"You have a lot of things on your hands, and you probably have some use. But you're missing a bit, Jingyi. Tao Xiang held the cigarette butt in his hand. A fiery red glow burned his fingers. He didn't feel hot or hurt. "If I am not a gentleman, why should I fear the name of a hypocrite? So you don't have to keep those things, even if they spread the word—the news that Mrs. Tao herself spread will increase its credibility. But with these in exchange for what you want, the door does not. So far, I have never been afraid of anyone, nor have I been afraid of things. ”

He looked at Jing Yi's face that had just flushed a little because of excitement, the blood color was gradually fading, and his hand slapped on the arm of the sofa, gently patting the rhythm.

"I will stay; Cheng Zhichen is still in my hands - if you want a divorce, you have to give them up. Can you afford it? He leaned slightly and moved closer to Jingyi.

There was a smile in his beautiful eyes, and Jing Yi couldn't help but raise her hand and wave it at him.

He didn't move, and a loud slap was given to him in the face.

"Despicable." She scolded.

Tao Xiang nodded and said in a low voice: "Nan Nan is your life, Cheng Zhichen is your responsibility, you can't give it up." Ignore them, just talk about it. When you are willing to give up, come and talk to me about divorce. ”

He stood up and picked up the lighter he had dropped on the coffee table.

"However, I also have to think about it, even if you don't leave, can I hand it over to you to raise?"

"Tao Xiang." Jing Yi looked up at him.

For a moment, Tao Xiang almost thought that she was about to cry, and even threw herself into his arms...... He stood still.

But she didn't.

She whispered, "I hate you so much." ”

"I believe in you." Tao Xiang said, looking away from her, "Otherwise, how would you do this?" ”

Jingyi watched him go and said, "For the sake of Nannan, I can do anything." You'd better believe that. You think about it, and I'll wait for the day when I put pen to paper. ”

Tao Xiang said: "What I just said, you also think about it carefully. ”

He didn't look at her again and walked out.

The door was not closed, and the light from the outside came in, dragging a long line of light and shadow.

Jing Yi stood in this light and shadow, listening to the large and small voices outside gradually disappearing into the low noise of cicadas in the summer night......

Tao Xiang walked into the courtyard and found that it was raining outside.

Li Dalong was waiting at the gate of Langyuan, and when he saw him walking alone through the courtyard and heading outside, he hurriedly held an umbrella for him and invited him to get into the car.

Tao Xiang raised his chin, and large raindrops fell on his face.

He pressed down the brim of his hat and said, "I want to go." Don't follow. ”

Li Dalong didn't say much.

Tao Xiang took the umbrella from his hand and walked all the way from Langyuan to Xuanrui Hall.

Someone had already reported that Mrs. Tao had heard that Tao Xiang was coming, so she walked out of the back room and sat on the main seat. Coming out behind her was Tao Yinze.

The old aunt and sister-in-law sat firmly, and Tao Xiang also entered the door.

"Grandma, grandma." Tao Xiang bowed deeply to the two.

In the past two days, my grandmother summoned me several times, but he excused himself on the grounds that he was busy with military affairs. Presumably, the grandmother also knew that although he was busy, he was avoiding her, in order to understand that the grandmother must be Jingyi's mother and daughter if she wanted to talk to him.

His father was sick, and his mother threw herself on that side with all her heart, and when she learned about this, she couldn't bear the temper of her grandmother and aunt, and urged him to come back quickly several times.

He also had to come back to see the kids.

Standing here at this time, it was as if all the moisture outside the house had followed him, wet and cold from head to toe.

"You still know how to call us grandma." Old Madam Tao is downplayed and authentic.

Tao Xiang stood, silently responding to his grandmother's enduring anger. Knowing that speaking at this point would inevitably anger my grandmother.

On the night the child was delivered, the grandmother was furious and immediately had him called. Just in time for my father's illness to recur, I endured it for a while. The grandmother had wanted to send the child back. But he sent someone to guard Langyuan, and the 61 lines were cut off. He gave an order, and his men listened only to him. The grandmother was afraid of the hot weather, but she tossed the child sick, so she didn't break in, and if she spoke, unless he didn't go home again, she must have asked him to come over and make it clear.

He had always been comfortable in front of his grandmother, but he had not spoken a word for a long time.

