Chapter 14 Chapter Fourteen
On July 28, 1937, the Japanese army launched a fierce attack on the Chinese defenders stationed in Beiping's Nanyuan, Beiyuan, and Xiyuan positions. Dozens of planes roared and bombed indiscriminately, and then a Rows of mortar shells flew in unison.
Kiyoshi Kazuki, the commander of the Japanese Army Garrison in North China, personally commanded the battle.After the bombing by planes and mortars, Kiyoshi Kazuki waved his command knife and roared, "Attack!"
The Japanese infantry regiment launched a charge.
The Chinese defenders began to fight back violently.The Chinese army has poor weapons and little ammunition, all relying on patriotic blood and fearless courage.Chao Chengxing is now a company commander.More than ten days ago, during a fierce battle with the Japanese army, Chao Chengxing broke into the enemy's position with a big knife in his hand, and chopped down three Japanese devils in a row. He was awarded by the commander Zhao Dengyu and appointed him as the company commander.
Chao Chengxing's company was at the forefront.
Japanese infantry has rushed to the position.
Chao Chengxing jumped up, raised his arms and shouted: "Brothers, chop off the Japanese devils!"
Immediately, overwhelming shouts sounded from the battlefield: "Slash the Japanese devils down!"
The sword flickered and blood spattered everywhere.
Every charge of the Japanese infantry was smashed back by the gleaming broadswords of the Chinese soldiers.
Dead bodies littered the field.
A battle had just ended, and Chao Chengxing was covered in blood. He was squatting on the ground, sharpening his slashed sword.On the Japanese position, the mortar soldiers were preparing to shell again.
A messenger ran to Chao Chengxing's side and conveyed the order: "Company Commander Chao, the superior ordered us to retreat immediately!"
Chao Chengxing's broadsword slammed against the stone, making a sharp rubbing sound.He raised his head and said in surprise, "What? Retreat?"
The signal soldier said: "Yes, retreat."
Chao Chengxing jumped up and roared angrily: "The little devil's bayonet is already in front of our eyes, how can we retreat? Once we retreat, won't we give up Peking to the Japanese devils?"
The communicator was taken aback, and replied: "Company commander, I'm just conveying the order from the superior!"
The nearby officers and soldiers gathered around, filled with righteous indignation: "What kind of bullshit order is this? Retreat? We haven't lost the battle, why should we retreat?"
"Fight with the Japanese devils, we will not retreat!"
"Fight with the devil!" There were bursts of roars on the ground.
"The teacher is here." Someone shouted, and the battlefield was immediately silent.All eyes were on a tall and burly soldier, followed by two guards.
Zhao Dengyu was in his thirties, with a dignified body and majestic eyes like lightning.He calmly walked to the front of the position, stood on the edge of the trench, and said bitterly: "Brothers, the retreat is an order from the superior, and I don't want to retreat. Once I retreat, I will hand over Beiping to the Japanese. The city of Peiping is ours." Fathers, fellow villagers, brothers and sisters, they are going to suffer!"
Some soldiers were already crying.
There was still silence on the battlefield.
Zhao Dengyu continued: "The Japanese army is several times stronger than me, and has already broken our positions in Xiyuan and Beiyuan. Our retreat is a strategic retreat. We gave up a city of Beiping in order to completely defeat the Japanese invaders." He stretched out a hand suddenly and shouted: "A soldier without blood will have no hope in an army. You are all men with blood. It depends on you to defeat the Japanese devils. But defeating the Japanese devils is not today, Therefore, we must retreat!"
"Retreat!" Chao Chengxing shouted.
When Zhao Dengyu saw Chao Chengxing, he came over and said, "Commander Chao, you're doing well, every soldier in your company is doing well, retreat!"
Chao Chengxing gave a vigorous military salute: "Report to the commander, my company has lost its rear."
Zhao Dengyu returned him a military salute.
The troops began to retreat in an orderly manner.
At this moment, Colonel Renya Mutaguchi, the captain of the First Regiment of the Japanese Garrison Army, led the team to bypass the Nanyuan position, and rushed north from Huaizhuang on the west side of Nanyuan to Tianluozhuang, the only way for Zhao Dengyu's troops to retreat. Lay an ambush.
Mu Takuchi was also defeated by Zhao Dengyu several times, and was scolded bloody by the commander Xiangyue Qingsi.This time he was given a death order: after receiving information from the Japanese secret service in Beiping, Zhao Dengyu's troops would retreat through Tianluozhuang.Set up an ambush circle in Tianluozhuang, if Zhao Dengyu is not eliminated, he will kill himself to thank the emperor.
The guards came to report: "The Chinese army has entered our army's ambush circle."
Colonel Mutaguchi Renya was carefully observing the retreating Chinese army with a telescope, secretly admiring.The combat effectiveness of an army is not judged when it wins battles, but when it retreats.Zhao Dengyu's team retreated in an orderly manner, and their combat effectiveness can be imagined when they attacked. It is also reasonable for the Japanese army to fail several times.
Colonel Mutaguchi Renya's binoculars locked on the three cars in the team, his eyes were fierce, and he said: "That must be the command car of the Chinese army. Aim at the car and attack!"
The guns fired.
Zhao Dengyu, who was retreating, was sitting in a car in the middle, and was suddenly attacked by fierce artillery fire from the Japanese army.Without the slightest hesitation, he deployed calmly, hoping to cut a bloody path and rush over.
In a fierce battle, Zhao Dengyu and nearly a thousand soldiers died heroically.
Chao Chengxing led a company and finally rushed out of the devil's ambush. There were only two soldiers left in one of his companies, and the three of them were covered in scars and blood.Moreover, there was not a single bullet in the chamber, and the blade in his hand was curled.
"Company commander, the team has broken up, what should we do?" A soldier named Li Wen asked Chao Chengxing anxiously.
Chao Chengxing calmly raised his head and observed the surrounding terrain, only to find that the three of them had broken into an alley.
The gunshots and shouts of the devils are getting closer and closer.
"This should be a university." Chao Chengxing said calmly, "Let's get out of here, don't hurt the students in the university."
In fact, the university has already closed classes, and there are not many students in it, only a few teachers who are responsible for guarding the campus.
The three of them were running forward in the alley, when a small door opened in the alley, a person stuck his head out, saw the three of them, and asked, "Who are you?"
Chao Chengxing said in surprise: "Teacher Yu Gang." This person was actually Yu Gang, the teacher who once marched with Chao Chengxing and was arrested in the police station.
"Chao Chengxing?" Yu Gang immediately recognized Chao Chengxing, "Why are you here?"
Chao Chengxing said: "The team has been broken up, and the Japanese devils have entered the city!"
Yu Gang immediately said: "You guys hide in the school cafeteria first." The three of Chao Chengxing were tired and hungry after fighting all day, and they were looking for a place to rest.
