Chapter 19 Chapter Eighteen

Since the morning, the sky has been gloomy, the clouds are very low, the air is extremely humid and hot, and it looks like it is going to rain.But until after noon, there was still not a single raindrop falling.Japanese planes would not come to bomb in such weather, so this day became a rest day for the antiaircraft artillery positions.In a corner of the playground, there is a bathing room surrounded by bamboo mats. In the middle of the room is a large wooden bucket full of water. Zhang Xudong and seven or eight soldiers surrounded the big wooden bucket naked, scooping water from it with washbasins and wooden ladles. The water comes out to take a shower and cool off.

Du Zhiguo was very unlucky that day, and it happened to be his turn to be on duty. Not only did he have no share in such good things as taking a shower, but he had to carry water back and forth and pour it into the big wooden barrel.With so many people bathing together to cool down, he felt that the big wooden barrel was a bottomless pit.When he was sweating profusely and brought another bucket of water into the bathroom, and looked enviously at the naked soldiers making loud noises happily, the company commander suddenly appeared at the door and stood there silently.The appearance of the company commander frightened the soldiers, and they calmed down immediately, and stood up naked one by one, which was extremely funny.

The company commander didn't seem to be in the mood to say anything, but he found Zhang Xudong from among them and shouted: Zhang Xudong. Zhang Xudong quickly grabbed a towel and wrapped it around his waist, and ran to the company commander: report to the commander. The tone of the company commander's speech did not seem to be an order: quickly put on your clothes and go to the office of the 33rd Army. Zhang Xudong looked at him suspiciously.The company commander added: This is an order from the regiment headquarters. The 33rd Group Army was the unit of his elder brother Zhang Xuming, and Zhang Xudong suddenly had an ominous premonition.

While Zhang Xudong was getting dressed, Du Zhiguo followed the company commander out of the bathroom, leaned over and asked, "Sir, what's going on?"Is it his brother... The company commander's answer was just a slight sigh, and he left him. Du Zhiguo knew that he guessed right, he chased after him again and said: Sir, let me go with him! The company commander stopped this time, nodded and said: "Go on my motorcycle." Du Zhiguo hurriedly stood at attention and said: Thank you, sir! When Du Zhiguo drove the company commander's motorcycle to the bathroom, Zhang Xudong just came out of it.They both knew in their hearts what was going to happen next, and the two of them chose to remain silent at the same time in a tacit understanding.As soon as he left the anti-aircraft artillery position, Du Zhiguo drove his motorcycle very fast, and the hot and sticky air hit their faces and bodies, making people feel unspeakably uncomfortable.

Before it got dark, Yuchuan Silk Shop was closed.Recently, the business has been surprisingly slow, which made Mr. Zhang hardly in the mood to operate, and closed the business early every day.The store was very dark, Mrs. Zhang watched Li Sufen bring out food from the kitchen, put it on the square table, and after setting up the dishes, she called back her little grandson who was playing outside the door, and the three of them came to the table to prepare for dinner. Picking up the chopsticks, Mrs. Zhang complained, "It's getting dark, and you don't know how to turn on the lights?"

Li Sufen replied with a smile: I am afraid that the lights are turned on early, and you will say that I don't know how expensive the electricity bill is. Mrs. Zhang glared at her daughter-in-law: You don't know how to light a kerosene lamp unless you are allowed to turn on the light? Li Sufen was not angry either, she turned around and lit a kerosene lamp and put it on the table. The flickering light illuminated a piece of "Xinhua Daily" on the table, and the newspaper was full of inscriptions mourning General Zhang Zizhong.Mao Zedong's "serve the country with loyalty"; Zhu De's "take righteousness into benevolence"; Zhou Enlai's "sacrifice for the country"; Wait.

At this moment, Zhang Xudong and Du Zhiguo appeared at the door.Li Sufen couldn't see the expressions on their faces, she wondered why they stood at the door and didn't come in, so she greeted with a smile: "Xudong, why don't you come in when you come back?"And Brother Du, come in!Let's eat something together. With that said, Li Sufen turned and went into the kitchen. Seeing Zhang Xudong, the child quickly jumped off the stool, threw himself into his arms, and called, "Second Uncle, Second Uncle!" Zhang Xudong smiled as hard as he could, picked up the child and walked into the house.Mrs. Zhang had been looking at him, and at this moment she could see his face clearly, and saw something ominous from his face.Du Zhiguo who followed behind also remained silent.Zhang Xudong stood in front of Mrs. Zhang with the child in his arms, but couldn't speak, his eyes were full of tears.

