclined towards science, one is inclined towards liberal arts, one likes to study mathematics, physics, and chemistry, and the other likes to engage in literary creation. It seems that in the future, you will both become indispensable talents in our army.”Instructor Wan praised sincerely. Then, he turned to Tao Zhigang with interest and said,"However, Tao Zhigang, it's not easy for you to be interested in literary creation.”
"Yes, I'll learn slowly. The most important thing is persistence.”Tao Zhigang also responded with deep understanding.
"Do you know that Wang Wei, a scholar of the Tang and Song Dynasties, once mentioned the 'three great learning realms' in his summary of the predecessors 'studies?”
Tao Zhigang thought for a moment and replied,""First,'There is a path in the mountain of books, but there is no end to learning.'Second,'I have searched for him thousands of times, but when I look back, that person is in the dim light.'Third,'If you are a man, you will be haggard, and your clothes will gradually become wider and wider.'”
"Yes, yes, yes! Those who had great achievements in learning had all experienced these three great learning realms!”Instructor Wan took a sip of tea and continued,"However, this is ultimately obtained from the ancient poetry books. If you want to try the taste of literature, you have to rely on yourself to experience it.”Instructor Wan then asked Tao Zhigang,""Do you still know how Lu You, the great poet of the Southern Song Dynasty, warned the later generations to achieve knowledge in his 'Reading on a Winter Night' poem?”
"The ancients did not waste their knowledge. They only learned when they were young and strong. They only learned when they were old.”Tao Zhigang then remembered and recited it.
"Yes! It was this poem by Lu You. He warned us that if we want to engage in learning, we must pay attention to what we practice, put in some effort to experience life personally, and seriously accumulate material. Even if we work hard for the rest of our lives, we must never refuse.”Instructor Wan said with understanding. Then, he looked at Tao Zhigang with admiration. It seems that you still have some foundation and determination in liberal arts. You seem like a literary person.”
"Yes, Tao Zhigang was the representative of the liberal arts class in school. Later, he worked as a class editor, created cultural programs, submitted articles to the news agency, and even published some poems and essays.”
"Sigh, Instructor Wan, Gao Jun, you're flattering me. I'm only memorizing a few Tang and Song poems. I don't have much knowledge in the liberal arts, let alone engage in literary creation in the future.”Hearing Instructor Wan and Gao Jun's evaluation and praise of him, Tao Zhigang felt ashamed and quickly replied with a humble attitude.
"Oh-"
Hearing the whistle of the army, Instructor Wan stood up and looked out of the window." Yes, we're about to reach Shanghai Station.”
"Wow! We're almost at Shanghai Station?"
"Oh, we're really going to see Shanghai now.”
Hearing Instructor Wan say that they were about to reach Shanghai Station, the recruits felt excited again. They rushed to the window and enjoyed the scenery of Shanghai.
Tao Zhigang and Gao Jun also excitedly approached a window to admire the gradually approaching Shanghai.
Then, Instructor Wan turned around and asked Tao Zhigang and Gao Jun, who were standing beside him,"All of you have taken geography classes in school in the past. Can you still tell me the geographical situation of Shanghai?”
"Yes, Shanghai is located at the eastern end of the Yangtze River Delta. It is located at the mouth of the Yangtze River and is the gateway to the sea in the vast Yangtze River basin. It was located on both sides of the Huangpu River and had a population of about six million.”
Following Gao Jun's reply, Tao Zhigang replied,"Shanghai is also located in the middle of our country's coastal north-south shipping. It is the hub of the north-south coastal shipping, and is our country's largest river and harbor. The Beijing-Shanghai and Beijing-Hangzhou railroads are connected here, and it is also an important railway hub of our country.”
"Mm, alright! Your knowledge of arts and sciences is not bad either.”Instructor Wan nodded in satisfaction. Then, he summarized the recent situation in Shanghai and said,"Yes, in addition to its superior geographical location, Shanghai has now been built into the largest comprehensive industrial base in China. The total industrial output value ranks first among the provinces, cities, and autonomous regions in the country. Many advanced, precise, and cutting-edge products were developed here, and with its advanced technology and excellent equipment, it supported the economic construction of all parts of the country.
At the same time, he also developed international trade and imported large amounts of materials to all parts of the world.”Instructor Wan paused for a moment before contacting him again."Therefore, choosing you to guard Shanghai this time is the trust of the motherland, and it is also the great trust that the party and the people have given you. You should feel honored and proud!”
After listening to Instructor Wan's words, Tao Zhigang and Gao Jun felt a sense of honor and responsibility.
220.
"Oh-"
Another long whistle sounded, and the army finally entered Shanghai South Station.
Following that, under the arrangements of the personnel in charge of leading the troops, the recruits quickly got out of the tank truck and came to the square outside the station. The whole team boarded the military cards that were already waiting there and headed straight to the Haosong dock.
221.
"Wake up, wake up." Gao Jun stretched out his hand and shouted in front of Tao Zhigang.
