Chapter 24 Chapter Twenty-Three

On the night when Curie, the special envoy of US President Roosevelt, arrived in Chongqing, Chiang Kai-shek and Song Meiling held a welcome reception for him in Linyuan.Despite the great pressure, Chiang Kai-shek put on a cheerful face, trying to create a relaxed atmosphere for Curie's visit.Government officials and their wives, as well as staff from foreign embassies in China, filled the room with joy and laughter.Under Wang Chonghui's recommendation, Zheng Xianbo finally came back and was specifically responsible for the reception and arrangement of Curie during his visit to Chongqing.Therefore, he also came to Linyuan to attend the welcome reception.

Chiang Kai-shek, Song Meiling and Curie sat together and talked very intimately, at least in the eyes of others.During the conversation, Curie complained in a joking tone that the Chinese side was too busy with his schedule, and it seemed that they planned not to leave him any time.Chiang Kai-shek smiled and did not respond, but Soong Meiling smoothed things over and said that Mr. Curie was a real VIP to the Chinese government and Chongqing, so naturally he would not have free time to play.Curie laughed, saying that he never thought about playing. Not far from them, Zheng Xianbo and Wang Chonghui were drinking together.Although Zheng Xianbo was happy with his return to work, he also knew that Wang Chonghui had actually thrown a hot potato into his own hands when he asked him to arrange Curie's itinerary and accompany the US special envoy throughout.He looked at Chiang Kai-shek and Curie, who had almost finished their conversation, and said: Minister Wang, it seems that the chairman is very concerned about the visit of Special Envoy Curie.

Wang Chonghui's smile was not a smile: Curie, as President Roosevelt's special envoy, chose this opportunity to come to Chongqing, which in itself speaks for itself.Can the chairman not care? Zheng Xianbo asked: Will the Americans react strongly to the "Southern Anhui Incident"? Wang Chonghui: It's hard to say.If the United States wants to provide assistance to China, it has to evaluate the domestic situation in China. Zheng Xianbo stopped talking.He knew in his heart that Curie has now become Chiang Kai-shek's life-saving straw, and the attitude of the United States will determine Chiang Kai-shek's future policy direction in a sense.Although he arranged an airtight visit schedule for Curie according to Wang Chonghui's instructions, but if Curie made some additional requests, he would act accordingly.

After Curie finished talking with Chiang Kai-shek and Song Meiling, the British ambassador Carl took an opportunity to pull Curie aside.The two exchanged a few words, and Carl smiled and said: Mr. Special Envoy, you have become the most popular star in Chongqing. Curie also smiled: Sir Archibald, I am afraid that my popularity has nothing to do with me personally, but because of the mission I shoulder. Carl: If possible, I would like to invite Mr. Special Envoy to have tea at the British Embassy. Would you like to honor him? Curie was a little embarrassed: This... I'm afraid it's a little inconvenient.The Chinese have already arranged my schedule very tightly, and I am exhausted. Where can I still have time to drink tea?I would very much like to visit Mr. Ambassador.

Carl laughed: Mr. Curie may have misunderstood me.Of course, we British people have the habit of drinking afternoon tea, but this habit seems very outdated in Chongqing.However, my invitation to tea, Mr. Envoy, is not to show you this British tradition, but an important diplomatic event.Maybe, when you drink tea in our embassy, ​​you will get something unexpected. Curie looked at him with interest: So, Mr. Ambassador prepared a gift for me? Carl: Of course it's possible, I mean if you agree.You know, it's not just you and me drinking tea, there may be other guests as well. Curie somewhat understood Carl's hint: Is your guest a surprise for me?

Carl: The answer is up to you to figure it out yourself. Curie thought for a while: Well, I will find a way to keep the appointment. Carl and Curie are still chatting happily.Here, Chiang Kai-shek walked slowly through the crowd, and casually came to Zheng Xianbo and Wang Chonghui.Seeing Chiang Kai-shek approaching, the two stood up hastily.Chiang Kai-shek didn't sit down either, but looked at Zheng Xianbo and asked: How are you recently? Zheng Xianbo said respectfully: Thank you for your concern, it's not bad. Chiang Kai-shek glanced at Wang Chonghui: Liangchou told me to let you reinstate your post, what do you think?