Mrs. Zhang looked at him, and suddenly cursed loudly: "Speak up!" Zhang Xudong just called "Mom" and couldn't continue. He cried and put a burnt and incomplete photo in front of Zhang, and put it on the "Xinhua Daily" full of memorial inscriptions.It was Zhang Xuming's only relic - a photo of Zhang Xuming's family of three.Mrs. Zhang stared blankly at the photo, tears streaming down her wrinkled face.Li Sufen came out of the kitchen with two sets of bowls and chopsticks, saw Mrs. Zhang crying, and then saw the photo, her eyes were filled with panic and sadness.

Li Sufen slowly put the bowls and chopsticks in her hand on the table, and even forced a smile on her face and said to Zhang Xudong and Du Zhiguo: Let's eat. Everyone looked at her in surprise. Li Sufen didn't look at anyone, but slowly picked up the incomplete photo and looked at it seriously.In fact, only half of that photo had been burned, and the images of the family were already incomplete. Zhang Xudong cried out: Sister-in-law! Li Sufen still didn't respond. Holding the photo, she took the child from Zhang Xudong's hand and hugged her tightly, then turned and walked upstairs.The child was too young to know what was going on, but he was already terrified.

Zhang's eyes were fixed on the table all the time. The photos were gone, so she just stared at the newspaper in front of her without moving.Finally she sighed and said slowly: In fact, everyone knows in their hearts that being a soldier and fighting will kill people.Whether you can come back alive depends on luck.General Zhang can die on the battlefield, so why can't he, Zhang Xuming?Resisting Japan and saving the country is worth dying for! At this time, Li Sufen's mournful cry finally came from upstairs. That night, Xia Xinli was invited to Zheng Xianbo's home.In the press club during the day, Zheng Juan quietly told him that Zheng Xianbo wanted to invite him to his home at night, and that he needed to discuss something with him.Xia Xinli was a little surprised at the time.After all, after talking with Zheng Xianbo at the reception held to welcome the Soong Ching Ling sisters, Zheng Xianbo never heard from him again, nor did he meet him again.Xia Xinli was no longer sure whether Zheng Xianbo would help him, although he had no fundamental doubts about Zheng Xianbo.

After Xia Xinli entered, Zheng Xianbo took him directly to his study.The study room is small and neatly furnished, except for a large bookcase full of books, a small writing desk, and a floor lamp in the corner, there is nothing else.After exchanging a few pleasantries, the two sat down on two wicker chairs placed at the corner.He Xuezhu brought two cups of tea for them, said nothing, just smiled at Xia Xinli, closed the door and left. Zheng Xianbo motioned for him to drink tea, and said: It's not easy to find here. Xia Xinli smiled: As long as Mr. Zheng sends an invitation, no matter how hard it is to find me, I can find it. Zheng Xianbo meant to explain: I feel that it is very inconvenient to be outside. Xia Xinli nodded knowingly.Afterwards, Zheng Xianbo got straight to the point: That's it, I got some news about the matter you cared about last time. Of course Xia Xinli knew what this meant, and immediately expressed his gratitude: Thank you. Zheng Xianbo smiled: That's not necessary.As a Chinese, my attitude has always been clear, and I am opposed to anything that is detrimental to the nation.At least in the way I think is appropriate to object. Xia Xinli nodded: I know what Mr. Zheng is like, that's why I made such an exaggerated request that day. Zheng Xianbo said: Chairman Jiang was indeed in contact with the Japanese, and it was top secret, so he completely bypassed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Xia Xinli asked: Then who does he rely on?People from the military? Zheng Xianbo shook his head: This person is quite mysterious, I only know that someone calls him Lao Zeng, and he should be one of Dai Li's subordinates. This surprised Xia Xinli: Military commander? Zheng Xianbo: Probably so.The other two people who participated in the negotiations seemed to be just foils. One was Zhang Yousan, the former ambassador to Germany, and the other was Chen Chaoling, the former deputy director of the Chongqing Camp Staff Office. Xia Xinli: Does this mean that Generalissimo Jiang is really going to seek peace with the Japanese this time? Zheng Xianbo: It's hard to say.As far as I know, contact with the Japanese started at the end of last year, and it seems to have accelerated in March this year. This should be related to the establishment of the Wang puppet government. The chairman of the committee wanted to reach an agreement with the Japanese before that.However, after the Wang puppet government was established in Nanjing at the end of March, the frequency of