Chapter 3 Chapter two

After Wang Jingwei and his wife Chen Bijun, together with Zeng Zhongming, KMT Central Propaganda Minister Zhou Fohai and more than a dozen people, flew to Hanoi on a plane chartered by Yunnan Provincial Chairman Long Yun, it immediately caused an uproar in the Nationalist government.Wang Jingwei's escape caused a symbolic split of the Kuomintang, and at the same time a symbolic split of the national anti-Japanese camp.In a rage, Chiang Kai-shek called Wang Jingwei and tried to persuade him to return to Chongqing.Wang Jingwei clearly rejected Chiang Kai-shek's request, which made Chiang Kai-shek very embarrassed.

Receiving Chiang Kai-shek's instruction, Wang Chonghui held a small meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to discuss the countermeasures.At the meeting, Zheng Xianbo suggested that Wang Jingwei's secret escape to Hanoi should be the natural result of a tacit agreement with the Japanese.The Konoe Cabinet of Japan issued a statement in January this year saying that it would not use the current National Government as its negotiating opponent, which actually rejected any possibility of negotiating with the National Government.However, after the fall of Wuhan, that is, after the news about secret negotiations between members of the "low-key club" and the Japanese in Shanghai was revealed, the Konoe cabinet issued a statement saying that negotiations were possible. All these signs indicate that Wang Jingwei fled to Hanoi It is necessarily related to the current Chinese strategy of the Japanese government, and it is even more related to the policy trends of the Konoe cabinet.Therefore, it is the best policy at present to try to avoid Wang Jingwei from setting up another government in Hanoi or elsewhere, and not to give the Japanese any object or excuse for negotiation.If Wang Jingwei formed a shadow government to negotiate with the Japanese, the national government would face a very difficult and embarrassing situation.In view of this, Zheng Xianbo suggested that Wang Jingwei be provided with a diplomatic passport and a considerable sum of money, persuade him to go to Europe, or even go to the United States in the name of recuperating his illness, and guarantee his safety and dignity.

Wang Chonghui affirmed Zheng Xianbo's idea.Because the advantages of doing so are obvious. First, it can show to the outside world that Chiang Kai-shek has not broken face with Wang Jingwei; second, it does not show to the Japanese that Wang Jingwei has clearly separated from the National Government. After the meeting, Wang Chonghui called Zheng Xianbo to his office.The two sat down on the sofa one after another. Wang Chonghui praised Zheng Xianbo, and then asked him to prepare a report to Chiang Kai-shek, and at the same time began to prepare passports. Zheng Xianbo accepted the task, stood up and prepared to leave.

Wang Chonghui looked at Zheng Xianbo and smiled: Xianbo, there is one more thing. Zheng Xianbo sat down again. Wang Chonghui reviewed the words and sentences: Xianbo, the chairman of the committee is very angry about the escape of Vice President Wang, and has ordered to be held accountable. Those people in the "low-key club" may not be able to get away with it.However, Vice President Wang is currently living in your uncle's house.The chairman has already asked about this matter, so I will excuse you for the time being.However, if this matter is really pursued, I am afraid you have to be mentally prepared.

Zheng Xianbo solemnly: Minister Wang, the house that Vice President Wang uses in Hanoi was provided by me. The Minister is clear about this situation.Although I don't know the truth, but until now, I am willing to bear all the consequences. Wang Chonghui was silent for a while, then waved his hand casually: Maybe it's not that serious. "Xinhua Daily" has set up sales offices in many places in downtown Chongqing, and the sales office near Datian Bay is in a fairly decent building.This afternoon, Xia Xinli was sitting in an office here writing something. Zheng Juan, wearing a black coat, knocked on the door and came in with a depressed mood.

Xia Xinli looked up and stood up quickly: Mrs. Jiang, why are you here? Seeing Xia Xinli, Zheng Juan was also very surprised: Why are you here? Xia Xinli: I am waiting for a colleague here. Zheng Juan looked around at the plainly furnished office: Isn't anyone from the advertising department here?I would like to publish an advertisement. Xia Xinli laughed: Although the people here are not here, I can also handle the advertisement for you.Does the press officer of the Chongqing Municipal Government have any important news that needs to be released through a notice? Zheng Juan's smile was purely out of politeness: After my mother set off from Yichang, the ship was bombed, fell into the water and disappeared, and there has been no news.I would like to place an ad in the papers for leads from those who have seen my mother on the way...whether life or death.

Xia Xinli immediately became serious: Do you have manuscripts and photos? Zheng Juan took out manuscripts and photos from her satchel.Xia Xinli picked up the photo and looked at it, he was stunned: Is she your mother? Zheng Juan was surprised: Do you know her? Xia Xinli nodded heavily: When our ship was approaching the Three Gorges, it was bombed by Japanese planes, and many people were killed or injured.Your mother was very brave and professional, always resuscitating injured people.Later, I fell into the river with her, and I almost rescued her... I'm sorry, it was just that close!

Zheng Juan is very considerate: Mr. Xia, I know you have tried your best... Xia Xinli: I will definitely tell my colleagues in the advertising department and publish this notice tomorrow. I hope you can find your mother. She is a very good doctor. ,real. The dense fog at night shrouded the broad Yangtze River, and a few fishing boats swayed in the fog barrier like ghosts.A village in Heishizi, Jiangbei, was also shrouded in mist, appearing a little ghostly.A yard not far from the river is the home of farmer Du Shichao.There were a few big round tables with messy cups and plates in the yard, some red firecrackers and confetti on the ground, and there were happy couplets on the pillars on both sides of the main room, which showed that a wedding banquet had just ended.The groom Du Zhiguo and his father were squatting under the eaves in front of the hall, Du Shichao was smoking leaf cigarettes, and watching the bride Xie Chengxia busy clearing the table with his son.

