Chapter 1: The Oath (9)

"Ahh That. Then you...."Although I heard something similar from Redbeard's mouth once. Zhang Songling was still a little caught off guard by the old man's honesty. Round eyes. stammered in response." You. You said it. It doesn't matter if you can't read the ** declaration. Look at the ** people around you. You'll know what this party looks like."

"yes. I told you." Redbeard smiled. Slowly turn your gaze to the tomb behind you. Inside the rows of humble tombs. It is his former comrades-in-arms who sleep forever. Their heroic spirits watched him from the sky. Watch what he does. They won't make any evaluations. Just silently watching. Look. Then silently share all his sufferings and glories.

Winter sun shines through the clouds. Shine down from the sky. There is already a faint hint of warmth. The thick snow on the tomb reflects sunlight back into the sky from various angles. It is refracted by the water vapor in the sky. Stack. Moment. Purple and purple. Ruicai tassel. It makes the whole cemetery look like a solemn temple.

The red beard is draped in tassels all over his body. Move slowly through the temple. Every step of the way. all leave a solid footprint in the snow behind them." Back then, Lao Tzu was driven out by Zhang Haipeng's cavalry brigade. I can't beat it. I can't run away. It's about to return to its place. The glasses suddenly opened his throat and shouted. Follow me. Then he turned around and rushed towards the puppet army's horse team."

His mind traveled through time and space again. I came to the terrible battlefield a few years ago." Five people. The five people who had a small meeting together with Lao Tzu on their backs last time. One less. They all rushed out with their glasses. Lao Tzu understood in that instant. What the hell is **."

Zhang Songling had the same experience. Last year was about the same time. Da Zhou, Lao Lu and others in order to cover his illness. He went to his death in anger. Since then. It was only then that he was fully integrated into the Blackstone guerrillas. I really felt the difference of this team.

Silently reach out. He was ready to wipe the remnants of snow off the tombstone of Da Zhou. Unexpectedly, Redbeard suddenly turned his body around. A handful grabbed his hand. Hurriedly and solemnly said: "Back then, I saw what the ** people around me looked like. before deciding to join the party. I can't read the ** manifesto though. But he asked himself if he had not smeared this party. Fatso. Later. What is ** people like in the eyes of others. It's up to you."

"Ahh There was no mental preparation beforehand. Zhang Songling felt that a big mountain on his shoulders instantly pressed down directly. He couldn't stand still. Heaviness. Far more than the moment when he was elected deputy captain of the Blackstone guerrillas. However. He couldn't refuse Redbeard's expectant eyes. I can't bear to refuse. The old man is more than just his savior. His boss. Or his teacher. His elders. His best friend. He can't let the old man down.

Gritted his teeth hard. was about to say a few bold words to reassure the old man. Suddenly. Redbeard let go of his hand again. He laughed like a child." You don't have to say anything. Spoken out of the mouth. Eight times out of ten ++ nine are fake. Especially when you're forced to take an oath. There is no truth in it."

The solemn atmosphere in the cemetery of the "Red Team ......." was instantly destroyed by the chatter of the redbeard god. Zhang Songling couldn't help grinning. I can't laugh or cry." Your old man ...... today"

"Shhhh Signal Zhang Songling to calm down." You don't speak. Listen to me first. Fatso. You don't have to take a stand. I'm sure you'll be like me. There is no way to tarnish this flag. My old man trusts my own vision. Trust in your character too. A mouth is not right. Guy with a full belly of flowers. I can't grow eyes like yours."