Three people entered the door.Outside the alley, a group of Japanese devils rushed over, but they didn't find the three of them.
On July 28, 1937, Tong Linge, deputy commander of the 29th Army, died heroically. On the same day and night, Song Zheyuan, commander of the 29th Army, led the remnants to evacuate from Peiping.On July 29, Peiping fell.Almost everyone thinks that Beiping can defend for at least a month.But in fact, the isolated and helpless iron army only stood guard for a dozen hours.
Sure enough, war came.Much faster than expected.It was already afternoon when we got the news that the battle had started, and the whole city of Beiping was filled with the sound of newsboys yelling.All plans were messed up, Chao Xinyi rushed back home immediately, first took down the gold plaque of Jingxi Rouge Shop, wrapped it in oilcloth, and hid it in a drain outside the backyard of Jingxi Rouge Shop.
Chao Dongxue asked in surprise, "Father, is it safe here?"
Chao Xinyi smiled wryly and said, "It's not safe, but at least it's safer than hanging on the lintel of a shop."
The father and daughter hid the plaque and returned home. Zhang Shumei and Hua Honglan had already cleaned up some clothes. Everyone got into the car and prepared to leave the city.
As soon as he went out, Chao Xinyi realized that he had miscalculated.There were people everywhere on the road, and cars were stuck in the sea of people, unable to move at all, slower than pedestrians.They are in the west city, and the gate to the west is the closest.However, Chao Xinyi thought that in the Xicheng area, the Japanese army stationed a large number of troops near Wanping, which might be the focus of the Japanese attack.
Chao Xinyi told the driver not to go west, but to leave the city from the south.
The driver has already gone west. If he wants to go south, he needs to make a U-turn.In order to turn around, the car entered a narrow alley. Unexpectedly, it was blocked as soon as it got in. There were people everywhere, and it was impossible to go.
At this time, Chao Xinyi was not in a hurry. He always believed that the Chinese army should be able to defend for ten and a half months, so he had time to leave.So, he ordered again, go back first, and wait until there are fewer people on the street before leaving.
The way back is also difficult, especially because the direction of walking is opposite to that of most people. It is retrograde and can only move forward inch by inch.After tossing and tossing like this until the evening, he finally arrived at the door of the house, only to hear a shocking news.The 38th Division defending Xiyuan retreated, and the Japanese army had already entered the city from the west.
At this time, Chao Xinyi realized that he had made a big mistake.He thought about it calmly, and said to his daughter, "Dongxue, do you have any good friends in Beiping?"
Chao Dongxue nodded and said, "Yes."
Chao Xinyi said without doubt: "Go and hide for a few days and come back!"
Chao Dongxue said: "Father, the Japanese have invaded Beiping, and it's not safe anywhere!"
Chao Xinyi shook his head resolutely and said, "Son, other places are safer than at Jingxi Rouge Shop!" He thought of Shui Bo, the Japanese who had been lurking in Jingxi Rouge Shop for decades, who stole a fake rouge formula , was chopped off by Chang Jiaju again with his right hand, will he let it go?
Chao Dongxue thought for a while and said, "Okay."
Chao Xinyi sighed: "Dongxue, father is sorry for you, I should have sent you out together at that time!"
Chao Dongxue smiled and said, "Father, what are you talking about? Maybe our family will be safe and sound, so don't think too much about it."
Chao Xinyi suddenly remembered something, and said to Chao Dongxue, "Come with me."
Chao Dongxue followed his father to the main hall.Chao Xinyi took the brocade box from the altar and opened it, took out a bundle of calligraphy and paintings from it, and handed it to Chao Dongxue: "Dongxue, this is the imperial book of Emperor Qianlong, which is the inscription on the golden plaque of our Beijing West Rouge Shop." , the priceless treasure, you carry it with you.”
Chao Dongxue took it with both hands, feeling heavy.
Chao Xinyi waved his hand and said, "Leave immediately!"
Chao Dongxue said worriedly: "I'm leaving, what will you do with your mother and aunt?"
Chao Xinyi said proudly: "You go, I will find a way."
Everyone was stuck on the road for a long time without any water or rice. At this time, they were both hungry and thirsty.Zhang Shumei asked Chao Xinyi, "Should I get some food before letting Dongxue go?"
Chao Xinyi immediately shook his head and said, "No, I'll leave immediately. Now the whole city of Beiping is in chaos, I'm afraid I won't be able to find someone if I go late, so hurry up."
After hearing what his father said, Chao Dongxue left immediately.Only then did Chao Xinyi say to Zhang Shumei: "Go get some food, simple, as long as it can fill your stomach." Then he said to the driver Chen Xiaowu: "Xiao Wu, let's go and close the door. You go and close the back door and the side door. Dongxue has probably gone out, I'll go and close the front door."
Chen Xiaowu agreed and walked back.Chao Xinyi went out of the main entrance and walked towards the main entrance through the front yard.He was worried that Dongxue hadn't gone far, and wanted to check the situation on the street. Before closing the door, he stretched out his head and looked outside.There were still a lot of people running around on the street like headless chickens, but compared to the afternoon, there were obviously a lot fewer people.
Chao Xinyi was about to close the door when suddenly several people rushed over.One of them put his hands on the door and said loudly, "Shopkeeper, wait a minute."
Chao Xinyi heard Chinese, thought he was an acquaintance, and was taken aback for a moment.The person who spoke first pushed him away, then bent down to ask the person behind to come over.
Chao Xinyi saw clearly that the person who spoke just now turned out to be the local ruffian Wu Tian.Hu Qi was following Wu Tian, and the others were probably their subordinates.These people greeted three people, a middle-aged man and a young and beautiful woman, who Chao Xinyi didn't know.And an old man following behind turned out to be Shui Bo.No, it's Matsushitaro.
Matsushitaro walked up to Chao Xinyi and said hypocritically, "Shopkeeper, I'm Uncle Shui, I'm back."
Chao Xinyi was as calm as a mountain, and laughed loudly: "I never thought that such a big person would be hidden in the small place of Jingxi Rouge Shop. Chao is very disrespectful! Hahaha!"
Matsushita Lang's face turned blue and white.
Wu Tian stepped forward, clasped his fists in both hands, and said with a smile: "Mr. Chao, Mr. Matsushita doesn't want to be your enemy, but wants to make friends with you. Let's sit down and talk, and the previous grievances and grievances will be wiped out, and the war will be turned into friendship. How about it?"
Chao Xinyi said coldly, "Really?"
Matsushita Lang said with a livid face, "Master Chao, the matter has come to this point today, let's open the skylight and speak honestly. I want the rouge formula from Jingxi Rouge Shop. Give it to me, and I'll turn around and leave."
Chao Xinyi stared at Matsushitaro, and asked: "I want to find out one thing. Thirty-seven years ago, Matsushita Changsheng, the father of Mr. Matsushitaro, was here, did he say the same thing to my father?" talk?"