Du Shichao let out a puff of smoke: I'm at ease now that this important matter is finally done. Du Zhiguo was not very happy: Dad, this is really not the time for a happy event. I have just been drafted as a young man, and I will report to the army tomorrow.You said, if something happened to me, wouldn't I hurt Xie Chengxia? Du Shichao: You know what.The Du family only has a son like you. If there are any troubles in your service as a soldier, the Du family will lose all children and grandchildren.You have never been a father, so you don't know my painstaking efforts.Go, clean up for your wife and go to bed early.

It was almost midnight when Du Zhiguo and Xie Chengxia finished packing and returned to their simple bridal chamber.A dangling red candle was lit in the bridal chamber.Xie Chengxia finished washing first, then sat shyly in front of the table, staring at the candle in a daze.Du Zhiguo was a little disturbed.He walked to the table, pulled up a stool and sat down. The rosy-faced Xie Chengxia asked in a low voice: Aren't you going to wash? Du Zhiguo, who was in a bad mood, answered irrelevantly: I'm leaving tomorrow. Xie Chengxia smiled: I know. Du Zhiguo: Being a soldier and fighting a war is no joke, maybe one day... it will be over when it's over.If you really encounter something unlucky, it will kill you for the rest of your life.

Xie Chengxia: I know that too. Xie Chengxia fixed her eyes on Du Zhiguo with twinkling eyes.Du Zhiguo avoided Xie Chengxia's gaze: After I go to the army, maybe I can find you a job there, just like my sister. Xie Chengxia: I'm leaving, what about your father? Du Zhiguo was speechless.Seeing that Du Zhiguo was still in a daze, Xie Chengxia stood up, walked over and closed the door.Then he came over, looked at Du Zhiguo, and blew out the candle. This afternoon, Zhang Xuming's mother, Mrs. Zhang, came to the ward of a temporary military hospital in Chongqing City to visit her son with a bag of things. Mrs. Zhang is very short and has small feet, but this does not prevent her from walking like flying.This is a typical old woman from Chongqing, with a fiery personality, a loud voice, and an air of fearlessness all over her body.The ward was actually transformed from a large warehouse, filled with wounded soldiers.Under the watchful eyes of the wounded soldiers, Mrs. Zhang walked through the overcrowded hospital bed carelessly, and came to Zhang Xuming's bed with a smile.Zhang Xuming was already much better, and was sitting on the hospital bed reading a newspaper. Mrs. Zhang looked at his wound wrapped in gauze: Does the wound still hurt? Zhang Xuming: It's all right.Will be out of the hospital soon. Mrs. Zhang sat down at the head of the bed and sighed: Tell me, how many years has the Chinese army been fighting?From Shanghai to Nanjing, and then to Wuhan, the devils almost hit wherever they wanted. Could it be that the Chinese can't defeat these bastards?Or is it that the government has no intention of fighting the devils seriously?You read the newspaper, even a high-ranking official like Wang Jingwei secretly went to Vietnam at this time! The wounded soldiers on several hospital beds around heard this and laughed. Zhang Xuming quickly said: Mom, you don't know anything about war. Zhang: I don't know how to fight, but I understand the morals of the world.If you let the devil always win the battle, he will become more rampant, and the Chinese army will become less and less angry! Zhang Xuming didn't want to argue with his mother, so he smiled wryly and picked up the newspaper again to read.At this time, there was a small commotion in the ward. Several high-ranking officers came in and went straight to Zhang Xuming's bed.Seeing this, Mrs. Zhang stepped aside quickly, and Zhang Xuming also sat up straight and saluted the officers. An officer asked: Is it Lieutenant Zhang Xuming of the 33rd Group Army in the Fifth Theater? Zhang Xuming: It's me, sir. Officer: On behalf of Chairman Jiang and the Supreme Council of National Defense, I commend you for your heroic performance in the Battle of Wuhan, award you the "Loyal to the Party and Defend the Country" medal, and officially confer on you the rank of captain. Zhang Xuming hastily adjusted his collar, another officer came over, pinned the medal on Zhang Xuming's chest, and put a pair of captain's epaulettes on the bedside.After Zhang Xuming solemnly saluted the officers, the officers went to the next hospital bed to present awards. After the officers left, Mrs. Zhang came over, looked at the medal on his son's chest, and picked up the captain's epaulets to look at. He couldn't help laughing: I really don't understand the war.Lost the battle, lost Wuhan, and received awards for meritorious service?Give you a promotion? Zhang Xuming hurriedly stopped her in a low