Zhang Songling had no choice but to keep his mouth shut obediently. Keep listening. Redbeard looked him up and down several times. A smug face." My old man believes. No matter how good the scriptures. Nor can the crooked-mouthed monk recite. Otherwise. The mouth blows again to the sky. And what it brings with it will be a disaster. The reason why I insist on handing over the team to you to bring. And not just because you're going to fight. It's about believing that you're a good person. There are a lot of good people in a team. The path to take is bound to be dignified. If a team is full of crooked melons and cracked dates. The conch on the mouth blows loudly again. Sooner or later, I'll go to the gutter."

didn't wait for Zhang Songling's train of thought to keep up. He made a second jump." But. A tree grows. Inevitably, a few leaves have been bitten by bugs. It's the same when the family is bigger. A mom's child. And the foolish and the virtuous. If you encounter an unsuccessful one in the future. Remember to keep your eyes open. Don't be surprised by the actions of individual people. It's disillusioned with the whole organization."

"Hmm." Zhang Songling responded in a low voice. It doesn't matter who Redbeard is referring to.

"Learn to be tolerant. Don't be too demanding of perfection. The ruler is shorter. Inch long. Employing people's strengths. Ignore people's shortcomings. It's not talent. A lot depends on how you use it." Redbeard thought for a moment. The subject changed for the third time." Became a captain. There are countless pairs of eyes staring at every move. To do things, you have to think about the long-term consequences. If Zhang Shaoshuai hadn't been impulsive back then. Kill Yang Yuting and Lao Chang. The Northeast Army will not become a plate of scattered sand."

The second half of the sentence. It's a little too far away from Zhang Songling. It sounded confusing to him. Redbeard may not be visible. Maybe you can see it but don't want to talk about it too much. While continuing to walk slowly forward. while allowing your mind to continue to do irregular jumping." Back then, the little devils suddenly attacked the Northeast Army camp. We are tens of thousands. was driven out of sheep by five hundred little devils. Shame on you. It's a shame."

"That's not your fault. Wasn't you just a little company commander at the time?" Seeing Redbeard's emotions was a little agitated. Zhang Songling hurriedly spoke out to comfort.

"How is it not.." The red beard has green tendons on his forehead. Gnash your teeth." If Lao Tzu hadn't been greedy for life and afraid of death. How could a shot not be fired. Obediently took the brethren out of Shenyang City. A whole company of brothers; At that time, the city of Shenyang. Tens of thousands of soldiers."

"Lao Tzu was really his grandmother's son at that time. It's a bad seed. I want to think when Lao Tzu was a little follower of bandits. are not afraid of death. Hey. Became a company commander. On the contrary, it is more expensive."

Maybe it's because I can't forgive myself in my heart. Talking and talking. A few thick green tendons jumped up from his forehead. The teeth also gurgle. Zhang Songling was sad next to him again. Worry again. I can't find any words of relief at this moment. It can only be repeated over and over again. It's been many years since the 918 incident. The old man's later deeds. It's enough to wash away the weakness of the beginning. But the old man's mind was completely in a state of chaos in time and space. It seems to be outside the city of Shenyang. Look back at the home that was handed over. The heartache is overwhelming.

"Shame on you. Shame on the dead. Hundreds of planes. Thousands of cannons. And our Northeast Army's own arsenal. As soon as the machine is turned on. Bullets can be pulled out in boxes. It is said that the Siberian tiger is the northwest wolf. Bullshit. The entire three eastern provinces. I didn't have a handle back then."

"Zhang Shaoshuai is busy in Beijing. Commander-in-Chief Chiang was busy exterminating **.hehe. The old handsome man has been fighting with people all his life with his head. Accumulate a little bit of family money. Between nights. It's all to the Japanese. The consultant is Japanese. The instructor is Japanese. Several military bosses. The concubines raised in the family are still Japanese."

"My son is studying in the East. The daughter and son-in-law work as a manager in the company of the Toyo people. Inside out. It's already rotten and full of holes. This fights. It's no wonder if you don't lose."

"The territory is gone. Also tell everyone not to fight back. Be sure to believe in the League of Nations. League of Nations. Bullshit. You don't fight for his grandmother yourself. The gods can't save it. What else is. People will waste for a bunch of. Offend...... Well. Who.."

Until his waist was hugged by Zhang Songling. The old man finally came to his senses again. looked back at Zhang Songling, who was full of worry. Surprised. What are you doing here. I'm done with today's business."

