Episode 44 Promotion

In a lounge, Xiuxiu curled up on the sofa, her tears were not dry, and she didn't cry anymore, staring blankly at the paintings on the opposite wall.

Qiu Yun took the handkerchief and lovingly wiped the tears on her face.

Xiang Xiaoqiang seemed a little uncomfortable. The fiancée, who can still move her hands and feet in the morning and is wanton and frivolous, becomes a princess at night, which is too much of a change.

At this time, he should have hugged Xiuxiu in his arms to comfort him, but Xiang Xiaoqiang had a psychological barrier, tied his hands and feet, and was timid, for fear that Xiuxiu would feel that it was not Xiuxiu who was hugging him, but the identity of this princess.

In fact, Xiang Xiaoqiang is the standard self-discipline. Xiuxiu shrunk into a ball at the moment, holding her body with her arms, extremely lonely in her heart, and very much hoped that Xiang Xiaoqiang could hold herself like in the car in the morning. It's just that this man, who usually likes to take advantage of himself, is like a Yanagishita Hui at the moment, and the rules can no longer be rules. She is not as bold as Qiu Qiu, she takes the initiative to give her arms, she will never be able to do it.

"Oops, look at you two!" Qiu Yu couldn't stand it anymore, so he pushed Xiuxiu to Xiang Xiaoqiang, his heart was sour, and he said angrily, "Xiaoqiang, Xiuxiu is so pitiful, you just sit there stupidly." ”

Xiuxiu fell into Xiang Xiaoqiang's arms, her face against his chest, and she sniffed twice, gentle like a kitten.

Xiang Xiaoqiang hugged this genuine Ryukyu princess, his heart was pounding, and he didn't dare to touch his hands everywhere, but he just comforted him clumsily.

…… God, is this a treasure?

Just now, Xiuxiu had made it clear and refused to recognize the King of the Ryukyus as his father, only admitting that he was his mother's daughter. Xiang Xiaoqiang asked her how she recognized Concubine Chen, Xiuxiu just said that when she was in Ningbo Naval University, her mother was seriously ill and the family had no money, so she really had no choice, and received a telegram from her younger brother, saying that her mother asked her to go to Nanjing Shangwangfu to ask for living expenses. Xiuxiu was very surprised at the time, and she didn't know why her mother was sick and why she could ask for living expenses from Shang Wangfu. After thinking about it, his surname is Shang, maybe he is a relative of Shang Wangfu.

When he arrived in Nanjing, he timidly found Shang Wangfu and reported his mother's name. Who knew that it was like stabbing a hornet's nest, a lady asked her to be brought in, first tried like a thief, and then humiliated and scolded her mother, scolding her mother for how she was with King Shang back then, and said a lot of unbearable things. Xiuxiu listened to it like five thunderbolts at the time, and she didn't believe it at all. After the lady finished scolding, she asked Xiuxiu to be kicked out, ignoring Xiuxiu's kneeling and begging, and she didn't give a penny.

Xiuxiu was eager to save her mother, and came to the door to beg for several days, and finally the prince Shangrong went out and passed by the door, seeing that this girl really looked a little like herself, maybe it was really her sister, and on a whim, she took out a few Mingyang from her pocket and threw it to her. But it was this act like sending Hanako away that finally angered Xiuxiu. She threw down the banknotes and left the Shang Wang's Mansion without looking back. At that time, she cried and swore that she would never set foot in this place again in her life.

In the end, he went back to school and opened his mouth to Qiuyun. Qiu Yu didn't say a word, and asked the family for a sum of money for Xiuxiu, saving her mother's life.

Xiang Xiaoqiang and Qiu Yu glanced at each other, and Qiu Yun nodded, indicating that there was such a thing.

Xiuxiu sobbed again and said to Qiuyu:

"I'm sorry...... I haven't had the money to pay it back, Qiuyun, I'm ......"

"What are you talking about?" Qiu Yun made a gesture and slapped her, "Begging for a beating!" ”

Xiang Xiaoqiang asked: "That lady is this Concubine Chen, right?" ”

Xiuxiu nodded.

As for who Xiuxiu's mother was and how she met Ryukyu King Shanggui back then, Xiang Xiaoqiang and Qiu Yu were very curious, but they both knew that it was best not to inquire about it. This is the sore spot in Xiuxiu's heart.

"Xiang-sama."