voice: Mom, don't talk nonsense here! Mrs. Zhang still smiled: "Okay, okay, I'm leaving."Here is a stewed duck for you.The food in your hospital is afraid that even pigs don't want to eat it! Hearing Mrs. Zhang's loud and forceful complaint, the wounded soldiers around laughed again.But they seemed to care more about the stewed duck on Zhang Xuming's bed. Zhang Xuming also laughed: Mom, let's go.If you talk nonsense again, watch out for the guards to throw you out. As soon as Mrs. Zhang left, the wounded soldiers around laughed and rushed towards the oily stewed duck. Zhang's Yuchuan silk store is in the center of downtown Chongqing.The shop of the silk shop is not too big, but the business is pretty good.It was late at night, and the shop was closed. Mrs. Zhang and Zhang Xuming's wife, Li Sufen, sat chatting under the lamp in the shop. Mrs. Zhang was peeling peanuts, and Li Sufen was doing needlework. Mrs. Zhang was still talking about the hospital she went to in the afternoon without words: You said that hospital is simply a big pigsty!Sufen, tomorrow you stew an old hen and send it to Xuming!Then bring back his clothes and wash them. Li Sufen: Mom, didn't you just bring him food today? Mrs. Zhang stared: It's my mother's job to give him food. You are his wife, so you should also give him food! Li Sufen smiled: Are you saying that we are not considered a family? Mrs. Zhang also laughed: It is a family, but mother is mother and wife is wife, it is different... The door of the silk shop was suddenly knocked open, and the youngest son Zhang Xudong walked in in a brand new military uniform, slightly drunk, and saw Mother and sister-in-law, Zhang Xudong gave a military salute crookedly. Mrs. Zhang was stunned: Xudong, what did you do, where did you get this military uniform to wear? Zhang Xudong happily: Posted it!I officially announce to you that I am enlisting in the military today! Mrs. Zhang didn't bother to talk to him: nonsense!Take it off quickly and give it back to others! Zhang Xudong was in a hurry: Mom, really, I really joined the army, the anti-aircraft artillery unit. Mrs. Zhang scolded: You little turtle son, dare to carry me behind your back to become a strong man? ! Li Sufen: Xudong, are you kidding me? Zhang Xudong became serious: Are you kidding me?Fighting against the Japanese invaders, defending our home and country, shouldn't I?I'm going upstairs to pack my things.After finishing speaking, he went upstairs humming "March of the Big Sword", leaving Mrs. Zhang and Li Sufen looking at each other. There was the sound of rummaging through boxes and cabinets upstairs, followed by the cry of a baby. Mrs. Zhang: This son of a bitch, woke up my precious grandson too! Li Sufen stood up quickly: I'll go up and have a look. Upstairs, Zhang Xudong's room was in chaos.Zhang Xudong was still humming, and stuffed the clothes into a big cloth bag in a mess.Li Sufen appeared at the door with her crying son in her arms. Seeing this, she hurried in and stuffed the child into Zhang Xudong's hands: "Who packs like you?"Wake up the child too, help me hold it! Zhang Xudong took the child and played with him, but the child stopped crying.Li Sufen shook out all the clothes in the cloth bag, folded them one by one, and put them into the cloth bag. Zhang Xudong: Sister-in-law, Mom must be furious, right? Li Sufen: That goes without saying.You too, if you want to be a soldier, you have to discuss it with your family in advance! Zhang Xudong became serious: Sister-in-law, in the face of a national crisis, you say that I am a man, and I am here all day to help sell some colorful silks and satins, what is this?If we don't go to war, one day the Japanese devils will come to Chongqing, and who will suffer?Not us? Li Sufen: I understand this truth, and so does Mom, but you should tell us first. Zhang Xudong smiled and said: Don't worry, Mom is hard-spoken and soft-hearted, scolding is scolding, but she doesn't necessarily hate me.Sister-in-law, after I leave, there will only be you two girls at home. You have to take good care of my mother. Li Sufen: Do you still need to teach me this kind of thing? The men Chiang Kai-shek sent to Hanoi to persuade Wang Ching-wei returned to Chongqing in vain, much to Chiang Kai-shek's ire.But Wang Jingwei was determined not to return to Chongqing, and Chiang Kai-shek had nothing to do.He asked Wang Chonghui to talk, saying that he was discussing countermeasures, but in fact it was nothing more than finding someone to vent his anger on.Of course Wang Chonghui knew this, so he called Zheng Xianbo along.In the living room, Chiang Kai-shek was sitting on the sofa in the middle, Wang Chonghui and Zheng Xianbo were sitting on one side, and Chen Bulei was sitting opposite Chiang Kai-shek.The atmosphere is a bit depressing. Wang