"Uh, why are we already at the station?" Tao Zhigang only woke up from his memories when Gao Jun called out to him.
"What were you thinking about all the way? Was it because he remembered too much of the past that he forgot about his hometown?”
"Yes, looking at the scenery on the way back to my hometown, I couldn't help but recall the situation when I joined the army from my hometown.”
"No wonder you look so infatuated.”As Gao Jun helped Tao Zhigang take off his luggage from the carriage, he began to urge Tao Zhigang,"Alright, you don't have to think too much about it. This time, we've really returned to our hometown completely.”
"Yes, after a thousand miles of battle, we finally returned victorious.”Tao Zhigang, who felt lucky, turned around and sighed sadly."Sigh! It was a pity that Huo Dayong, Pan Yue, Guo Yunlong, Zhang Hu, Chen Juntao, and a large number of fellow countrymen would never be able to return to their hometown to reunite with their families.”
"Yes, this is a fact. It's irreversible.”Gao Jun also said tragically," So when we come back, we must always remember to live well for them so that we don't let them down.”
Then, Tao Zhigang followed Gao Jun out of the car and took a few steps forward. He looked at the sky in the distance and called out affectionately,"Da Yong, Pan Yue, Guo Yunlong, if you see us in the sky, Gao Jun and I have brought you back! Please rest assured that we will take you to visit your parents and siblings. I hope that Guo Yunlong will rest in peace in the Yunnan border area and let us meet again in the next life.”
"Alright, Zhigang, it's time for us to go back. Xiang Bi's family members are probably looking at us with their eyes wide open.”At this moment, Gao Jun began to urge Tao Zhigang.
In the end, they walked into the South Edict Station and bought two tickets for the return journey from South Edict to Qingshan Farm.
222.
After about an hour of driving, Tao Zhigang and Gao Jun finally returned to the home of Qingshan Farm.
After getting off the car, Tao Zhigang and Gao Jun bid farewell for a short while. They each took their luggage and rushed to the branch of their parents 'unit with an anxious heart.
He was finally back. He was finally back. Tao Zhigang returned to his parents 'house in the same grass-green military uniform as when he joined the army.
"Dad, Mom, I'm back!" he shouted as he stepped into the room excitedly. "Ah, who's back?" Mother Tao, who had aged quite a bit, walked out of the inner room hesitantly.
"Mom, Gang 'er is back." Tao Zhigang stepped forward and said.
"Ah, Gang 'er, you're back. Is this true?”Mother Tao was pleasantly surprised, but she couldn't believe it.
"It's true, Mom." Tao Zhigang suddenly knelt on the ground and picked up his mother. He could not stop his tears from flowing as he said," Mom, blame me for being unfilial. I wasn't able to stay by your side and make you and dad look forward to me for so many years..."
" Oh, my Gang 'er, my child, you're finally back..." Mrs. Tao hugged her son in tears.
"Yes, Mom, don't be sad. I'm back, and I've won glory for you.”Tao Zhigang turned around and tried his best to comfort his grieving mother.
"Sigh, it doesn't matter if you win glory or not. As long as you can come back safely, it's fine!”Mother Tao patted her son's head lovingly.
"Moreover, I won't leave again after I come back this time. I can accompany the two of you forever.”
"That's great!" Mother Tao suddenly thought of something and quickly bent down to help her son up."Get up, get up. Let Mom take a good look at where you're injured.”
"No, Mom. I'm lucky.”Tao Zhigang quickly stood up straight and showed his mother his face." Mom, look, I'm fine."”
"Cough! In addition, Mom also feels sad that you haven't found someone to start a family yet. You've delayed your own marriage because you're a soldier protecting the country.”After a pause, Mother Tao sighed again.
"Mom, it's not too late for me to come back now. Don't worry too much about me.”
At this time, Tao Zhigang's two sisters-in-law had also rushed home from work.
"Come and see your big brother.”Then, Mrs. Tao greeted her children who had rushed back from work." All of you, hurry up and call me Big Brother."”
"Big brother, you're back." The big brother who had returned took the lead and shouted.
" Big brother..." The little sister who was originally at home also shouted.
"Wow! You've all grown so tall and become adults.”Tao Zhigang couldn't help but sigh with joy as he watched his younger siblings grow up. Then, he thought of something and asked,"Sigh, where's my sister?"”
"Sister has been assigned to work elsewhere. Luyuan might not know that you will be home today. I'll call her later to tell her.”Hearing the question about the elder sister, the younger sister continued to answer.
"Uh, if she's busy with work, don't inform her for the time being. Just come back when she's on vacation next time.”Tao Zhigang quickly tried to dissuade her after hearing her explanation.
"Big Brother, it's great that you're back!”The eldest brother rubbed his hands excitedly. Then, he looked at his mother and said sensibly," Especially a few years ago, when we encountered the 'self-defense counterattack.' It made Mom and the others anxious. They were afraid that you wouldn't be able to come back after going to the battlefield.”