negotiations slowed down again. Xia Xinli: This is very interesting.What about recently? Zheng Xianbo said apologetically: I can't explain clearly.Perhaps the situation I provided is a bit outdated. Xia Xinli quickly waved his hand: No, no, this is very valuable.However, I feel that if the negotiations do pause for a while, they may resume again in the near future. Zheng Xianbo asked: How can you see it? Xia Xinli said: Looking at the domestic battlefield, we lost the Zaoyi Battle, Yichang fell into the hands of the Japanese army, and the east gate of Chongqing has been opened.We have not been able to take advantage of other frontal battlefields.In Europe, after the Germans attacked Belgium, they almost swept across the Scandinavian Peninsula. Denmark and Norway have been occupied. Hitler's army has swept across Western Europe. France is at stake, and Britain's fall may only be time. The problem.And once Britain and France were invaded by Germany, the Americans would have no time to take care of China.All of this will undoubtedly put great pressure on Chairman Jiang, and the corrupt forces around him are bound to be ready to move.Under such circumstances, no matter whether he is pessimistic and disappointed about the prospect of the war of confrontation, he wants to make peace talks; "Whether the strategy is good, he will definitely talk about it. Zheng Xianbo agreed: Mr. Xia's views are very insightful. Xia Xinli went on to say: I hope that the peace talks between the chairman and the Japanese will still be part of the so-called "waiting for change" strategy, rather than really kneeling for peace. Zheng Xianbo said: Yes, after all, General Zhang Zizhong's blood was spilled on the battlefield, and his bones are not cold yet.If you really compromise and seek peace, it will be difficult for all Chinese to accept it. Xia Xinli stood up: Thank you, Mr. Zheng.If there is any news in the future, I hope Mr. Zheng can report it in time. Zheng Xianbo nodded: I understand. Xia Xinli: But, I'd better not come to the house again in the future.After all, I am from Xinhua Daily, so I am afraid of causing unnecessary trouble to Mr. Zheng. Zheng Xianbo said indifferently: I have nothing to be afraid of! Xia Xinli shook his head: There is no need.We can make an appointment to meet somewhere else, and I'll arrange it.You are a diplomat of the government! Zheng Xianbo accepted this suggestion and sent Xia Xinli out of the gate. One day in May, Japanese planes bombed Beibei on the outskirts of Chongqing, where several universities relocated from the occupied areas concentrated.Several bombs fell on the campus of Fudan University, killing Professor Sun Hanbing, the provost of Fudan University, and several students.This immediately aroused strong indignation in Chongqing's intellectual circles and various universities.The next day, university students across the city took to the streets in a protest march.Sun Xiangying, who works as an activist at Fudan University, brought hundreds of students from Beibei to the downtown area, holding slogans and small flags, shouting slogans along the road, and distributing leaflets to passers-by.On the street, parades from various schools continued to merge together, like a snowball, becoming more and more powerful. During student demonstrations, Kuomintang agents will never be idle.A large number of plainclothes mixed in the parade and the crowd of spectators, haunted the streets and alleys, monitoring the students' actions.The little spy who had followed Sun Xiangying when she first arrived in Chongqing was also standing on the side of the street.He bought a newspaper from a newspaper boy, and stood on the side of the road pretending to read it, but his eyes professionally passed the edge of the newspaper from time to time to watch the people passing by.He accidentally found Sun Xiangying's figure among the students, and immediately became happy, he threw the newspaper away and followed quietly. Zheng Ming and Zheng Qi came out of a shop in front, just in time for the parade to pass by.Although the crowd was surging, Sun Xiangying still stood out clearly among the students, and Zheng Qi's fashionable attire of a person in the literary and artistic circles was also very conspicuous.So, Sun Xiangying, Zheng Ming, and Zheng Qi noticed each other from a distance.However, the eyes of Zheng Ming and Sun Xiangying only collided like lightning, and then they separated. Zheng Qi noticed the way her brother looked at that beautiful woman, and asked, "Do you know that woman?" Zheng Ming shook his head, but couldn't help but look back.Sun Xiangying also turned her head at this time, but she didn't look at Zheng Ming, but found the little spy following far behind.Sun Xiangying's eyes changed subtly in an instant.Zheng Ming sensed something strange in