Chonghui: Commissioner, so he is unwilling to accept our conditions? Chiang Kai-shek did not answer, but Chen Bulei took up the conversation: He completely rejected our proposal to let him go to a third country, and also rejected the official passport and US dollars brought by our people.From the looks of it, there was absolutely no room for negotiation. Chiang Kai-shek: Obsessed with obsession!He is a sinner who wants to be a nation! At this time, an adjutant came in and handed a telegram to Chen Bulei.Chen Bulei glanced at it quickly, his face a bit ugly. Chiang Kai-shek: What? Chen Bulei quickly stood up and walked to Chiang Kai-shek: the telegram sent by Vice President Wang to the committee from Hanoi. Chiang Kai-shek took the telegram, browsed it roughly, and then slammed the telegram on the ground: Niang Xipi!This bastard Wang Jingwei simply doesn't know the heights of the sky and the earth.I let him go, but he still came to threaten me, let us admit the fait accompli of Japan's occupation of China, and restore peace with the Japanese! Zheng Xianbo picked up the notorious "colorful electricity" from the ground and looked at it: Chairman, Vice President Wang's statement is obviously to cooperate with the Japanese government's strategy of persuading my country to surrender. Chiang Kai-shek snorted angrily: He just wanted to negotiate with the Japanese, no matter how hard it was his turn to Wang Zhaoming!If you don't eat a toast and eat fine wine, I'm doing my best to Vice President Wang! Wang Chonghui: What does the committee plan to do? Chiang Kai-shek looked at Zheng Xianbo, but did not directly answer Wang Chonghui's question: People involved in the "low-key club" should check carefully, these guys must have made deals with the Japanese in Shanghai!Also, we must investigate those who helped Wang Jingwei to go to Vietnam. Once they are found out, they will never be tolerated! Hearing this, Wang Chonghui quickly exchanged glances with Zheng Xianbo.There was no expression on Zheng Xianbo's face, but Chen Bulei saw this detail.However, he didn't say anything. New Year's Day in 1939 came amidst clouds and mist. On New Year’s Eve, a New Year’s Gala was held at the Cathay Grand Theater in the center of Chongqing. The famous actor Jin Shan’s reciting of poems with music was the finale of the gala and received warm welcome. The accompaniment for Jin Shan’s recitation was none other than Zheng Xianbo’s youngest daughter. Zheng Qi.Therefore, Zheng Xianbo, Zheng Ming, Zheng Juan and his wife, as well as Zheng Xianbo's nephew, Lin Tianjue who works in China Central Radio, all came to support him.At the end of the party, people who had watched the performance came out of the gate and disappeared into the cold mist one after another.Zheng Xianbo and a group of people also walked out of the theater and stood at the door.Jiang Qingdong started his jeep in the past, drove to the entrance of the theater, and waited for Zheng Xianbo and Zheng Juan to get in the car. Zheng Juan: Dad, we will take you home. Zheng Xianbo: No need, I want to walk alone. Zheng Juan wrapped her coat tightly: It's cold, let's take the car. Zheng Xianbo: It's okay, you go first. Zheng Juan got into the car and left with Jiang Qingdong.Zheng Ming and Lin Tianjue were still standing beside Zheng Xianbo. Lin Tianjue: Uncle, have you found out the whereabouts of my aunt? Zheng Xianbo: No, only a few people have been found. They have seen your aunt before, but they don't know where she is now. Zheng Ming: There will always be more clues.Dad, don't worry. Zheng Xianbo sighed: I know.Zheng Ming, Tianjue, there is something I want to tell you.I might be having a little trouble lately. Zheng Ming: What's wrong? Zheng Xianbo: I can't explain the ins and outs of the matter for a while, anyway, it has something to do with Vice President Wang's escape from Vietnam.Now I can't tell.But if something really happened, maybe I would be sent to prison. Zheng Ming was taken aback: Dad, what is going on? Zheng Xianbo: You will understand when the time comes.I hope you can understand me and don't listen to the outside world so easily.Also, if you see your mother, you must tell her that I have done nothing to feel sorry for her or the country.As for the younger sister, it's best not to tell her, she is too fragile to stand such a thing. Zheng Xianbo left the gate of the theater alone and walked slowly along the side of the street. Looking at his father's back, Zheng Ming felt hot and wanted to run over to accompany his father, but he restrained himself.He knew his father's character, and at such a time, anyone's comfort was superfluous to him. In a dressing room at the backstage of the Cathay Grand Theatre, Zheng Qi had already removed her makeup and was packing her cello and cosmetics.Zheng Qi's eyebrows