Chapter 6 chapter Five

After Zheng Xianbo's introduction, He Xuezhu went to work in Jimin Hospital as the vice president.Soon, Sun Xiangmeng, who took care of Xiaohua in Jimin Hospital, also found a job in the hospital, working in the pediatrics department. This afternoon, Xia Chengyuan took some time to come to the hospital to see his son.Sun Xiangmeng, who had already put on a white coat and started working, accompanied her husband to Xiaohua's ward.The ward was not big, and it was filled with beds. Xiaohua slept on the bed by the window, pale and lethargic.Although Xiaohua's condition has improved somewhat, he still coughs in a lethargic state.Sun Xiangmeng explained that his son's pneumonia was under control, but the lesion could not be eradicated because there was no penicillin.Xia Chengyuan sat by the bed, stretched out his hand to touch Xiaohua's forehead, which still had a low fever, and blamed Sun Xiangmeng for not giving Xiaohua medicine in time.

Sun Xiangmeng: Where can I get medicine?I managed to get some penicillin, but it was gone. Xia Chengyuan: But this is a hospital, why is there no medicine? Sun Xiangmeng: Penicillin should be available in hospitals?Everything in Chongqing is in disarray, not to mention the supply of medicines.You can ask again, which hospital in Chongqing has all the medicines! Xia Chengyuan was a little anxious: Then you can't look at Xiaohua like this! Sun Xiangmeng furiously: Now you know how to be anxious!You are busy outside all day long, and you don't care about me and my son. Now you know that you are in a hurry?

Xia Chengyuan tried to ease his tone, but what he said was still firm: I am busy for my reason. Sun Xiangmeng: When you evacuated from Wuhan, you slapped your ass and followed the factory... If it weren't for the ups and downs along the way, your son wouldn't be so sick! Xia Chengyuan: In that case, can I still bring my wife and children? ! Sun Xiangmeng: Then you have to give us an explanation and an arrangement! ... The son fell ill in Wan County, had a high fever, talked nonsense, and kept calling Dad!You said, how could I tell him at that time? !What can I do? ! Xia Chengyuan stopped talking.He froze there for a while, then touched his son's forehead, turned around and left.

Sun Xiangmeng: Where are you going? ! Xia Chengyuan said irritably: I'm going back to the Air Defense Command! Before Sun Xiangmeng could speak, Xia Chengyuan turned around and left.Just as Sun Xiangmeng was about to grab him, a child in the next bed suddenly cried loudly, so Sun Xiangmeng had to go over to take care of him. Xia Chengyuan, who was upset, walked out of the chaotic hospital corridor and came to the open space in front of the hospital, but ran into Yang Chunxue who also came out of the hospital.Seeing Xia Chengyuan, Yang Chunxue immediately walked forward enthusiastically, and pulled Xia Chengyuan's arm: Hello, hello!

Xia Chengyuan recognized Yang Chunxue: Is that you? Yang Chunxue smiled: Do you still remember me? Xia Chengyuan: Did you come here to see a doctor? Yang Chunxue smiled sweetly: No, I'm here to see you. Xia Chengyuan was at a loss: Look at me?how do you know i'm here Yang Chunxue: I followed you all the way here. Xia Chengyuan was very uncomfortable with Yang Chunxue's humor, and he said angrily: "I have something worthy of your attention." Yang Chunxue laughed resonantly: I like you, so of course I will follow you.I have admired you since the day I saw you in the theater.Really, this is no joke.

Xia Chengyuan fiddled with his three-wheeled motorcycle in embarrassment: I don't understand your joke. In the pediatric ward of the hospital, Sun Xiangmeng looked out the window and happened to see Xia Chengyuan and Yang Chunxue in the open space.Xia Chengyuan was squatting on the ground with the motorcycle, and Yang Chunxue was also squatting aside, clinging to Xia Chengyuan, still talking with a smile.Xia Chengyuan turned his head to the side and said something to Yang Chunxue, Yang Chunxue laughed even harder, and affectionately thumped Xia Chengyuan's shoulder.Seeing this scene, Sun Xiangmeng felt a little uncomfortable.She turned around to go out, but Xiaohua coughed suddenly on the hospital bed, so Sun Xiangmeng had to go to see her son.

In the open space in front of the hospital, Xia Chengyuan had already started his motorcycle and was hitting the accelerator vigorously. Smoke was coming out of the exhaust pipe of the motorcycle and there was a burst of noise.Xia Chengyuan stepped on the motorcycle and was about to leave. Yang Chunxue: Dear hero, are you going to leave me alone here? Xia Chengyuan: What's wrong? Yang Chunxue: You don't want to give me a ride? Xia Chengyuan: I want to go back to Air Defense Command. Yang Chunxue didn't get into the car, but took the initiative to step on the back seat of the motorcycle, put her arms around Xia Chengyuan's waist, and said, "I'll be satisfied if you give me a ride, okay?"