Sun Xiangying's eyes, followed her gaze suspiciously, and unexpectedly saw the little spy who was following her.Zheng Ming immediately understood that the spy's target was Sun Xiangying.Almost without thinking, he stopped and whispered to Zheng Qi: Don't follow me. Before Zheng Qi could understand, Zheng Ming had already left his sister and walked directly towards the little spy.The little spy also spotted Zheng Ming who was walking towards him, but it was too late to avoid him. Little agent: Boss, what are you... Zheng Ming looked at the little agent viciously. The little agent looked over Zheng Ming's shoulder and saw that Sun Xiangying was about to disappear in the marching procession, so he wanted to bypass Zheng Ming.Zheng Ming stood in front of him, grabbed him by the collar and dragged him to the side of the street, leaning against the wall, whispering: I finally met you! The little spy struggled in panic: Boss, don't get me wrong, don't get me wrong! Zheng Ming grabbed his neck: How dare you f*cking sue me for being black, I will beat you to death! As he spoke, he slapped the little spy hard.Pedestrians on the street were attracted by them and surrounded them.The little spy was still looking around trying to find Sun Xiangying, but he couldn't see anything.Standing in the crowd, Zheng Qi didn't know why her brother was so rude, but she didn't dare to ask.Sun Xiangying in the parade also saw what happened here from a distance, and took the opportunity to disappear among the students. This morning, Zhou Enlai was invited to meet with Chiang Kai-shek at Huangshan Villa.After the meeting, Chiang Kai-shek sent Zhou Enlai out of the villa and walked slowly down the mountain along the stone path in the forest. After walking for a while, Zhou Enlai stopped on his own initiative and said: Chairman, please stop. Chiang Kai-shek stood down: Mr. Zhou, we had a good talk today, and I have a better understanding of your party's position and attitude. Zhou Enlai: Chairman, please rest assured that the CCP must sincerely fight against Japan, and will still support the Chairman's anti-Japanese government, and jointly attack and isolate the Wang puppet regime. Chiang Kai-shek nodded frequently and said: This is very good. Zhou Enlai looked at him: The reason why I emphasize this point is because there are still people in your party spreading rumors, saying that the CCP will take advantage of the current international and domestic complicated situation to stage a riot to overthrow the Kuomintang. Chiang Kai-shek smiled embarrassingly: But your base area is developing very fast. Some people expressed concern, which is probably understandable. The smile Zhou Enlai had been hanging on his face disappeared, and he said seriously: We are vigorously developing the base areas behind the enemy lines to attack the Japanese.However, those who deliberately spread rumors wanted to create a split, prepared to collude with the Wang puppet regime, and secretly colluded with the Japanese, even betraying national sovereignty and the interests of the entire nation. Hearing this, Chiang Kai-shek's expression also changed a little. He turned his eyes to the distance and asked: Mr. Zhou is referring to something? Zhou Enlai did not answer directly: I can express our position more clearly.The determination of the CCP to resist the war to the end will never change, which means that whoever persists in the war of resistance, we will cooperate with him and support him.Anyone who tries to follow Wang Jingwei's path will be unpopular. Not only us, but the entire Chinese people will oppose him and cast aside him.Whether it is an individual or a government. Chiang Kai-shek was perfunctory: The CCP need not worry about this.As you said just now, there are many rumors of various kinds, but none of them are accurate.The determination of the national government to resist the war to the end has not changed, nor has the line of the joint war of resistance changed. Zhou Enlai smiled and said "That's good", then bid farewell to Chiang Kai-shek and went down the mountain. At dusk, Xia Xinli came to Zhou Enlai's office in the Zhou Mansion. Zhou Enlai at the desk had many documents piled up in front of him, and a desk lamp was on.Zhou Enlai leaned back on his chair, listening to Xia Xinli report the information he got from Zheng Xianbo about "Tong Work".The information provided by Zheng Xianbo is consistent with the recent information received by the Southern Bureau, which clearly and unmistakably confirmed the existence of "Tong Work" and proved the possibility of Chiang Kai-shek's surrender strategy. After Xia Xinli finished speaking, he looked at Zhou Enlai who was sitting across from him, and asked: How did Vice Chairman Zhou and Lao Jiang go today? Zhou Enlai smiled: It was a friendly talk.However, although