and eyes look a lot like He Xuezhu's, her oval face is full of youthful luster, her figure is slender and full of vitality.She was about to leave when the door rang.An Fuyao, a fighter pilot in an air force uniform, opened the door and walked in holding a bouquet of red and white flowers. Zheng Qi saw the bouquet in An Fuyao's hand, and quickly said: Mr. Jin Shan is in the dressing room next door. An Fuyao smiled: No, I'm here to find you. Zheng Qi was a little surprised: Looking for me? An Fuyao handed over the bouquet in his hand: I really like your cello accompaniment, it's so beautiful!This is a little bit of my heart. Zheng Qi immediately smiled and took the bouquet generously: Ah, thank you!This flower is so beautiful. An Fuyao: No, I want to thank you.Is the lady from Xiajiang? Zheng Qi: Yes.Judging from your accent, it seems that you are not from Sichuan either? An Fuyao: I am from Northeast China, from Shenyang.I'm a fighter pilot in the Air Force.My name is An Fuyao. Zheng Qi smiled brightly: You look so handsome in this suit. Zheng Ming and Lin Tianjue pushed the door open and entered the dressing room. Zheng Qi was still holding the bouquet of flowers: brother, why haven't you left yet?Oh, this is Air Force pilot An Fuyao, this is my brother, Zheng Ming, and this is my cousin Lin Tianjue. An Fuyao said politely: Hello. Lin Tianjue shook hands with An Fuyao uncomfortably, and looked at him. Zheng Ming: Little sister, let's go home and have a look.Dad just went back alone.On New Year's Eve, I think it's better for us to spend time with him. Seeing Zheng Qi holding a bouquet of flowers, Lin Tianjue took the initiative to pick up Zheng Qi's cello exaggeratedly, and then came to take Zheng Qi's arm: let's go, little sister.Let's go buy something to eat together. Seeing this, An Fuyao, who had been neglected, had no choice but to leave: Then, I'll be leaving. It's a pleasure to meet you two.Goodbye, Miss Zheng.After speaking, An Fuyao gave a military salute and left the dressing room first. On a street next to the Cathay Theater, some children were setting off firecrackers, which made loud noises in the fog.Zheng Ming, Zheng Qi, and Lin Tianjue bought some food at a street food stall, and then walked to the street talking and laughing.After walking for a while, a jeep sped towards them with its headlights on, and stopped next to the three of them with a screeching sound.A young man stuck his head out of the car window and shouted: Zheng Ming. Zheng Ming obviously knew this person: What's the matter? The young man shook his head: Let's talk in the car! Zheng Ming hurriedly handed the food in his hand to Zheng Qi: I can't go back.You guys have a good talk with dad. After finishing speaking, Zheng Ming got into the jeep, and the jeep drove away quickly.Zheng Qi and Lin Tianjue watched the jeep disappear into the fog with some doubts before moving on. Lin Tianjue: What exactly does Zheng Ming do?New Year's Eve is not idle. Zheng Qi: He, who knows!Always so mysterious.I sometimes suspect that he is a spy. Lin Tianjue stopped talking.After the two walked in silence for a while, Lin Tianjue suddenly asked: Hey, who is the air force just now? Zheng Qi glanced at Lin Tianjue: What's the matter? Lin Tianjue was a little jealous: You have known each other for a long time? Zheng Qi smiled slyly: Yes, we are old friends.I especially like his uniform, so energetic!He's pretty handsome too, right? These words certainly made Lin Tianjue uncomfortable, but he couldn't answer easily, so he just snorted noncommittally. Zheng Qi laughed haha, and asked more or less knowingly: Cousin, what's the matter with you? Lin Tianjue quickly concealed: nothing. Thick night shrouded the air force base on the outskirts of Chongqing, and the light beams of the searchlights also appeared dim and weak in the thick fog. Several fighter jets were ghostly shadows in these dangling light beams.A large bungalow next to the airport on the hillside is the dormitory for the pilots, with lights shining through the windows.In a dormitory room, An Fuyao, who came back from the Cathay Theater, was chatting with his comrade Lao Luo. Lao Luo laughed after hearing An Fuyao's description of Zheng Qi: So, you fell in love with this beautiful cellist at first sight? An Fuyao: You can put it that way. Lao Luo simply said: Then chase and fight hard. An Fuyao shook his head: He is from the literary and art circles, so he doesn't necessarily think highly of us soldiers. Lao Luo: Speaking of which, the Air Force can be regarded as an elite among the elites of the Chinese military. I didn't expect you to be so unconfident! An Fuyao: It's okay for me to fight, but... Lao Luo laughed again: Don't you understand?This is also fighting. An Fuyao was speechless, and looked at the photo of Lao Luo's