A trace of fear and cunning flashed in Matsushitaro's eyes, and he said, "Thirty-seven years ago? Oh, that was 1900, and I was in Japan at that time. I don't know what Shopkeeper Chao means."
Chao Xinyi pointed to the house behind him and said: "Mr. Matsushita has lived in my house for more than 30 years, shouldn't he be unaware of what happened 37 years ago? What does this prevarication explain? Does it mean that Mr. Matsushita did it?" But you don’t even have the courage to admit it?”
Matsushitaro was cornered and had no way out. He simply showed a fierce look and said, "What if you admit it, so what if you don't admit it? To tell you frankly, neither my father nor I want to kill people. We just want to kill people." I want the formula. Thirty-seven years ago, it was your father who forced my father. Today, I hope Shopkeeper Chao will not make the same mistake as your father."
Chao Xinyi sneered and said, "If I don't give you the recipe, are you going to kill all the people in Jingxi Rouge Shop and burn down the Jingxi Rouge Shop?"
Wu Tian hurriedly persuaded in the middle: "Shopkeeper Chao, isn't it just a formula for rouge, you can give it to Mr. Matsushita?"
Matsushitaro snorted coldly, without denying it.He must obtain the rouge formula, and in order to obtain the formula, he can do whatever it takes, at any cost.
Chao Xinyi dealt with them here, just wanting to buy time, so that Zhang Shumei and Hua Honglan could find a crisis ahead and take the opportunity to escape through the back door.After all, the Japanese army had not yet fully entered the city at this time.If his estimate is correct, Matsushitaro probably took Wu Tian and others to the door first because he was worried that Chao Xinyi would escape and took the recipe with him.
But Chao Xinyi was wrong, neither Zhang Shumei nor Hua Honglan would leave him alone.They waited at home for a while, but they didn't see Chao Xinyi coming back, and they seemed to hear someone talking at the gate of the courtyard, so they came looking for him with Chen Xiaowu.
The door was dark and there was no light on. Zhang Shumei couldn't see who they were, so she asked, "Xinyi, who are you talking to?"
When Chao Xinyi heard his wife's voice, he knew it was too late.
Wu Tian's men quickly ran over and stopped the three of them.
Matsushitaro said: "Shopkeeper Chao probably needs some time to think about it, come on, let's go in and talk about it."
These people escorted Chao Xinyi and four others into the main hall of the Chao family.
Chao Xinyi thought, this test might be difficult, and the current plan is to let Zhang Shumei and the others escape first, and then figure out a solution by himself.He said to Matsushitaro: "Don't you just want the rouge formula? The three of them have nothing to do with this matter. You let them go, and I will give you a break."
Matsushitaro glanced at Hua Honglan expressionlessly, Hua Honglan didn't panic at all, as if all these things had nothing to do with her.Matsushitaro has known Hua Honglan for more than 30 years, but he feels that he can't see her through. What kind of woman is she?
What is her relationship with Chao Xinyi?
Lin Shui'er walked up to Matsushitaro's side, and said in a low voice in Japanese: "Uncle Jiro, be careful of Chao Xinyi's tricks! The two women around him must not leave! Otherwise, your previous efforts will be wasted."
Song Xialang felt a sense of despair. Chao Xinyi sent his son, daughter, and grandson out of Beiping, and the golden plaque at the gate had already been taken down, which showed that he was already prepared.This time I come here, the possibility of getting the rouge formula is not great.He gritted his teeth and said viciously: "If I can't get something, I will completely destroy it."
He pointed at Chen Xiaowu and roared, "You can go!"
Chen Xiaowu hesitated for a moment, looked at Chao Xinyi instinctively, and ran outside.
Zhang Shumei smiled slightly at Hua Honglan beside her, and said in a low voice: "Sister Honglan, the Chao family has troubled you, and what I owe you, we husband and wife will pay you back in the next life."
Hua Honglan heard that her voice was wrong, looked down, and found that her hands were covering her chest, a knife handle was exposed between her hands, and blood was oozing from her chest.
"Sister." Hua Honglan hurriedly supported Zhang Shumei, her body leaned softly on Hua Honglan's shoulder.
Chao Xinyi looked back and saw that Zhang Shumei had committed suicide.
Chao Xinyi glanced at his wife infinitely and affectionately, this was discussed by the two of them long ago.If Matsushitaro hadn't come back, Jingxi Rouge Shop might have survived the catastrophe.If Matsushitaro came back, even death would not let him succeed.
What Jingxi Rouge Shop strives for is this righteousness.
Zhang Shumei's suicide was to stop Matsushita Lang from using her to coerce Chao Xinyi.Seeing that his wife had slowly closed her eyes, Chao Xinyi stood up abruptly, like an angry lion pounced on Matsushitaro.
He wanted to kill Matsushitaro and die with Matsushitaro.
The gun rang out, and several bullets entered Chao Xinyi's body at the same time.Chao Xinyi shook a few times and fell to the ground.
Wu Tian was frightened by the gunshots and jumped to the side, saying repeatedly: "Why bother, for a recipe, even my life is at stake!"
Hu Qi glanced at the Japanese agents who had been concealing their identities, and thought to himself, these bastard Japanese devils are so fucking ruthless, killing people is like trampling on an ant to death.
Hua Honglan walked slowly to Chao Xinyi's side, knelt down, and hugged his neck with both hands.Chao Xinyi was shot in the chest, dripping with blood, and couldn't say anything.There was an apologetic smile on his lips.He was sorry for Hua Honglan, she had devoted her whole life to the Chao family, but she couldn't even get a title.
Hua Honglan raised her head slowly, and glanced at Matsushitaro lightly.
Matsushiro is also looking at her, his last hope.This ending was what he expected, but it was not what he hoped for.
Hua Honglan said: "Mr. Matsushita, I have worked in Jingxi Rouge Shop for more than 30 years, and I know eighty-nine times the formula of Jingxi Rouge Shop."
Matsushitaro's heart skipped a beat.
Hua Honglan continued: "If you promise me one condition, I can tell you everything I know."
Matsushita Langru grabbed a life-saving straw and said, "Say it quickly."
Hua Honglan said: "They have been making rouge and gouache all their lives, and putting their corpses in the sedimentation tank should be considered a destination!"
Matsushitaro almost blurted out: "I promise you!"
Hua Honglan knelt in front of Wu Tian: "Uncle Wu, please help me and Hu Qiye to carry shopkeeper Chao."
Both Wu Tian and Hu Qi felt a little surprised, but it was hard to refuse.Matsushitaro snorted and said, "Then you two have worked hard."
Wu Tian and Hu Qi lifted Chao Xinyi's body, followed Hua Honglan into the gouache production room in the backyard, and placed it in the sedimentation tank.Matsushitaro had asked two other traitors to bring in Zhang Shumei's body and put them side by side.
