Chapter 2 Chapter One

In the early morning of October 1938, one year after the national government moved its capital from Nanjing to Chongqing. Xia Xinli, a reporter from the "Xinhua Daily" who had evacuated here from Wuhan, was packed into an overcrowded truck with many fleeing refugees, and headed slowly towards the Yichang wharf. Since the Japanese army had been besieging the three towns of Wuhan for several days and Wuhan was about to fall, the Xinhua Daily, which was in charge of the Yangtze River Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China at that time, had begun to retreat to Chongqing in batches.Xia Xinli was one of the reporters who volunteered to go to Yichang alone to cover the retreat.

The truck that kept honking its horn finally couldn't start. The driver stopped the car cursingly and didn't drive at all.Xia Xinli looked around, and had no choice but to jump out of the car, wrapped his thin cotton clothes tightly, grabbed the camera on his body, and climbed up the high embankment with some other refugees. From Wuhan to Yichang, Xia Xinli has witnessed, photographed and recorded with his own eyes, camera and pen.But when he stood on the top of the Yangtze River embankment and looked around, he was still shocked by the scene in front of him. Under the faint morning light, it was difficult to tell which were ordinary people, which were soldiers and the wounded, which were government personnel, and which were workers from evacuated enterprises.Everything on the inner side of the levee is engulfed in a huge, boundless, slow-moving chaos, noisy, noisy, dusty but unable to move forward.On the beach on the bank of the Yangtze River outside the embankment, countless bonfires were lit, and piles of materials waiting to be transshipped were placed.Under the reflection of the bonfire, countless figures can be seen swaying, either surrounding the bonfire to keep warm, or rushing to the river.Many people were carrying stretchers and waiting among the crowd.Several small ships with white smoke from their chimneys were docked on the shore, and vague figures were swarming towards the ships through the pontoon bridge. Some soldiers waved their rifles in an attempt to control the situation.Some people reached the boat through the pontoon bridge, some were blocked back to the shore, and some fell into the river water that shone slightly in the morning light.

Xia Xin set up a levee and hurried past a large pile of machinery and equipment.A group of workers, illuminated by a bonfire, attempt to move a massive machine, shoulder to shoulder.The weather was already quite chilly, but most of the workers were bare-chested. In the firelight, you could even see the sweat on their bare shoulders and chests.They were so focused that the panicked crowd around them seemed to have nothing to do with them.Xia Xinli stopped and looked up at the sky. He felt that the light was enough to take pictures, so he took off the camera on his shoulder and pointed the lens at the group of workers.The workers didn't seem to see him, they just yelled and pushed and pulled.

Xia Xinli leaned against a cold machine with his back, calmly focused, framed the scene, and lightly pressed the shutter. In front of a pontoon bridge by the river, He Xuezhu, wearing a doctor's white coat and carrying a medical kit, was sweating profusely with a nurse directing the stretchers carrying wounded soldiers. The red cross logo is very eye-catching.Beside her, four or five soldiers were trying their best to stop other civilians who wanted to board the ship with their rifles. He Xuezhu was originally a surgeon at Shanghai Huici Hospital. After the fall of Shanghai, she followed her husband Zheng Xianbo to Nanjing, and then retreated to Wuhan.The war in Wuhan was tense, and He Xuezhu participated in the work of helping the wounded in the Wuhan battle to evacuate, and hurried all the way to Yichang.Although a bit old and dusty, but He Xuezhu's body can still see the beautiful shadow of his youth.Of course, the lady of the past is now a doctor who has been running around in the war for many years, and now there are more hard lines and turbulent expressions on that once charming face.

At this time, two soldiers used a stretcher to carry Lieutenant Zhang Xuming, who was injured in the Battle of Wuchang, through the crowd and walked to the pontoon bridge. He Xuezhu went up to meet him and asked, "Where is the injury?" Zhang Xuming smiled slightly, and pointed to his right shoulder with difficulty, but did not speak.He Xuezhu waved his hands and let them walk onto the pontoon bridge. He Xuezhu's husband, Zheng Xianbo, who worked for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Nationalist Government, came over in a hurry. Even though he was fleeing, Zheng Xianbo still maintained a gentlemanly demeanor.A dark blue thick woolen suit is a bit old, and the cuffs are frayed, but it is neat and clean and very decent.The hair is a little gray, and it hasn't even been trimmed for a while, but it still maintains a certain hairstyle.Years of career as a diplomat have left a kind of politeness and refinement on Zheng Xianbo's thin face.Under the thick black eyebrows, the two deep eyes always seem to contain various complex expressions, but it is always impossible for people to interpret the specific content.Compared with his wife He Xuezhu, He Xuezhu is a mass of radiating light, while Zheng Xianbo is more like a well filled with clear water.The water is clear and bright, but it is hidden within the regular and dark wellhead.Even when the well water was turbulent or even turbid, no one would know Zheng Xianbo's deepest emotions and thoughts if he couldn't pass through the defense line at the mouth of the well.

Zheng Xianbo watched Zhang Xuming's stretcher walk up the rickety pontoon before coming behind He Xuezhu.When two soldiers saw him, they immediately stepped forward and stopped him with their rifles.Just as Zheng Xianbo was about to explain, He Xuezhu just turned around and saw her husband, a tired smile appeared on his face: Xianbo, what are you doing here? Zheng Xianbo gracefully pushed away the soldier's bayonet and came to He Xuezhu's side.He looked anxiously at the ship that was already full of wounded soldiers: Your ship is already overcrowded. He Xuezhu smiled wryly: What can I do?The wounded cannot be left here.There are too few boats.

Zheng Xianbo looked back at the chaotic shore: Thanks to Mr. Lu Zuofu's Minsheng Company, otherwise, there might not even be these boats.You should go with me on the boat of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, it will be safer. While He Xuezhu was checking another wounded soldier on a stretcher, he said without looking back: I am a doctor, how could I leave my patient!Besides, I'm not qualified to go on a government boat. Zheng Xianbo: Then, why don't I get on your boat? Only then did He Xuezhu look back at her husband, and then smiled softly: What are you talking about.You go, the boat will leave later.

Zheng Xianbo was still hesitating, but He Xuezhu pushed him: let's go, don't worry, we'll see you in Chongqing, okay? Zheng Xianbo reluctantly left his wife and came to another boat specially prepared for government workers.After getting on the boat, he hurried to the deck at the stern and looked in He Xuezhu's direction anxiously.The sky had already brightened, and Zheng Xianbo saw Xia Xinli walking in front of He Xuezhu, showed his ID to He Xuezhu and the soldiers, and said something to He Xuezhu.Then He Xuezhu and the soldiers let go, and Xia Xinli walked across the pontoon bridge and got on the boat.The steamer's whistle sounded harshly.Afterwards, He Xuezhu also boarded the boat.