family of three on the table: Lao Luo, you and your wife also fell in love at first sight? Lao Luo: Not really, we are classmates in high school. An Fuyao: You were also chasing hard back then? Lao Luo nodded with a sweet expression: I hope this damn war will end soon, and I can go back and live quietly with my wife and children for a few days.Get a house and have a few more kids.I just like having a bunch of kids running around in front of me. Lao Luo was silent for a while, and then said: As an Air Force member, you might die in the sky one day. It would be good to start a family and start a business, but once you die, you will harm others. After a while, Lao Luo took out a letter from the desk drawer: I just wrote a letter to my wife.If there is any accident, please help send it out.I put all the stamps on. Seeing this, An Fuyao quickly took out a letter from his drawer: Why do you think the same as me?I also wrote a letter to my family.If I am martyred, please send it for me. The two exchanged letters wordlessly and locked them in their respective drawers.After a while, An Fuyao sighed heavily: Actually, I don't even know if my family is still there. At dusk the next day, Zheng Ming returned to Zheng Xianbo's house and had dinner with his father.When packing up the dishes, Zheng Ming told his father that he was going on a business trip and it would take a long time. Zheng Xianbo looked at Zheng Ming: Where are you going? Zheng Ming didn't answer, but asked nonchalantly: Is there any news about Mom? Zheng Xianbo: No.However, a friend in Wanxian sent a message saying that someone had seen her in Wanxian. Zheng Ming suddenly became happy: I said that my mother will be fine! Of course Zheng Xianbo was also a little happy, but the expression on his face was very calm: the heavens have eyes. Zheng Ming nodded, and suddenly asked: Dad, is there anyone living in the house of the second master in Hanoi? Hearing this question, Zheng Xianbo immediately looked at his son vigilantly: I don't know, I heard it was leased to the French. Zheng Ming: I remember that the biggest bedroom in Erye's house is on the second floor, right? Zheng Xianbo: Why did you think of asking about this? Zheng Ming: Nothing, I suddenly remembered to ask.It's been a long time since I saw Er Ye. Zheng Xianbo got straight to the point: Zheng Ming, you suddenly remembered that the second master's house must be related to Wang Jingwei, right?A special meeting of the Central Standing Committee on the Wang Jingwei incident was held yesterday, and I heard that the meeting was very intense.In the end, the Central Standing Committee decided to immediately expel Wang Jingwei from the party. Zheng Ming: This is not surprising. Zheng Xianbo: Does your business trip have anything to do with the decision of the Central Standing Committee? Zheng Ming asked back: Why do you think so? Zheng Xianbo: My work is fundamentally different from yours, but they are similar in one thing, that is, they all rely on analysis. Zheng Ming said perfunctorily: Dad, the so-called analysis is sometimes just guessing. Zheng Xianbo smiled slightly: I am guessing?I have experienced more things than you have learned in textbooks.Zheng Ming, I don't care what you hear, or what task you are going to perform now, as long as you know that your father will not be a traitor to the national interest.Of course, sometimes the situation is not that simple, but you must believe me and understand my difficulties. Zheng Ming: Dad, don't worry about this. Zheng Xianbo looked at his son, was silent for a while, and then said: You can go.I know you have work to do. A few days later at noon. There is still mist floating in the sky, and an anti-aircraft artillery position on the outskirts of Chongqing is quiet.This place belongs to the No. 1 Anti-aircraft Artillery Company. Zhang Xudong was assigned here after he joined the army, and Du Zhiguo was assigned here at the same time.Right now, they are training in the playground with other recruits.Zheng Xudong was still serious, but Du Zhiguo was absent-minded and in a trance, and almost every movement was always a little bit off. Suddenly, a shrill siren sounded, echoing in the valley one after another.Hearing the sound of the siren, Zhang Xudong, Du Zhiguo and the other recruits all stopped, looking at their instructor in bewilderment. An officer quickly ran to the playground and shouted: This is not training!This is not training, enter the position immediately, fast!Get into position now! The soldiers quickly put on their helmets and ran away.Du Zhiguo was still standing there in a daze with his helmet in his hand. Zhang Xudong came over, snatched the helmet from his hand and put it on his head, then dragged him out of the playground, through the woods, and came to an anti-aircraft