Hu Qi looked at the clean sedimentation tank, laughed and said, "Brother, shopkeeper Chao is lucky to have such a good home."
Wu Tian sighed: "Everyone is dead, so what's the point of having a good home? Shopkeeper Chao just got confused for a moment."
Hua Honglan said to the two of them indifferently: "Thank you two masters, please go out for a while, and close the door for me by the way."
Matsushitaro stood at the door and said anxiously: "Hua Honglan, I have already agreed to your request, what about what you promised me?"
Hua Honglan said: "Mr. Matsushita, you have been waiting for more than 30 years, just wait a few more minutes, I will help them tidy up and let them get on the road with dignity."
Matsushitaro said helplessly: "I will wait for you for a few more minutes, I hope you will not let me down! Human patience has a limit."
Hua Honglan slowly closed the door.
Wu Tian nodded and bowed to Matsushita Lang and said flatteringly: "Mr. Matsushita, Shopkeeper Chao just doesn't understand the situation, is stubborn, and doesn't know how to be flexible. If we cooperate with Mr. Matsushita, wouldn't it be a perfect ending?"
Matsushiro's face twitched and he growled, "Shut up!"
Wu Tian immediately shut up, stunned, and stood aside in desperation.
Matsushitaro stood at the door, motionless, but his heart was churning like the waves of the sea.He paid too high a price and failed too much, he can no longer afford to lose.
He sensed something ominous from Hua Honglan's calm expression!A burst of anger shot up from the bottom of my heart.
He is doing the last waiting.
A few minutes, as long as a century.
"Are you ready?" Matsushita asked.
It was quiet inside, without any echo, and the backyard was also silent.
"Open the door." Matsushitaro roared hysterically, rushed to the door, and kicked the door.The door of the production room was thick and made a dull sound, but the door did not move at all.
Lin Shui'er said calmly: "Senior, the Chinese cannot be trusted."
Matsushitaro roared, "Break the door open."
Wu Tian and Hu Qi rushed over and bumped into each other for a while, but the door didn't budge.A few hooligans found poles and wooden sticks, and finally pried open the door with all their might.
Song Xialang rushed inside and saw three people lying side by side in the sedimentation tank at a glance, Chao Xinyi was lying in the middle, Zhang Shumei was on the left, and Hua Honglan was on the right.Both Zhang Shumei and Hua Honglan put their hands on Chao Xinyi.
Matsushita Lang was stunned.
Lin Shui'er took a closer look, and said casually: "Dead, committed suicide by taking poison! I once thought that a woman is devoted to a man, without friendship, it can only be love."
Matsushitaro yelled in despair: "Chao Xinyi, if you die, I can't make your wish come true." He rushed to the side of the sedimentation tank, reaching out his hand to separate the three of them.
Lin He unhurriedly stretched out his hand and blocked him: "Brother Jiro, you are dead, you can't separate. Didn't you want Jingxi Rouge Shop? Now you have got it, as well as Smith's Beautiful Cream Factory , Wangji Rouge Shop. If you gather the strengths of the three families, is it not as good as a Jingxi Rouge Shop?"
Matsushita Lang was stopped by Lin Heyi, woke up as if from a dream, and sighed: "I am not reconciled."
Lin He said with a smile: "Things in the world will always be imperfect in one way or another, so let's open it up."
Matsushiro nodded with a gloomy face.His eyes suddenly fell on the production table, and he walked over slowly.
There are some slush in several porcelain bowls on the production table, which is very fragrant.
Lin Shui'er was also attracted by this fragrance, and praised: "It's so fragrant. Is this a new variety researched by Jingxi Rouge Shop?"
Matsushitaro's eyes revealed a look of surprise: "That's right, it's a new variety developed by Jingxi Rouge Shop. The Americans have advanced equipment, and they will definitely be able to analyze the raw materials."
Chao Dongxue ran out of Jingxi Rouge Shop. There were people coming and going on the street. Although it was not as crowded as in the afternoon, there were still many people running around, running forward for a while, and turning back for a while.
According to his father's instructions, Chao Dongxue found two classmates.But both of these houses are empty.When she returned to the street, she didn't know what to do for a moment. Standing there alone, watching the people running around in panic, she felt a special sense of dread in her heart.
A man came running in a hurry.
"Winter Snow!"
"Chang Geng!"
Wang Changgeng opened his arms, Chao Dongxue threw himself into his arms, he hugged her tightly, bowed his head and kissed her lips, her face, and her forehead.Chao Dongxue responded to him enthusiastically, as if they had been separated for a long time, and they were inseparable.
"Dongxue, I miss you." He pressed his lips against her face and said excitedly.
"Chang Geng, I miss you too." She pressed against his chest and said emotionally.
Wang Changgeng held her head in his hands and asked, "Why are you here?"
Chao Dongxue said: "My father asked me to hide outside for a while, he said it was dangerous to be in the Beijing West Rouge Shop."
"Come home with me!" Wang Changgeng said without doubt, "I will tell my father today, I will marry you, and we will never separate!"
Holding hands, the two ran back to Wangji Rouge Square.After passing the back door of Wangji Rouge Square, Wang Changgeng didn't stop, pulled Chao Dongxue and said, "Let's go in through the front door!"
"My ancestor, where did you go?" Wang Jiadong flashed out from the back door, crying.
Wang Changgeng and Chao Dongxue stopped, but their hands were still tightly held together. Wang Changgeng pulled Chao Dongxue to his side and called out, "Father." Chao Dongxue blushed slightly, and said softly, "Uncle .”
Wang Jiadong said: "The Japanese have all entered the city, and you are still running around here. Bullets have no eyes, you know? Come in quickly."
Wang Changgeng hurriedly dragged Chao Dongxue into the house.
There is not a single worker in the backyard of Wangji Rouge Square, it is quiet, and everyone who should run can run away.The Wang family also ran away, but like the Chao family, they couldn't get out of the city at all, so they came back again.As soon as he came back, Wang Changgeng was thinking about Chao Dongxue, so he slipped out when he found an opportunity.
Now, in the huge courtyard, there are only the Wang family and Chao Dongxue.Everyone stood there without speaking, waiting for Wang Jiadong to make up his mind.
Wang Jiadong said to Chao Dongxue: "Dongxue, sit down."
Chao Dongxue didn't speak, nor did he sit down.Wang Changgeng stretched out his hand and pulled her, almost pushing her to sit on the chair.
Wang Jiadong asked: "Why are you alone? Where are your parents?"
Chao Dongxue told Wang Jiadong the whole story.
Wang Yanzhi was really anxious, and said, "Father, it's already this time, and you still want to make troubles? Think of a way, what should we do?"
Wang Jiadong said: "The Japanese have already entered the city, what else can they do? They must be under martial law in the past few days, and it is impossible to leave the city."
Wang Yanzhi said, "Then what should we do? Are we waiting to die at home?"