Zheng Xianbo: Thank you for your trust in me. Chiang Kai-shek nodded slightly: That's good.Special Envoy Curie's visit to Chongqing this time is a very special diplomatic activity. I hope you will not be negligent. Zheng Xianbo: Please rest assured. Chiang Kai-shek gave a rare smile: The British are too cunning, they fooled us last time, so you may not be entirely responsible.However, I had to do that. Zheng Xianbo: Appointed, I am willing to take responsibility. Chiang Kai-shek said "that's good" and left. In the afternoon of the next day, according to the schedule, Zheng Xianbo accompanied Curie to inspect the USS Tutula.The warship was hit by Japanese bombs during the bombing last October.

Two cars with American flags were driving on the winding road.Curie sat in the back seat of the car in front, and Zheng Xianbo sat in the front row.Looking out from the car window, you can see the faint mist on the Yangtze River.The bombing ruins outside the window, like a string of black shadows, flashed past in the faint mist.When the car was about to reach the river, Curie suddenly said that he would not go to the Tutula, but would go to the British Embassy to have tea with Karl.Although Zheng Xianbo was worried that if Chiang Kai-shek knew about this change in the itinerary, he would cause trouble for him, but he did not object.What's more, Curie's tone has no room for negotiation at all.

The car stopped in front of the British embassy, ​​Curie got out and went straight to the steps in front of the embassy.Seeing Zheng Xianbo following behind, he stopped and said with a smile: Mr. Zheng, please stay, this is just an informal meeting. Zheng Xianbo wanted to explain: Mr. Special Envoy...the smile on Curie's face disappeared: Mr. Zheng is not going to supervise the chat between Sir Archibald and me, is he? Zheng Xianbo quickly smiled and said: I don't mean that.If Mr. Envoy does not wish me to be there, I will wait outside. Karl has appeared at the gate of the embassy to welcome Curie.He saw Zheng Xianbo, greeted him without saying anything, and then took Curie into the embassy's house.As soon as the two entered the living room, Curie saw Zhou Enlai sitting on the sofa smiling at them.Of course, Curie was not too surprised.

Zhou Enlai stood up politely, and Karl quickly introduced them to each other: Let me introduce, this is my friend, Mr. Zhou Enlai, the highest representative of the Communist Party Central Committee in Chongqing, and this is Mr. Curie, the special envoy of the US President. Zhou Enlai stretched out his hand: Hello, Mr. Curie. Curie held Zhou Enlai's hand: Hello, Mr. Zhou.Before I came to Chongqing, I had already heard about you. Zhou Enlai smiled: I believe, not only heard, but also done some research. Curie smiled without denying: Mr. Zhou and Sir Archibald have known each other for a long time?