gun.Zhang Xudong quickly entered his gun position, Du Zhiguo opened the ammunition box next to the gun position, looked at the shells, and was so nervous that he didn't know what to do. Zhang Xudong: Du Zhiguo, hand me the shells! Du Zhiguo looked at him blankly. Zhang Xudong shouted: Cannonballs! Du Zhiguo then took out a row of shells from the ammunition box and handed them to Zhang Xudong.Then, he looked up to the sky in bewilderment, but there was nothing in the white sky. Air base. An Fuyao, Lao Luo and the pilots ran to their own fighter jets amidst the sirens.They climbed into the fighter plane and checked the instruments. Gu Guosong and two other ground crew members moved the propellers and started the plane.An Fuyao looked towards Lao Luo, and Lao Luo happened to turn his head to look at An Fuyao. He raised his left hand to An Fuyao and gave a thumbs up as a sign, and An Fuyao also made the same gesture.The propeller spun rapidly with the roar of the engine.An Fuyao started, coasted, and pulled up.Soon, his fighter was in the air. An Fuyao followed Lao Luo's lead plane and climbed to a certain height, opened the formation and flew towards the eastern sky with other fighters.Not long after, they encountered the Japanese fleet.The formation of bombers first appeared. In front of and below the bombers, next to a layer of thin clouds was the escorting Japanese fighter group.The clouds were below them, brightly lit by the sun.An Fuyao, who had climbed to the combat height, looked forward. An Fuyao: 01, 01, did you see that, at eleven o'clock directly ahead, an enemy plane was spotted at eleven o'clock directly ahead. Lao Luo: I saw it on 02 and 01. 02, we pull up and enter the battle above the bomber, hear you, pull up to 7000. An Fuyao: 02 heard, pull up to 7000. An Fuyao, Lao Luo, and other planes pulled up and approached the Japanese bomber fleet from above.The Japanese fighter jets discovered the movement of the Chinese planes and immediately rose. While the Chinese fighter jets dived and fired at the bomber fleet, they also began to attack, and the machine guns on the Japanese bomber planes also fired.For a moment, the trajectory of tracer bullets flashed in the air, and there was a dense cannonade.The plane is rolling, entangled, fighting.Some Japanese planes emitted black smoke and broke away from the formation, while some Chinese planes were hit and fell down with thick smoke. An Fuyao aimed at a Japanese bomber and began to dive, and then fired.The bullet hit the bomber's tail, which began to smoke.At the same time, a Japanese fighter plane turned a sharp turn and bit An Fuyao's fighter plane from behind.Lao Luo was above An Fuyao, saw the Japanese fighter jets approaching An Fuyao, and quickly shouted: 02, 02, 02!You are bitten!You are bitten! An Fuyao turned his head and found that the Japanese plane was rapidly approaching him.He made a roll, trying to get away from the Japanese aircraft, but was unsuccessful. An Fuyao: 01, cover me from the flank! Lao Luo rushed over from the side of the Japanese plane. He fired, but missed the Japanese plane.While An Fuyao was pulling up to try to get rid of it, Lao Luo's plane made another roll and aimed at the Japanese plane from another direction.He fired again, and after a few shots, there were no shells. Lao Luo anxiously: 02, 02, I'm out of ammo! An Fuyao looked back, and the Japanese plane was already approaching him.Then flames erupted from the plane's nose -- and the Japanese planes also fired.The bullets whistled past An Fuyao's plane. An Fuyao roared: 01, I can't get rid of him!I can't get rid of him! Lao Luo looked at the situation in front of him: 02, I'll kill him! Immediately afterwards, he began to dive towards the Japanese aircraft.The pilot on the Japanese plane heard the roar of the engine, looked sideways, and found that Lao Luo's plane was rushing towards him from the side.He was terrified, and jumped up in a hurry... But Lao Luo's movement was faster than him. The moment he just pulled up the nose, Lao Luo's plane had already hit it!The two planes collided, causing a violent explosion, and a dazzling fireball ignited in the air. Then, the fragments of the two planes, trailing black smoke, swirled and fell towards the clouds. An Fuyao turned around and saw this scene, and shouted hoarsely: 01!Lao Luo! Pieces of the plane crashed into the clouds and disappeared.The Japanese bomber fleet had already flown far ahead of them. The roar of the plane shook the earth.On the antiaircraft artillery positions outside Chongqing, the antiaircraft guns fired together, and the shells exploded at high altitude, forming clouds of black smoke.The artillery position where Zhang Xudong was located was also firing fiercely, and the anti-aircraft guns spewed out flames.Without any fear at