Wang Jiadong said: "What are you afraid of? Fortunately, both Chang Geng and I have studied in Japan and can speak Japanese. Even if the Japanese come and Chang Geng and I negotiate with them, they will not do anything to us. Don't worry, everyone. Let's all go back to the room and rest. Chang Geng, my son, take good care of Dong Xue."
Wang Changgeng agreed, and pulled Chao Dongxue back.
Wang Changgeng led Chao Dongxue into his room, and as soon as Chao Dongxue entered his room, he was moved to tears: behind the door was a portrait of himself, and beside it was a neat line of small characters——Dongxue, I love you!
Wang Changgeng said, "Dongxue, I'll get you a bowl of water." Before he could finish speaking, he was stunned. Chao Dongxue covered his face with his hands, and tears flowed from between his fingers.
"Dongxue." Wang Changgeng hurriedly pulled her into his arms, and when he was about to comfort her, there was a knock on the door.
Chao Dongxue hurriedly pushed Wang Changgeng away, and wiped away tears frantically.
Wang Changgeng asked, "Who is it?"
Wang Jiadong's voice came from outside the door: "Chang Geng, it's father! Come out!"
Wang Changgeng opened the door halfway, blocked the door with his body, and asked, "Father, what's the matter?"
Wang Jiadong stuffed a palm-sized booklet with a thickness of two centimeters into Wang Changgeng's hand, and said solemnly: "Chang Geng, this is the lifeblood of Wangji Rouge Workshop, you must take good care of it!"
Wang Changgeng was taken aback, and said, "Father, isn't sister responsible for this?"
Wang Jiadong scolded: "Bastard, what time is it now, can't you be more sensible? Your sister knows, this is for you to keep a copy, just in case." After speaking, he turned and left.
Wang Changgeng closed the door, sat on the edge of the bed with Chao Dongxue, and opened the booklet.Chao Dongxue glanced at it, then shifted his gaze to the other side, and said, "This is your family's rouge formula!"
Wang Changgeng nodded, and put the rouge formula in Dongxue's hands: "You help me keep it!"
Chao Dongxue hesitated for a moment, then said, "This...isn't very good?"
Wang Changgeng smiled and said, "We are already a family, what's wrong with being a family?"
Chao Dongxue felt warm in his heart.
As soon as Wang Jiadong returned to his room, he heard someone shouting outside and knocking on the door.At first, Wang Jiadong didn't pay much attention, waiting for his servants to ask for instructions.After waiting for a while, I realized that all the servants had run away, and there was no one at all.He had to walk over by himself and asked, "Who is outside?"
"Shopkeeper Wang, open the door! Open the door quickly! I am Wu Tian."
Wang Jiadong thought, this Wu Tian has no place to hide and wants to go to Wang's house to hide?This person is a hooligan, and he has a bunch of rogues under him, it's better not to offend him at this time.Thinking of this, Wang Jiadong opened the door and looked outside, his expression froze immediately.
Standing outside the door was not just Wu Tian, but also Hu Qi, Lin He, Lin Shuier, Song Xialang, and seven or eight other people behind, whose identities were unknown.
"Welcome to the imperial army! A big welcome to the imperial army." Wang Jiadong immediately bowed and changed his Japanese.
This trick really worked, Wu Tian and Hu Qi were immediately in awe when they saw that Wang Jiadong knew Japanese.Lin He, Lin Shuier, and Matsushitaro were not surprised, but they felt kind when listening to Japanese.Some of those people behind were Wu Tian's subordinates, and some were Japanese spies.Naturally, Wu Tian's subordinates couldn't understand Wang Jiadong's words. Japanese agents had lived in China for a long time, and they usually heard only Chinese. Now they suddenly heard Japanese from a Chinese, and they were naturally surprised.
Wang Jiadong knew that the visitor was not kind, but so far he did not see any malice.The immediate priority is to entertain them well and keep the family business.
"Chang Geng, Yan Zhi, Japanese friends are here, come out and pour tea." Wang Jiadong called his son Wang Changgeng, because Wang Changgeng also knew Japanese, which made communication easier.
When Wang Changgeng heard his father shout, he hurriedly said to Chao Dongxue: "Don't come out, I'll go out and deal with it."
Chao Dongxue nodded nervously.
Wang Changgeng came out of the bedroom and greeted everyone in Japanese, appearing to be respectful.Wang Yanzhi poured tea and water.The living room of the Wang family was full.
"Shopkeeper Wang, you must be familiar with me!" Matsushitaro said straight to the point.
Wang Jiadong could only say: "It's a pleasure to meet you! It's a pleasure to meet you!"
Lin He proudly said to Wang Jiadong in Japanese: "Master Wang, I am the chief of the Japanese Beiping Secret Service. Now Beiping is under the jurisdiction of the Japanese army, and all the supplies in Beiping belong to the Japanese Empire, including your Wangji Rouzhifang. Mr. Matsushita means to cooperate with Wangji Rougefang to run the beautiful cream factory. Chao Xinyi from Jingxi Rouge Shop did not cooperate with Mr. Matsushita, and has been executed according to the temporary military order of the Japanese Ministry of War."
Wang Jiadong shivered for a while. Although it was July and the weather was very hot, cold sweat broke out on his forehead.
Wang Changgeng remained silent.
Wang Yanzhi couldn't understand Japanese, but seeing his father's expression, he knew that something was wrong, so he didn't dare to say anything.
Matsushita Lang asked coldly: "Treasurer Wang, if you cooperate with me, I will give you the shares, and Wangji Rouge Square can also be preserved. If you don't cooperate with me, what will happen, I can't guarantee."
Wang Jiadong wiped the sweat from his forehead with his sleeve, squeezed out a smile that was uglier than crying, clasped his fists in both hands, arched in all directions, and said: "Director Lin and His Excellency Matsushitaro gave Wang Ji Rouge Square such face, it is Mr. Wang Good luck! Cooperate, how can you not cooperate?"
Lin He and Matsushitaro smiled at the same time.
Lin Hedao: "Shopkeeper Wang, those who know current affairs are outstanding!"
Matsushitaro breathed a sigh of relief and said, "Shopkeeper Wang, as long as we cooperate friendly, I will not treat you badly. Now you, your daughter, come with me to Jingxi Rouge Shop."
Wang Jiadong bowed his head and said, "Okay."
Lin He signaled the Japanese devils to quit Wang Ji Rouge Square, but whispered a few words to Hu Qi.Hu Qiren straightened his body like a dog, and let out a high.
Matsushitaro got up and said, "Let's go!"
Wang Jiadong said to Wang Changgeng: "Son! Dad and sister are not at home, you have to be sensible, don't just know painting for a day, what future can painting have."
Wang Changgeng could hear his father's implication, nodded his head, and said in response: "Father, don't worry!"