The propellers of several ships began to rotate clumsily, paddling the turbid river water, and black smoke billowed from the chimney above the engine room.The ship slowly left the pier, sailed against the current on the river surface that had been dyed red by a ray of morning glow, and left the still chaotic shore. The ship He Xuezhu took was also offered by Lu Zuofu, a well-known entrepreneur in Chongqing and owner of Minsheng Company.The ship is a bit old, but the facilities are still complete.It was said that it was a ship specially prepared for transporting the wounded, and it was strictly controlled, but the ship was still crowded with all kinds of people, and the luggage and goods were piled up in a mess.Some people who somehow got on the ship, because they could no longer gain a foothold in the cabins on the deck, simply tied themselves to the railings of the ship's side. As long as they didn't fall into the river, they could cross the Three Gorges to Chongqing at least.Although it was crowded, people were all in peace.After all, we are all on the same boat, with similar memories and expectations, as well as the same pain and comfort.

Therefore, when Zhang Xuming, who was lying on the stretcher, watched a middle-aged man with the appearance of a businessman and a soldier with a thigh injury arguing over a seat next to him, he became quite irritable.Zhang Xuming is from Chongqing, with a typical Chongqing face.He has a dark but not broad forehead, small but bright eyes, firm cheekbones, and black mustaches around the clear lines of his lips. After enlisting in the army in 1937, Zhang Xuming has been serving as a soldier in the 33rd Army of General Zhang Zizhong, from an ordinary soldier to a lieutenant.During the defense of Wuchang, Zhang Xuming was hit on the right shoulder and chest by a stray bullet from the Japanese army while retreating.He didn't want to go back to Chongqing, but because Wuhan was about to fall and the hospital in Yichang was full, he was forced by his boss to board a ship to Chongqing.

The middle-aged man was still arguing with the wounded soldier: This seat is mine!Let me tell you, this boat belongs to my friend Lu Zuofu! The wounded soldier yelled dissatisfied: Then you go to your friend and ask him to give you another boat! Middle-aged man: Why are you so unreasonable?I can ask someone to drive you down! The wounded soldier waved his fist: How dare you! Zhang Xuming, who was lying on the stretcher, finally couldn't help it: What are you arguing about? !Isn't it just one fucking seat, it's worth making a fuss for a long time? !Don't even talk, you sit alone for a while! The soldier looked at Zhang Xuming's rank and fell silent. The middle-aged man still wanted to defend: But... Zhang Xuming stared: Didn't you see that his leg was injured?Let him sit first, you wait! The soldier happily saluted Zhang Xuming and sat down.The middle-aged man looked at Zhang Xuming angrily: "Qiu Ba, it's unreasonable to lose a battle!"You really have the ability, you fight with the devil! Being scolded by the middle-aged man, Zhang Xuming suddenly became angry. He wanted to stand up, but he coughed violently, and some blood foam oozed from his mouth, so he had to lie down and stare at the businessman.Seeing this, the wounded soldiers around looked at the middle-aged man fiercely, and even slowly approached him.This finally scared the middle-aged man, so he had no choice but to step aside without saying a word. The night before the fall of Wuhan. The "Xinhua Daily" established by the Southern Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China in Wuhan is about to evacuate.There was some confusion in the corridors of the editorial department, people were busy with retreating and moving documents.In the distance, there were continuous rumbles of guns and guns.Occasionally a cannonball exploded nearby, shaking dust from the ceiling. In a room in the editorial department, Zhou Enlai, vice chairman of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and deputy director of the Political Department of the Military Commission of the Nationalist Government, was dictating the last editorial of Xinhua Daily before leaving Wuhan to his staff member Sun Xiangying.Zhou Enlai paced back and forth in the room, while the young and beautiful Sun Xiangying was at the desk preparing to record.From time to time, people came into the room to take away bundles of newspapers and books. They all knew that Zhou Enlai was busy writing editorials, so they didn't bother to make a sound, just took the things and left.From time to time the flashes of distant explosions were reflected on the glass of the windows. Zhou En came to look at Sun Xiangying: Are you ready? Sun Xiangying nodded. Zhou Enlai thought for a while, and then said: On this tragic day... Suddenly a shell exploded not far from the editorial office. On the table and on the ground, the lights also suddenly went out. In the darkness, Sun Xiangying shouted loudly: Vice Chairman Zhou!Vice Chairman Zhou! Zhou Enlai replied calmly in the dark: It's all right.I found a match. After a match was lit, Sun Xiangying discovered that the room was filled with dust, and a large piece of the ceiling had fallen and hung in the air. Zhou Enlai and Sun