"I'm done. I heard you were out walking. Just come and have a look." Endure the grief in your heart. Zhang Songling smiled and comforted. Just in a state of madness. The old man himself didn't notice it at all. So he simply didn't mention it. so as not to irritate the other party again. Increase the mental burden of the elderly.

"What about Zhao Tianlong. Why didn't you see him? I don't seem to have seen him in a few days. What did you send him down the mountain for?" The moment you regain your senses. The old man's mind suddenly became extraordinarily clear again. Looking at Zhang Songling's red eyes. Asked repeatedly.

"You asked Captain Zhao. He. He went to Siqin's palace. Isn't this almost the end of the New Year? He went to the palace to get in touch with the feelings. By the way, let's see if there's any news of Siqin." Zhang Songling hesitated. Started to lie.

In fact. Zhao Tianlong went down the mountain with Zheng Xiaobao the day before yesterday. With all the savings that his master had left him. Travel to Changchun, which is controlled by the Japanese. Go to the black market to play with the old and 100-year-old ginseng. According to Uncle Scar. That's the only medicine that can save Redbeard's life. Otherwise. The current situation continues to burn. Within three months. The red beard will run out of oil.

The lie is told seemingly seamlessly. But he can't hide it from the eyes of the old rivers and lakes. Redbeard frowned. A black cloud quickly surged up on his face." Wrong. Go to the palace. It should also be after the New Year. He is the hairy-footed son-in-law of the royal palace. Follow the rules here. A month before that. The hairy-footed son-in-law is not allowed to enter the woman's house. What the hell did he do? What the hell are you guys hiding from me?"

"He. . . He...."Zhang Songling didn't dare to provoke the old man to be angry. I had to tell part of the truth." He and Xiao Zheng both. Went down the mountain to buy medicine. The palace is one of those stops."

"To whom to buy medicine. Didn't I tell you? Don't waste money on me." Hear this. Redbeard's face softened slightly. Continue to frown. Whispered questioning.

"It's not just your old man's medicine to nourish your body. There are also some wound medicines. You have to go to the black market. Takaaki Sakai doesn't know if he's still alive now. We've long since broken off contact with him. Buy Western medicine now. Gotta go to a big city controlled by the Japanese. Acquired through black market merchants."

"Oh." After listening to Zhang Songling's carefully organized lies. Redbeard finally nodded reassuringly. Then go for it. Captain Zhao has rich experience. As long as he himself is not impulsive. You shouldn't be in danger. Don't buy me medicine in the future. It's a waste. There's that money. It's better to go buy a few pigs. It's almost the New Year. I might as well improve the food for the brothers."

"Do you always want to eat pork? There are still a few fans frozen in the cellar. Let's let the room stew tonight. Give everyone a tooth sacrifice." Zhang Songling finally got through the trick. Hurry up and take the initiative to change the topic.

"Talk about it. I'm a little greedy." Redbeard smiled and nodded. Then let's stew vermicelli with pork. It's been a long time since I eaten. This kind of weather. Come to a bowl of pork stewed vermicelli. Take two more sips. The gods don't do it."

The next instant. He has become an ordinary old man from the Northeast again. The corners of the mouth are shiny. The face is full of longing for deliciousness.

The meat on the grassland is dominated by cattle and sheep. Pork is very uncommon. Wide vermicelli originating from the Northeast is also a rarity. It can only be purchased in the warehouse inside the Black Rock Village. But these two points are difficult for Zhang Songling. Taking into account the origin and taste of the red beard. He had already quietly ordered several pigs to be bought from the people down the mountain. They were all slaughtered and frozen in the vegetable cellar. It can be stewed and boiled at any time. As for the vermicelli. Starch soaked from potatoes. Add some alum and you can make it on the spot. Although the thickness is not easy to control. The length is also a little pitifully short. But on the one to pay a pot of pork stew vermicelli. Alleviate the homesickness of the elderly, but it is also okay.