Xiuxiu stuck to Xiang Xiaoqiang's arms and whispered.

"Ahem," Xiang Xiaoqiang looked at Qiu Yu and said curtly, "Xiuxiu, you are still the same as Qiu Qiu, call me Xiaoqiang." ”

Xiang Xiaoqiang obviously felt that Xiuxiu's heartbeat was speeding up, and after a while, he heard Xiuxiu still whispering:

"Xiang ...... My lord. ”

Alas, this girl hesitated for a long time, but she still couldn't change her words. Maybe at this moment, like herself, the more she wants to avoid this princess identity, the more timid she becomes. Isn't Xiuxiu afraid that she thinks she is relying on her noble status and her words are presumptuous? At least tonight, when this incident first came out, she would never dare to change her name to "Xiaoqiang".

Xiang Xiaoqiang sighed:

"What's wrong?"

"I ...... I don't want to get the medal anymore, I ...... Just want to stay in this room. ”

"Gah?" Qiu Yu was anxious when he heard this, "How can this be done, this is Her Majesty the Empress......"

Xiang Xiaoqiang stopped Qiuqiu, plucked up his courage, picked up Xiuxiu's face, stared at the porcelain doll-like skin, and the eyes with tears, and said slowly:

"Xiuxiu, you have to be brave, don't care about that Concubine Chen, you remember, you are the princess of the Ryukyu Kingdom, and no one can change this. Those people outside will only envy you, and as soon as you go out, they will come to please you......"

Xiuxiu gently broke away from his hand, took a deep breath, and said very resolutely:

"Lord Xiang, from now on, the word 'princess' will never be mentioned again. I don't have anything to do with that family at all. I'm just my mom's daughter...... I never had a father. I am Xiuxiu, a second lieutenant of the Ming Navy and an adjutant of Lord Xiang. I'm still ......."

She blushed, bit her lip, and it took her half a day to muster up the courage to continue:

"Or ...... Or the fiancée of Lord Xiang. ”

Xiang Xiaoqiang's heart warmed, and he felt a wave of relief spread throughout his body. He hugged Xiuxiu into his arms again and kissed her gently on the lips.

Qiu Yun stood up and muttered:

"I'll ...... I'm going to see if the award ceremony has begun. ”

Then he went out quietly.

……

Tonight's "main course" - the award ceremony began.

Concubine Chen and Shizi originally thought that Xiuxiu came here tonight, just as Xiang Xiaoqiang's fiancée, and came with him, and when they saw Empress Zhu Yourong personally wearing a first-class plum blossom medal on Xiuxiu's chest, their eyes were straight.

At this point, Xiuxiu finally has the first-class plum blossom medal like Qiuqiu.

Lieutenant Colonel Rommel, staff officer of the People's Guard Mobile Unit, Major Gao Dayi, commander of the 1st Motorized Infantry Regiment, Major Zhang Ruhai, commander of the 1st Motorized Infantry Regiment, Major Sun Baoguo, commander of the 2nd Motorized Infantry Regiment, Major Fan Boping, commander of the 3rd Motorized Infantry Regiment, and Captain Shi Shengli, commander of the 1st Tank Battalion, each received a first-class Plum Blossom Medal.

Xiang Xiaoqiang, commander of the People's Guard, Li Gensheng, commander of the People's Guard's mobile team, and Wang Hantang, commander of the capital garrison, each received a higher-level - the Order of the Vermilion Bird of the Second Class.

Several division commanders under Wang Hantang who were effective in combat also won the first-class Plum Blossom Medal. Among them was Hou Hekun, the commander of the 26th Division, the division commander who humiliated the deserters. He himself was wounded, and he came hanging on his arm.

After the medal was issued, the men stood together wearing the medal and the photographer took a photo.

When everyone was about to come forward to congratulate, the door reported loudly:

"Chief of the General Staff of the Supreme Command - Master Zhang Zhaoxian has arrived!"

Everyone whispered for a while, and they all got out of the way. A gray-haired old marshal strode in with his hat in his hand and a sword.

This is another heavyweight. Everyone was speculating in their hearts, could it be that there was some change in the battle situation, and they rushed to report to His Majesty? Or did the old marshal not look at His Majesty's "medal party" and came to advise?

But looking at His Majesty's confident smile, and the two officers holding something behind Zhang Zhaoxian, everyone felt as if it was not what they imagined.