Xiangying's heads and bodies were covered with dust that fell from the ceiling.Zhou Enlai lit a candle and brought it to the table. Sun Xiangying blew away the dust on the manuscript paper: Vice Chairman Zhou, this is too dangerous... Zhou Enlai smiled comfortingly: It doesn't matter, the last issue of "Xinhua Daily" in Wuhan can't be without editorials.Where were we talking just now? Hesitant Sun Xiangying looked at the manuscript paper: "In this tragic day"... Zhou Enlai thought for a while: No, this is not a good start.Changed it to "Fathers and Folks of Wuhan"... Another shell exploded nearby, shaking off the remaining glass on the window.The sound of explosions was more violent and dense, mixed with clear or muddy gunshots. Zhou Enlai was unmoved at all, and continued to repeat calmly: Fathers and folks in Wuhan...Shanghai.In the bushes not far from Hongkou Park, there is a lonely gray two-story western-style building hidden.This famous house is old, and the sign on the door reads "No. 7, East Tiyuhui Road".At the door, there were two Japanese who looked like spies walking vigilantly.This building was later called "Chongguang Building", and a meeting held in the building now has a special status and significance in the history of China's Anti-Japanese War. A relatively large room in the building has been freshly painted, and there is a long table in the middle of the room.Negotiators sent by Japan, Kagesa Haruaki, Chief of the Chinese Department of the Ministry of Army Staff Headquarters, and Major General Takeo Imai, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Japanese Army General Command, sat on one side of the table.Opposite them were Wang Jingwei's negotiator, Gao Zongwu, director of the Asian Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Nationalist Government, and Mei Siping, Secretary of the Political Strategy Department of the Military Commission of the Nationalist Government.Since it was a secret negotiation between the Nationalist Government and the Japanese, Gao Zongwu and Mei Siping both had mysterious expressions.An interpreter sits at one side of the table.In front of each of them, there is a stack of manuscripts, which is the notorious "Records of Japan-China Agreement". Imai Takeo did not speak, but looked at Gao Zongwu and Mei Siping with some arrogance. Yingzuo Zhenzhao, who appeared to be somewhat diplomatic, spoke expressionlessly: You two have already discussed the content of this memorandum, and I also believe that you have already discussed it with Mr. Wang Jingwei in Chongqing.You probably know the current situation in China better than I do, so I don't hope there will be any bargaining today.First of all, it is of great benefit to your country to designate Inner Mongolia as a special "communist prevention" area.We can station troops in the "communist defense zone" to ensure that the forces of the Communist Party are excluded.Secondly, to recognize the legal status of Manchukuo... Gao Zongwu cautiously interrupted Yingzuo Zhenzhao: Regarding the second article, we believe that the public recognition of Manchukuo will cause strong dissatisfaction among the Chinese people. The prestige damage was too great for his political future. Takeo Imai arrogantly: This condition must be met. Mei Siping quickly continued: That's it. We hope that after the agreement is reached, we don't recognize Manchukuo in an open way. As long as we recognize Manchukuo in fact, it can be regarded as meeting the conditions. Ying Zuo Zhenzhao thought for a while: This is also possible, and it does not necessarily require verbal expression.So, what about other conditions? Mei Siping: Everything else is fine. Gao Zongwu hesitated: After peace is restored, can Japan guarantee to withdraw its troops within two years? Kagesa Haruaki: No problem.When Mr. Gao went to Japan, he already got our guarantee. Gao Zongwu still looked at Ying Zuo Zhenzhao with some hesitation: But, according to my understanding of your country's politics, if there is a change in the cabinet... Ying Zuo Zhenzhao interrupted Gao Zongwu: This will not be an obstacle!Japanese politics is advanced, once we make political and policy commitments, it will be implemented. Takeo Imai: In fact, what we are most concerned about is whether Mr. Wang Jingwei has made up his mind? Mei Siping: There is no problem. Imai Takeo: That's good.We hope that Mr. Wang Jingwei will arrange to leave Chongqing immediately after agreeing to this agreement.Of course, you can go to a third country first, and then wait for Prime Minister Konoe to make a formal statement.Preferably a place that can reach Hong Kong or Japan immediately.Leaving Chongqing must be secret and not attract attention. Mei Siping: We will arrange this. There was an imperceptible smile on Kagesa Shakaaki's face: Gentlemen, I think this memorandum can be signed now.Come on. A waiter came in, brought four glasses of champagne for the four of them, and waited. Gao Zongwu and Mei Siping looked at each other, then took out a pen and signed their names on the document in front of them.After watching them sign, the two Japanese also signed the text in front of them. A plane was parked on the tarmac of Chongqing Airport, surrounded by soldiers guarding it.A black car was parked next