Just do it. After returning to the camp. Zhang Songling immediately went down to the kitchen himself. Commanding Lao Feng and the others to prepare the "big dishes" for the New Year, Redbeard was unwilling to be lonely and followed. While sitting on a futon by the stove and watching the excitement. While chatting with Lao Feng and others. A wrinkled face was lit red by the flames in the hearth. Like a candle burning quietly on a winter night.

"I haven't eaten this in years." See the transparent wide powder being pressed out of the makeshift colander. Slowly fall into the boiling water in the pot. Redbeard said with a smile. At that moment. It exudes satisfaction from head to toe." Pork stew vermicelli. Chicken stew with mushrooms. There is also a stewed blood sausage with pig-killing vegetables. When I was a company commander. These are the three things I like the most. How to eat. It's not enough."

"We have blood sausages too. It's just that the pig killing dish is not easy to get. I'll go down the hill tomorrow. Maybe someone's house is sunburned in the fall. Settle a little bit with him." Elder Feng of the cooking squad had his back to Redbeard. Quietly wipe away tears. Then he stepped forward with a smile. Whisper yes.

"Don't bother so much. Make people laugh." Redbeard swallowed his saliva. He shook his head with a smile. The word spreads. Say I'm a red-bearded hero for a lifetime. When he was about to die, he was hungry to death by a bite of pig-killing vegetables. What a shame for our guerrillas. Can't go. You can't go anyway."

"It's fine. Actually, we're on the team. A lot of people like this. It's not worth much. Let's exchange the dried mushrooms from the mountains with them." Zhang Songling raised his head from the iron pot. Reach out and wipe the mist off your face." Eat pork stewed vermicelli today. Tomorrow chicks stew mushrooms. The day after tomorrow, the whole pig dish will be killed. It's going to be the New Year soon. I have to give the brothers a tooth offering."

"Hmm." Redbeard nodded. No more arguing. The eyes continue to watch the brethren go about their business. Pull the cooked vermicelli out of the pot with chopsticks. Then put it in a large vat filled with cold water to cool down and set. Look. Look. He suddenly thought of the current economic situation of the team. Turned his gaze to Zhang Songling again. Say loudly: "Fat man. this thing. You said you could open a workshop. I remember Shannan over there. There are many people who grow potatoes. If you buy some in the fall. Make vermicelli. Wouldn't there be another source of income for our guerrillas?"

"Hmm. It should work." Zhang Songling didn't dare to sweep the old man's interest. Smile and nod. In fact. Except for a few northeasterners among the partisans . Reclamation in front of the mountain and behind the mountain. Usually from Shanxi. I don't have a penchant for eating vermicelli at all. They may not be willing to spend money on this "luxury".

"That's good." Redbeard did his part for the guerrillas again. Dancing with joy." Felt, soap, leather, vermicelli. Plus the refined salt and fragrant salt on the white side. We can buy more useful things here than in Blackstone Village. Don't worry that the market on Crescent Lake can't be restored."

"I've already sent someone to contact Bai Yin. He promised that he would come forward next year to organize the deal. Such. The Japanese can't find an excuse to make trouble. They won't threaten us with the lives of the traders anymore." Zhang Songling thought about it. Continue to respond in a low voice.

"We're not afraid when we're here. Kodama was not there at the end. Kuniaki Kawada himself alone. We can't help it." Redbeard waved his hand vigorously. Very unconvinced by the supplement.

"Hmm. Indeed." Everyone follows the old man's tone. Echo in unison. Although everyone knows . The strength of the Guerrilla Squad is far from recovering. In a short period of time. It's impossible to fight the little devils in the Black Stone Village anymore.

"But don't be too anxious about revenge. lest you hit the child. Bring the child again." Redbeard thought for a moment. and rejects his own claims." Well. Just let Bai Yin come forward. He is safer than we are. That's right. Fatso. Chinese New Year. Let's also have a little fun with the show. You seem to have told me before. You've been on a propaganda team, right? Can you organize a similar one in the mountains?"