Carl replied: Probably because I am a British person with socialist tendencies, so I don't think Mr. Zhou is very wary of me. Carl's joke got everyone laughing.On the coffee table in the center of the living room, there was already a tea set.The three sat down on the sofa, and Carl poured tea for Curie and Zhou Enlai. Curie no longer needs to say polite words: Mr. Zhou, let's get straight to the point.In the United States, there were some reports and discussions about the "Southern Anhui Incident" in newspapers, among which several reports written by Snow were quite eye-catching.President Roosevelt was very concerned about the current situation in China. He wanted to know what happened in southern Anhui and what role Mr. Jiang and his government played in this incident. Zhou Enlai: Mr. Special Envoy, first of all, I would like to state that as far as the Communist Party is concerned, we still do not know what conspiracy Chiang Kai-shek and the Nationalist Government had in the "Southern Anhui Incident".But it is certain that the diehards among the Kuomintang have been looking for opportunities to have friction with the Communist Party, thus creating a split.It can be said that this massacre has greatly damaged the atmosphere of China's unified war of resistance. Curie asked: Is the New Fourth Army not suspected of resisting government orders? Zhou Enlai said with certainty: As far as I know, absolutely not. Curie: Mr. Zhou, what is the final attitude of the Communist Party to this incident? Zhou Enlai: We have exercised restraint in this extreme situation.We still believe that the most urgent task for China at present is to fight against the Japanese aggressors, and a civil war will do the greatest damage to China's national interests.Pain for loved ones, fast for enemies!We do not want this incident to lead to a complete break between the Communist Party and the Kuomintang, because if it does, the biggest beneficiaries will be the Japanese!It is an unacceptable ending no matter for China's own war of resistance or for the international anti-fascist cause. Carl interjected: Mr. Special Envoy, Mr. Zhou once discussed with me that if the united front against Japan in China breaks down, the Japanese will be able to get out of the current stalemate in China and deal with the British and American forces in Southeast Asia. Benefit.This would be a very bad situation. Curie did not take Carl's words: my country's Senate and House of Representatives just passed a bill to provide 100 million US dollars in aid to China at the end of last year, but such an unpleasant thing came out unexpectedly.If the Chinese government and military lost the trust of the American people, then even President Roosevelt would be powerless to aid China. Zhou Enlai: This is the fundamental reason why I hope to exchange views with Mr. Special Envoy.The real ins and outs of this incident may gradually become clear in the future.But I hope Mr. Special Envoy understands that no matter how great the sacrifice is, the Communist Party will still put the interests of the nation first and insist on opening its guns. Curie thought for a while: Mr. Zhou, your description just now is very important, and I also agree with your view on the muzzle of the gun.However, there is still a certain gap between what I heard after I arrived in Chongqing and Mr. Zhou's description. Zhou Enlai: Mr. Special Envoy may know that news reports on the "Southern Anhui Incident" were strictly blocked by the authorities in Chongqing.Mr. Curie can meet me here, I believe it is not on your official schedule. Curie smiled politely: I have made a request in this regard...but now we still meet.However, when it comes to political and military conflicts between the two parties, I obviously can't just listen to one side's words. I hope Mr. Zhou understands this. Zhou Enlai smiled easily: Of course, I believe that Mr. Special Envoy will make his own judgment. I cannot impose my party's views on Mr. Special Envoy here. This is not the ultimate purpose of Sir Archibald inviting us to have tea together. . Carl adjusted the atmosphere and said: At least, we have reached a consensus on the quality of this tea and my sincerity as a third party? Curie also smiled: Of course. The ancestors of Du Shichao's family have been Heishizi people for generations.The life of the family is tight, but it is still able to survive. An important reason is that the Du family still owns a large piece of fertile land by the river.However, this has also become the reason for their constant troubles.That piece of land can be regarded as the best in the whole village, so some powerful people in the local area always want to make an idea of ​​it, and the village chief Wang Bao is one of them.Du Zhiguo became a soldier, and the Du family became a rebel, and Wang Baochang did not dare to pester him any more.After Du Zhiguo was killed in battle, Wang Baochang thought that Du Shichao and Xie Chengxia had no one to support him, so he started looking for trouble again and again. On this day, Wang Baochang took two villagers and forcibly carried away the only two bags of rations left by the Du family. At dusk, Zhang Xudong, who had just got off the sentry post, walked into a forest next to the antiaircraft artillery position with his gun on his back.After Du Zhiguo died in battle, he was buried here.Zhang Xudong has nothing to do, so he often comes here to have a look, to cultivate