to the plane, and there was a jeep in charge of guarding it at the front and rear. Chiang Kai-shek, who had just finished attending the Nanyue Military Conference held in Guilin, came out of the plane door, turned around and held the hand of Song Meiling, then secretary-general of the Aviation Committee of the Nationalist Government, and walked down the ramp together slowly.Chen Bulei, director of the second department of Chiang Kai-shek's attendant room, who was waiting under the gangway, hurried forward to meet him.After the meeting, everyone did not speak.Chiang Kai-shek nodded to Chen Bulei, and he and Song Meiling got into the car directly. After Chen Bulei waited for them to get in the car, he also got in the car and sat next to the driver. The convoy moved on. After the car drove for a certain distance, Chiang Kai-shek looked away from the car window and spoke slowly, with a tired tone: Yanji, is there any response from the United States? Chen Bulei turned his head and looked at Chiang Kai-shek: No.I have asked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, but they have not received any information.However, according to Minister Wang Chonghui, President Roosevelt could exert some pressure on Congress, but he could not dominate the revision of the "Neutrality Act". After all, the revision of the law is a matter for the Senate and the House of Representatives. Chiang Kai-shek sighed: Yes, I am afraid that writing a few more letters to Roosevelt will not solve the problem.It is not easy to make selfish Americans care about the situation in the Far East. Song Meiling interjected comfortingly: Darling, this situation will change. Chiang Kai-shek patted Soong Meiling's hand: Yes, it will change, but when?If it does not touch the interests of Americans themselves, they will not be tempted.Time, time is so important to us. Chen Bulei: Commissioned, what is the final conclusion of the Nanyue Military Conference? Chiang Kai-shek: It can be said that there is a final conclusion, and it can also be said that there is no.But my final idea is to trade space for time.We don't hesitate to lose some more cities and some land to wait for change.The Japanese are eager to end the war in China, we must resist, hold them back, and buy more time. Chen Bulei: Is this the only choice? Chiang Kai-shek: You have read "On Protracted War" written by Mao Zedong. He also realized that the War of Resistance is long-term.You should all take a closer look.By the way, Yanji, you come back for two days first, have you met Wang Zhaoming? Chen Bulei: No.However, I heard that Vice President Wang's recent whereabouts are a bit mysterious. Chiang Kai-shek paid attention: Oh?What's the meaning? Chen Bulei: There are rumors that Gao Zongwu and Mei Siping of the "low-key club" have just been to Shanghai recently. Chiang Kai-shek became alert, and the tiredness in his voice disappeared immediately: Is this true? Chen Bulei: I just heard that I will implement it as soon as possible. Chiang Kai-shek scolded: Gao Zongwu, this bastard, quietly went to Japan to meet Seishiro Sakagaki and Haruaki Kagesa, and now he is going to Shanghai with Mei Siping. It seems that he is really plotting something behind my back! Chen Bulei: Could it be that they are already secretly negotiating with the Japanese? Chiang Kai-shek stopped talking, and turned his gaze out of the car window again.Below the highway, the water of the Yangtze River shone brightly in the sun, and those spots of light seemed to be deliberately avoiding his gaze, appearing erratic. On the Yangtze River near the Three Gorges, large and small ships sailed against the current, and glaring black smoke spewed out of their chimneys.The river is rushing, and the boats are struggling to move forward.The mountains in the distance are covered by clouds and mist, and the majesty is faintly visible.Zheng Xianbo's boat and He Xuezhu's boat also came to the last section of the Yangtze River before entering the Three Gorges.Their boats were not far apart, and Zheng Xianbo's boat was a little behind. Zheng Xianbo stood on the deck, staring blankly at the river in front of him.The black smoke from the ship in front dragged on the river, tumbling and retreating.A colleague came over and lit a cigarette beside him.Zheng Xianbo looked at him, but said nothing. Colleague: Brother Xianbo, is Mrs. Sister-in-law on that boat? Zheng Xianbo nodded. Colleagues were a bit out of ideas: Before leaving Yichang, I heard that the Japanese Konoe cabinet issued another statement, which seemed to have changed its tone, saying that as long as the Nationalist government abandoned its previous policies, it could negotiate with us. Zheng Xianbo looked at his colleagues again: The statement issued by the Konoe cabinet in January this year also said that the National Government would not be the negotiating opponent, and now it says that it can negotiate?The Japanese are really unpredictable.However, these actions of theirs may ultimately be related to our domestic trends. Colleague: You mean our government... Chairman Chiang may have changed his mind? Zheng Xianbo worried: It's hard to say.When German Ambassador Tautman was coordinating negotiations between China and Japan last year, the attitude of the Chairman