Suddenly, a nimble little creature ran up to his feet, crouched on the ground and looked up at him—it was his grandmother's sleeved monkey. Every time he comes, as long as it's not in a cage, it's bound to play with him. Seeing that he ignored himself at this time, the little guy actually climbed up his trouser leg...... He stood still. An unbearable tingling sensation on the calf.

Mrs. Tao clapped her hands.

The Sleeve Monkey ran away. But strangely, the unbearable tingling sensation spread from his legs, making him uncomfortable all over...... When he looked up, his grandmother and aunt were staring at him.

"Grandma, auntie, I've done the thing, if you are not satisfied, please teach a lesson." He said.

"And now I can teach you a lesson?" Old Madam Tao raised her eyebrows, but her voice was not high.

Tao Xiang bowed his head.

"Did you know that the child is only four months old and still breastfeeding?" Mrs. Tao's tone was unhurried, "She gave birth to a daughter for the Tao family, which is a great achievement." Even if she violates the criminal law, she can't help but look at the child and open up to her. ”

After she finished speaking, the hall fell silent.

Tao Yinze was unusual, sitting quietly on the side, just looking at Tao Xiang.

"Grandma, since you are here with grandma, please take care of her. For the time being, I'm not going to send her back to Jingyi. Tao Xiang said.

When Mrs. Tao heard this, she was stunned for a moment, and after a while, she asked, "What is the matter?" ”

Tao Xiang was silent.

"If it's related to military affairs, then I won't ask you. If not, tell me what's wrong...... No, no matter what, you have to send the girl back immediately...... You take Nannan, Jingyi doesn't eat water and rice for two days, does this mean that you want her life? Old Madam Tao asked sharply.

Tao Xiang's heart sank.

Seeing that his face was more relaxed, Mrs. Tao's tone was also softened, and she said, "You go and see her." What to say to your face. Nan Nan is still with me today, and tomorrow no matter what, I will send her over. ”

Tao Xiang didn't immediately agree.

Old Madam Tao seemed to be about to get angry immediately, but she endured it. After thinking about it, Tao Xiang didn't answer the question he asked just now, he acquiesced, Jingyi's matter must be more than just a quarrel between the two...... Her heart was shocked and she looked at Tao Xiang.

Tao Xiang's gaze was a little evasive, and Mrs. Tao was even more suspicious in her heart.

"I've already been to see her." Tao Xiang said.

Tao Inze frowned and asked, "Is that there no negotiation?" What's the matter, is it getting out of control? ”

"Grandma, I want to go in and see the girl." Tao Xiao nodded to Tao Yinze and did not answer her words.

Old Madam Tao stared at him for a while before she said, "You haven't seen you for two days, and you know that you are distressed and missed." You think about Jingyi. ”

Tao Xiang was silent, and was led to the back room by Chen's mother.

The girl was placed in the room of the former Eryi. There is only a carved grille from Mrs. Tao's room, which is very convenient to take care of.

At this time, the maid was sleeping, Tao Xiang entered, and the nurse and the maid hurriedly saluted.

Tao Xiang looked at Nannan. Her two little hands were up, one left and one right next to her little head. He reached out and touched her little hand...... She held his fingers in her sleep. The soft, small hand that couldn't feel the joints at all made him stick to his fingers, allowing him to hold that position without moving.

It was a long time before he covered her with a small quilt and walked out.

Just as when he went out, the two old ladies in the hall sat there without even changing their posture, and their eyes were still wide when they saw him.

Yinxuan came in quietly and said that Luo Ruitang's mother Song was ordered to pick up the old aunt and wife back.

Tao Inze said impatiently to let them wait outside, the hookah snoring.

When Tao Xiang was about to leave, Tao Inze stopped him. Tao Xiang waited for his aunt to speak, not wanting to wait for a while, but Tao Inze said, "I forgot what I was going to say." There you go. ”

Tao Xiang left, and the hall was quiet.

Old Madam Tao looked at Tao Yinze and asked, "Auntie, what did you want to say just now?" ”

Tao Yinze said softly: "It's true that Jingyi, this kid is gentle and virtuous, and it's even more true that he is fierce and tough in his bones...... Brother Xiang is transparent in everything, and when he moves to the still, he will make mistakes. There are some things in front of me, which are already heartbroken in the two compartments, and this time I am afraid that it will be screwed again. It's just that everything can be clicked through, but this is the same, others can't say it and can't help. I mean, if it's the two of them, they really can't get over it right now, so don't force it. ”

Old Madam Tao said softly: "Auntie, what do you mean ......"