Du Zhiguo's grave and remove weeds.In addition to Du Zhiguo, that lovely village girl is also buried here. The setting sun cast a bleak light on the glade through the leaves.In the quiet woods, Xie Chengxia knelt in front of Du Zhiguo's grave. Under the tombstone, a pile of paper money that had just been burnt was still emitting faint blue smoke.Seeing Xie Chengxia, Zhang Xudong hurried over.Hearing footsteps from behind, Xie Chengxia didn't move at all, still kneeling there blankly. Zhang Xudong walked behind Xie Chengxia, and then called softly: Sister-in-law, why are you here? Xie Chengxia turned her head, her eyes filled with tears: I'll come and rule the country... Zhang Xudong hurried up to help Xie Chengxia up: Sister-in-law, it's cold on the ground, it hurts her body.It's getting late, I'll take you back. Xie Chengxia shook her head: I won't go, I want to talk with Zhiguo. Zhang Xudong persuaded: "Sister-in-law, let's go."You are still pregnant with a child who governs the country. Xie Chengxia murmured: If it wasn't for the child in my stomach, I might as well die! Zhang Xudong heard it, and knew that something must have happened: Sister-in-law, what happened? Xie Chengxia then told the story about the village chief robbing the family of food to force the Du family to sell the land.Zhang Xudong became angry when he heard it: Damn it, there is no Wang Fa anymore!All the food was taken away? Xie Chengxia nodded, and said sadly: You said, if the governance of the country is still there, would he still dare to bully people like this? Zhang Xudong: Governing the country is gone, and I am there!Sister-in-law, governing the country saved my life, and I will never finish this love in my life.I told you, you consider me your brother.Don't worry, your family's affairs are my affairs.I'll figure it out.Let's go, I'll take you back first. Xie Chengxia took another look at Du Zhiguo's grave, and then followed Zhang Xudong out of the woods. On the edge of the Yangtze River, which is filled with thick fog, you can vaguely see the lights of Chongqing on the river bank.A long siren sounded, adding to the gloomy feeling.Zheng Xianbo and Xia Xinli walked slowly by the river, the surrounding was very quiet and there were no other people in sight.Ever since Curie went to the British embassy, ​​Zheng Xianbo had already guessed that Curie would not go to Karl's for no reason to drink tea and chat.Later, his guess was confirmed.Under his insinuation, Curie hinted that he and Zhou Enlai met at the British embassy.But Curie was unwilling to reveal to him the content of the meeting.Zheng Xianbo was a little worried, so he took some time to make an appointment with Xia Xin to meet him. Zheng Xianbo: Mr. Xia, I heard that Mr. Zhou Enlai and the US special envoy Curie met in the British embassy? Xia Xinli asked with a smile: Who did you listen to? Zheng Xianbo: Of course I have my channel.To be honest, Special Envoy Curie suddenly changed his itinerary that day, saying that he was going to drink tea at the British Embassy, ​​so I guessed right.How are they talking? Xia Xinli said: I am not sure. Zheng Xianbo looked at him: Could Mr. Xia keep it a secret from me? Xia Xinli smiled: I really don't know, I just heard that the atmosphere was very good at that time, but I don't know what was discussed specifically, what is Curie's attitude.It seems that Mr. Zheng is very concerned about this matter? Zheng Xianbo: Since the "Southern Anhui Incident", I personally think—in fact, many people think so too—that the cooperation between the Kuomintang and the Communist Party may come to an end.Whether the Communist Party will continue to cooperate with the Kuomintang, I believe there will naturally be some debate.As for the Kuomintang, perhaps only the attitude of the Americans can finally work. Xia Xinli: Mr. Zheng thinks that the Americans' attitude towards this incident and the cooperation between the Kuomintang and the Communist Party will affect Chairman Jiang's final decision? Zheng Xianbo smiled wryly and said: Although it sounds absurd, I think this is the key.After President Roosevelt was re-elected, he specifically mentioned in a "fireside chat" after Christmas last year that the great defense war being waged by the Chinese nation was to hold back the Japanese and demanded that the American people quickly send sufficient weapons to China, To avoid the suffering of war that the Chinese have been forced to endure.The Roosevelt administration changed a lot, but the "Southern Anhui Incident" happened here, and the foundation of the cooperation between the Kuomintang and the Communist Party was destroyed.In the United States, the stability of our United Anti-Japanese Front is being questioned. Xia Xinli: So, Special Envoy Curie's investigation in Chongqing has become a crucial activity? Zheng Xianbo: That's right.If Special Envoy Curie put pressure on Chairman Jiang to continue to cooperate with the Communist Party, the Chairman would have to listen.After all, for the United States to intervene in China's affairs in a more active manner and provide more assistance to China is the diplomatic goal that the chairman has been pursuing in recent years.In the words of our profession, Special Envoy Curie now has very powerful diplomatic levers in his hands.His attitude, as well as the attitude of the US government, may be able to save the cooperation between the Kuomintang and the Communist Party, at least