Chiang Kai-shek made it clear that he would fight with us to the end, we should not have too many unrealistic expectations.It's like he repeatedly stated his resolute renunciation of the Communist Party and the suppression of the Communist Party, but he allowed his troops to continue to engage in friction with us.We should not only listen to his words, but also watch his actions. Xia Xinli said: Vice Chairman Zhou, although Chiang Kai-shek has not had secret contact with the Japanese in the past one or two months, this channel is still maintained, which is very worrying. Zhou Enlai nodded and said: I still say the same thing, destroying the Communist Party, this is a thought in Chiang Kai-shek's bones, and he can't get rid of it.It's just that he can't care about it now.It would of course be a good thing for Chiang Kai-shek if some kind of agreement could be reached with the Japanese to end the war and unite with Japan.The key depends on whether the price offered by the Japanese is acceptable to him.If the Japanese made excessive demands on China's territory, military and economy, Chiang Kai-shek would probably not accept it. After all, he was still a Chinese with certain nationalist ideas. Xia Xinli: The intermittent secret negotiations with the Japanese probably also shows that Chiang Kai-shek has been weighing pros and cons? Zhou Enlai smiled: Yes, it is really difficult for Chairman Jiang to decide between pros and cons. With that said, Zhou Enlai left his desk, paced slowly in the room, and made a basic judgment on the current situation: at least for now, it is unlikely that Chiang Kai-shek and the Japanese will reach a peace agreement.The death of Zhang Zizhong aroused the fighting spirit of many conscientious Kuomintang generals, and the call for the war to the end became stronger, and Chiang Kai-shek had to take it into consideration.Moreover, the world situation is also undergoing major changes. Just a few days ago, the German army had captured Paris, and the British and French allied forces were forced to retreat to the British islands.In fact, fascist countries such as Germany and Japan have posed an unprecedented threat to the whole world. I am afraid that the Americans will no longer be able to watch the fire from the other side, and they will definitely intervene sooner or later.The problem is that the Americans have to choose between the Asian battlefield and the European battlefield. If the Americans choose the Asian battlefield, the situation of the Sino-Japanese War will be greatly changed.Therefore, Chiang Kai-shek will not rush to reach a peace agreement with the Japanese at this time. After listening to Zhou Enlai's analysis, Xia Xinli asked: Do you think it is very likely that the United States will intervene in the Sino-Japanese war first? Zhou Enlai shook his head: It won't be too big.This is the problem, if the United States chooses to settle European affairs first, then Chiang Kai-shek will be hit hard, because it is tantamount to declaring the failure of his "waiting for change" strategy.The Japanese will also use this opportunity to exert greater military pressure and further induce surrender.At such times, the danger of Chiang Kai-shek secretly making peace with the Japanese will increase. Zhou Enlai stopped in front of Xia Xinli: We must pay close attention to the movement of the so-called "Tong work", understand Chiang Kai-shek's intentions, and take the initiative.If necessary, take action to prevent him from reaching a peace agreement with the Japanese head-on! From Zhou Enlai's speaking eyes, Xia Xinli could feel Zhou Enlai's firm will to oppose surrender, and also understood the heavy weight of his work. Due to the fall of France, after the very fortunate Dunkirk retreat, the British and French troops had completely abandoned the European continent and retreated to the British Isles.Nazi Germany can now run almost anywhere in Europe at will.Facing this doomed nightmare, the British government has no time to take care of the Far East, although they have many colonies and vested interests here.War with Germany was imminent, and the British media began to turn their eyes back to their noses.Robert and Gu Hongyuan have received instructions from The Times to return to England as soon as possible.That night, Zheng Juan and a group of reporters came to the press club for a party to see Gu Hongyuan and Robert off.Everyone talked a lot, and they were all pessimistic about the situation in the European battlefield. Xia Xinli came in a hurry. He took a cup of coffee from someone else, took a big sip, and said to Robert: The war has finally reached England. Robert smiled helplessly: So the boss ordered us to go back, the war in China has become secondary to us. Zheng Juan said half-jokingly: In fact, you British people have