"I hope not. But if it happens, you have to leave it behind. Tao Inze tapped her crutches and sighed leisurely.

"The bloodline of the Tao family can't be taken away." Old Madam Tao said in a low voice.

The two of them were talking, when they heard someone talking outside and asked Yinxuan to take a look, and only after a while, Sister Tao Yinrun came in. Because they have been in Xuanruitang for the past two days, the two of them are also used to entering the door quietly. Seeing that the sister-in-law and eldest sister had gloomy faces, the two sat down for a long time and only said some innocuous words.

"When I came in, I saw Brother Xiang'er, and my face was very unsightly." Tao Yinrun said softly.

"The children have all been brought here, are they going to be broken up in two?" Tao Yinqing took the cigarette roll in his hand and was stunned for a while, "Don't say that no one can think of it." This is nothing new. Since she entered the door, the Tao family and Lao Qi made an exception for her, not once or twice. It's a big deal that the Tao family has never had a big event because of her this time. It's enough to watch them toss in the past few years, but I feel sorry for this kid......"

"No matter what, don't alarm Sheng Chuan. Besides, there are young people, and there are good honey oil blends after a day or two. Tao Yinrun said.

Tao Yinqing was stunned for a while and said, "It's hard for me to see it." ”

"You are not allowed to say more about this." Tao Inze said to his two younger sisters. The two of them silently agreed.

Old Madam Tao was also silent, and the Buddha beads in her hand twisted quickly.

A baby cry came from the back room...... Mrs. Tao snapped the Buddha beads, got up and walked inside.

`

`

`

As time passed, Tao Shengchuan's condition became more and more serious. Dr. Lübeck was again brought in from Shanghai, and after examining him, he was diagnosed with a recurrence of lung cancer. He didn't say how long he could last his life, but just told the Tao family to be mentally prepared. Dr. Lübeck did not return to Shanghai immediately, and at Tao Xiang's request, he would stay here and take all possible measures to relieve Tao Shengchuan's pain.

When Jingyi heard that Tao Shengchuan was seriously ill, she asked the guards to tell Tao Xiang that she wanted to visit. Tao Xiang didn't stop him this time, and immediately let people go.

When Mrs. Tao and the others saw Jingyi, they were shocked.

The weather was very hot, and Jingyi came out to change her solemn clothes in order not to lose her manners in front of her father-in-law. The pale yellow color was originally very elegant, but it made her face extremely bad. When they arrived at Yanxi Hall, they insisted on saluting Mrs. Tao first. Standing there and looking at them, his eyes were fixed on Mrs. Tao, and he wanted to ask his daughter. Before she could speak, her eyes turned red. Looking at her like this, Mrs. Tao still didn't understand anything, and waved her hand to let her go in to visit Tao Shengchuan.

As soon as Jing Yi turned around, Old Madam Tao's face sank.

Tao Yinze's dragon head crutches were all fighting chaotically, and he gritted his teeth and whispered: "Wait for Lao Qi to come back, see if I don't beat him with a cane!" ”

After she finished speaking, she didn't wait for Mrs. Tao to say anything, she stood up tremblingly and went out with the help of Mother Song. Mrs. Tao raised her eyes and watched her go out, and when she turned her face and saw Tao Shengchun, she also had a complicated expression, so she motioned to her daughter to send Tao Inze back to Luo Ruitang. She stood up and followed into Tao Shengchuan's room—at this time, Mrs. Tao was sitting beside Tao Shengchuan's bed, and Jing Yi was standing at the end of the bed with her hands down.

Tao Shengchuan saw Jingyi coming to greet her, and talked to her with a pleasant face.

Jingyi was already sad, but seeing that her father-in-law was already sick, she still had to care about whether she was unwell, so she could hardly hold back her tears. She didn't dare to say a word more, for fear that she would cry in front of her father-in-law...... She could only nod or shake her head in reply.

Tao Shengchuan saw that she was sad, but he came to comfort her and said, "Don't be sad, Jingyi." You should know that patients are optimistic and always live longer. ”

Jingyi nodded.

