Chapter 1: Early Spring (Eight Below)

When people drink alcohol, their thinking will diverge. Chatting and chatting. We talked about the current situation." The "77 Incident" has been blowing up for more than a year and a half. The slogan of 'three months to destroy China' shouted by the little devils earlier. Apparently it has long been completely blown into a blown cowhide. And the squadron wants to regain lost ground. But it doesn't happen overnight. From Taierzhuang to Wuhan. Almost every successful campaign. All of them have given the people infinite hope. However the situation then developed. But it always darkens those hopeful eyes again.

Nearly two-thirds of the country is occupied by little devils. Any man with the slightest bit of blood. There is a deep unwillingness hidden in my heart. Especially after seeing what the little devils are doing in the occupied area. This unwillingness is even more suppressed like underground magma. A slight chance. It will erupt with billowing flames.

This is not a change of dynasty in history. A change of dynasty is just a change of emperor. In most cases. It doesn't have much to do with the common people. And the little devil didn't treat the Chinese people as human beings at all. Robbery, killing, rape, torture. All kinds of beasts are inferior to their behavior. It happens almost every moment in broad daylight. Despite the traitorous newspapers saying 'East Asia Co-Prosperity' every day, the little women on the beach write about the wind and snow every day. Can be printed in ink into lies. But it can't cover up the bloody facts in any way.

"Big brother's hometown. Are little devils bullying people like that?" While eating mutton. A partisan asked casually.

"Can you not bully.. When have you ever seen a little devil reasoning.." I've been a little drunk. Zhang Shouling no longer speaks like at the beginning, and every sentence is carefully considered. Put down the wine bowl. Sighing in response. The steward Sun of our county and Taiyang Bank rode a horse to the countryside to worship Daxian. That's a figure with a head and a face. Just because I forgot to dismount and salute the plaster flag to the devil when I passed the turret. The little devil in the turret swept him off the horseback with a machine gun. The whole person was broken into three."

"Shhhh Damn."" Damn little devils." The crowd gasped. While scolding sympathetically. Due to the thinness of the army. The little devils stationed in the Black Rock Village. The behavior is much more convergent. But even so. The people are still hoping that the little devil will get out of the way as soon as possible. I really don't know how the people in Zhang Songling's hometown can swallow their anger.

"Big brother's hometown. There are no guerrillas? Just let the little devil be so arrogant.." With a bit of alcohol. Another guerrilla asked reluctantly.

"Yes. Why not.." It's as if he's been insulted. Zhang Shouling explained loudly. Iron-blooded hoe gang. Loyalty and righteousness save **.There is also your Lunan detachment of the Eighth Route Army. And so much more. I can't stand the fact that our hometown is close to the railway. It's easy for little devils to transport troops. Whoever provokes them. In the blink of an eye, a large group of soldiers and horses can be brought over." (Note 1)

"Ugh." Everyone shook their heads and sighed. There is a railroad across the doorstep. In terms of opening up a guerrilla battlefield behind enemy lines. It's a big hassle indeed. The reason why the area around the Black Stone Village has evolved into the current three-legged situation. Two factors are the remote location and poor traffic. Doing great work in it. The little devil even sent troops from the nearest Hung Yen Garrison Command. You have to drive for four or five days. Wait for their car to arrive. Cucumber vegetables have long been cold. It's not like Lunan's side. The battle ahead has just begun. The reinforcements of the little devils in the back have already taken the train to kill everyone right under their noses...

"But those little devils in the turret. Nothing good came of it." lest I embarrass my hometown. Zhang Shouling continued to add loudly. Steward Sun has a brother who worships his son. It is the big boss on Qinglong Mountain. On the night of the funeral for Steward Sun. And he took his brethren and slew them. A fire. Roasted all the devils and puppet soldiers in the turret into charcoal."

"Good man." Redbeard raises the wine bowl. Took a big sip." And then what. Didn't the little devil take revenge on them?"