Although Xia Chengyuan's expression was a little stiff, he still agreed: Then you can sit in the car, it will be more comfortable there. Yang Chunxue: No, I will sit here. Feeling helpless, Xia Chengyuan started the motorcycle and drove Yang Chunxue out of the open space.Of course, neither of them noticed that behind the window of the pediatric ward, Sun Xiangmeng was watching them leave with complicated emotions. In the evening, misty mist rose from the surface of the Yangtze River.The lights of Chongqing urban area reflected on the river surface, which also looked a bit blurred.Next to a small street is the home of Xia Chengyuan and Sun Xiangmeng.This is a very typical residential building, the landlord lived downstairs, Xia Chengyuan and the others rented two rooms on the attic.Xiaohua is still in the hospital, so the room looks relaxed.At this moment, Sun Xiangmeng was sitting on a small bench, washing clothes in the basin, and Xia Chengyuan was tinkering with some parts on a table beside him, those parts removed from the bomb.

While rubbing the clothes, Sun Xiangmeng pretended to be casual and asked: Hey, is that woman an old acquaintance of yours? Xia Chengyuan wondered: Which woman? Sun Xiangmeng: Don't pretend to be confused, I've seen it all!It's the woman who left the hospital with you in the afternoon with her arms around your waist.She specially emphasized the words "arm around the waist". Xia Chengyuan was upset, but he also resisted the attack: ah, it's not an old acquaintance. Sun Xiangmeng: So you just met, and you were so affectionate when you first met? Xia Chengyuan: What nonsense are you talking about.

Sun Xiangmeng sarcastically: I'm not talking nonsense, I saw you talking and laughing, and thought she was your first love.That girl is so beautiful. Xia Chengyuan said impatiently: If you talk nonsense again, I will have to leave. Sun Xiangmeng raised her voice: You go!Anyway, I have to go to the hospital later, so you might as well just leave. Xia Chengyuan: Xiangmeng, what do you mean? Sun Xiangmeng was still relentless: What's wrong with me?I'm just saying, if you don't want this home, then go, I won't stop you! Xia Chengyuan stood up from the table: The more you talk, the more boring you are.

Sun Xiangmeng started to cry: Am I bored? !What good deed have you done behind my back?Ah, come back and say I'm bored!No wonder you don't want to control me, and don't care about your son's life or death... Xia Chengyuan threw a metal part in his hand heavily on the table, turned around and left the room without saying anything, and slammed the door hard.Sun Xiangmeng didn't stop him, but listened carefully to the sound of Xia Chengyuan's footsteps going downstairs and the sound of the motorcycle starting.After the sound of the motorcycle disappeared, Sun Xiangmeng threw the clothes in his hand into the basin, covered his face and began to cry. Xia Chengyuan rode a motorcycle aimlessly around the city, still feeling panicked.Almost subconsciously, he came to the theater where he met Yang Chunxue for the first time.He stopped the motorcycle in a daze, was stunned for a while, and then walked into the dark gate. The lights were on on the stage in the theater, and Yang Chunxue was rehearsing Xia Yan's play "One Year" with several actors on the stage about the Songhu Anti-Japanese War.The auditorium was empty, only the director and a few other actors were sitting.Yang Chunxue stood at the side of the stage, imitating the female announcer of China Central Radio Station and broadcasting: China Central Radio Station XGOA, now report the news... Xia Chengyuan walked in with a dazed expression, found a seat in the last row and sat down in a daze. looking at the stage.Yang Chunxue on the stage also saw Xia Chengyuan sitting in the last row.She smiled, raised the script in her hand and greeted Xia Chengyuan.People on and off the stage turned their heads to look at Xia Chengyuan behind him, but Xia Chengyuan's face was expressionless. The director shouted: Do it again. Yang Chunxue: Director, can you pause for a moment?I have a friend... The director looked at Xia Chengyuan who was sitting in the back: "Okay, take a ten-minute break." Yang Chunxue ran down from the stage and came to Xia Chengyuan: Why are you here?We're still rehearsing, not an official performance. Xia Chengyuan: Can't come and see the rehearsal? Yang Chunxue laughed: Of course you can come!But when you come, I can't rehearse. Xia Chengyuan said sullenly: "Then I'll leave." Yang Chunxue pulled Xia Chengyuan enthusiastically: Oh, I'm just joking.You don't seem to be in a good mood?What's the matter? Xia Chengyuan: It's nothing... My son is in the hospital