"You have to take care of yourself, too." Tao Shengchuan is kind and authentic.

Jingyi nodded vigorously, and tears finally couldn't help falling.

"I haven't seen her in a few days. Are you afraid that I will scare the child? Tao Shengchuan said, turning his face to look at his wife, "Go back and let Jingyi bring me to show me." ”

"Okay." Mrs. Tao agreed.

Jingyi covered her mouth tightly, not daring to make a sound.

Mrs. Tao looked at her, and she couldn't bear it, so she whispered a few words of comfort. Jingyi just nodded.

"Jingyi, come with me." Mrs. Tao couldn't stand it anymore, so she told her son to have a good rest, and said that she would come to see him tomorrow and take Jingyi away.

Mrs. Tao sent them out, and Mrs. Tao said, "Let Jingyi follow me to see Nan Nan before leaving." The seventh child wants to know, if he has anything to say, let him come and talk to me. ”

Mrs. Tao nodded.

When Jingyi heard this, her whole body trembled.

Mrs. Tao reached out and shook her hand and led her to the sedan chair.

Jingyi followed Mrs. Tao to the door of Xuanrui Hall and got off the sedan chair, and after only a few steps, she unconsciously arrived in front of the old grandmother. Seeing that no one was stopping her, she ran all the way to the house. In fact, she didn't know where her daughter was put at all, but she ran through the main room of Xuanruitang and to the room where she used to be. Jin Xuan Yinxuan, who saw her enter the door, hurriedly called Grandma Qi, but she didn't dare to make a loud noise, and watched her push the door into the house - there was a small wooden bed in the center of the room, covered with a gauze tent, and wasn't it her daughter lying inside?

The nurse and the nanny were standing by and saw her busy coming to stop her.

Jingyi pushed them away, went over to open the veil tent, and saw her daughter who had not been seen for many days, and the person almost immediately softened there. She helped up the cot and bent down to pick up her sleeping daughter. With tears on her face, she kissed her daughter's tender little face...... The nurses looked at her worriedly. Mrs. Tao came in, waved her hand to them quietly, and let them all go out.

Jingyi couldn't stop kissing her daughter. Nan Nan woke up, was uncomfortable by Jingyi, and was about to cry, so she reached out and grabbed the placket of her clothes. Jingyi knew that she wanted to breastfeed. Without hesitation, she sat on the edge of the bed and unbuttoned her shirt.

Her little transparent mouth pouted her breasts, and her heart almost stopped. But after a while, she couldn't get milk, and she opened her mouth and cried...... Jingyi was stunned, looked at Nannan, and suddenly cried with her daughter.

She hugged her tightly, crying and choking. Mrs. Tao came over to pick up the girl, but she refused to give it.

"Obedient, Jingyi, let the nurse feed you...... I'm hungry. Mrs. Tao took the child from Jingyi's arms and asked the nurse to comfort her.

Jingyi watched her daughter eat milk in the nurse's arms and quieted down, grabbed Mrs. Tao's hand, and finally cried. Gradually, the man fell to her knees, and in a low voice, she said, "Grandma...... Grandma, I hate him...... I was wrong, but he shouldn't have punished me like that...... Grandma, I can't stay here anymore......"

Jingyi buried her face in the old lady's arms and cried bitterly.

Mrs. Tao buttoned her up and wiped her tears.

"Don't talk nonsense." She said, touching Jingyi's face.

Jingyi shook her head, and big tears rolled down.

Old Madam Tao held Jingyi's shoulder, saw that she was crying sadly, and said, "Jingyi, now is not the time to talk about this. You can bring the child back first. I know your pain. ”

Jingyi kowtowed to her.

She didn't say anything more, stood up, took her daughter from the nurse's arms, turned around, and saw Tao Xiang standing outside the door.

She hugged her daughter tightly, for fear that he would take her away again.

He didn't stop her from taking her daughter, but whispered, "Go back, someone is waiting to see you." ”

Jing Yi stared at him deadly, curtsied to the old grandmother with her daughter in her arms, and ran out of the door......

Tao Xiang and the old lady watched Jingyi's mother and daughter being carried away by the sedan chair, and no one spoke for a long time.

"Grandma." As soon as Tao Xiao spoke, Old Madam Tao turned around and walked towards the main seat, sat down, and looked at him with a deep and stern gaze.