After the Japanese devils retreated and his father, sister and Matsushita left, Wang Changgeng discovered that Hu Qi and the two gangsters stayed behind.These guys have been hanging around with Lin He, but they don't know Lin He's Japanese identity at all. It wasn't until this afternoon that Lin He gave them bastard box guns to reveal their identity.
Hu Qipi smiled and said: "Master Wang, this is what the Japanese mean. As long as your father doesn't play tricks, everyone will live in peace." He pointed to the backyard and shouted: "You two Go to the gate of the backyard and watch, not even a single fly can be let out, or I'll take your skin off."
The two gangsters didn't dare to neglect, and replied: "Yes, Lord Qi."
Hu Qi dragged a chair, sat down at the front door with a golden knife, and patted the bastard box gun on his waist with his hand: "Front! Master Hu Qi personally brought the gun to guard the door. Master Hu Qi will give you Wang Ji The gatekeeper of Rouge Square, you should be satisfied!"
Wang Changgeng cursed in Japanese: "The grandson of the Japanese."
Hu Qiguai stared and asked, "What did you say?"
Wang Changgeng said unhurriedly, "Your Hu Qiye has worked hard."
After tossing all night, it was already dawn.王家栋跟着松下次郎等人来到昌延里的街上，也可能是太早，也可能是大家都躲了起来，街上竟然没有一个人。他们来到京西胭脂铺大门口，王家栋抬头一看，京西胭脂铺的金匾已经不见了。
松下次郎昂然直入，王家栋跟着走进去。昔日辉煌的京西胭脂铺，竟然一个人都没有，只有知了在胡乱地叫着。王家栋蓦然想起，三十七年前的那个夏天，知了也是这么叫着的，心中顿时无限悲凉。
松下次郎等人并没有停留，直接到了后院，进入沉淀室。
王家栋一眼便看见沉淀池之中躺着三个人：晁信义、花红蓝、张淑梅。显然，林和没有说假话，晁信义已经死了，他的妻子张淑梅也死了，还有花红蓝也死了。这个女人在晁家三十几年，她和晁家到底是什么关系，王家栋至今都没有搞清。想当年，为了打击京西胭脂铺，王家栋故意说花红蓝和晁信义如何如何。现在，看到她和张淑梅死后，都将自己的一只手搭在晁信义身上，才隐约感到花红蓝和晁信义之间确实有一段情。
几十年风雨，瞬间闪过王家栋的大脑，他的心中升起一股透彻的悲凉。
松下次郎冷冷地道：“我知道你恨京西胭脂铺，我帮你除掉了眼中钉、肉中刺，你难道不高兴？”
王家栋颤声道：“高兴。”
松下次郎得意地道：“今天带你过来有两件事情，第一件，就是让你看看京西胭脂铺研究的新产品。”他用手一指制作台。
王家栋和王胭脂走到制作台前，揭开碗盖，不约而同地发出了一声惊呼。他们是制作雪泥的内行，一看就知道这是上好的妆品。
松下次郎道：“你们是行家，用美丽雪花膏厂的先进设备，能不能分析出原料的比例、制作的方法？”
王胭脂迟疑了一下，说：“松下先生，这个有点困……难……”
王家栋却回答说：“可以！不过需要时间！”
松下次郎露出满意的微笑：“我就等你这句话！把这些雪泥带走，我今天让你来要做的第二件事情，就是要你亲眼看到，京西胭脂铺彻底地消失。”
王家栋不寒而栗，说：“人已经死了，东西也全在你手中，京西胭脂铺已经垮了，还要怎么消失？”
松下次郎冷笑一声，答道：“等一下你就知道了。”
王家栋和王胭脂端着两个瓷碗出了京西胭脂铺，松下次郎需要的东西已经搬完了，几个日本鬼子在里面浇上汽油，放起火来。
火光冲天而起。
松下次郎站在马路对面，咬牙切齿地发狠道：“姓晁的，我就是要彻底毁灭京西胭脂铺。”事实上，松下次郎在京西胭脂铺潜伏了几十年，如果不是日军打进北平，他将一无所获。他觉得是一种耻辱，一种失败，自然要置京西胭脂铺于绝境而后快。
烧光了京西胭脂铺，王家栋父女跟松下次郎到了美丽雪花膏厂，美丽雪花膏厂已经被林和派出的人占领。他们大概知道，史密斯不会轻易就范，因此特意带了一队日本鬼子。史密斯见日本鬼子到来，立即冲上前拦住他们，指着美国国旗叫道：“看到没有？这是美国的地盘，你们不能进去。”
林和的人早有准备，几个人迅速扑向那几面美国国旗，几下就扯了下来。
史密斯大为愤怒，叫道：“我抗议，我要去国际联盟控告你们。”
日本人根本不拿他当一回事，其中一个日本人提着他的衣服，将他扔到了门外。
松下次郎带着王家栋、王胭脂参观了厂里的一些设备，并大谈了自己的计划，直到深夜才派人送他们回家，并约定第二天就到美丽雪花膏厂上班，研究京西胭脂铺的产品。