was somewhat ambiguous.The current situation is more passive than that time... If you look at the great retreat in front of you, it is not difficult to imagine why the Japanese made such a statement.Of course, the Japanese may have other intentions in doing so. At this time, the distant and low roar of the aircraft came from the sky downstream.Both of them leaned hard to the side of the boat and looked downstream, but there was nothing on the cloudy sky. However, the roar of the plane seemed to be getting louder and louder. He Xuezhu was standing on the front deck of his ship at this time, and heard the roar of the plane.But from here, she couldn't see the sky behind the ship.Amid the almost deafening roar, He Xuezhu seemed to realize something, she squeezed through the crowd of people who were already restless, and walked towards the rear deck with difficulty. In the cabin, Zheng Xuming and the soldier with the injured thigh were chatting as if they were not affected by the roar of the plane.The soldier was standing now, and the businessman was sitting on his seat. Although he was a little panicked, he could do nothing but listen to them casually. Zhang Xuming: What do you plan to do after the injury recovers? The soldier grinned: What should I do?Have a few good meals and then go back to war!We can't let the devils hit Chongqing step by step, and hit the door of the house. Zhang Xuming also smiled: like a soldier. Soldier: What about you? Zhang Xuming: Same as you. Soldier: Shouldn't they give you a promotion? Zhang Xuming: Shit!Besides, is it for this to beat devils? The roar of the plane had already rattled the glass on the porthole.The soldier squeezed his body out of the cabin to look, and saw the black shadows of the planes in bombing formation.He turned his head and shouted to the people in the cabin: Damn, it seems to be a devil's plane! As soon as the words fell, the low-flying Japanese fighter jets began to shoot at the ship, and the river surface outside the ship was hit by a string of water jets.The first round of strafing caused a great panic on board, with people crowding each other with nowhere to go.The same chaos happened on the boat Zheng Xianbo was on. People scrambled to escape from the deck, and some simply lay on the deck.Zheng Xianbo was very anxious and squeezed to the deck of the bow.After finally squeezing to the bow, Zheng Xianbo saw He Xuezhu holding the medical kit high in his hand on another boat not far away, trying to squeeze from the front deck to the back.Zheng Xianbo yelled at her vigorously, but she couldn't hear her at all amidst the roar of the plane and the sound of strafing. A second attack followed, and as Japanese fighter jets roared past, several bullets penetrated the roof of the cabin, knocking the wounded soldier to the ground.He cried out in pain. He Xuezhu finally squeezed into the cabin where Zhang Xuming was. As soon as she poked her head in, Zhang Xuming shouted anxiously to her: Doctor, hurry up! He Xuezhu came in, squatted down, and checked the shouting soldiers: Don't worry, I'm here!Can you see me?look into my eyes! The soldier shouted heart-piercingly: No, I don't want to die, I haven't... not come home! He Xuezhu saw a bullet hole on his right chest, which seemed to be still smoking, and hurriedly took out a pair of scissors from the medicine box, and quickly cut open the soldier's clothes, a stream of blood spurted out and splashed on He Xuezhu's face.She tore the soldier's clothes recklessly: the artery was broken! The soldier's hands were scratching around, Zhang Xuming turned sideways and grabbed his hand: "Brother, hold on!" He Xuezhu took out a ball of cotton yarn and shouted: Hold it down!Who will hold me down? ! The middle-aged man with the appearance of a businessman hurried over and pressed the blood-soaked cotton yarn with both hands.The soldier's distracted eyes fell on the middle-aged man, and he smiled slightly: I... I, I haven't returned home yet. The middle-aged man didn't know what to say, he just pressed the cotton yarn tightly. He Xuezhu finally found the needle and thread. She said to the middle-aged man: Let go slowly. After I find the artery, I will leave it to you. You can pinch it, okay? The middle-aged man nodded. He Xuezhu: Okay, take your time and let go. The middle-aged man let go of his hand, and the blood in the soldier's chest gushed out again. He Xuezhu struggled to find the artery in the pool of blood: I found it!Come on, hold on!Although the middle-aged man was a little timid, he came over and strangled the artery hidden in the pool of blood.However, the soldier's eyes were already dull, without any expression, and the hand holding Zhang Xuming tightly relaxed. Zhang Xuming: Doctor! He Xuezhu: Tighten it! Zhang Xuming shouted: Doctor!He... is finished! He Xuezhu seemed to have realized it only now. She looked at the soldier's pupils, then touched his neck, and sat down on the ground in frustration.The middle-aged man also slowly let go of the soldier, looking at his blood-stained hands with some fear.He Xuezhu helplessly reached out and closed the soldier's eyes. At this time, Xia Xinli anxiously ran to the door of the cabin: Doctor!Is the doctor here? He Xuezhu picked up the medicine box and stood up: I am here. Xia Xinli: Hurry up!Here one is hurt. He Xuezhu looked back at the soldiers who had died, and followed Xia Xinli out of the cabin door.Only then did Zhang Xuming slowly let go of the soldier's hand, and gently placed it on the soldier's chest. The middle-aged man who looked like a businessman had a serious expression on his face. After the escorting Japanese fighter jets strafed, the bombers began to fight.Because there was no air resistance, the Japanese bombers flew very low, almost diving and dropping bombs close to the river.The explosion of the bomb created a huge column of water on the water.Several ships were shot one after another, billowing black smoke filled the surface of the river. Zheng Xianbo stood stubbornly at the bow of the boat, watching the situation on the other boat.In the chaos, he finally saw He Xuezhu again. She and Xia Xinli were carrying a dead body to the aft deck. Zheng Xianbo yelled loudly in vain: Xuezhu, He Xuezhu!Get off the deck! He Xuezhu seemed to have heard Zheng Xianbo's shout, and looked in Zheng Xianbo's direction.She saw Zheng Xianbo waving his hands frantically and shouting, but couldn't hear clearly.He Xuezhu didn't stop, and continued to carry the corpse to the back deck with Xia Xinli.Several corpses had already been piled up in a small space near the ship's side on the after deck, and they put the soldier's body beside it.He Xuezhu straightened up and looked up, only to see a Japanese bomber swooping towards his ship in astonishment. Zheng Xianbo on the other ship also saw the dive of the Japanese bomber, and he shouted again almost in despair: get off the deck! The bomb fell with a roar and exploded in the water near the stern.He Xuezhu and Xia Xinli were picked up by the air waves and fell into the Yangtze River.Zheng Xianbo saw He Xuezhu fall into the river here, so he desperately wanted to jump over the side of the boat to save him.The colleague from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs held him tightly behind him. He Xuezhu was struggling in the water, Xia Xinli grabbed a board not far from her and swam desperately over.And the ship they were on has gradually left them.Xia Xinli was almost reaching He Xuezhu, and in a hurry, he took off the camera hanging around his neck, grabbed the camera by its belt, and threw the camera at He Xuezhu: Catch!Grab the camera! He Xuezhu was carried by the current, trying to catch the camera thrown by Xia Xinli, but failed.At this time, another bomb exploded near them, and the water rolled.After Xia Xinli dodged a wave, he raised his head again, but he could no longer see He Xuezhu. On the other boat, Zheng Xianbo saw the scene just now.Now he had stopped shouting, just stood there in a daze, with despair in his eyes. Chongqing.The faint twilight spread quietly in the grove behind Chiang Kai-shek's mansion.After dinner, Chiang Kai-shek took a walk with Wang Jingwei, vice president of the Kuomintang and chairman of the National Political Council, keeping a certain distance between them. Chiang Kai-shek: So, you have a pessimistic attitude towards the current situation? Wang Jingwei: After the fall of Wuhan, although we retreated to Chongqing and temporarily preserved the operation of the government, the situation is still very unfavorable to us. You should be clear about this. Chiang Kai-shek did not agree with Wang Jingwei's statement: relying on the Three Gorges of the Yangtze River, it seems that we are on the safe side. Wang Jingwei: But how long can this situation last?I heard that at the Nanyue Military Conference, you proposed the strategic policy of exchanging space for time.But have you ever thought that the Japanese have already occupied such a large area of ​​land, how much space do we have to give up? Chiang Kai-shek got a little angry: Zhao Ming, in your opinion, how should we deal with it? Wang Jingwei hesitated for a moment, and then said with some insinuations: Since Mr. Sun Yat-sen founded the Republic of China, our party has always shouldered the responsibility for the peril of the country and the nation.I thought that under the current circumstances, our party should stand up bravely and shoulder the responsibility of history. Chiang Kai-shek glanced at Wang Jingwei: Oh, how to bear it? Wang Jingwei: We should tell the people that for the survival of the nation, our party will not escape from its own mistakes. After guessing Wang Jingwei's subtext, Chiang Kai-shek fell silent. Wang Jingwei: The two of us should resign together to thank the world. Chiang Kai-shek didn't look surprised at all: If the two of us resign, will our party be able to bear the responsibility of history?This is not taking responsibility, but shirking political responsibility! Wang Jingwei: If we take the initiative to step down and let the virtuous, we may still find a way to save the country! Chiang Kai-shek: At a critical moment in this country's crisis, can you and I save the country by resigning?What nonsense! Wang Jingwei: I know that you are unwilling to give up power. Chiang Kai-shek: This is not a question of power or not! Wang Jingwei: From Northeast China to North China, from East China to Central China, we have retreated steadily. Is our party not responsible?Isn't it time to consider