"You've seen this, what are you going to do?" She asked.

Tao Xiang was silent.

"What's the matter here?" Old Madam Tao asked.

"Grandma, eldest sister and eldest brother-in-law are back. Also coming with the three young grandmothers of the Cheng family. The eighth sister had planned to come over immediately, but Wen Mo had just passed the dangerous period, and she still needed some time. Tao Xiang said.

Old Madam Tao was silent for a moment and looked at Tao Xiang.

"Your eldest sister, they can come over smoothly, and it is also a favor for them." Old Madam Tao said, "Since the third young grandmother is here, she must also go to see Jingyi." ”

Tao Xiang was silent.

"It's not right to force them to separate their mother and daughter. No matter what the adults do, they can't wronged the children. And your father is sick. Let Jingyi take the child. Later, more on that later. Mrs. Tao said.

Tao Xiang nodded.

Jingyi cried bitterly in her grandmother's arms...... She had never cried like that in front of him.

His heart was originally very numb, but when he saw her crying and saying that he hated him, his heart was like someone holding a needle to pick a hole, and he didn't feel anything at first, and it would take a long time before he felt pain.

And it hurts, it's getting worse and worse.

……

Jingyi carried her daughter into the door, but she never expected that it was Suo Yanlin who was waiting for her in the living room.

Suo Yanlin saw Jingyi and immediately came over.

"Jingyi, you ......" Suo Yanlin looked at Jingyi in front of her, no matter how calm she was, she was inevitably speechless in surprise.

"Third sister-in-law." Jingyi shouted softly. She didn't dodge, looking at the wild goose.

Suo Yanlin looked at the baby she was holding and asked softly, "Can you hug it?" ”

Jingyi shook her head.

The daughter she just took back, no one wants to give it.

Suo Yanlin was stunned, still looking at the baby girl in swaddling clothes, and said softly: "It's really good...... It's like you. Look at this little mouth and little nose...... I don't know how happy my father and mother will be when they see it! ”

Jing Yi looked at her daughter's pink little face, and couldn't help but soften her bowels. Only then did she stretch out her arm and allow Suo Yan to hug her. Suo Yanlin took the child lightly, was helped by Jingyi to sit down, and looked at it carefully.

"I can't get enough of it." Suo Yanlin said, looking at Jingyi.

"Why is the third sister-in-law here?" Jingyi asked. She asked the wet nurse to carry her daughter upstairs. Calm down, it's time to talk to the third sister-in-law. Tao Xiang also said that someone was waiting here to see her. She could probably understand why the third sister-in-law came...... She looked at her third sister-in-law, Suo Yanlin, looking very tired. This should not just be the result of a long-haul flight. This period of time must not be easier for her than the third brother.

She also has to admire the bravery of the third sister-in-law.

"Uncle Tao is seriously ill and should come to visit." Suo Yan avoided the heavy and light.

"After the third sister-in-law visits, let's leave quickly." Jing Yi said softly.

Suo Yanlin looked at her and said, "In addition to visiting Uncle Tao, I also want to see him." If the purpose of this trip is not fully achieved, it will not leave. ”

Jingyi had just cried bitterly, and bringing back her daughter made her feel refreshed for a short time, and after listening to Suo Yanlin's words, it seemed that her spirit was about to be scattered, and she became dizzy again...... She was silent for a while.

"Even if you want to persuade him, you have to let me see him. I'm relieved to make sure he's safe. Suo Yanlin said. She held Jingyi's hand, "I talked to Mu Zhixian about it. He never promised me that he would not hurt his life. ”

"Third sister-in-law," Jingyi lowered her head. Suo Yanlin's hands are still dry and stable, and he really has the bearing of Mount Tai collapsing in front of him and his color remains unchanged. She sighed and sighed in her heart. How fortunate the third brother is, if marrying a wife is like this...... "The third sister-in-law should understand Muzhi." He always said he could do it. The conditions he offered remained the same. The third brother always knew it. The third sister-in-law came to lobby Mu Zhi, it was better to let the third brother understand as soon as possible. However, the third sister-in-law doesn't have to worry too much at the moment. The purpose of the pastor is not to cause chaos in the world, but to enable all parties to unite with the outside world. hurt the third brother's life, that was the last step...... Don't force him to do this. Otherwise, under the nest, there are eggs? ”

Suo Yan looked at Jingyi.

