Wujiang County of Wanjiang Province was the eastern gate of the 800-mile Wanjiang River. Because Xiang Yu, the overlord of the Western Chu, committed suicide here, he became famous for thousands of years. Lin Laowei under the Bawang Temple had suffered from floods for nine years since ancient times, and the people in the surrounding ten thousand mu of water area had been poor for generations. The protagonist of this story, Zhu Qin, lived in Lin Zhu Village.
One day in August 1979, the thin and tall Zhu Qin held the college entrance examination score sheet that was only six points away from the admission line. He walked home listlessly while crying. His expression attracted the attention of the villagers along the way.
"Si 'er, what's wrong…"
"Fourth Brother, are you alright?"
"Who bullied you? Tell me."
…
He was a well-known sensible child. He looked handsome, had a resolute personality, and was well-educated and reasonable. His neighbors, old and young, liked him. Moreover, his results in the county's No.1 Middle School had always been in the top ten. However, he actually failed the college entrance examination this time. At that time, the only way for poor farmers to have a good future was to go to college or join the army. He came from Zhu Qin's family, who had no food for the day and night. His parents, three brothers, and one sister, who were over 60 years old, sacrificed their own interests for him to study and go to college. His second brother gave up marriage for him, his sister divorced him because of his financial support, and his third brother gave up school for him. However, fate played a big joke on him. This person who was recognized as a talented person in the county actually failed the college entrance examination with a difference of 6 points. How was he going to face his parents and the old and young at home?
"Zhu Qin, wait for me." Zhu Qin stopped and turned around to see his form teacher, Ms. Qin, chasing after him on a bicycle. " Teacher Qin…" Zhu Qin cried out when he saw his teacher, who was like a teacher and a mother to him." Teacher Qin, I'm sorry. I've disappointed all of you."”
" Child." Qin Chunmei, who was in her forties, pushed the cart with her right hand while her left hand touched Zhu Qin's back lovingly."Be strong, take the exam again next year. Let's go, I'll send you home." Qin Chunmei was afraid that the child wouldn't be able to take the blow and would chase after her.
The Zhu family was located at the east end of the village, close to the Yangtze River embankment. The family of eleven had built six mud thatched huts. In the middle of the house was a five-legged shabby square table (the fifth leg was supported by bricks in the middle of the table). At this moment, everyone in the Zhu family lowered their heads and sighed. Zhu Qin slowly walked to his old, weak, and sickly father and knelt on both knees."Eldest, son is unfilial and has made you and your family work for so many years in vain.”
"Child, get up. We'll suffer for another year.”Zhu Yushan stood up and pulled his son up.
" Si, I don't have to get married. You have to retake the exam for a year." Zhu Wuheng, the second son, had rejected marriage three times because of his younger brother.
" Second Brother, you can't delay any longer. You're already twenty-six," Zhu Wuming's wife, Wu Hua, cried and said,""Even if we have to beg for food, we have to let Second get married and Fourth study again.”
Looking at how his family had nurtured him, he thought to himself, If he failed the exam again next year, wouldn't he…? Thinking of this, the resolute Zhu Qin raised his head and said,""I've decided not to study anymore. I want to go out and learn a craft to earn money. Our family can't continue to be poor.”
"No…"
" Useless child…"
Everyone in the family was trembling with anger…
" Don't say anymore. I won't study even if I die." Seeing Zhu Qin shout, everyone in the room was shocked. Everyone knew that although the fourth brother had a good character, he was very stubborn. Once he used his temper, it would be difficult to pull him back.
" Respect the child's opinion. It's good to learn a craft," Second Uncle Zhu Yuguang said."Even if we get in, we can't afford to study. Eldest Brother had to be hospitalized for surgery, and Second Brother had to get married. So be it, Fourth Son will learn carpentry from my Martial Uncle.”
Third Brother Zhu Wuneng continued,"I'll listen to Second Uncle!"”
Seeing the Zhu family's situation, Teacher Qin, who had been silent all this time, said,"Zhu Qin can learn carpentry while studying by himself and take the exam again next year. I'll help you with all the procedures for re-studying. The math, physics, and chemistry teacher can make up for your lessons at any time. However, you have to attend school as usual in May next year. I believe you will definitely get in next year."
In the winter of 1979, the annual national conscription began. The 18-year-old Zhu Qin signed up for the army with great anticipation.
Zhu Qin was waiting in line for the final physical examination. There were only three people in front of him, all from Sima township. The township index was only six, one for each brigade.
"Zhu Qin!"
"Here!" Zhu Qin's loud and clear reply made an old military doctor at the receiving station very excited.
"Have you practiced martial arts?" The old military doctor looked at Zhu Qin who was lying on the bed and asked.
"Yes, I've practiced Little Hong Fist and military exercises.”
"How many years have you been practicing?"
"I've been doing it since the first day of junior high."
"Are you still practicing?"
"I insist on playing one round every morning, and then I support 120 rounds.”The old military doctor looked at him with a strange gaze and called another middle-aged military doctor over."Director Zhang, come and take a look at this kid's muscle strength.”
Obviously, from the words and deeds of the military doctors and the political review process, Zhu Qin was very excited. There should be no problem this time, right?!
However, fate played a joke on him again. He was not accepted, but the short-sighted and weak son of the brigade was accepted.
Moreover, misfortune never came alone. Just as Zhu Qin was in pain and despair, his carpenter suddenly passed away from a cerebral hemorrhage.
This was really ruthless bad luck that tortured this peasant youth time and time again…
This book comes from：m.funovel.com。