"How can you not retaliate." Zhang Shouling also accompanied him to take a sip of wine. The voice grew muffled." The next day. A brigade of little devils with two regiments of puppet troops. He surrounded Qinglong Mountain. The two sides played "ping pong" for three days and three nights. Listen to Dr. Xu in our county hospital. The corpse of the Light Puppet Army. More than 100 ...... were brought back."

"Finally. And finally. Say it quickly. Did the heroes of Qinglong Mountain finally break through?" Zhao Tianlong listened to the blood in his veins. Pulling Zhang Shouling's arm and yelling.

"Nope." Zhang Shouling shook his head. Speak in a lower voice." More than 700 heroes. None of them stand out. The head of the big boss of Qinglong Mountain, Du Laohu. It's still hanging at the gate of the West City. It's all rotten and all that's left is the skeleton." (Note 2)

"Phew." The wine bowl in Redbeard's hand was thrown to the ground by him. It cracked into countless petals at once." How can this be.. How can you make a good man. He was insulted like this after he died." Regardless of the presence of outsiders around. And he shouted angrily." What are the other local anti-Japanese armed forces doing to eat.. Do you want to collect the corpse of the hero? Is it a difficult thing to do? Grandma's. It's just that I'm afraid of death again. I can't be afraid to be like this."

This is down. The attack surface is too wide. Not only did they load the Kuomintang troops behind enemy lines. Even the guerrillas of the Eighth Route Army did not fall into any good condition. Zhang Shouling is afraid of causing trouble to his younger brother. Quickly shook his head. Stammered and added, "Also. . It's no wonder that no one dares to care about this. That one. That West City Gate. Facing the train track. There may be a devil's patrol car driving by at all times. Moreover. Besides, Du Da is in charge of him. He is neither a man of the government. Nor are you eight-way people. He. He's a mountain king. The kind that collects security fees everywhere with his brothers."

"But he killed a little devil." Redbeard glared at Zhang Shouling. Retorted with a red face. Lao Tzu doesn't care if he's a Kuomintang or **.First of all. He is us Chinese. No way. I'll have to react to the military division. If the military division does not matter. Lao Tzu led people to kill him himself. I don't believe it. That's a long railway. The little devil's patrol car can still be idle for a second without leaving Lao Tzu behind."

"Teng." A small flame instantly lit in Zhang Shouling's stomach. Heat his heart. Heat his bone marrow. It burned his whole body to the point of boiling blood. He's seen ** people before. Those who were "rooted" by Han Fuqu as saboteurs. Or it looks polite and elegant. Or behave in a righteous and awe-inspiring manner. Death is like home. There is never one. Like Redbeard, a hot-tempered little old man. It made him feel so dear. So true. It's so real that he almost forgets the identity of the other party. Just want to lift the wine bowl. Have a few rounds with each other. Drink him and get drunk.

He does the same. I can't help but say that I snatched the wine bowl from my brother's hand. After pouring a full load, he held it to Redbeard with both hands. For each other's righteousness. For the other party's sentence 'He is us Chinese.'. The guerrillas also raised their bowls in return. To the brotherhood between Brother Zhang and Captain Zhang. Brother Zhang came thousands of miles to the guerrillas as a guest. After drinking four or five bowls of wine in a row. Almost everyone forgets who they are. Have a good drink.

How much alcohol was drunk at that time. Zhang Shouling can't remember at all. When drunk to the fullest. He also cut the boot gang with a dagger on the spot. I found four small gold bars from inside. Give it to Redbeard with both hands." Red. Master Hong. This. That's a little bit of my heart. You. You take it to buy bullets to kill. Kill the little devils. Sheet. Zhang is also . There is also a family business to take care of. Otherwise. Otherwise it would have been a long time ago. Put the gun on your shoulder."

"That. That's not going to work. The war is in chaos. You. It's hard enough to start a small business. I. How can I take your money again." Redbeard also drank so much that his tongue was numb. Waving hands. Speak incoherently.