"The third sister-in-law once told me that she would give priority to the third brother everywhere. To this day, I can see that the third sister-in-law is true. But the third sister-in-law must understand that the third sister-in-law treats the third brother like this, and the premise must be that the third brother is correct. Otherwise, the third sister-in-law is aiding and abusing. Jing Yi's voice was hoarse.

Zhang's mother came over and served them tea.

Suo Yanlin took a sip of it, turned her eyes to look at Jing Yi, who was looking at her intently, and said, "I understand what you mean." I came today, in addition to expressing my attitude to Makiyuki, I also want to visit you. After a year's absence, I always worry about whether you are good here. ”

Jing Yi said softly: "Jing Yi thank the third sister-in-law. ”

Suo Yanlin looked at her and said, "Before I came, I thought that maybe with your advantage in the Tao family, I had to ask you to find a way to mediate. Today, it seems that you have your problems. Even if I am in a hurry, I should not embarrass you. I think you've done your best. ”

Jingyi was stunned. She understood what the third sister-in-law meant, but she actually hoped that she could do something to rescue the third brother...... She took a breath and told Suo Yanlin frankly: "Third sister-in-law, forgive me for being incompetent. ”

"That's not what I meant." Suo Yanlin saw that Jingyi's face was even more ugly, so he hurriedly explained.

Jingyi said: "Third sister-in-law, frankly speaking, it is indeed inconvenient for me to meddle in this matter again, otherwise it will only backfire." ”

Suo Yanlin asked in a low voice, "Then ...... you?"

"The third sister-in-law still takes care of the third brother. As for me, don't worry about it...... The Tao family didn't embarrass me. The Venerable Master treated us very well. For Nannan, it is more regarded as a pearl in the palm of your hand. The third sister-in-law doesn't have to worry about me at all. When she comes here, the third sister-in-law should be careful everywhere. Jingyi said.

Suo Yanlin nodded and said softly, "I've wronged you, Jingyi." If there's anything you need help with, be sure to let me know. ”

"Thank you, sister-in-law. I wish my third sister-in-law a speedy fulfillment of her wishes. After Jingyi finished speaking, she fell silent.

Suo Yanlin understood that this was what Jingyi meant by sending off guests. It was also inconvenient for her to stay for a long time, so she told Jingyi where she was staying, and left with her secretary.

After she left, Jingyi went upstairs and saw her daughter lying peacefully on her little bed, she leaned over and kissed her...... A big tear fell on Nannan's lips, and Nannan's small mouth sucked and sucked in.

She hurriedly wiped her face. While wiping, her tears poured out again.

61

61

61

Suo Yanlin's lobbying of Tao Xiang naturally did not play a role. However, two days later, Tao Xiang ordered Suo Yanlin to be allowed to pass through the blockade zone and meet Cheng Zhichen. The time is only half a day. When Suo Yanlin returned to Lanzhou City to meet Tao Xiang again, he still brought back Cheng Zhichen's tough attitude.

Cheng Zhichen did not compromise, Tao Xiang did not give in, and the matter was still at an impasse. Cheng Zhichen has been besieged for a long time, and he is gradually on the verge of running out of food. The reinforced Central Army was isolated by Ma Zhongcheng's troops. Not only is it a rat trap, although the white faction in the southwest has been hit hard and is still regrouping, it echoes the northwest army from afar, and its strength should not be underestimated, which also makes it impossible to act rashly.

Suo Yanlin, who was stranded in Lanzhou, was anxious, and Cheng Jingyi, who was staying in the Tao family, was also living like a year.

At this time, Tao Shengchuan was getting seriously ill, and the Tao family was worried about it. Seeing that it is the Mid-Autumn Festival, Mrs. Tao ordered people to prepare for this year's Mid-Autumn Festival. But on the eve of the Mid-Autumn Festival, the first section of the Central Army stationed outside the customs clashed with the Japanese army. Within a few days, the conflict quickly turned into a northeastern incident that shocked China and the rest of the world, and the flames of war spread rapidly. The northeastern defenders' front, which was retreating one after another, had to retreat back into the pass. Duan Fengxiao sent an urgent telegram to Nanjing asking for instructions, asking Nanjing to give instructions on retaliatory strikes against the Japanese army. Duan Fengxiao, who had no order to fight back, had to stand still.