and has not recovered from his illness.I'm not happy in my heart. Yang Chunxue: Is it because the doctor is incompetent? Xia Chengyuan: His mother is a doctor.The main reason is that there is no medicine. Finding a little penicillin now is really harder than finding a gold mine!We've tried a lot, but we can't buy it. Yang Chunxue enthusiastically said: This is easy!My husband is coming from Hong Kong soon, so why not just ask him to buy some and bring them over? Xia Chengyuan: Your husband? Yang Chunxue nodded: He is also an actor, playing the leading role in our play. Xia Chengyuan said in a complicated mood: Oh.What kind of play is this? Yang Chunxue: "One Year" by Xia Yan. Xia Chengyuan: Your husband...Yang Chunxue interrupted Xia Chengyuan: He is not like you. Xia Chengyuan looked at Yang Chunxue in confusion. Yang Chunxue's beautiful eyes were shining: You still don't understand this?He's charming on stage, but not in real life.Hey, the rehearsal is over later, can you walk with me? Xia Chengyuan hesitated: I... I should go back. But Yang Chunxue stubbornly said, "That's the deal, okay?" Xia Chengyuan waited until Yang Chunxue and the others finished rehearsing, and then followed Yang Chunxue into a simple and messy dressing room behind the stage under the suspicious eyes of the crew members.Yang Chunxue started to pack her things quickly, and Xia Chengyuan stood behind her, a little at a loss.His eyes swept across the mirror, but unexpectedly met Yang Chunxue's gaze in the mirror. Xia Chengyuan avoided his eyes, but Yang Chunxue smiled gently through the mirror. Yang Chunxue: I believe that if Mr. Xia Yan saw the scene where you cleared the bomb last time, he might still write a better work than "One Year". Xia Chengyuan: Just kidding again. Yang Chunxue turned around: Really, a hero like you really deserves to appear on the stage. Xia Chengyuan: I am not a hero. Yang Chunxue approached Xia Chengyuan and set his sights on him: You are my hero. Xia Chengyuan also looked at Yang Chunxue: I'm really embarrassed if you say that again. Yang Chunxue's eyes became more aggressive: really?Let me see, maybe, besides defusing the bomb, you're not a hero in anything else?For example, facing a woman, like now.There is no one else here, just you and me. Are you a hero or a bear? Xia Chengyuan just smiled, but still didn't know what to say. Yang Chunxue: I can tell, you want to be a hero, right? Xia Chengyuan: How can you tell? Yang Chunxue: Me?I just can see it.I have met many people, but I have never seen anyone like you.You are a real man. Xia Chengyuan stopped talking again.Yang Chunxue suddenly hugged Xia Chengyuan: Hug me, my hero! Xia Chengyuan couldn't help but hugged Yang Chunxue, Yang Chunxue moved her face closer, and the two kissed passionately. After Zheng Ming recovered from his injury, he recuperated at home for a period of time.The mother's return guaranteed Zheng Ming's health recovery.According to He Xuezhu's calculation, Zheng Ming still needs two weeks to fully recover, but the order from Zheng Ming's boss came sooner.Therefore, when Zheng Ming came to report to the intelligence agency's boss's office, he still had a dull pain in his chest.Zheng Ming's boss was a fat man in his fifties who was sitting at his desk processing documents.After Zheng Ming came in, he didn't even look at it, he just signed the document.After Zheng Ming sat down, he finished signing, raised his head to look at Zheng Ming, then took out a folder from the desk drawer, went to sit opposite Zheng Ming. Boss: Are you healed? Zheng Ming: All right. The boss sarcastically said: Well, you did your job well, and Wang Jingwei actually took his life from the gun! Zheng Ming immediately stood up: I am willing to accept the punishment! The boss said angrily: You are also an elite trained by the party-state, how could you be so careless?For this matter, do you know how embarrassing Director Dai is in front of the Chairman?If it weren't for Director Dai's magnanimity, shooting you guys would not offset the failure of this operation!sit down. Zheng Ming had no choice but to sit down again and stopped talking. The boss threw the folder in front of Zheng Ming: study the contents here carefully. Zheng Ming opened the folder and took out some photos and documents: This is... Boss: No. 90 Zengjiayan, Zhou Enlai's mansion. Zheng Ming: This... Boss: Director Dai is very worried.The Zhou mansion is often crowded with people.In addition to the "Xinhua Daily" and the "Eighth Route Army Office", this Zhou mansion should be another important stronghold of the Communist Party in Chongqing.What Director Dai meant was to closely monitor the Zhou mansion, and keep an eye