another way of saving the country? Chiang Kai-shek: What do you mean? Wang Jingwei paused, and then said: Negotiate with the Japanese... Chiang Kai-shek interrupted Wang Jingwei with his eyes.But he himself did not speak.After a while, he didn't look at Wang Jingwei, but waved his hand impatiently: "Okay, okay, let's not talk about it."I will not resign, and I do not want you to resign! After speaking, Chiang Kai-shek turned around and left, leaving Wang Jingwei aside. In Tokyo, Japan, the imperial meeting attended by Japanese military and political leaders was held in a large room of the Imperial Palace.There are two long tables in the room, and at the end of the table is a relatively shorter table, which is uniformly covered with a tartan tablecloth.Behind the long table sat the heads of the Japanese government and military respectively.They are Prime Minister Fumimaro Konoe, Minister of the Navy Mitsumasa Yonei, Chief of the General Staff of the Base Camp and Emperor Hirohito's younger brother Prince Zaihito, and Minister of War Seishiro Sakagaki. Since the Marco Polo Bridge Incident, Japan's all-out war of aggression against China has been going on for more than a year.However, the development of the war situation contradicted the expectations of the emperor and the Japanese military leaders.According to the Japanese original plan, after the war broke out, they should resolve the so-called "China Incident" within a few months.However, contrary to expectations, the Chinese army did not give up resistance easily despite repeated battles and defeats.What annoyed the Japanese even more was that under the program of resisting Japan and saving the nation, the Chinese Communist Party and the army led by it largely abandoned their previous suspicions, realized cooperation with the Kuomintang, and formed a nationwide anti-Japanese united front.As the war progressed, the Japanese army was unable to gain an absolute advantage, whether on the frontal battlefield or in the occupied areas, and there were signs of sinking deeper and deeper.Therefore, when the Minister of Army Seishiro Sakagaki reported the situation of the battle, Hirohito's face was already quite ugly. The emperor glanced at the ministers in front of him with cold eyes, and then said slowly: I have heard a lot from you, but I am not satisfied.The battle against China has been going on for such a long time, but the result has not been as people imagined. To this day, the Chinese people are still organizing active resistance.Do you have anything to say about this? Several ministers in charge of military strategy did not speak.Konoe Fumimaro looked around and said: In order to resolve the China incident as soon as possible, the cabinet has contacted Wang Jingwei's representatives, hoping to reach a peace agreement as soon as possible.In principle, they have agreed to our terms.Now we just have to wait for Wang Jingwei to get out of the control of the Chinese government. Hirohito said uninterestedly: I already know this.What I want to know is whether there are any new strategic guidelines in combat? 米内光政连忙说：根据海军部和陆军部的研究，我们认为有必要对敌人的后方，也就是支那中央政府所在的重庆进行打击。运用战略性的轰炸，破坏或者摧毁敌人的政府中枢，让敌人陷入恐慌和失控。重庆现在已经是支那事实上的首都，如果我们的战略轰炸获得成功，蒋介石政权或者崩溃，或者迫不得已和我们谈判，两种结果，都对我们有利。 裕仁：那么，在战略轰炸方面，是可能的吗？ 载仁把一份报告书放到了裕仁面前：完全可能。如果我们集中陆军和海军的航空力量，以武汉为基地，就能够对敌人的心脏实施致命打击！ 裕仁迅速地浏览了一下手里的文件：战略轰炸的目标并不限于军事目标，是这样吧？ 坂垣征四郎：如果把政治和经济中心作为目标进行轰炸，就可以说它们是军事目标，因为它们直接和军事行为有关。 裕仁：嗯，我认为有些细节还需要认真研究。但是这种战略轰炸的想法是可以实施的。这个方案，就先这样定下来吧。我希望这一次，能够如你们所说，尽快地解决问题。 说完，裕仁也没有宣布散会，冷冰冰地站了起来，文武官员们也一起站起了身，看着他们的天皇离开。 武汉沦陷之后，日本侵华陆军第一飞行团司令部也随即在武汉建立了指挥中心，为可能对重庆进行的战略轰炸做准备。这天下午，司令部的一间大会议室里，日本陆军第一飞行团团长寺仓正三少将奉命向自己的部下正式宣布了天皇刚刚敕令下达的“第241号大陆令”。正是这个日本天皇亲自下达的命令，揭开了重庆大轰炸血腥历史的一页，也揭开了世界现代空战史上无区别轰炸的残暴的一页。 寺仓正三面前的桌子上摆放着一些飞行地图之类的东西，他身后的墙上挂着一张巨大的中国地图，上面的重庆已经被用很粗的红笔画了一个大圈。一群日军军官坐在桌子两边，听着站在中国地图前的寺仓正三训话。 寺仓正三提高了声调：天皇的敕令已经明确，我们即将展开对重庆的战略轰炸，这将开创帝国作战史的新篇章！海军和陆军在这样一个伟大的战略作战中协同，是一次难得的机会。希望大家能和海军方面精诚合作，为尽快结束支那事变努力！ 众军官全部站了起来，情绪高涨地喊：是！ 寺仓正三：根据大本营的命令，我们将投入优势兵力，展开激烈的航空攻击。第241号大陆令要求，要特别注意袭击和消灭敌人的最高统帅和最高政治机关。针对敌军，可以使用特种弹。但是要注意避开第三国人的居住区域。普通弹和毒气弹混合使用，严守秘密，不得暴露！ 众军官再次喊道：是！ 寺仓正三环视了一圈，然后自信地笑了笑：从现在到雾季结束，还有几个月的时间，大家可以精心准备。不过，可以立即实施试探性的轰炸，为今后的作战提供依据。 然后，寺仓正三转头再次看了看自己身后的中国地图。那个被红笔圈上的地域，在他的眼中仿佛已经成了一片火海。 雾气弥漫。重庆朝天门码头外的江边，停泊着几艘刚刚到达重庆的轮船。许多撤退和逃难的人从船上下来，拖家带口、满脸疲惫地走上高高的石阶。在闹哄哄的人群中，刚刚到达重庆的郑先博和前来迎接自己的女儿郑娟、女婿江庆东见了面。 郑娟在重庆市政府工作，是一名新闻官员，她的丈夫江庆东是重庆防空司令部的一个副参谋长。两口子先前也在南京工作，1938年秋天到的重庆。郑娟基本上继承了郑先博的遗传基因，端庄，清秀，性格稳重，但也不乏一丝何雪竹式的干练。丈夫江庆东虽是军职，外表上却更多的是读书人的秀气和羸弱。当然，他对防空系统的专业知识，加上他兢兢业业的工作态度，还是使他得到了防空司令部副参谋长的职位。 没有见到预期一起到达的母亲，吃惊不小的郑娟忙追问郑先博。郑先博竭力克制着内心的痛苦和担忧，把何雪竹在轰炸中落水的经过向他们简约地讲了一下。 听完父亲的叙述，郑娟的眼睛里有隐约的泪光闪动。仿佛是安慰父亲也是安慰自己，她轻轻地说：爸爸……妈妈一定会被其他船上的人救起来的。 郑先博叹了口气：我也希望是这样。 江庆东劝慰地：爸，我们还是先送你回去吧。 郑先博默默地点点头。江庆东连忙把郑先博的行李拎起来，三人一起朝陡峭的码头石梯上面走去。刚走两步，一个中年男人走过来拦住了他们：请问是外交部的郑先博先生？ 郑先博：是我。 中年男人：请跟我来好吗？ 虽然吃惊，郑先博脸上却没什么表情：发生什么事了？ 中年男人：没什么，有人要见你。你们二位是郑先生的家人吧？请你们把郑先生的行李送回家。等事情办完后，很快就送郑先生回去。 郑娟和江庆东都莫名其妙地看着郑先博，郑先博镇定地对他们微微笑了一下，示意他们先走，然后便跟着那个中年男人走上了阶梯。他们一起穿过喧闹的人群，来到一条并不算宽的街道，一辆黑色轿车停在街边。那人打开后座的车门，让郑先博进去。郑先博刚一伸头，发现是外交部亚洲司司长高宗武坐在里面。 郑先博：高司长？ 高宗武：先博，快上车吧，上来我们再谈。 郑先博狐疑地钻进汽车，那个男人也坐到了驾驶座，发动了汽车。汽车响着喇叭，从挤满行人的街道上慢慢通过。 郑先博：高司长，我在万县的时候，听说你在香港治病……高宗武：我也是刚刚到重庆。 郑先博：你怎么知道我……高宗武笑着摆摆手：因为有事要找你，所以就到码头来了。一路上都还好吧？ 郑先博苦笑：高司长，到底是什么事情？ 高宗武：最近我们要和法国人在越南搞一次秘密的会谈，关于滇越铁路。你知道，这是整个中国抗战的一条重要的补给线。 郑先博：要我参加吗？ 高宗武：不，但是需要你提供一个相对安全的地点。