Tao Xiang was furious when he learned of this and gave Cheng Zhichen an ultimatum.

Cheng Zhichen did not respond immediately. So Suo Yanlin was allowed to enter the Tiger Leaping Gorge again. This time, she did not return in time.

Tao Xiang originally didn't want to talk about it with his father, but although Tao Shengchuan was seriously ill and dying, he was a lifelong person of Rong Ma, and he always paid attention to the current situation, and his mind was extremely sharp. The whispered conversations of his three sons with the senior generals of the Northwest Army, Xiao Dunhuang, and others who came to visit him, alerted him. He summoned Tao Xiang to his bedside.

Tao Xiang had no choice but to tell his father about the cause and effect.

"At present, there are no strange voices within the Central Army. If Cheng Zhichen still insists on going his own way, I will no longer sit idly by. My attitude on this matter has also been telegraphed to Uncle Bai. Tao Xiang said.

"What do they mean?" Tao Shengchuan asked.

Bai Huanzhang's father and son have always been clear and firm in their united front with them. But at this time, if they want to go to war, it is difficult for them. Bai Huanzhang said that he focused on Tao Xiang's thoughts, and also revealed the meaning of retreating. Tao Xiang understood their hesitation at the moment. He confessed this to his father.

Tao Shengchuan pondered for a long time and looked at his son Tao Xiang.

Father and son looked at each other.

"Old Seven," Tao Shengchuan nodded, "compromises sometimes have to be made. ”

Tao Xiang looked at his father and did not make a sound.

"If at this time, you blindly detain Cheng Zhichen not for personal gain, you will also be criticized for this. The original intention of this war was to unite against Japan. If the Japanese are allowed to take advantage of the chaos because of this, the gains outweigh the losses. Tao Shengchuan said.

Tao Xiang nodded and said, "Yes, father." I understand what's at stake. ”

"You must enlist the support of your colleagues in the Northwest Army, and you must not act arbitrarily. For today, many officers and men of the Northwest Army have shed blood; In the future, there will be more officers and soldiers of the Northwest Army to sacrifice against Japan...... This is not your personal business, nor is it just the business of the Northwest Army, this is a major matter for the country and the people. Tao Shengchuan's voice was low and clear.

Tao Xiang stood up and solemnly saluted his father.

Tao Shengchuan raised his hand, nodded, and said, "Go ahead." ”

Tao Xiang looked at his father, who was seriously ill and still did not lose the calm and heroic spirit of a soldier, and couldn't help but have blood boiling in his chest. He turned around and went out, and Tao Si and the others who were waiting outside looked at his face and fell silent for a while. Although Tao Jun couldn't see clearly, he also noticed something strange from the tense atmosphere in the room.

Tao Xiang's gaze passed over their faces one by one, and he said in a deep voice: "Please come with me, I have important matters to discuss with you." ”

Tao Jun breathed a sigh of relief, and when Tao Si and Dunhuang and others came out, Tao Xiang was left to go with him. He stopped Tao Xiang.

"I can probably understand what you're talking about. The stakes are so high that I no longer have a military position and it is inconvenient for me to participate. Tao Jun said in a low voice. He looked up at Tao Xiang. At this time, Tao Xiang stood in front of him, his figure was tall and majestic, which made people sincerely admire. He also sighed, "But no matter what decision you make, I will support it." And I also believe that your decision must be the right one. Father, Ah Si and I, the Tao family, will support you and become your strong backing. ”

Tao Xiang looked at the eldest brother and also saluted him.

Tao Jun waited for his younger brother to leave, and then asked his son Qilin'er to come in, and told his son to pay attention to proportions when he saw his grandfather, and then Fushun pushed the wheelchair into the room.

Tao Shengchuan, who was closing his eyes on the bed, opened his eyes at this time. Seeing the eldest son and eldest grandson, I only said that you are here.

"Father, rest." Tao Jun saw that he was tired, and hurriedly said.

Tao Shengchuan looked at Tao Jun and didn't speak for a long time.

Tao Jun looked at his father and said softly: "Father, don't worry, we will help the seventh brother in the future." ”

Tao Shengchuan nodded.

"Daddy, is Uncle Seven going to war?" Kirin asked.