王家栋、王胭脂回到家中，胡七和他的两个小弟吃饱喝足，两个小弟守在后院。胡七在前院门口放了一张躺椅，敞着衣服躺在椅子上，手里摇晃着一把蒲扇，双脚跷得高高的，口中哼着小调。
王家栋皱了皱眉。
胡七安若泰山一般躺着，说：“王掌柜，你家的酒不错，菜也合我的胃口，松下次郎先生给我安排了个好差事哟！”
王家栋赔着笑脸说：“胡七爷躺这里舒服吗？胭脂，给胡七爷收拾一间干净的客房。”
胡七大手一摆，说：“王掌柜别客气，松下次郎先生吩咐过，如果掌柜家的人少了一个半个，就要我的脑袋，我可不想丢脑袋。”
王家栋嘿嘿一笑：“胡七爷真会开玩笑，王家世代住在这里，又能到哪里去呢？”
胡七皮笑肉不笑：“王掌柜是聪明人，聪明人可别做糊涂事哟，到时候害了自己，也害了别人！”
王家栋摇了摇头，径直进了正厅。正厅之中，周氏、王长庚、王胭脂的儿子王大宝、黑妞都在。
正厅之中有两张桌子，一张桌子上的饭菜都没有动，显然是在等王家栋和王胭脂。另一个桌子上是给胡七和他两个小弟吃的，已经杯盘狼藉，黑妞正在吃一些残菜，对王家栋和王胭脂视而不见。
王大宝一见二人，立刻欢快地叫起来：“爷爷和妈妈回来了！”
周氏焦急地道：“家栋，你终于回来了！”
王长庚低声问了句：“父亲，他们家怎么样了？”
王家栋叹息了一声：“死了。”又轻声说：“你别告诉她。”
王长庚默然无语。
王家栋招呼大家吃饭，简单地吃过之后，周氏带王大宝回房间睡觉，黑妞收拾桌子，王长庚悄悄给晁冬雪带饭回房。王家栋压低声音问王胭脂：“我的儿，怎么办呀？”
王胭脂悄悄往外看了看，胡七躺在椅子上，鼾声大作，才道：“父亲，我一路上想过了。你以为你懂日语，日本人就会放过我们。可我看，日本人的心太黑了，他们现在要搞明白的是那些雪泥的制作方法。那些雪泥，我们根本制作不出来。”
王家栋点了点头：“是啊，这一点我也想到了。如果我们研究不出来，松下次郎就可能杀我们全家。”
王胭脂说：“看来我们只有逃了。反正，日本人刚刚占领北平，管理一定会乱，我们趁乱逃出去，还是有机会的。”
王家栋苦着脸说：“家里那三条恶狼怎么办？你是一个女流之辈，你弟弟又不是杀人放火的陈胜吴广，我也老了，难对付三条恶狼呀！难道天真要亡我王家吗？”
王胭脂想不出个好办法，只能道：“爹，先休息一下，慢慢想办法，船到桥头自然直。”
王长庚回到房间，晁冬雪正在抹泪。白天松下次郎和日本鬼子到王记胭脂坊，晁冬雪已经知道家中遭难，估计父亲和母亲已不在人世了。王长庚不敢告诉她京西胭脂铺已经被焚毁的事情，想带晁冬雪出去，但是院子中不仅仅墙壁厚，还有高高的围墙，想出去只有前院和后院两道门。前院和后院都有人守着，出不去，焦急万分。
王长庚低声问：“这如何是好呢？”
晁冬雪默默无语，泪水簌簌滚落。
王长庚心如刀割，把她揽在怀中，内疚地道：“我要是能杀人，就杀了胡七，带你远走高飞。”
晁冬雪咬着唇。
王长庚恍然大悟，自言自语道：“对呀！等胡七睡着了，给他脖子上一刀，岂不就杀了他？”
晁冬雪木然地道：“你会杀人吗？”
王长庚一咬牙：“拼了，反正都是死路一条，拼一下或许还有个活路。”
话音刚落，窗户外传来一个低低的声音：“小妹，把门打开。”
王长庚和晁冬雪听得清清楚楚。晁冬雪惊喜地道：“家聚哥！”王长庚轻轻把门打开，一个人影迅速地闪了进来。
常家聚穿着黑色的衣服，肩膀上背着一把大刀，脸色铁青，眼神坚毅。
晁冬雪扑过去，抱着常家聚，低低地叫了一声“家聚哥”，泪如雨下。
常家聚拍了拍她的肩膀，低声安慰说：“有哥在，你别怕！”抬头看了一眼王长庚，说：“等一下我出去把进后院的门别住，杀了胡七，你带晁冬雪走。对了，你悄悄出去给你爹说一声，让他也准备逃。”
王长庚喜出望外，悄悄出门。
晁冬雪惊喜地道：“家聚哥，你怎么知道我在这里？”
常家聚简单地给她说了一下，原来，常家聚白天才刚刚进入北平，走近京西胭脂铺，却发现王家栋、王胭脂、松下次郎等人从京西胭脂铺出来，随后，京西胭脂铺起了大火。日本人显然在里面泼了很多油，所以火势起得极其之快，轰然一声，便已经烈焰熊熊。常家聚很想冲进去，却根本无法靠近。
常家聚想，一定是王家栋勾结日本鬼子烧了京西胭脂铺，所以，一直悄悄地跟着他们。到了美丽雪花膏厂才知道，日本人已经把美丽雪花膏厂占领了。一路上，常家聚注意王家栋和王胭脂的表情，感觉他们父女不像是和日本人合作。后来，王家栋父女被押回来，他也一直跟着，又找机会翻墙而入，听到王家栋和胡七的对话，才知道王家也是受害者，同时还发现晁冬雪躲在王长庚的房里。
常家聚在房顶偷听到王家栋和王胭脂的对话，已经有了救晁冬雪和王家人的主意。
王长庚到父亲的房间，对父亲悄悄一说，王家栋立即叫醒周氏，让他们秘密准备。
深夜，常家聚从王长庚的卧室出去，把前院进入后院的门别上，后院里的两个混混守在后院门口，一个睡觉，一个执守，丝毫没有发现意外。
胡七还在呼呼大睡，被常家聚一刀切下脑袋，连哼也没有哼一声，睡梦之中就去见了阎王。
常家聚轻轻开了门，拿了胡七的王八盒子枪，晁冬雪和王长庚先出去，三人立刻消失在黑暗之中。
王家栋、王胭脂、王大宝、周氏四人也随后出门。王家栋担心人全部在一起，会发生意外，便和王长庚商量好，分头出门，在城外会合。至于黑妞，王家栋担心她头脑有问题，不敢叫醒她。
王家栋几人刚出门，黑妞就被尿憋醒了。她爬起来，走出卧室，只见前院的门开着，几个卧室的门也开着。她嘟囔，往大门口一看，立刻拍着手大叫了起来：“死人了，死人了。”
胡七身首异处，血流遍地。
喊声立刻惊动了后院的两个混混，他们本能地冲过来，却打不开门，只能从后院之中找来一些工具，把门撬开。两个人一看到胡七的尸体，吓得魂飞魄散，慌忙拔出枪打了一枪。
黑妞立刻大叫起来：“打枪了，打枪了。”
一个混混冲过去，一把揪住黑妞的衣服，喝道：“人呢？”
黑妞只是大叫：“死人了，打枪了，死人了，打枪了。”很快，日军的巡逻兵赶来，一个混混跑去报告吴天，一个跟着日军士兵追捕王家人。
王家栋一家人没有逃出多远，就听到了枪声。王家栋和周氏老了，从来没有经历过这么险恶的事情，如无头的苍蝇乱撞了一阵，累得不行。王胭脂拖着儿子，手慌脚乱。