all, Zhang Xudong tried his best to load the gun barrel.He shouted without looking back: "Cannonballs!" But no one handed up the shells. Zhang Xudong turned around: Du Zhiguo, cannonball! Still no one handed over the cannonballs, and Du Zhiguo disappeared.Zhang Xudong got down from the emplacement while cursing Gou Ri's.Behind the bunker of the artillery emplacement, he finally found Du Zhiguo.At this moment, the farmer from Heishizi in Jiangbei was holding his hands tightly between his knees, trembling all over. Zhang Xudong rushed over: Are you injured? ! Du Zhiguo looked up at him, but couldn't speak. Zhang Xudong found that he was unscathed, and was anxious: Why did you hide here? ! Du Zhiguo wanted to stand up, but his legs were weak, and he sat down again, with tears in his eyes.Zhang Xudong threw his hand hard, ignored him, ran over to carry a box of shells and rushed back to the gun position.Du Zhiguo was still sitting there, as if he didn't see all this, he hugged the helmet on his head with both hands, and simply closed his eyes amidst the sound of anti-aircraft guns and the roar of the plane. In the air, the Japanese bombers that were not hit began to drop bombs.The bomb fell with a whistling sound and landed in the urban area of ​​Chongqing. There was an explosion first, followed by countless explosions. The flames were shining and a thick column of smoke rose. 下午接近黄昏的时候，重庆下游的万县。 一条小街上，夏新立的媳妇孙翔梦带着儿子小华从宜昌逃难到这里，正和一群难民举头望着天空，因为那里传来了飞机的轰鸣声。孙翔梦听见旁边的一个老者用浓重的万县口音说：是鬼子的飞机，该是上午从武汉飞过去的，可能炸完重庆要回去了。 话音刚落，他们便听见炸弹坠落的呼啸声，孙翔梦连忙抱住儿子，卧倒在地上。一枚炸弹落在他们附近，爆炸的气浪把许多人都掀倒在地，紧接着又是几声剧烈的爆炸，轰隆声中，泥土和碎石块如雨点般落在孙翔梦他们身上。孙翔梦抱起儿子，开始往街道下面飞跑。在她又一次听到炸弹落地的呼啸声后，又连忙卧倒，把儿子护在自己怀里朝下面滚去。滚进一个大弹坑，躲过一阵泥土和木头碎屑，孙翔梦才在小华的哭喊声中抬起头来。她看了看小华，小华的头上有一块摔破了的地方，流出一些血来。 听见小华的哭声，躲在不远处的一个女人抬起头来问道：孩子没事吧？ 那个女人是何雪竹。在三峡附近落水后，她被后面的一艘船救起，然后随着逃难的人到了万县。她给郑先博写过两封报平安的信，却一直没有回音。在万县辗转了几天，才得知去重庆的船已经没有了。她只好等着找一辆去重庆的汽车，但在挤满了逃难民众的万县，这也是一件非常困难的事情。 孙翔梦看了看满身尘土的何雪竹：没事儿，破了一点皮。 何雪竹从自己的衣兜里取出一点棉纱，递给孙翔梦：我看看。没事儿，别哭了乖孩子，没事儿。阿姨是医生，阿姨看了，没伤着，好吗？ 孙翔梦用棉纱给小华擦去血迹：好了，别哭。 这时有一个男人跑到了弹坑边：有没有医生？这儿有医生吗？ 何雪竹和孙翔梦几乎是同时回答：我是！ 男人：快来帮帮忙，这边有人受伤了！ 何雪竹微笑着看了孙翔梦一眼：你也是医生？ 孙翔梦：不过是儿科的。 孙翔梦抱着小华，同何雪竹一齐爬出弹坑，跟着那个男人朝街道下面跑去。 空中已经没有了飞机的轰鸣声。街道上的人群惊魂未定，慢慢地站起来，哭喊着，奔跑着，开始寻找自己的亲人和救护受伤的人。在夕阳的光辉里，邪恶的黑烟从这个本来应该是宁静的县城上空升起来，渐渐地把如火的夕阳遮挡住了。 也是这个黄昏，越南河内一条僻静的街道旁，有一栋不很起眼的三层楼的洋房，门牌上写着“高朗街27号”。街道上静悄悄的，有一只野猫无声无息地跑过。 从重庆到达这里的郑明在洋房外若无其事地走过，眼睛却警觉地观察着这栋建筑。房子楼上的窗户、房子外面的花园以及花园外面的木栅栏，眼前的这一切，对他来说是那么熟悉。他转过一个街角，走到了房子的另外一边。远远地，有两个越南巡警正溜达过来，郑明若无其事地离开了。 天黑尽了，郑明按照预先的约定，来到了离高朗街不远的一栋房子里。他走进一个拉上了窗帘的房间，和重庆来的人见了面。房间里除了另外四个中国人，还有一个越南人，大家围在一张桌子前，桌子上放着一张手绘的高朗街27号的平面图。 郑明指着图纸：这儿是楼梯，从一楼的客厅上二楼。主卧室在二楼的这个走道尽头，按道理，房子的主人或者尊贵的客人都会住在这里。三楼上还有两个卧室。这儿是卫生间，这儿有一个储藏室。我们需要弄清楚的，是汪精卫到底会住在哪里。 一个年纪稍大的男人问道：你怎么对这房子那么熟悉？ 郑明看了看他，不动声色：你有必要知道原因吗？ 男人：那倒不是。我只是想确定一下情报的准确性。 和郑明一起从重庆过来的青年男人：情报绝对准确。 郑明沉默了一下，继续说道：行动方案应该是，从这儿进入院子，想办法悄悄打开门进入楼下的客厅，然后直接上楼。再留两个人在外面街道上警戒和接应。 一个人问道：晚上客厅里有没有警卫呢？ 郑明：几天的观察都没有发现有卫兵。 另一个男人：越南警察怎么样？ 越南人：越南警察有两类，一类是本地人，主要是做巡警，另一类是法国人，他们多半是待在警察局里。 郑明：在外面警戒的同志一旦发现情况，就立即通知我们，然后从这里撤退。记住了，行动一定要迅速！ 一个人问：什么时候动手？ 一直沉默的行动小组负责人说：这要等重庆的最后指示。 晚上，遭到轰炸的重庆市区有不少的地方都燃起了大火。倒塌的房屋冒着浓烟，熊熊火光里，损坏的家具什物遍地都是。 已经下班，外交部的走廊里有些阴森，充斥着一股焦糊味儿。郑先博收拾好东西，关了电灯，从自己的办公室里出来。他看见王宠惠也正从走廊的尽头走过来。 两人一起往外走。 王宠惠：先博啊，我听说你后来向陈主任提及过河内那栋房子的事？ 郑先博：对。 王宠惠：汪精卫这次逃跑，并不是我们能左右的，你没有必要主动承担责任。如果说责任，我也有判断失误。 郑先博：部长，你不要误解了，我不是要……王宠惠打断了他：我知道，你是一个严谨的人。我昨天见到了委员长，他已经明确表示不再追究此事。但是要给你一个处分。 郑先博几乎不敢相信地：真的不追究了？ 王宠惠：国家存亡之际，事务繁多，委员长大概也不会有那么多精力来追究了。再加上今天的轰炸……没有必要嘛。你太太有什么消息没有？ 郑先博：有人在万县附近见过她，只是还不知道最后的下落。 王宠惠：那就好，那就好。先博，我考虑了一下，处分嘛，我就“欺上瞒下”地给你免了。不过为了场面上过得去，我还是决定给你调动一下工作，让你去负责和英美驻华使馆方面的联络。你在英国留过学，懂得和他们交际的方式。现在英国和美国的使馆都已经迁到了重庆，以我的看法，今后几年内，我们外交的重点会转移到英美方面的。what do you think? 郑先博很意外，然后玩笑地说：英美两国现在是隔岸观火，让我去和隔岸观火的人打交道，也算是对我的一种惩罚吧。 王宠惠也笑了：不要真以为这是我对你的贬谪。哎，即便是贬谪，你也可能像苏东坡那样，贬居黄州，做出《赤壁赋》这样的千古奇文来嘛。 郑先博：谢谢部长！ 两人一起走出了外交部所在的公园。公园外的街道两旁，到处是轰炸后的残垣断壁，几栋被炸的房屋里还有大火在熊熊燃烧，一些居民和消防队的人一起试图扑灭那些火焰。郑先博和王宠惠默默地看了一阵，才相互道别。 市区内的一家小剧院舞台上方，被日军轰炸机投下的炸弹穿了一个大洞。剧院里只有舞台上亮着一盏灯。灯光照射下，可以看见一枚没有爆炸的炸弹栽在那里。剧院的观众席里站了一大堆人，都伸长脖子往舞台上张望。漂亮的话剧演员杨春雪也在人群当中，大家都低声地议论着，好像怕说话大声了会引爆炸弹。 在几个宪兵的带领下，夏程远背着一个工具包和几个工兵从人群中冲进来。夏程远是夏新立的儿子，体魄魁梧，长得和父亲差不多的脸上，有一种他这种体魄的男人少见的细腻。夏程远本来是34兵工厂的负责迫击炮弹生产的工程师，因为懂技术，所以被临时抽调到了防空司令部刚刚组建的工兵营排爆分队。 夏程远穿过人群，看了看周围，皱起了眉：这些人不要命啦？赶快离开！撤到安全区以外！ 宪兵开始把人群往外赶，但大家还是停留在了剧院观众席的最后一排，大气不敢出地看着舞台上。夏程远走上舞台，围着那枚炸弹观察了一圈，然后蹲下来，从包里掏出一把螺丝刀，轻轻地接触到炸弹上，再把自己的耳朵靠在上面。听了一阵，确定了这不是一颗延时炸弹之后，夏程远又从自己的包里取出一些工具，放在炸弹旁边，然后向下面的四个工兵招了招手。四个工兵立即上了舞台，用一根皮带套住炸弹，一起小心地把炸弹从舞台的地板里拔出来，轻轻地放在地板上。 人群中发出嗡嗡的赞叹声。杨春雪双手握在胸前，紧张得手心都沁出了冷汗。 夏程远让其他工兵离开舞台，自己坐在了炸弹前面，使用各种工具，小心翼翼地拆卸下了炸弹的引信。然后，他站起身来，把引信朝下面的工兵们挥了挥，镇定地微笑了一下。 一个工兵转过身来对大家说：炸弹排除了！ 在剧院后面的人们一阵欢呼，杨春雪也跟着大声喊叫，秀丽的大眼睛里充满了对夏程远的敬佩。几个工兵又上了舞台，把炸弹五花大绑地捆好，抬出了剧院，围观的人们都跟着哄闹着出了剧院，弄得维持秩序的宪兵满头大汗。 只有杨春雪一个人留在了剧院里。她无声无息地走上舞台，夏程远还在那儿收拾着自己的工具。杨春雪走过去，在夏程远还没有反应过来之前，就已经在他脸上吻了一下。 夏程远尴尬地看着杨春雪：小姐，你这是干什么？ 杨春雪嫣然一笑：我喜欢你这样的男人，在危险面前镇定自若！ 夏程远谦虚地笑着：我们就是干这行的。 杨春雪：我们在这儿公演的时候，你能来吗？我叫杨春雪。 夏程远：我叫夏程远，你是演员？ 杨春雪又是妩媚地一笑，没有回答，就从舞台一侧下去了。留下夏程远孤零零的一个人在台上，看着杨春雪在剧场的阴影里飘然离去的背影发呆。