Tao Shengchuan touched Qilin'er's head.

"Father, the seventh brother is the real soldier...... Lin'er, you want to be like your seventh uncle in the future, understand? Tao Jun said.

……

The next day, Tao Xiang, accompanied by Dunhuang, only took a few followers to Tiger Leaping Gorge, entered the camp of the Central Army, and met Cheng Zhichen.

Cheng Zhichen, who had been besieged in Tiger Leaping Gorge for more than a month, saw Tao Xiang coming, and also opened the camp door to welcome him in.

Tao Xiang went straight to the point and asked Cheng Zhichen to agree to immediately electrify the whole country and make every effort to resist Japan. And his condition is that the Northwest Army will accept the reorganization of the Central Army.

Cheng Zhichen didn't answer Tao Xiang for a long time.

Seeing this, Tao Xiang motioned for the two of them to take a walk outside the tent.

Tiger Leaping Gorge is very low, with cliffs on both sides, and deep valleys.

After walking for a long time, the two were still silent.

Tao Xiang looked back, Cheng Zhichen's entourage followed from afar, and the people brought by Xiao Dunhuang also followed. Seeing him look back, Xiao Dunhuang made a small gesture of inquiry. Tao Xiang nodded slightly, reassuring him.

Tao Xiang stood down, and Cheng Zhichen also stood down. The two of them were standing outside a dense forest.

Tao Xiang looked at the dense forest and said, "When I was twenty years old, I won my first battle here. That's when I really made my ambition clear. I will be a military soldier for the rest of my life. ”

"A lot of people know that you can fight well after you return home. Very few people know how great the impact of the Battle of Tiger Leaping Gorge on the situation in the northwest was great. Cheng Zhichen said.

Tao Xiang said: "I want Tiger Leaping Gorge to be remembered because you made the right decision." The Northeast incident shocked the whole country. There is a consensus in the Shinong business circles that joint resistance against Japan is the trend of the times, and you always don't want future generations to judge you, and you will be called a person who has lost power and humiliated the country, and is greedy for life and afraid of death. I believe that you will be a person who puts the people of the country first. ”

The two men stood side by side for a long time, and no one broke the silence.

A moist and cool breeze swept through the valley, and the sound of leaves and running water stirred through the valley......

Dunhuang looked at them from afar.

His hands were always on his waist. He doesn't trust Cheng Zhichen.

The wind in the valley was getting colder and the sky was getting late, and neither of them had any intention of turning back. He couldn't help but doubt again whether Tao Xiang could successfully reach an intention with Cheng Zhichen on this trip...... Just as he was about to try to remind Tao Cheng to leave, he saw Tao Cheng and the two turn around at the same time.

Cheng Zhichen turned around and stretched out his hand to Tao Xiang.

The hands of the two were held together and did not let go for a long time. Then they walked towards him together—though they were not smiling, and even their expressions were a little serious and heavy, but they could be seen to be much lighter in color.

When Tao Xiang passed by, he glanced at Dunhuang.

Dunhuang suddenly understood.

He followed Tao Xiang closely, and his mood was also a little excited.

When entering Cheng Zhichen's temporary headquarters, Cheng Zhichen specially stopped and shook hands with Xiao Dunhuang.

He said to Tao Xiang: "The generals under your command have really made me suffer. ”

Xiao Dunhuang said: "I hope that in the future, we will only let the Japanese invaders suffer." ”

Cheng Zhichen was stunned for a moment, and patted Dunhuang's shoulder with a smile.

On the same day, Cheng Zhichen sent a telegram from Tiger Leaping Gorge to the whole country, announcing that he would join forces with the Northwest Army and the Southwest Army to resist Japan. When Tao Xiang left, he also held the armistice agreement signed by the two sides.

Tao Xiang was escorted by Dunhuang and returned to Lanzhou City safely. Subsequently, Tao Xiang ordered the Northwest Army to retreat, and let Cheng's troops retreat through Shaanxi into the territory controlled by the Central Army.

This great war, provoked by the Central Army, ended in a form acceptable to all parties.

When Cheng Jingyi heard the news, she didn't dare to believe it immediately. A few days after the Northeast Incident, the development of the situation is becoming more and more worrying and indignant, and at this time, Tao Xiang's compromise seems so precious...... Obviously this is something to be happy about, but she is not happy at all.