for the Kuomintang. Xia Xinli: Mr. Zheng's analysis is very reasonable, but now we cannot influence the attitude of Special Envoy Curie. Zheng Xianbo paused before saying: I hope Mr. Zhou Enlai's diplomatic ability and personal charm can play a role.However, I would like to let Mr. Xia know. According to my observation, Curie's attitude is still somewhat ambiguous.Either he is unwilling to reveal anything in front of me, or he still has to wait for the final decision in the United States.Therefore, you should take the initiative and find a way to do some work during Curie's stay in Chongqing. Xia Xinli: Thank you.I believe that Mr. Zheng can also help us understand some situations through his own channels. Zheng Xianbo: Don't worry, I will. At noon the next day, Curie's schedule was to meet with Ambassador Jansen at the US Embassy.Zheng Xianbo took advantage of this short gap to come to Karl.Although somewhat unexpected, Karl warmly received Zheng Xianbo in his office. Zheng Xianbo was sitting opposite Carl, some hazy sunlight came in through the window and shone on Carl's face.Carl smiled and said: Zheng, it seems that you are in a hurry. Zheng Xianbo didn't hide this point: I was in a hurry.For China's war of resistance, there is nothing more worrying than the current situation.Carl, as a bystander, don't you think that the breakdown of cooperation between the Kuomintang and the Communist Party will be a tragedy for China? Carl: I agree with that statement.Although the Japanese bombed Chongqing indiscriminately for two years, they still did not destroy the Chinese will to resist the war.But if the "Southern Anhui Incident" finally led to the breakdown of the cooperation between the Kuomintang and the Communist Party, it must be the result that the Japanese dreamed of.What the Japanese bombs failed to do, the Chinese themselves did. Zheng Xianbo: So I very much hope that Special Envoy Curie can play some role to prevent this situation from happening. Carl also said bluntly: As far as I know, the mission of Special Envoy Curie is to submit an assessment of China's current situation to President Roosevelt after returning.It's hard for those of us to influence the views of Americans, who have their own way of doing things and are always on top. Zheng Xianbo asked: So, you don't know the attitude of Special Envoy Curie? Carl smiled: Zheng, if you want a diplomatic answer, I can only say cautiously optimistic.If you want an answer from a friend, it's that I don't know. Zheng Xianbo: Then, what about the contact between Mr. Zhou Enlai and Special Envoy Curie?How would you rate the communication between them?What I want is a "reply from a friend". Karl smiled indifferently: Have they had contact?But Mr. Curie is complaining to me, saying that your Ministry of Foreign Affairs arranges his schedule so tightly that he even needs to run to the toilet. Zheng Xianbo smiled: I'm afraid it won't happen, didn't he come to drink tea with you? Carl: Drinking tea is not only a kind of rest, but also part of the diplomatic schedule of President Roosevelt's special envoy.Zheng, I understand your mood, and I am also aware of the current situation.Let me revise what I just said: what I can tell you as a friend is that I am cautiously optimistic about the outcome of Mr. Curie's visit.In the middle, of course, there are some grounds that I am not in a position to say.I believe you can understand my delicate diplomatic situation. Zheng Xianbo understood Carl's subtext, and smiled a little relaxedly: Carl, I have dealt with the British, and it has been many years since I studied in the UK, but I just can't understand the subtleties of the British. so. Carl laughed: If you were there when I was studying at Oxford, Zheng, I could tutor you on this subject. Zheng Xianbo: I have already experienced it. Special Envoy Curie's short visit is coming to an end.Chiang Kai-shek left Huangshan and held another private meeting with Curie in the government building in the urban area, accompanied only by Song Meiling.Chiang Kai-shek also wanted to use this last opportunity to test the Americans' cards.Like any meeting, the conversation always begins with some innocuous small talk. Chiang Kai-shek: Mr. Special Envoy is about to leave Chongqing, I hope you have a good impression of Chongqing. Curie: I have a very good impression of Chongqing.As President Roosevelt said, the Chinese people held back the Japanese with their perseverance, which is a very important part of the global anti-fascist front. Song Meiling asked: Do you have any suggestions, Mr. Special Envoy? Curie thought for a while: Mr. Jiang, Mrs. Jiang, my mission in Chongqing is to evaluate the current situation of the Anti-Japanese War in China.President Roosevelt once stated that he wanted to turn the United States into an arsenal of democracy and provide anti-fascist assistance to countries including China.However, some things happening in China at present, I don't think it is conducive to the United States to increase aid to China. Chiang Kai-shek was a little unhappy: what does Mr. Curie mean? Curie: I have learned about the situation from various sources, and I have also contacted the country.Mr. Jiang knew that the United States was very concerned about the Kuomintang army's encirclement and suppression of the Communist army in Anhui, and President Roosevelt himself was worried that a full-scale civil war would break out in China.If so, it