我听说你有个亲戚在河内，我们需要一栋条件好一点、同时又比较隐蔽的房子。 郑先博：我的叔父在河内。 高宗武：可以联系上吗？ 郑先博：一直有联系，我可以写一封信给他。如果很急的话，也可以先拍个电报。 高宗武：是很紧急。我看这样，你立即拍一个电报给你的叔父，同时再写一封信交给我，由我来办。剩下的事情你就不用管了。 郑先博点点头，没再说话。 高宗武仿佛在揣度着郑先博的心思：先博，你是外交部的老人了。这件事情很敏感，所以不要事先张扬出去。在没有达成任何正式的协议之前，一定要保密。 郑先博：我知道了。 郑先博安顿好自己在重庆的住处，便来到国民政府外交部报到。郑先博办完手续，便决定去见外交部长王宠惠，因为高宗武那天跟他讲的事情，让他觉得有些蹊跷。 在王宠惠担任部长之前，郑先博就已经在外交部任职了。王宠惠上任后，很快便发现郑先博是一个有智慧的外交人才，所以对他器重有加，两人的关系也比较亲密。不过，王宠惠并没有给郑先博安排一个具体的有权力的职位。他很清楚，郑先博这样的人才，最好是处在一个“不管部”的位子上，随时可以调用，又随时可以打发。 迁都重庆后，外交部设在一座公园的灰色楼房内，楼房不大，也显得很朴素。一走进二楼的走廊，郑先博便碰上了几个先期来到重庆的同事，几个人都很热情地和他招呼，大家免不了寒暄一番。过了几个门，走廊最尽头的就是王宠惠的办公室。郑先博敲了门。 过来开门的是王宠惠的秘书：郑先生，王部长正等你呢。 郑先博在秘书的带领下穿过一个小房间，来到王宠惠的办公室。王宠惠正坐在办公桌前签署文件，抬头看见郑先博进来，就几笔签完了文件，交给秘书，然后走到郑先博跟前和他握了握手：我听说你太太在宜昌撤退的时候出了意外？ 郑先博点点头，和王宠惠一起坐在了沙发上。 王宠惠关心地：有消息吗？ 郑先博：没有，恐怕凶多吉少了。 王宠惠：不要往坏处想，你能找到太太的。如果需要我帮忙，就直接和我说。 郑先博：谢谢部长……不过，我来见你，并不是为了这件事。 王宠惠：说吧。 郑先博：高宗武司长找过我，说是要在河内跟法国人秘密谈判，关于滇越铁路，要我把我叔父的房子提供给他。 王宠惠疑惑地：是吗？高宗武从香港回来了？ 这下郑先博真的是有些吃惊了：你不知道此事？ 王宠惠思忖着，没有回答。 郑先博：那……你得到过法国方面的什么消息吗？ 王宠惠摇摇头：没有。这个高宗武！一贯如此。难怪委员长要骂他是个混蛋。但愿他不是又在搞什么阴谋诡计。 郑先博试探地：高司长会不会……王宠惠：和日本人谈？我最近是听到一些风声。但如果是和日本人接触，没有必要去河内，在香港就可以进行……王宠惠不说话了。 郑先博见王宠惠这样，就说：那，我就告辞了？ 王宠惠：好吧。你太太的事情不要着急，总会有消息的。你赶快把家里安顿好，然后就来上班吧。 第二天下午，郑先博收到了叔父从河内来的电报，告知房子的事情已经安排妥当。下班后，郑先博便来到了高宗武在重庆的临时住所。高宗武把郑先博迎进客厅，一脸的严肃，居然没有客气地让座。客厅里很混乱，的确是一副临时居住的样子，甚至有一种立即要离开的气氛。 郑先博把自己带来的电文纸递给了高宗武，高宗武看了看，很满意地说：你叔父是一个很通情达理的人嘛。这么快就安排好了。我得先感谢你，然后再感谢你的叔父。 郑先博：我们都是为了国家的利益。 高宗武哼哼哈哈：说得好，说得好啊。 环视了一下客厅之后，郑先博便告辞。高宗武也不挽留。在离开房间前，郑先博终于又停下来，有些欲言又止地说道：高司长……高宗武：还有什么？ 郑先博：我问过王部长了，但是他不知道河内谈判这件事情。 看着郑先博疑惑的眼睛，高宗武若无其事地笑了笑：啊，你好像有些担心？这样吧，既然你也帮了忙，我就给你透透风。这件事是汪副总裁亲自在运作，为了保密起见，只告知了相关的人。 郑先博还是有些犹豫：是这样？ 高宗武：先博啊，我建议你不要再去打听什么了。这件事情知道的人越少越好。等到结果出来，大家不也就都清楚了嘛。至于你叔父那里，政府当然不会无偿地使用他的房子。对了，你没有告诉你叔父我们此行的目的吧？ 郑先博：当然不会。 高宗武：那就好。 A few days later. 已经接近中午，重庆机场上空还有一些薄雾在飘荡，使机场远处迷蒙一片。一架准备起飞的军用飞机停在跑道上，螺旋桨已经转动。飞机里，汪精卫和妻子陈璧君、秘书曾仲鸣等人已经坐在座位上。汪精卫的表情有些焦虑，但沉默不语。 陈璧君倒显得有些急躁：都等了半天了，怎么还不起飞？ 曾仲鸣：不知道啊，该不会有什么差错吧。说完，他不经意地朝舷窗外看看，却发现有一辆黑色轿车停在了飞机旁边。他更加紧张，回过头来看着汪精卫。 汪精卫：怎么回事？ 曾仲鸣还没来得及回答，飞机的舱门又打开了，国民政府航空委员会主任周至柔将军和一个副官，再加上两名卫兵走进了机舱。机舱里坐着的这些人顿时愣住了，汪精卫更是神情紧张。 周至柔一进来就看见了汪精卫，也显得有点儿惊讶：汪副总裁？ 汪精卫努力让自己显得平静：啊，是周主任。你也坐这架飞机？ 周至柔找了个位子坐下：是啊。汪副总裁这是……陈璧君连忙说：副总裁是去成都演讲。 周至柔疑惑地：可这飞机是去昆明。 汪精卫犹豫了一下，然后说：哦，我们先到昆明，龙云邀请我去那里巡视一下，然后再去成都。 郑先博的住处是一栋常见的重庆小楼，青砖乌瓦，上下两层。房子前有一个小平台，平台下的石梯把房子和外面不宽的街道连接起来。黄昏时分，雾气再次偷偷地浓重了，把周围的房子和远处的长江都掩盖在昏黄的纱幔后面。 郑先博正蹲在小平台上，弓着腰在一只炉子上忙着。他想给自己煮点面条吃，可炉子里的木炭却怎么也燃不起来，仿佛是受到了潮湿雾气的影响，只是冒出一阵浓烈的白烟。郑先博用报纸当扇子使劲扇着，却毫不见效。他试图把炉子上的锅端起来，不料锅把已经很烫，他赶紧松手，锅哐当一声掉在了地上，锅里的水泼了一地。郑先博恼火地站直身子，一脚把炉子带锅一起踢下了平台。 儿子郑明手里拎着一包东西刚好出现在平台下：爸爸，干什么呢？ 看见儿子，郑先博立即很好地掩饰了自己刚才的失态：啊，你怎么来了？ 郑明看了看翻倒在平台下的炉子和那口锅：这是怎么啦？ 郑先博轻描淡写地笑了笑：你妈妈不在，我连吃饭都成问题了。本来我打算煮点儿面条吃……郑明扬了扬手里的纸包：我早就料到是这样。我买了些卤牛肉，还有两个锅盔，二两江津白酒，这可都是四川的特产。 郑明是郑先博和何雪竹三个孩子中的老二，老三也是女儿，叫郑琪。郑明和郑琪都比大姐郑娟长得漂亮，因为他们都更像何雪竹。不过在性格上，郑明却和郑娟一样，更像父亲。三个孩子中，郑先博最喜爱的也是郑明，这倒不是因为郑明是儿子，而是因为郑明的智慧，是因为他超乎一般年轻人的冷静和自控。郑先博原来以为，儿子会成为一名优秀的律师，没想到这个满腔爱国热情的高中毕业生，却鬼使神差地在一个同学的唆使下考进了戴笠办的特务学校。郑先博虽然无奈，也只好认了。郑明毕业后，顺理成章地被分配进了情报机关，和郑娟差不多同时来到重庆。 两人一起走进了房子。室内的一切都显示出这里缺乏一个女主人。郑明把食品从纸袋里拿出来，郑先博去厨房转悠了一下，拿了两个瓷碗出来。 郑先博：这碗就当酒杯了郑明不在乎地把酒倒进了瓷碗里，同时问道：我妈还没有消息？ 郑先博苦笑：没有。这两天我突然有一种不太好的预感。 郑明一边摊开那包卤牛肉，一边劝慰道：爸，我妈肯定没事儿。I firmly believe in this.那天和大姐还有小妹一块儿说起来……郑先博打断了他：我不是说这件事情。 郑明吃惊地：那你说的是什么？ 郑先博欲言又止，却终于没有说出来。 郑明：是外交部里的事？ 郑先博敷衍地笑笑：算了，我没事。来，喝酒。 郑明看着父亲，和他碰了碰碗，也没有再追问。在情报机关里干的时间久了，他已经养成了一个潜意识习惯：不随便追问别人什么。毕竟，在那样的工作环境里，知道的事情越少，自己就越安全，尽管郑明不是一个明哲保身的人。 吞下一口热辣的白酒，郑先博的喉咙感觉像着火一样。他对儿子夸张地笑笑：这是酒吗？恐怕是酒精吧？四川人都喝这东西？ 郑明：这可是真正的江津白酒。 郑先博呼了口气，最终决定还是不告诉郑明自己的担心。他清楚，即便自己说了出来，儿子也帮不上什么忙。其实，他现在自己都无法帮上自己的忙了。 重庆陕西街的一家餐馆里，《新华日报》正在为欢迎最后一批从武汉撤退到重庆的员工举行招待会。偌大的餐厅里挤满了来宾。 在餐厅的中央，周恩来举着酒杯正在讲话：……我们非常高兴地欢迎《新华日报》的同志们到达重庆。他们经历了千辛万苦，克服了重重困难，终于在这里和我们团聚了。当然，我也要借此机会，代表中共中央和我们所有的同志们，对在“新升隆号”事件中牺牲的二十四位《新华日报》的同志们表示最诚挚的哀悼！请大家举杯！为了他们，为了《新华日报》，为了中国人民伟大抗日战争的最后胜利，干杯！ 参加招待会的人们都举起了酒杯，相互干杯，然后热烈鼓掌。 夏新立和妻子余南平，一个模样朴实却不乏精明的中年妇女一起，来到顾宏源和罗伯特·马修斯这边。顾宏源看见他们过来，立即热情地迎了上去：老同学，没想到在重庆见面了！ 夏新立也热情地和他握手：顾宏源！你这家伙，好多年没音讯了！哦，这是我妻子，余南平，这是顾宏源，菲律宾华侨，我们曾经是同济大学的同学。宏源，还在干记者？ 顾宏源点点头：不过，我是在给别人当助手。这就是我的老板，罗伯特·马修斯，《泰晤士报》驻华特派记者。 比顾宏源年轻许多的罗伯特也和夏新立以及余南平握手，说着一口不太流利的国语：你们好，见到你们很高兴。你们是老朋友？ 夏新立：对，老朋友。 罗伯特：那么，夏先生，你太太也是记者？ 余南平笑笑：不是，我在八路军办事处工作。 这时，站在另一边的江庆东和郑娟也走过来，大家都打了招呼。夏新立，顾宏源，郑娟，再加上罗伯特都是熟人，随便聊了几句，便说起白天发生的一次轰炸来。轰炸的时间很短，再加上重庆的雾季还没结束，所以日军飞机投下几枚炸弹后就返航了。 顾宏源问郑娟：亲爱的政府发言人，今天敌机的轰炸没有造成什么破坏吧？ 郑娟笑了笑：相信是因为大雾的原因，日军的炸弹大都投到了江里，没有造成什么伤亡和损失。 顾宏源：为什么中国军队的飞机没有起飞迎敌？ 江庆东插了进来：没有必要。本来我们空军就处于劣势。 顾宏源：处于劣势是真的，但过于轻易地放弃制空权，放弃对日军飞机的起码抵抗，哪怕是骚扰，这会让日本人更加猖狂。 夏新立见他们要争起来，连忙说：宏源，你这家伙，这么多年过去了，怎么还喜欢抬杠？ 顾宏源笑着：我不是抬杠，这叫辩论。 不是搞新闻的余南平觉得没趣，便找了个借口离开了这几个人，到另一边和《新华日报》的人聊天去了。 江庆东：怎么叫作轻易地放弃制空权？没有能力对抗，情况就只能是这样。中国军队无论从飞机还是从物资后援，都无法和敌人对峙。难道中国士兵打得还不够英勇？我弟弟就是在武汉空战中牺牲的！ 顾宏源沉默了一阵：是这样，那真是太不幸了。 夏新立：我个人认为，虽然武汉失守，但中国军队在武汉等地的作战仍然是有成效的，虽然也牺牲很大。如果能够把这样的势头保持下去，不让日本鬼子进一步进犯宜昌，逼近重庆，那才可以实现蒋委员长以空间换时间的想法。 罗伯特也加入了：夏先生，你认为在这样一种困难的情况下，国共两党是否能够真诚合作？在我看来，只有国共两党真诚合作，才能保证中国不被日本人征服。 夏新立：从共产党这方来说，合作的意愿肯定是真诚的，但是我不知道马修斯先生注意到没有，国民党方面却不时地在制造一些摩擦。以我的看法，如果是真诚合作，这些摩擦是可以避免的。 江庆东：我不认为国民党在这个民族危亡的时候，还会有意地去制造两党之间的摩擦。 夏新立：可摩擦实实在在地发生了！ 罗伯特见这两人又顶了起来，便开玩笑地说：从我一个局外人的观点来看，二位的立场也许正好代表了国共两党之间的某些分歧。 郑娟有些嗔怪地说着江庆东：你少说两句好不好？ 餐厅的另一边，周恩来和陈布雷、王宠惠也见面了。陈布雷和王宠惠已经和周恩来比较熟悉，大家相互干杯喝酒之后，又寒暄了几句。 陈布雷提起了话头：周先生也参加了桂林的南岳军事会议，不知道对会议结果有何评价？ 周恩来沉吟了一下，才说：南京沦陷后我们又失去了武汉，开这样一个会是很有必要的。至于说结果，我认为没有更多实质性的东西。不过，我们党的基本态度是一贯的，那就是必须要做好长期抗战的准备。 王宠惠：周先生所言极是。 周恩来：谢谢。我认为，我们应该把中国的抗战放到一个国际的范围内去看待，在坚持抗战的同时，必须努力争取其他国家的同情和支持，把中国抗战变成国际反法西斯格局中的一个部分。 陈布雷：周先生高见。这个方面，恐怕王部长有更多的工作要做了。 大家笑了起来。然后，周恩来压低了声音对陈布雷说：陈主任，根据我们的情报，“低调俱乐部”的高宗武和梅思平在上海的确跟日本人搞了一次秘密谈判。 陈布雷多少有些故作惊讶：是吗？ 周恩来：可以相信他们是代表汪副总裁去谈判的。王部长应该清