on people who go in and out, so as to prevent problems before they happen. Zheng Ming was puzzled: Isn't it said that the Kuomintang and the Communist Party are cooperating to fight against Japan together?How could it be... The boss interrupted Zheng Ming: Political matters are not that simple.You don't understand, and to be honest, neither do I.Since Director Dai asked for this, he must have his reasons, you just need to implement it.You arrange it well, and try to make meritorious deeds.After the specific arrangements are made, report to me. Zheng Ming stood up: Yes. Zheng Ming left his boss, returned to his office, spread out those photos on the table, and looked at them carefully.In a bunch of candid photos, there are not only Zhou Enlai and Deng Yingchao, but also Dong Biwu, Ye Jianying, Qiao Guanhua and others. Of course, there are also some foreign reporters, such as Snow, Bai Xiude, Robert and others.There was a notebook in front of Zheng Ming. While looking at the photos, he carefully wrote down the names of these people in the notebook... In the evening, Zheng Xianbo's house seemed very lively for the first time.Zheng Ming, Zheng Qi, and Lin Tianjue all came here because this was the first family reunion since He Xuezhu arrived in Chongqing.Zheng Juan and Jiang Qingdong were busy and didn't come.Because of He Xuezhu's return home, the Zheng family's living room has become orderly, and there is an extra vase on the coffee table, with a few bright yellow winter jasmine flowers in it.Wearing an apron, He Xuezhu brought out a pot of dishes from the kitchen and put them on the table next to the living room, and everyone else was already seated at the table. Zheng Xianbo said happily: Well, the housewife has returned home, and we can finally eat decent meals again. He Xuezhu: I don't have anything, let's make do with it. Zheng Qi: Mom, we haven't had your braised lion head for half a year. He Xuezhu: During times of war, what's so special about this? Lin Tianjue said to Zheng Qi: That's right, auntie's journey is so dangerous!You have the nerve to say this. Zheng Qi: What I'm talking about is the truth, don't try to curry favor here. Lin Tianjue: If you want me, I won’t make braised lion heads for you. Zheng Qi: If I ask you to do it, you won't do it! Zheng Xianbo picked up a glass of red wine: Alright, it's rare for the family to get together, so stop bickering here.Everyone took a sip, not only to celebrate Xuezhu's safe arrival in Chongqing, but also to welcome Zheng Ming's return from Vietnam. Everyone drank and began to eat. After eating for a while, Lin Tianjue chatted with Zheng Ming out of words: Cousin, what did you do in Vietnam?How could he be so seriously injured? Zheng Ming looked at Zheng Xianbo, and then replied flatly: Execute the task. Lin Tianjue: Could it be an assassination attempt?I heard some rumors that Wang Jingwei was almost killed by the people sent by the chairman in Hanoi. Zheng Ming buried his head in eating: Really?I haven't heard of it. Lin Tianjue: A big traitor like this should be killed in Chongqing!They even let him go to Hanoi. Zheng Xianbo looked at Lin Tianjue, and opened his mouth to cover for his son: "Hurry up and eat, you news people, are you also starting to spread rumors?" Lin Tianjue took a few mouthfuls of food, and then said in a half-joking tone: Of course I don't believe it.However, where there is no wind, there are no waves, so you have to believe all the rumors.To be honest, the past spies of this gang were really incompetent, they couldn't beat the unarmed Wang Jingwei!If I were Dai Li, I would shoot all these incompetent people to thank the people of the country! Zheng Ming glanced at him and held back his words. He Xuezhu said: Tianjue, you just like those rumors. Zheng Qi took the opportunity to add: I also like to make random comments. Zheng Ming, who had been silent all this time, finally fought back: People in the radio station have nothing to do when they are idle, the main thing is to spread rumors. Lin Tianjue: Fuck you, who said we have nothing to do?Are you working as a spy and doing those stealthy things?We can only spread rumors? Zheng Ming said seriously: At least you were talking nonsense just now! Lin Tianjue looked at him in surprise: Why are you coming at me?I just expressed my anger towards the traitors! Zheng Ming: Your mouth is really annoying. Zheng Qi quickly interjected, "Hey, it's finally a family reunion, what are you doing?" Lin Tianjue stood up bored: I have to leave early, and I will have my show later.I have to go to the radio station and spread a little more rumours. After Lin Tianjue and Zheng Qi went out, the living room became much quieter.Zheng