"You see. Look down on me. Be. Isn't it. I. Our old Zhang family though. Although not as much as it was back then. Didn't do that. These are a few gold bars. Also on. I can't open the pot.." Zhang Shouling holding the hand of the red beard. The gold bars that were taken out refused to be recycled anyway.

"That. That I. I'll do it for you. Take it for you. Donations do not donate. Wait. Wait. The wine sobered up. We. Let's talk about it." Redbeard was squeezed out of options. I had to put the gold bars in my pocket first. Then continue to pull Zhang Shouling to drink wildly.

Drink until you are unconscious. Zhang Shouling didn't mention the matter of taking his younger brother away. The next day after the wine woke up. I also forgot the original purpose of my trip. It's Redbeard. I can't bear to let him donate all the money he does to the guerrillas. took advantage of the time when Zhang Songling pulled his brother to look at the scenery everywhere. I sent someone to ride back to the camp. The bath salts that have just been produced in recent days. Go and take ten pounds of each sample. Counted as a gift from the guerrillas to the Zhang family. Ask Zhang Shouling to help bring it back to the old man.

"How's that going to work. Our guerrillas are still counting on this thing for food." Zhang Songling was very embarrassed. Insist on not collecting. Redbeard gave him a neck hug. smiled and scolded: "Less. Our guerrillas people. It didn't come out of a crack in the stone. . . I can't do my filial piety under my parents' knees. I can't buy some gifts for my parents yet.. These days you are playing with your brother though. We'll take care of the rest. If you don't entertain good guests. Look back and look at your skin."

"yes. You go and play. Look, big brother has been here many times. I guess I haven't had a lot of fun at once." Zhao Tianlong also stepped forward. Command with a smile.

"That. That ...... "is hard to refuse. Zhang Songling had no choice but to accept everyone's kindness. With his brother. The number of places of interest and the beautiful scenery around the Crescent Lake can be counted in the right banner of Uziyet. I walked around them all. When the guerrillas who had been sent to the Lamagou camp to get bath salts rushed back. The bazaar has come to an end. Not only were the goods needed by Zhang Shouling purchased by Zhao Tianlong, Zhao Xiaoshui and others. In addition to bath salts. The team members also gathered a bunch of fox skins, medicinal herbs, topaz and other objects. It also counts as a gift. Shoehorned into the carriage of the old Zhang family.

Zhang Shouling was very moved. If you take out the money, you have to invite everyone to drink. Redbeard wouldn't let him break the bank. As the owner. A special banquet was set up for him to practice. Pro. I didn't forget to write him a donation voucher. The righteous act of sending charcoal to the guerrillas in the snow from the Zhangjia Warehouse is clearly described. Leave it to the future to find a chance to repay the situation.

After you have eaten and drunk. Zhang Shouling drove the carriage. Embarked on the journey home alone. In order not to bring disaster to the Zhang family. He left a day early. Don't partner with anyone else just yet. Instead, he chose to stay away from the Black Stone Village. Then find another caravan on the way back. Redbeard was also very considerate and did not lead the guerrillas to send them off with great fanfare. Instead, Zhang Songling was given another day off. Let him get his brother to safety. Then see the situation yourself and turn back to the team.

Parting is imminent. Both brothers are a little reluctant. From Crescent Lake to Akikazehara. From the autumn wind plain, it was sent to the drinking horse stream. Until you can see the famous megalithic altar next to the black stone village. I had to jump out of the carriage. Wave goodbye.

"This. You take it." It's like a trick. Zhang Shouling looked from inside the empty clothes. Three more small gold bars were found. Gently slapped into the palm of my brother's hand." Buy a gun, buy a gun. It's time to recruit and buy troops. If one day money is really tight. So I asked another vendor to bring a letter to the head of the house. Just say you're my best friend. There is no money to do business on the grassland. I'll find a way to make it up for you right away."

"No. I don't need to. There really isn't a need." Zhang Songling seemed to be burned. Hurry up and push the gold bars outward. Because of his own participation in the anti-Japanese team. The family's business has been a big drag. At all costs. He didn't want to put more burdens on his father and brother.