never regarded China's war of resistance as the main thing. Of course Robert knew what she was referring to, and made an exaggerated gesture of surrender: You always speak so loudly. Gu Hongyuan stood up to make a rescue and said: The topic of the past can be left alone, even Chamberlain was forced to step down. Xia Xinli wanted to use this topic to continue: This is the inevitable end of the appeasement policy.What is left of the British today?Friends were betrayed by them, and almost all of Europe was occupied by Nazi Germany.I noticed that Prime Minister Winston Churchill made his first speech after taking office. He said, "I have nothing to offer to the people but blood, tears and sweat". The cruel reality forced Robert to accept Xia Xinli's point of view, he nodded and said: Yes. The "Munich Agreement" has become a disgrace to the UK, and I think this is already a consensus among the British nationals.Moreover, I have gradually begun to agree with your point of view. The spectator policy adopted by the British and American governments towards the Sino-Japanese war is also appeasementist. They may make the same mistakes as the "Munich Agreement" and lead to the same serious consequences. .I personally should also apologize to you for some of my past views. A reporter laughed and said: Mr. Matthews, it is not necessary.At least until today, we are standing in the same trench. Xia Xinli: I hope Prime Minister Churchill has the courage to fight the Germans to the death. Robert involuntarily raised his voice and said: I have full confidence in this.The British will never surrender! Zheng Juan: I hope so.The retreat of the British and French troops in Dunkirk should be said to be very lucky, otherwise the entire army would have been wiped out.However, like the Chinese army, retreat does not win the final victory.What's more, the British Isles are just three islands after all.To be honest, I am very worried for your safety. Although Zheng Juan said these words while looking at Robert, her gaze inadvertently passed over Gu Hongyuan's face. Gu Hongyuan was relieved, but he was actually telling Zheng Juan: Don't worry.There should be no problem.It's also full of dangers here, aren't we all fine?There is hardly any place in the world that is absolutely safe now.I will also worry about you when I get to England. The relationship between Zheng Juan and Gu Hongyuan has undergone essential changes unconsciously, and they can clearly feel this in their hearts, especially at such a time of parting.It's just that there is still an insurmountable obstacle between them-Jiang Qingdong who is still recovering from injuries in Hong Kong. Everyone talked and talked for a long time, until the press club closed.After the breakup, Gu Hongyuan offered to send Zheng Juan home, and of course she would not refuse.The street was dark and quiet late at night, with almost no pedestrians.Zheng Juan took Gu Hongyuan's arm, and the two walked slowly and silently. Gu Hongyuan looked at her and asked with a smile: Why are you silent? Zheng Juan asked: Will you come back? Gu Hongyuan is not sure about this: it should be.And I'll try to come back when I get the chance.Unless something really happened... Zheng Juan stopped him from talking with her eyes.Gu Hongyuan smiled: Don't worry.In the UK, as here, safety and insecurity are always a relative concept. Zheng Juan asked again: Have you gone to say goodbye to your son? Gu Hongyuan nodded: I have been there. The two fell into silence again until they stood outside Zheng Juan's house.Zheng Juan took out the key and opened the door, and asked hesitantly, "Can I go in and sit down?" Gu Hongyuan followed her and walked into her home for the first time.After entering, Gu Hongyuan still felt a little cautious, so he looked around.The living room is not big, but it is neatly arranged and very clean.There are some private photos hanging on the wall, a photo of Jiang Qingdong in military uniform and Zheng Juan is hung in a prominent place.Zheng Juan noticed that Gu Hongyuan was looking at the photo, took out the wine and glass from the cabinet, and said to him: Have a drink and see you off. Gu Hongyuan didn't object and sat down opposite Zheng Juan. Seeing Gu Hongyuan's silence, Zheng Juan felt a little uneasy: Maybe, I shouldn't invite you in? Gu Hongyuan smiled covertly: How could he think so.very good.As he spoke, he took the initiative to pour the wine into two glasses, and then raised the glasses: Thank you! Zheng Juan's eyes were finally full of melancholy: I want to thank you.You have been helping me, otherwise I don't know what it would be like.I really don't want you to go. Gu Hongyuan still smiled, looked at the photos on the wall again, and asked: Is he recovering well recently? Zheng Juan knew who he was asking, nodded and said: I will be