王家栋和周氏跌坐在路边，呼呼直喘息。
王胭脂急忙道：“父亲、二娘，快跑呀！日本鬼子追上来了！”
王家栋颤声道：“我的儿，你和大宝快跑，别管我和二娘。”
王胭脂还在犹豫，王家栋拖着哭腔骂道：“我的儿呀，你想全家死尽吗？跑呀，跑出去一个是一个。”
王胭脂拉着儿子就跑，没跑多久，身后重重的大头皮靴声、凶狠的吆喝声、枪栓拉得哗啦响的声音不时传来。王大宝吓坏了，大哭起来：“娘，日本人追上来了，怎么办呀？”
王胭脂拽着儿子疯狂地跑，陡然几道电筒光照射过来，枪声大作。扑通一声，王大宝跌倒在地上。王胭脂拖了儿子几步，感觉儿子的身体已经软了，低头一看，儿子的后背、脑袋上有两个弹孔，鲜血直冒。
王胭脂脑子里嗡的一声炸开了，人就跪在儿子身边，大哭起来：“我的儿呀！”
几个日本鬼子端着步枪冲过来，把她团团围住，电筒光照在王胭脂的身上。
“花姑娘。”
一个日本鬼子把步枪往旁边一靠，就来拖王胭脂。王胭脂猛然扭住日本鬼子，又抓又打，几个日本鬼子在一边幸灾乐祸地取笑，并不上前帮忙。
这个日本鬼子终于把王胭脂按倒在地上，撕开了王胭脂的衣服，狰狞地狂笑着，双脚跪在王胭脂身上。王胭脂在日本鬼子松手脱衣服的时候，猛地一挣扎，居然把日本鬼子掀翻了，她发出一声号叫，扑在日本鬼子身上，嘴巴正好抵在日本鬼子的鼻子上，一口就咬了下去，把日军士兵的鼻子咬了下来。
日军士兵一声号叫，双手捂着鼻子，在地上翻滚。
旁边一个日军士兵见势不妙，抡起枪托，砸在王胭脂脑袋上。
王胭脂头一歪，人就趴在了地上。那个在地上翻滚的日军士兵恼羞成怒，爬起来，抓起步枪，对着王胭脂的脑袋开了一枪。
“砰！”王胭脂脑浆迸裂，气绝身亡。
王家栋和周氏很快就被几个人抓住，其中一个正是在王家栋家看守的小混混。他大叫起来：“就是他，逃跑的就是他。”
王家栋逃跑无门，心灰意冷，一声长叹：“哎！死了好，死了好，一死百了。”
但是，日本鬼子并没有杀王家栋，又将他押了回来。松下次郎和吴天等人闻讯后也赶来了。赶来时，看到王家栋和周氏坐在地上，显然已经筋疲力尽。黑妞蹲在王家栋身边，凑近他，神秘兮兮地说：“死人了，打枪了，死人了，打枪了。”
松下次郎、吴天站在不远处。
松下次郎痛心疾首地问吴天：“你说，我诚心对别人，为什么别人总把我的一片诚心当成驴肝肺？”
吴天极力讨好松下次郎，在他耳朵边低声说：“阁下，这姓王的老家伙不是个好东西，不知道好歹，不用对他客气！”一边说，一边用手做了一个斩杀的手势。
松下次郎脸色狰狞，一步一步走到王家栋身边，用脚踢了踢王家栋，冷冷地道：“你说，为什么要逃？难道我对不起你？还有，是谁杀了胡七？”
王家栋耷拉着脸，女儿和孙子已死，他的心也死了，一个人如果连死都不怕，也就没有什么值得可怕的。
王家栋没有回答，他心中想，王长庚有没有跑出去还是个问题，不能透露了王长庚和常家聚的信息。
松下次郎更重地踢了一脚，骂了一声八嘎。一直蹲在王家栋旁边的黑妞，哇的一声怪叫，跳起来，双手狠狠地掐住松下次郎的下体，把松下次郎举了起来，抛在地上。
黑妞是一个傻瓜，她见松下次郎欺负王家栋，本能地就要帮忙，也根本不会想什么后果。黑妞脚大手粗，力气猛，一掐又正中要害，松下次郎疼痛得几乎要昏迷过去。
吴天大吃一惊。
松下次郎嗷嗷怪叫：“统统死啦死啦的。”
几个日本鬼子端起步枪，砰砰砰一阵乱枪响，王家栋、周氏、黑妞都倒在了血泊之中。
吴天搀扶起松下次郎，松下次郎余怒未消，吼道：“烧，给我烧，把王记胭脂坊烧成灰烬。”
吴天狐假虎威地跟着大叫：“烧，给松下阁下烧，把王记胭脂坊烧为灰烬。”
一把大火冲天而起……
城墙上，常家聚、晁冬雪、王长庚三人蹲在地上。常家聚熟悉北平的地形，又善于在夜间行走，三人有惊无险地到了城墙上。常家聚正把一圈绳子的一端拴在城垛上，把另一端丢下去。
王长庚不时抬头焦急地张望，低声说：“不知道我父亲、二娘、姐姐他们有没有逃出来。”
常家聚冷静地道：“冬雪、长庚，你们抓着绳子先下去，往武汉方向走，去那里找承志、迎春他们。如果在武汉找不到，就去重庆。”
晁冬雪听出他的弦外之音，问道：“家聚哥，你不和我们一起走？”
常家聚摇了摇头，冷静地说：“我还有两件事情要做。”
晁冬雪问：“哪两件事情？”
常家聚道：“第一件事情，就是打探一下长庚家人的情况！”
王长庚扑通一声就跪在常家聚面前：“谢谢家聚哥！”
常家聚一把就拽起了他，说：“我们都是一家人了，还说这些客气话做什么呢？你好好照顾冬雪。”
王长庚哽咽着说：“是。”
常家聚咬着牙，斩钉截铁地道：“第二件事情就是杀了松下次郎！父母之仇，毁家之恨，血海深仇，不共戴天。”
晁冬雪心中一动，说：“家聚哥，你要小心！”
常家聚点了点头说：“你们先走，如果我办事顺利，很快就会追上你们，如果我没来，就说明我已经死了！”
晁冬雪泪如雨下，说：“家聚哥！”
常家聚一挥手道：“长庚，你先下！”
王长庚抓着绳子滑下城墙，晁冬雪也滑了下去，常家聚用绳子把金匾吊下去，对晁冬雪、王长庚挥手道：“记住，今后不管发生什么，你们一定要重振京西胭脂铺。”
两个人抬头，常家聚在城墙上一闪便不见了。
王长庚扶着晁冬雪，消失在黑夜之中。
松下次郎烧毁了京西胭脂铺、王记胭脂坊，霸占了美丽雪花膏厂，居然一本正经地开始生产胭脂水粉。
美丽雪花膏厂的工人只找回来了十几个，松下次郎就让吴天带人去把附近一些曾经做过胭脂水粉的市民抓来，强迫在美丽雪花膏厂上班。
当然，松下次郎是无法经营这个厂的，于是给日本国内的家族中人发了电报。家族中人正赶往北平。
吴天给松下次郎跑了几天腿，苦不堪言。他本是一方大哥，沦落为小弟没什么，此一时，彼一时，不可同日而语嘛！关键是他看不懂松下次郎的意思。
美丽雪花膏厂，二楼，松下次郎端坐在史密斯的办公桌前，踌躇满志。今天他心情格外好，居然招呼吴天用茶。
吴天小心翼翼地陪松下次郎喝茶，一边偷偷打量他的神色，感觉他心情不错，也就壮着胆子问道：“阁下，有一事我不明白，不知道该不该问？”
松下次郎道：“什么事情？”
吴天道：“在北平，要赚大钱有三种方法：开赌场，开妓院，开烟馆，样样日进斗金。北平现在属于日本，您是日本人，为什么不