"If you want to take it, you will take it." Zhang Shouling glared. Like my brother when he was a kid. Scolding." Obedient. Poor family rich road. Don't argue with me. Even if our business is not as good as before. Just scrape together a little money and come out. That's enough for you to spend two or three years.."

"Yes. But .......," Zhang Songling muttered. Tears flowed down uncontrollably. Being a son can't help the family. I'm ashamed enough. is so old and continues to search for the blood and sweat of his father and brother. What a shame does he have.!

It seems that he can guess what is on his brother's mind. Zhang Shouling stood on tiptoe. Wrap your arms around his shoulders." Don't grind. You have to have a heart. Just make a name for yourself. This year. It's better to do anything than to ride a horse and straddle a gun. If you are all good men like Redbeard and Iruyunlong. Sooner or later, there will be a day when the world will be won. Until then. You don't need to help the family for anything else. Just ride a horse. Bring your guards. Go back to Lucheng and take a turn. Our inn. I am still worried that I will not be able to restore the prosperity of the year... Until then. Even if Taihe Commercial Bank. I'm afraid I'll have to look at your big brother and my eyes to live."

"Poof." Zhang Songling was amused by his brother's philistine appearance. No wonder my brother had to donate money to the guerrillas. It turned out to be a long-term investment. But it's unclear when the little devil will be driven away. Now I think of the world belonging. This vision. It's a bit too long-term. Besides, in the future, it will really be ** sitting in the world. According to the current proportion of the guerrillas' sacrifices. Whether I will survive until then depends on two questions. He even rode back to his hometown to show off his might.

I don't want to ruin my brother's good mood. He put away the gold bars. Laughing perfunctorily." Well. Then I'll do a good job. You tell your dad too. I'm fine here. Let him not worry about me all the time."

"How can you not be concerned.." Zhang Shouling's arms tightened. Laughing and shaking his head." When I was your age. Your sister-in-law has come in. And you're ......."

Suddenly. He remembered what Zhang Songling had said to him. Quickly changed the tone. Tentatively asked, "I remember you told me. You're in Niangzi off. She was rescued by a hunter and her daughter. How old is that girl? What is your name.. Old Orion to save you. It's not just because you're brave in battle."

"She. . . Her name is Meng Xiaoyu. This year should. It should be ten. Eighteen ......." thought of Meng Xiaoyu. Zhang Songling's face suddenly turned red to the base of his ears. It's been a whole year since I left. He still can't forget the night before he parted. The blazing flames in the cave. But what should I have to do with Meng Xiaoyu? He really couldn't give a definite answer. Although after that night. Meng Xiaoyu's hair style changed from a girl to a young woman. But I don't remember anything. And the Mongolian doctor is old and scarred. But more than once I swore by it. I'm still a little virgin like a fake.

No need for any explanation. When I saw my brother's flushed face. Zhang Shouling thought he had guessed the answer. I said it. You're going to avenge her no matter what. That's what happened," he patted his brother on the shoulder. He laughed out loud. I'll leave this matter on me. You can rest assured. The daughter-in-law of our old Zhang family. You can't be left out and alone."

"It's not. It's not what you think." Zhang Songling waved his hand again and again. Would like to explain a few words. I don't know where to start. I struggled for a while with a red face. only to sigh. He whispered, "This battle. I don't know when I'm going to fight. Let's not delay people."

"Fart." Zhang Shouling glared at him again. Count it out loud." Fight. You don't have to marry a wife and have children. If only the whole country were like you. The war will be fought for another twenty years. Where are you going to recruit new soldiers? You don't have to worry about it. Wait until I get home and deliver the goods. Send someone for her at once. If only our father had known about this. I don't know how happy I should be."

"No. It's not." The more Zhang Songling explained, the more unclear it became. I was so anxious that I stomped my feet." I. I don't really have anything to do with her. It's really nothing."

"Oh. That's what I thought was wrong." Zhang Shouling didn't believe his brother's words. but pretended to be misunderstood. Respond with a straight face." Then I don't care. Hi. I thought I could make my dad happy. It turned out to be a misunderstanding.".