The old marshal Zhang Zhaoxian was full of seriousness, first bowed to Zhu Yourong, and then turned around, looked at the row of young people wearing medals, and smiled.

Call! Everyone breathed a sigh of relief, it seems that they didn't come to His Majesty to be unhappy.

Zhang Zhaoxian ordered:

"Lieutenant General Wang Hantang, commander of the capital garrison, and Colonel Xiang Xiaoqiang, commander of the People's Guard, please take a step forward."

Wang Hantang and Xiang Xiaoqiang didn't have time to think about it, raised their legs and took a positive step, and stepped out neatly.

Zhang Zhaoxian smiled slightly and announced:

"In view of the outstanding talents and outstanding contributions shown by the two in the defense of Nanjing, after the study of the Supreme Command and the General Staff of the Army, I ask Your Majesty for your permission, and today I am promoted to the rank of Lieutenant General Wang Hantang and Colonel Xiang Xiaoqiang to the rank of Major General."

With a gesture, the two officers beside him held two trays, each standing beside Xiang Xiaoqiang and Wang Hantang, Zhang Zhao first took off their epaulettes and collar badges, and then picked up new epaulettes and collar badges from the tray and put them on.

Xiang Xiaoqiang felt a burst of ecstasy in his heart, his chest kept beating, trying to control his expression, but finally he couldn't control it and grinned.

Looking to the side, Wang Hantang couldn't close his mouth, with the same surprised expression on his face. It seems that he was also unaware of it in advance.

After Zhang Zhao first put the rank of major general on Xiang Xiaoqiang, he shook hands with him and said with a smile:

"Congratulations, General Xiang."

To the general!

He will be a general from now on! The military rank is finally commensurate with the position of "commander".

Xiang Xiaoqiang's face flushed with excitement, and he held the old marshal's hand tightly:

"Thank you, sir!"

Then "snap" to stand upright and salute. Zhang Zhaoxian also saluted him.

Xiang Xiaoqiang realizes that he may be the youngest general in the history of the Ming Dynasty. I couldn't help but feel a lot of emotion in my heart. I have only been in Daming for more than a month, and I was just an "intermittent paranoid" patient released from the Jinyiwei class room, and I didn't even have a piece of clothing. To this day he has become a young general. Isn't there a movie called "From a Slave to a General"? Although he has a higher starting point than a "slave", he can be regarded as "from a small strong to a general......

Zhang Zhaoxian took a set of military uniforms from his entourage and held it to Xiang Xiaoqiang. Xiang Xiaoqiang respectfully took it with both hands.

Wang Hantang was originally a general's uniform, and he only needed to change the epaulettes of the collar badge to be promoted to the rank. But Xiang Xiaoqiang only had a school official uniform, and he was to be issued a set of general uniforms.

Xiang Xiaoqiang held this precious general's uniform, and saw that under the big-brimmed hat, the uniform was folded squarely, and the cutting and decoration were one grade higher than his own. And it seems to be all wool. Of course, there are more than that, there are also summer uniforms, spring and autumn uniforms, military uniforms, training uniforms, military uniforms, overcoats, capes, new sabers, guns, leather boots...... It's just a ritual.

After the award was completed, the two turned back, facing the guests in the venue, receiving a tidal wave of applause. After a few more flashes of white smoke, the photographer captured the moment into the image.

The subordinates of the two below applauded the most, and they were all applauding their superiors. Especially Xiang Xiaoqiang's people, almost all of them slapped red, and their faces were red with excitement. They knew that Xiang Xiaoqiang had been promoted to general, and it would soon be time for them to rise to the top.

Qiu Yu slapped her face excitedly, her face full of happiness. Xiuxiu also smiled, she felt as if it was God's compensation, although she experienced the pain of revealing her identity tonight, but now she is immediately compensating for Xiaoqiang. Xiang Xiaoqiang is now all his dependence, or the support of his mother and younger brother. In the future, once there is something, there is no need to go to the Shang Wangfu to beg for that family...... With tears in her eyes, Xiuxiu was happy for Xiang Xiaoqiang from the bottom of her heart, and she was also happy for herself.

The core award and title ceremony was completed, and in the applause, tonight entered the core program.

At the beginning of the buffet, the atmosphere returned to the beginning of the casualness, the guests held champagne, held the plate, around the table to pick up their favorite food to eat, three by two laughing and talking.