Xianbo took a sip of his wine and said, "Zheng Ming, your trip to Hanoi this time should be related to Wang Jingwei, right?" Zheng Ming smiled: Dad, why are you the same as Tianjue? Zheng Xianbo: Why, do you think I'm just curious like Tianjue?I have worked in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for many years, so I should have a little judgment.dont you agree? Zheng Ming didn't speak, but just nodded. Zheng Xianbo: Actually, I had a premonition for a long time that while the Chairman prepared passports and funds for Wang Jingwei, he also prepared another dish for him.If Wang Jingwei did not accept the chairman's conditions, the assassination would have been inevitable.It's a pity that you didn't succeed this time, leaving future troubles. Zheng Ming: This time is his fate. If he has another chance, he will not be so lucky. Zheng Xianbo was thoughtful: There are no more opportunities. He Xuezhu worried: Zheng Ming, don't take part in such actions anymore, it's too dangerous. Zheng Ming: No matter how much I want to participate, I probably won’t be able to.The higher ups have sent me to do the "dirty work". He Xuezhu: What is "dirty work"? Zheng Ming: Don't ask, you know I won't tell. He Xuezhu: I only care about whether you will be in danger. Zheng Ming smiled wryly: There is no danger, just a little disturbed. He Xuezhu: That's good. At dusk, Yang Chunxue and her husband Tang Shangjun, a middle-aged man dressed in fashionable clothes, came to the ward of Xiaohua in Jimin Hospital with her husband, Tang Shangjun, who had just flown from Hong Kong to Chongqing.Both Sun Xiangmeng and Xia Chengyuan happened to be here.After a brief introduction, Yang Chunxue enthusiastically handed several boxes of medicine to Sun Xiangmeng: Mrs. Xia, I think these boxes of penicillin should be able to cure the child. Sun Xiangmeng was very happy, but his eyes were on Tang Shangjun: Thank you, thank you so much! Tang Shangjun: No need, no need, everyone is suffering from the same disease.As soon as my wife told me about it, I went to the best pharmacy in Hong Kong to buy it.Although Hong Kong is also very chaotic, it is still much better than Chongqing. Sun Xiangmeng then turned to Yang Chunxue and said: Thank you. Yang Chunxue: You're welcome. I heard Mr. Xia talk about Xiaohua's illness, so I sent him a telegram.He was nothing more than a favor. Xia Chengyuan didn't speak at the side. Sun Xiangmeng: How much does it cost?We'll pay you right away. Tang Shangjun waved his hands again and again: "It's a trivial matter, it's not worth mentioning, so don't ask about it!"Give your child medicine. Sun Xiangmeng took out the medicine and started working on the infusion bottle: Xiaohua, mom will give you some medicine, it doesn't hurt.With the medicine, your disease will be cured soon, ah. Xiaohua coughed, nodded, and said to Yang Chunxue and her husband: Thank you auntie, thank you uncle. Yang Chunxue touched Xiaohua's face affectionately: Good boy. Tang Shangjun watched from the side, while Xia Chengyuan still stood behind, watching Sun Xiangmeng infuse his son.Yang Chunxue walked up to Xia Chengyuan's side and secretly took Xia Chengyuan's hand.Xia Chengyuan shivered nervously. Yang Chunxue didn't care, and said softly: Why don't you talk anymore? Xia Chengyuan: Me? Yang Chunxue leaned closer to Xia Chengyuan's ear: why are you nervous? Xia Chengyuan didn't speak. Yang Chunxue: Don't worry, I'm not a bad woman, and I won't pester you. Xia Chengyuan: I didn't mean that...Yang Chunxue smiled: Then what do you mean? Xia Chengyuan: I... At this time, Sun Xiangmeng was done with his work, and when he turned around to look at Yang Chunxue and Xia Chengyuan, he didn't realize the conversation they had, but smiled happily.Yang Chunxue pushed Xia Chengyuan, and Xia Chengyuan walked to his son's hospital bed as if waking up from a dream, and looked at him. There was some smile on Xiaohua's face: Dad. Xia Chengyuan's mood is very complicated: son. Xiaohua: Yes. Yang Chunxue watched this scene from the side, thoughtfully. United States Washington. In the bright sunshine, several oak trees and rows of bushes around an open-air cafe have been dyed green.There are a few white tables and chairs on the lush lawn.Hu Shi, the ambassador of the Nationalist Government to the United States, and Pittman, chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the U.S. Senate, sat at a table, drinking coffee. Pittman took a folder from Hu Shi: So, Mr. Ambassador, you already have some ideas of your own on the amendment to the "Neutrality Act"? Hu Shi smiled: I am familiar with your country's constitution.As China's ambassador, I have no right to express