"Sigh, Mom, I'm really sorry for making you suffer and suffer.”Tao Zhigang comforted his mother again. Then, Tao Zhigang suddenly thought of his old father at home." Sigh, where's my dad? Why hadn't she seen him yet?”
At Tao Zhigang's mention, Mother Tao immediately cried out in tears," His father, you saw it. Zhigang 'er is back. He's here to see you..."
"Ah, what happened to my dad?" Tao Zhigang asked in disbelief.
"Dad has passed away." The eldest brother confirmed.
"It's true. He's only 52 years old.”Instantly, Tao Zhigang felt as if he was about to have a mental breakdown as tears gushed out of his eyes.
"Dad died of a sudden cerebral hemorrhage due to years of work exhaustion and high blood pressure.”The big brother continued to explain.
"Then why didn't you tell me earlier?”Tao Zhigang felt extremely indignant and asked,"At least I can come back earlier to see him."”。
"Isn't that what you said? You can have sex with your dad, but he's always been unwilling.”Tao Muhan continued with tears in her eyes," Actually, he started to fall ill two years ago. I tried to persuade him to come back and take him to a bigger medical team for a proper check-up, but he refused. He said that you were in the Yunnan military unit and faced a tense situation at the border, so he couldn't affect you. He asked me not to tell you for the time being and to wait for a few more years. When the situation eased up, it would be your turn to have a family visit leave.”
"Cough!" Tao Zhigang hammered his head and said in annoyance,"Then why did you have to listen to him? Couldn't you have secretly told me in advance?”
"How can that be? It's not like you don't know your father's temper. If he finds out, he won't let you off.”Mrs. Tao continued," Just two days before he was about to pass away in the first half of this year, he felt dizzy and kept thinking about you. We even advised him to send a telegram to ask you to come back and see him, but he still refused. He said that your letter mentioned that the army might have a large-scale military operation in the next few years, and he was afraid that it would distract you from your work.
Therefore, he still advised us to continue to wait and see. Maybe you can transfer to another profession and come back early so that we don't have to bother you anymore.”At this point, Mother Tao wiped her eyes and sighed deeply. However, he did not expect that he would suddenly fall ill and leave on his way to work.”
"Ah, Dad, you're too loyal and honest.”Tao Zhigang said with a heavy heart as he looked around the inner hall. Finally, he officially found his father's portrait draped in black on the table.
On the spot, he once again knelt in front of his father's portrait." Dad, I've gained face for you. I've come back to see you. Please accept my bow."”Then, Tao Zhigang kowtowed three times.
Then, he stood up and offered incense to his father." I'm sorry. I'm late. I didn't fulfill my filial piety and attend your funeral. It really makes me feel sad! Please forgive your son for atoning for his sins and praying deeply for you. Dad, don't worry. Now that I'm back, I'm here to support this family. Everything will be fine. I hope that you will be able to bless Mother's recovery from now on and bless our family.”
Just as Tao Zhigang was grieving for his father, the house was already filled with many neighbors who had come to visit him.
"Ah, Tao Zhigang, you're finally back.”
"Little Tao, it's good that you're back. Did you get hurt when you went to the front? The above has made your mother very anxious."
"Yeah, I saw your mother crying at home all day. She often went to the reception room to ask if there was any news about you.”
"Zhigang, you won't leave again after coming back, right? Your father has passed away, and this family still needs you to support it.”
Seeing that everyone had come to visit him with concern, Tao Zhigang quickly turned around to smoke, pour tea, and sit down with his mother and sister-in-law." Oh, thank you for coming to see me and showing concern for our family.”
、、、、、、
end
Looking at the scene of reuniting with his family and hometown, Tao Zhigang thought of his comrades 'hasty departure and his father's silent early death. He could not help but think of the Song Dynasty writer, Su Shi, who was one of the eight great prose writers of the Tang and Song Dynasties. When the Bright Moon Will Appear, he comforted himself:
"When will the bright moon appear? I take my wine and ask the blue sky. I wonder what year it is in the palace in the sky. I want to ride the wind back, but I'm afraid it's too cold at the top of the palace. Dancing and making clear the shadow, how can it seem to be in the world?
Turn to the vermilion pavilion, low Qi door, light sleepless. There should be no hatred;-Why should I grow so long that I should be round at parting? People have joys and sorrows, and the moon has its ups and downs. It is difficult to complete this since ancient times. I hope that people will live long, thousands of miles together with cicadas.”
A good " sorrow and joy " had finally passed. The living and the dead had been witnessed here. What was life? What was an ideal? What was happiness? What was dedication? Tao Zhigang already had a deep understanding of this. At the same time, he also believed that this would be noticed by most people.
It was conceived in March 1983.
Finished June 2014.
This book is provided by FunNovel Novel Book | Fan Fiction Novel [Beautiful Free Novel Book]