The center of the topic is nothing more than two: the youngest general newly released tonight - Xiang Xiaoqiang, and the mysterious Ryukyu princess - Shang Xiu.

In order to protect Xiuxiu, Xiang Xiaoqiang asked Qiu Yu to send her back early first, and then come back as his female companion.

In front of everyone's eyes, the "mysterious princess" with the medal lowered her head, wrapped in Xiang Xiaoqiang's coat, protected by Qiu Yu in her arms, quickly passed through the crowd of discussions, and floated away.

Experienced guests are aware that for a long time to come, there will be wonderful topics in the Ming high society.

Besides, there will probably be a reaction in the tabloids tomorrow.

Zhu Yourong didn't know what was going on because she came late, she felt that her attention at this time should be her own. But seeing that everyone was talking about Shang Xiu with great interest, and there was also a mixture of "princess, princess", I only knew the previous scene when I asked.

Reason told her that her identity was not suitable for exploring this kind of gossip, but women's curiosity was very strong, Zhu Yourong scratched her heart, and finally couldn't help it, called Concubine Chen over, and asked a few words in a roundabout way.

Concubine Chen didn't dare to hide it from Zhu Yourong, but she was unwilling to admit that Xiuxiu was the daughter of King Shang, she just said that this girl had come to King Shang's mansion to ask for money once, who knew her bottom line. But Zhu Yourong thought of Shang Xiu, Shang Gui, and Shang Rong's appearances, and immediately understood the ** points.

Zhu Yourong sipped the sour champagne in his mouth, and felt a trace of frustration in his heart for no reason.

…… It can be seen that Xiang Xiaoqiang loves Qiuqian very much. But no matter how much he loves Qiu Yun, Qiu Yun is just the daughter of a boss in the rivers and lakes, and her status is far from herself. Now he has another Shang Xiu by his side, although she is an illegitimate daughter, but the nobility of her bloodline is about to catch up with her...... Moreover, her appearance is not at all below herself......

Zhu Yourong distracted and played with the ivory-handled folding fan in his hand, and suddenly woke up: Why should I compare with them? What's the point of comparing with them? It's inexplicable......

She subconsciously took off her gloves, grabbed the cold champagne glass, and pressed her palms against her hot cheeks to cool down......

Xiang Xiaoqiang was both excited and embarrassed tonight. Because both topics were closely related to him, he was naturally the center of attention for the next few hours.

Although it is a Western-style buffet, many people still follow the habits of Chinese and use to toast Xiaoqiang. Xiang Xiaoqiang was poured a lot of cups, and Qiu Yu felt sorry for her husband, so she stepped forward and drank a lot for him. Only then did Xiang Xiaoqiang find out that Qiu Yu had a lot of alcohol.

Fortunately, the champagne content is low, and if it is wine, so many glasses, the two of them must get under the table.

It was the first time for Xiang Xiaoqiang to go through this kind of occasion, and it was still the center of the topic, so he was naturally not the opponent of these salon veterans, and he said a lot of wrong things and made a lot of jokes in one night. More than one person jokingly called him "Master of the Horse", Zheng Gongyin even pulled his arm and asked with a grin, did he find that the thing in his hand was a treasure, so he hurriedly sent it home, for fear that someone would steal it here? Zheng Yujiao also came to pat him on the shoulder, and asked him half-truthfully, what is the trick to soaking a princess?

Xiang Xiaoqiang was naturally embarrassed and embarrassed.

When dancing, Xiang Xiaoqiang found that in addition to being very good at drinking, Qiu Yu also danced very well. Not only did he dance the waltz well, but he could also dance the very difficult tango that was just starting to be popular at the time!

Xiang Xiaoqiang couldn't dance, so he was pulled hard by Zheng Yuxuan and several other young female officers, and after dancing a few waltzes and stepping on their shoes, he fell on the sofa in a daze and watched people dance.

Qiu Yu danced on the field, almost from beginning to end, from the elegant British waltz, to the unrestrained Viennese waltz, to the wild tango, she did not let go, and became the star of tonight's dance floor, almost overshadowing Zhu Yourong's limelight.

Xiang Xiaoqiang looked at Qiu Yu on the field, his face was flushed, oozing with beads of sweat, and he was dancing with all his might, and suddenly felt a little distressed.

…… Was she really so happy?