any opinion on the legal affairs of your country's Senate and House of Representatives.However, China's national interests require me to play some roles within my ability.Mr. Senator should be able to understand my situation.Here are my views on some clauses in the "Neutrality Act" that involve China's interests, which may provide you with some references. After the First World War, the United States suffered from the Great Depression. Many Americans felt that there were too many right and wrong outside the United States, especially in Europe, and they did not want to be involved in another war. In August 1935, the U.S. Congress passed the first "Neutrality Act" in the United States, which stipulated that "when a war breaks out between two or more foreign countries or in the course of a war, the president declares the matter, and the United States or its territories shall subsequently It is unlawful to export arms, ammunition, and military equipment to the ports of a belligerent, or to a neutral country for transshipment to a belligerent, from any point in the country." Pittman didn't open that folder right away: the Neutrality Act exists for a valid reason, of course, personally, I think it has tied the hands of the United States to a certain extent and prevented the United States from playing a role in international affairs. own role.However, I hope Mr. Ambassador can understand that the United States is now facing domestic economic difficulties. It has been almost ten years since 1929 and the shadow of the Great Depression has not yet dissipated. To care about what is happening in Europe and Asia is certainly asking too much. Hu Shi: That's right.However, as a politician, whether you are a senator or President Roosevelt, you should have excellent political foresight.Whether in Europe or Asia, if fascism is allowed to spread further, it will eventually greatly damage the national interests of the United States itself.Hitler has already assumed an aggressive posture in Europe, and the Japanese government's aggression in China echoes Hitler's policies at a distance, and the entire free world is facing a serious threat. Pittman: I agree with that.This is the fundamental reason why I am willing to introduce an amendment in the Senate. Hu Shi: With Mr. Senator's familiarity with foreign affairs and foresight, he should be able to convince your colleagues. Pittman smiled: Mr. Ambassador may be a little optimistic. Hu Shi sincerely said: You are wrong, I am not optimistic, but looking for opportunities for optimism in pessimism.The German invasion of Czechoslovakia has proven the Chamberlain government's appeasement policy to be a failure, and I don't want the US to make the same mistake on this issue. Pittman: I completely agree with your judgment, and I hope that American politicians also have a common understanding. Hu Shi: Then let us pray together. Pittman: All right then.If there is any news, I will let you know.Also, I agree to your request and let you talk to President Roosevelt as soon as possible. Hu Shi: Thank you. Pittman called the waiter, ready to pay the bill, but was stopped by Hu Shi: No, I will pay the bill. Pittman said friendlyly: Mr. Ambassador, China is very poor now, so I will pay the bill and show my kindness, isn't it too much? Hu Shi solemnly said: I invited you to drink coffee, and I should pay the bill.This has nothing to do with whether China is poor, but has something to do with whether China has its own dignity. Pittman hesitated for a moment, and then said: Mr. Ambassador, thank you for your coffee. I have already felt the dignity and grace of your country from you.Trust me, I will do my part with regards to the amendment to the Neutrality Act. After paying the bill, Hu Shi stood up with Pittman: Regardless of whether your efforts will succeed or not, I have already felt the friendship and support of the American people for the Chinese people from you. Pittman: I believe that your wisdom and enthusiasm will also be useful to the president. Hu Shi: Thank you again for the honor. Sir Carl Archibald, the British ambassador to China, came to Chongqing to meet and talk with Chiang Kai-shek.As the foreign ministry's liaison officer with Britain and the United States, Zheng Xianbo naturally had to go to the airport to greet him.The two had dealt with each other before, and they didn't say much after meeting. They got into the car together and went straight to the British embassy in the city. After Karl got into the car, he couldn't wait to ask Zheng Xianbo: Mr. Zheng, has my meeting with Chairman Jiang been arranged? Zheng Xianbo: Yes.The chairman has important matters to deal with these days, so the meeting