At this moment. He didn't want to argue. What the hell is going on anyway. Inquire quietly yourself, and it will be clear. Why bother at the time of parting. It's too unpleasant to have a quarrel with my brother.

I saw my brother look like he didn't care about himself. Zhang Songling was worried about Meng Xiaoyu again. Thought about it. Whispered a pleading, "Hmm. You. If you really want to help. So I sent someone to inquire how she was doing. Give her some more money to start a small business. Her family lives in Longquan Village, fifty miles north of Niangzi Pass. His father's surname is Meng. He is a well-known hunter. On that side is the mountains. She's another girl's family. It's hard to be alone."

"Ahh OK." Zhang Shouling pulled his younger brother's clothes flat. While casually perfunctory." I'll send someone over to inquire. It really doesn't work. Just find her a living in Lucheng. It's better than a girl's house. They are helpless all day long in the mountains."

"Hmm." Zhang Songling nodded. There was a hint of relief on his face. What my brother said is a good solution. did not live up to Meng Xiaoyu's life-saving grace. And it won't make her watch for herself, a person who doesn't know when she might die, for no reason.

'Sample. Still pretending to be with me. I've watched you grow up.' Zhang Shouling quietly despised his younger brother in his heart. Laughing and jumping into the carriage." Then I'll go. You should go back quickly. Don't come out for too long. Worry your captain."

"Be careful on the road. Able to walk with people. Get in a buddy as soon as possible." Zhang Songling helped his brother sort out the rope that tied the goods. Again and again.

"Don't worry about it. Salt I've eaten. More rice than you've ever eaten." Zhang Shouling broke out another mantra between the two brothers. Laughed and raised the whip." Drive."

The colt pulling the cart barked twice in a low voice. Slowly raise his hooves. Towing a wagon. Re-embark on the journey home. Zhang Songling reluctantly followed a few steps. Stop. Keep waving to your brother." That one. That mother. Lady off ......"

"Got it. Long-winded." Zhang Shouling swung his whip hard. Haha laughs." Feel relieved. I eat more salt than you eat rice. Sample.."

"I eat more salt than you eat rice. Sample ....... "Until the carriage is far away. Smug laughter still echoes across the prairie.

The correctness of this statement. It took many, many years later for Zhang Songling to have a personal experience. That year. The Lunan regional government follows the instructions of the central government. Carry out the socialist transformation of the city. As a major shareholder of the largest store in Lucheng County. Zhang Shouling was undoubtedly made a capitalist. After hearing the news. He immediately pinned all the donation vouchers of the Zhang family to the Lamagou guerrillas and the ** anti-Japanese armed forces around Lu County during the Anti-Japanese War on the robe. personally blocked the gate of the regional government. Scolding and scolding the government has no conscience. Sit firmly and forget the favor of the year. Forced government workers to be lawless. After repeated explanations. I had to pick up the pen again. The word 'small' was added before his 'capitalist' identity.

It's the difference between this one word. Let Zhang Shouling escape many hardships after that. When he was over seventy years old, he died peacefully drunk on the hot kang. Zhang Songling himself. Also because of my brother's rogue behavior. Benefit for life.

Note 1: Iron and Blood Gang Gang. They are all anti-Japanese armed forces behind enemy lines developed by the military system. The former is mainly composed of urban youth and enthusiastic students. The latter are mostly green forest heroes who are unwilling to be slaves of the country. Although many of the heroes of the green forest have also done bad things to harm the people before they were co-opted. But in terms of the national festival . But it is worthy of the word hero.

Note 2: During the Anti-Japanese War. In addition to the teams behind enemy lines of the two Kuomintang and Communist Parties. There are also many civilian armed forces that have come out to resist spontaneously. Since there is no intelligence support and unified command. These civilian armed forces are dealing with the "purge" of devils. The ending was particularly tragic. As long as you refuse to surrender and become a traitor. Basically, all of them were wiped out.