back soon. Gu Hongyuan sincerely raised his glass again, touched Zheng Juan, and said: That's great, I'm happy for you! Zheng Juan looked at him, her eyes were moist, and she said in a low tone: You really don't know, am I already afraid of leaving you? Gu Hongyuan looked at her squarely, smiled wryly and shook his head slightly: To be honest, I don't know if we can meet again.When will this war end?Can we survive again?Maybe when we meet again, I will already be old?God knows. Zheng Juan sat beside him with some emotion, hugged him gently, and said: Don't make yourself so old. Gu Hongyuan's reaction was somewhere between calm and slightly surprised. He seemed neither surprised nor could he believe that he had come to this point. He lightly patted Zheng Juan's hand on his chest.Although Zheng Juan was waiting for more responses from him, she was calm and natural.There was a brief standoff between the two. After a while, Gu Hongyuan finally spoke, before this was an imperceptible sigh: I don't know what it will be like after I leave here, whether I will miss you especially, whether I will go back to Here, to see you.I really do not know.However, you have to understand that everything I do is for you as well as for myself.So you never owe me anything, understand? Zheng Juan looked at him, still so calm, and said: You must come back.Anyway. Gu Hongyuan nodded. Also in the middle of the night, Chiang Kai-shek called Lao Zeng and Dai Li to the office on the second floor of the Huangshan villa for a secret talk, and the topic was still "Tong work".At this point in the matter, Dai Li is already a person who can't even get in a word here. As soon as they met, Chiang Kai-shek slammed a copy of the "Memorandum of China-Japan Preparatory Talks" on the coffee table. He squinted at Lao Zeng and said in a rather stern tone: After several months of talks, this is what it is ? ! Lao Zeng dared not speak. Chiang Kai-shek tapped the "memorandum": This first article still requires us to recognize Manchukuo?You, and Chen Chaoling and the others, what's the use?Didn't I talk about this issue in detail?Why don't you follow my instructions? Lao Zeng understood that Chiang Kai-shek had indeed given clear instructions, asking him to make clear to the Japanese side that "China agrees to consider the Manchurian issue in principle, but the method will be discussed in detail."But the Japanese don't accept this at all, and this is not something he can control.He quickly explained: Commissioner, I have firmly remembered your instructions.But the Japanese are very shrewd. First of all, they disagree with the expression "Manchuria Issue" and demand that "Manchuria" must be used; After hearing this, Chiang Kai-shek became angry: The Japanese are really unreasonable.Is my request unclear?Restoring the situation to before the "Marco Polo Bridge Incident", isn't this a tacit consent to their occupation of the three northeastern provinces?What else do they want!Then, he opened the "memorandum" again: Looking at these again, I still want to cooperate with Wang Jingwei, and I still want to station troops in China!If the Japanese do not withdraw their troops, what is the use of peace talks with them? !Absurd! Lao Zeng: Yes, appointed seat.It can be said that the Japanese did not make any substantive concessions, but only put pressure on us blindly. I am afraid that we will not be able to take advantage of this negotiation. Chiang Kai-shek paused for a while, and his tone eased: We are at a disadvantage in the whole battle situation, and of course we can't take advantage of it at the negotiating table.But our concessions will not be endless.If we sign this "memorandum", we will not be able to explain and explain to the Communist Party, to the soldiers of the Northeast Army and Northwest Army, nor to the entire nation.What sovereignty does China have? ! Lao Zeng looked at Dai Li.Dai Li didn't dare to speak either. Chiang Kai-shek threw the "memorandum" on the coffee table again, and made up his mind: I think this negotiation is over. Lao Zeng obviously did not expect Chiang Kai-shek to make such a decision, and said: Commissioner, my opinion, we don't have to accept or sign this "memorandum". However, since the negotiation is already underway and it is not known to outsiders, It's better not to stop abruptly. Chiang Kai-shek looked at him, meaning to let him go on. Lao Zeng: We can still continue to entangle with them on the specific terms and conditions. Let's wait and see how the situation develops.Maybe this is safer? Chiang Kai-shek thought for a while: That's good.Just put it off and talk about it.Don't rush back to Hong Kong, let the Japanese wait. Dai Li and Lao Zeng got up to leave, but Chiang Kai-shek stopped them, pointed to the "memorandum" without looking at it and said: Take it away!