with the chairman is arranged at 2:30 pm on Friday at the Huangshan official residence. Carl: Huangshan Mansion?What kind of place is that? Zheng Xianbo: On the south bank of downtown Chongqing, it is for safety reasons.Japanese planes had already bombed the city several times. Carl nodded: OK. Zheng Xianbo: Mr. Ambassador, what request do you have for your visit to Chongqing this time? Carl: Nothing.It's just that I will discuss some important issues when I meet with Generalissimo Jiang. I hope that you will not arrange for other people to be present when we meet. Zheng Xianbo: This has been arranged according to your prior request. Carl: That's fine. After talking about business, Carl relaxed a little.He looked at the scenery outside through the car window, and then said: Mr. Zheng, Chongqing is not a foggy city similar to London, as people say.Of course, the weather is worse than in Shanghai. Zheng Xianbo: That is because the arrival of Mr. Ambassador has dispelled the fog in Chongqing. Carl smiled: Do I really have that magical power? Zheng Xianbo went on to say: If the dense fog finally clears, the Japanese planes may carry out large-scale bombing of Chongqing. Carl understood Zheng Xianbo's subtext, and looked at Zheng Xianbo seriously: Mr. Zheng's humor is very interesting. So, while I brought sunny skies to Chongqing, I also brought the possibility of disaster to Chongqing? Zheng Xianbo also laughed: Mr. Ambassador has already understood his role in Chongqing. Carl laughed: Mr. Zheng said that, it will make me complacent. dusk.A car was parked in front of a not-so-good building. A British flag was prominently hung above the building, clearly indicating that it was the location of the British embassy in China.In the car, sat a driver.Next to him sat a man who looked like a secretary.Not far behind them, Xia Xinli and Yu Nanping stayed in another car nearby.They are all waiting. In the living room of the embassy, ​​Zhou Enlai and Karl were sitting on the sofa chatting, and the young Robert was also present.Zhou Enlai and Karl were very familiar with each other, so the atmosphere in the living room seemed relaxed and natural. Zhou Enlai: So Mr. Ambassador came to Chongqing this time with an important mission on his shoulders? Carl smiled: Mr. Zhou has a very keen sense of smell, but I will not reveal my intentions in front of you before meeting Chairman Jiang. Zhou Enlai: Even old friends don't reveal a little bit of information? Carl: Does Mr. Zhou want me to trade my personal friendship with Britain's national interests?I will not be fooled. Zhou Enlai laughed loudly: He really deserves to be a diplomat, and he is impeccable! Carl also laughed: Mr. Zhou, in the delicate international situation, I am aware of my responsibilities, and I think you are also aware of your own responsibilities. Zhou Enlai: It seems that I have to buy you a drink. Carl: I'd like to drink with you, as long as you don't get me drunk. Zhou Enlai laughed again: I can guarantee this. Carl: Mr. Zhou, do you have any new judgments on the current situation in China? Zhou Enlai: Our newspapers have published many articles on the situation in China and our judgment.To be honest, I have some opinions on the current policies of the British government in the Far East and Europe. Carl: Oh, I'd love to hear it. Zhou Enlai: Prime Minister Chamberlain has been seeking peace in Europe. There is nothing wrong with that.However, blindly compromising with Hitler will inevitably lead to Hitler becoming more rampant.Czechoslovakia is already a proof.Hitler's appetite was certainly not just Czechoslovakia, but the whole of Europe, including your own country of course.You have no objection to this, do you? Carl nodded: There is such a view in the UK as well. Robert interrupted: Archie, Mr. Zhou, I think that although there is such a view in the UK, it is still a minority.I have read Churchill's recent articles, and he is almost shouting war at the top of his lungs, but there is not enough evidence to prove that war is the only option for Britain. Zhou Enlai: Robert, in many cases, war is not chosen by oneself, but imposed by others.China is the most realistic example.Could it be that the Japanese invaded China was chosen by the Chinese themselves? Carl: I agree.However, the British have always paid attention to compromise.When there is no war, it should be avoided by various means. Zhou Enlai: It is a pity that war in China is an inevitable fact.The same is true, I believe, of the war in Europe.Ultimately, Britain had to fight Hitler. Carl laughed again: This is horrible. Zhou Enlai: It is terrible, but it cannot be avoided.If you want to deal with wolves, you have to