"Okay." Zhang Songling pressed the starch dumplings hard. Say yes loudly. The steam rising from the iron pot swallowed his young face. It also covered up all the sadness in his eyes. Redbeard's behavior today is very unusual. It was so abnormal that it made him feel a little ominous. So he will not refuse any request from the old man. lest it become an eternal regret.

"Sing festively. Forget it if you cry and cry. A bunch of big guys. Don't pretend to be grandchildren." Redbeard slapped his face happily. Keep out loud the suggestion.

"Okay. Just sing a happy tune. Don't be sad." Zhang Songling responded without hesitation. At the same time, he pointed to another stove with pork stew. Whisper to Lao Feng." The vermicelli is ready to be served now. Remember not to cook it for too long. After making it, let's put a bowl per person to taste it. And then I'll prepare the pot for everyone to eat in the evening."

"Hmm." Old Feng, who was burning the fire, jumped up. Staggered to the stove.

The rest of the people in the kitchen also sensed that something wasn't quite right. Secretly observe the state of Redbeard with his eyes. The old man's face was very ruddy. Both eyes are full of the luster of life. It doesn't look like a sick person who has been bedridden for a long time. The old man spoke with a lot of energy. The mind is extremely clear. Good ideas are also coming out of my mouth one after another. It seems like a night. It's time to finish the next year's work. It's too late.

"The propaganda team should become a permanent department. The people inside can work part-time. But the shelves should be erected as soon as possible. No matter how hard the days are. The morale of the brethren cannot be lowered."

"Among the captive horse thieves. If there is a good performance in labor. Consider pardoning them early. They are better than ordinary people. What is lacking is discipline and faith."

"And. After the beginning of spring, field training will be carried out in a hurry. It is still dominated by light cavalry. Although there is an argument that the hussars are outdated . But we don't have cars or cannons. Only what ingredients can be used to do what dishes. Don't be in fashion."

"When interacting with Bai Yin. Remember to keep an eye on it. This man is too smart. It's too ruthless. It's Zhou Heizi. Although he was born as a bandit. But his conscience is not clear. Just be careful that he doesn't get overshadowed by the people from the south around him. It won't be too much of a threat to us......"

"Siqin's ......"

"Paulig is a ......."

........

Zhang Songling agreed loudly. I kept every word of Redbeard's advice firmly in my heart. The elder of the cooking class, Feng, moved faster and faster. The sooner the faster. Grab the first time. Serve a steaming bowl of pork stewed vermicelli. Caught in Redbeard's hand. But Redbeard no longer has the strength to move his chopsticks. Tilted his body in Lao Zheng's arms. Smell the aroma of pork stewed vermicelli with satisfaction. One last request was muttered: "Fatty. Let's sing a song. Other. Don't cry. Big guys. It's a bit of a show. I. I don't want you to cry. Crying to send me ....."

"My home. On the Songhua River in the northeast.

There are forest coal mines there.

And the soybean sorghum that is all over the mountains-----" Zhang Songling wiped away his tears. Raise your head. Singing loudly.

"My home is on the Songhua River in Northeast China.

There are my compatriots there.

And that old daddy ......"

Lao Feng, Lao Li, Xiao Xu, Xiao Sun. The fighters in the kitchen beat the beats with iron spoons and chopsticks. Harmony in unison,

"Ninety-one-eight. Ninety-one-eight.

From that miserable time.

Away from my hometown......."

Countless warriors joined in. Sing the desolate song throughout the camp. Spread it slowly. Spread it out. Spread throughout the wilderness.

"Woooooooooo Whining.. "On the prairie. A pack of tired wolves listened sideways for a moment. Suddenly raised his head. Let out a long howl.

"Woooooooooo Whining.. Woooooo Endlessly.

It's night. There are superstars falling into the wild. The wolf howls and covers the sky.