know that the nature of wolves is to eat people.For me, what I am most worried about now is that you British want to impose your tradition of paying attention to compromise on the Chinese government, so that we and the Japanese can also engage in an Eastern "Munich Agreement". Carl: This is just your guesswork. Zhou Enlai: Mr. Ambassador, I am not necessarily guessing. Carl: Mr. Zhou, it seems that because of your judgment today, I have to buy you a drink. Zhou Enlai: That's great. I'll toast you too. Of course, I won't get you drunk.Robert, you testify here, and I will not break my word. Robert smiled: OK. After Zhou Enlai bid farewell to Karl and Robert, he left the British embassy and got into the car that had been waiting outside.The car moved.After turning a corner, the car that Xia Xinli and Yu Nanping were riding in followed.The car drove for a while, and Zhou Enlai's car stopped suddenly.The man who looked like a secretary ran over and asked Xia Xinli who was in the car behind to get into the car in front.Xia Xinli got out of the car, ran to the front, and got into the car Zhou Enlai was sitting in.Xia Xinli sat down next to Zhou Enlai, and the car started up again immediately. Xia Xinli: Vice Chairman Zhou, how was your discussion just now? Compared with the forthright and lively conversation just now, Zhou Enlai at this time seemed a little worried: the conversation was not bad.However, Karl's tone was very tight, and he was unwilling to say more about his intention to come to Chongqing this time. Xia Xinli: Could it be that the British government is playing some tricks again? Zhou Enlai: This is the key point. We don't know the cards of the British.I said something, but I know that Karl is just a diplomat, and it is impossible to influence their domestic policies.I just hope that he will make some adjustments when he talks to Lao Jiang. Xia Xinli: Is there any other way? Zhou Enlai: I called you here because I wanted you to find out the bottom line.Robert and Carl have a very close relationship, perhaps, we can learn something from his mouth.Can you figure it out? Xia Xinli thought about it, and then said: You can try it.My old classmate Gu Hongyuan is Robert's assistant, maybe I can get some information through him. Zhou Enlai: Gu Hongyuan?Is this person reliable? Xia Xinli: It should be reliable.He is an overseas Chinese, very patriotic. Zhou Enlai: We should be more strategic in contacting him.Karl is going to meet Lao Jiang on Friday.The sooner the work on your side the better.Knowing the intentions of the British, of course, if you also know the attitude of Lao Jiang, it will be of great help to the central government's decision-making. Under Pittman's arrangement, Hu Shi was received by US President Franklin Roosevelt at the White House. It's a warm afternoon in Washington.阳光照耀着白宫外面的玫瑰园，园子里已经有了一些春意。胡适坐在一张椅子上，罗斯福则坐在自己的轮椅上，腿上搭着一张毛毯。他们的面前摆了一张小桌子，上面放了一些饮料。罗斯福吸着一支插在烟杆上的香烟。 胡适：总统先生，听说，关于《中立法》的修正案已经在酝酿之中了，是这样吗？ 罗斯福：是这样。不过，我不对它抱多大的希望。 胡适：为什么？ 罗斯福：你应该明白，对于眼下的美国人来说，国内政治的重要性远远超过了国际政治的重要性。 胡适：总统先生所说的国内政治，主要是指经济问题吗？ 罗斯福点点头：是经济问题。大使先生知道，我们美国人是一个非常现实的民族。在国内经济问题成堆，国内政治压倒一切的时候，没有人愿意把目光投向国境线以外的地方，更不用说遥远而神秘的东方了。 胡适：但总统先生不是这样看问题的。我读过一些文章，知道总统先生对欧洲和亚洲的局势有自己独到而精辟的见解。 罗斯福笑了笑：说不上独到和精辟，但是我知道，如果欧洲和亚洲的事务出现更大的危机，那么美国的利益也会受到不可估量的损失。可是，我的见解并不能帮助我解决国内政治的难题。我曾经收到过蒋介石先生的来信，要我想办法解决《中立法》的障碍，向贵国提供更多的帮助。但是蒋先生显然不明白，作为美国的总统，宪法并没有赋予我改变一项既定法律的权力。 胡适沉默了一阵，然后说：据我所知，我国驻英国大使郭泰祺已经向英国政府提交了一份关于远东反侵略联合阵线的建议。不知道总统先生对此有何评价？ 罗斯福选择了一个相对具有外交辞令色彩的说法：是吗？我没有得到相关的消息。 胡适：这个建议针对日本的侵略图谋，呼吁参与国不与日本达成任何单方面的协议，并且在反侵略战争中相互支持。 罗斯福：英国人对此有什么反应吗？ 胡适：日本人已经进攻了中国海南，下一步是南沙诸岛，接下来恐怕就是东南亚。难道英国政府对自己在远东的利益会不闻不问？ 罗斯福：我相信英国人会作出他们自己的选择的。 胡适：总统先生应该同意，张伯伦首相和希特勒搞的《慕尼黑协定》已经失败，是这样吧？ 罗斯福：这一点毫无疑问。但是，欧洲事务有它自己的复杂性，就像中国的事情和我们美国的事情一样。也许，这一切都只是个时间问题。我们现在需要的是时间。 胡适：但是时间却显得太慢。 罗斯福笑笑：大使先生不用着急，可能时间最终是站在我们一边的。 胡适也只好笑了一下：但愿如此。我只是担心，在我们等待那决定性的时间到来的过程中，又会有无数的生灵惨遭涂炭了。 晚上，重庆市区郑先博的家中。 郑先博坐在床上，双手抱着自己的后脑勺，思考着什么。何雪竹换好了睡衣，钻进被子。郑先博见状，并没有关灯睡觉的意思，仍然保持着那个姿势。 何雪竹：想什么呢？快睡吧。 郑先博叹了一口气：你先睡吧，我睡不着，先看会儿书。 疲倦的何雪竹躺到枕头上，不一会儿就睡着了。 郑先博替何雪竹掖了掖被子，翻开一本放在床头柜上的书。看了一阵，却又看不下去，脑子里开始飞快地过滤这两天他所接触到的事情和信息。英国大使卡尔这次从上海来重庆，专门要求和委员长一个人会见，不让别人在场，显然是有重要的外交任务。郑先博判断，卡尔很可能是要在中国和日本之间斡旋。如果是这样，那就意味着英国对中国的政策又发生了变化，比以前更往后退了。如果英国人已经背着中国政府和日本人做了交易，通过妥协来保护自己在远东的利益，那么情况就更加严重。郑先博虽然不愿意这样判定，但他却无法排除这个可能性，毕竟，这位大使先生已经在上海和重庆之间往来多次了。 想到这里，郑先博突然想起昨天何雪竹对自己说的一句话。何雪竹知道了郑先博焦虑的原因后，曾经质问说为什么中国的事情，外国人总是有发言权？还说你们这些搞外交的，能给一个令人信服的理由吗？ 郑先博不自觉地苦笑了一下，看了看身边已经睡熟的妻子。自己当时没有回答妻子的问题，但这并不意味着自己不知道答案。答案其实很简单：那是因为中国太弱，弱国没有外交。真的，就这么简单。在这样一种无法自主的境况里，一个普通的外交官又能干什么？一个尊为外交部长的王宠惠又能干什么？说得更极端一点，蒋介石又能干什么？ 多年以前，曾经是中山大学英语系教授的父亲在知道了郑先博去外交部工作的消息后，对郑先博说过一句玩笑话：你是一只老鼠自己主动钻进了气筒。可以说，来到外交部之后的这些年里，父亲的这句话一直在郑先博的耳边回响着。但此时此刻，郑先博才非常痛切地意识到，作古了的父亲是多么睿智地预见到了自己的前途。 郑先博又翻了翻手中的那本书，再也没有读下去的心情，只好心事重重地把目光移开，望着黑乎乎的窗外。 窗外的重庆已经昏然入睡。