will have a very negative impact on China's war of resistance, and it will also cause damage to our global strategy of fighting against the Axis powers of Germany, Italy, and Japan. Chiang Kai-shek: There may be some misunderstandings about this incident.The policy of the Chinese government has not changed, it is still united in resisting Japan.Friction between armies happens from time to time, which should be normal in times of war. Obviously impatient with this style of conversation, Curie said: "Let me get straight to the point."The attitude of the United States is very clear. It opposes the splitting of political parties in China. Of course, a civil war is even more unthinkable.If your government cannot maintain a united front against Japan and political parties cannot unite, then the U.S. government will have to adjust its aid plan to China. Chiang Kai-shek asked coldly: Mr. Special Envoy, is this an ultimatum? Seeing this, Song Meiling quickly adjusted the atmosphere: Mr. Curie, please believe that the Chinese government will not let such a small problem turn into a civil war. Our number one enemy now is the Japanese invaders.Please Mr. Special Envoy, after returning to China, must convey such a message that there will be no division in China. Curie also eased a little: that's good.Mr. Jiang, Mrs. Jiang, although what I just said is somewhat offensive, I hope you understand that this is not my personal attitude, but the attitude of the current US government. Chiang Kai-shek adjusted his emotions and asked: When will the plane take off tomorrow, Mr. Special Envoy? Curie: Two o'clock in the afternoon. Chiang Kai-shek said slowly: Good afternoon, the fog will be very heavy in the morning, and it will be difficult to take off.This is the case in Chongqing. It is very foggy in winter, which makes people very uncomfortable. The last meeting with Curie made Chiang Kai-shek very angry, and the attitude of the US government has been clearly conveyed from Curie.After Curie left Chongqing, the annoyed Chiang Kai-shek immediately summoned Wang Chonghui to Huangshan Villa. Of course Wang Chonghui also knew about Curie, or the attitude of the US government.He knew that Chiang Kai-shek wanted to come to Huangshan by himself, just to vent his anger on himself, the hapless foreign minister.Therefore, before he entered Chiang Kai-shek's office, he was already mentally prepared.Sure enough, as soon as Chiang Kai-shek saw him, he lost his temper loudly in front of Dai Li who was also sitting in the office: Liangchou, what the hell is your Ministry of Foreign Affairs doing? !Why can't this Special Envoy Curie be controlled, let him run around, and meet so many people! Wang Chonghui said cautiously: "Commissioned seat, we have done our best." Chiang Kai-shek said angrily: Yankees have no one in their eyes.What is he, a special envoy of the President, to propose an ultimatum to me face to face!This is too much! Wang Chonghui: Madam, I am afraid that the US government has been under a lot of domestic public opinion pressure on this matter.This is what they had to do. Chiang Kai-shek: So Curie came to Chongqing to put pressure on me? !The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is also too incompetent, you must conduct a deep review. Wang Chonghui tried to argue: The Communist Party may have made a lot of articles after Special Envoy Curie arrived in Chongqing, which we cannot prevent. Chiang Kai-shek said angrily: A foreign ministry, can't resist Zhou Enlai's diplomatic ability? !Don't we raise so many people who are nothing? Wang Chonghui wanted to say something else, but Chiang Kai-shek waved his hand impatiently to tell him not to continue.Wang Chonghui had no choice but to sit down on the sofa and drink tea silently. Chiang Kai-shek also sat down and took a sip of water from his glass. Dai Li looked at Wang Chonghui, and said cautiously: Commissioner, in my opinion, this diplomatic misstep is not entirely the responsibility of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.This is one of the reasons why Zhou Enlai is a very good diplomat.In addition, we are too resigned to the activities of ****, so they have a lot of room for movement. Chiang Kai-shek knew that there was something in Dai Li's words, so he looked at him coldly: "The New Fourth Army happened in Anhui, don't you think it's enough?" !Do you want to cause me more trouble? Dai Li said cautiously: I didn't mean that.Committee member, I was thinking, **** is now arrogant, if we don't suppress this arrogance, it will be very detrimental to the committee member and our party.Therefore, we should do some work in other areas, and don't let **** score too much on this matter. Chiang Kai-shek still said: Don't mess around.What time is it, you still don't know? Dai Li: I understand.I mean, create something on the fringe of the **** and as long as the secrecy is done well, we won't get into any trouble.The Communist Party must be blamed for undermining the Anti-Japanese War, otherwise, the current international and domestic public opinion is too unfavorable to us. Chiang Kai-shek glanced at Dai Li, pondered and did not speak.He looked at Wang Chonghui on the side, Wang Chonghui didn't seem to hear Dai Li's words, and there was neither approval nor disapproval on his face. The air base in Chongqing is lifeless.The Soviets are gone, and after more than two years of air combat, the Chinese Air Force has very few fighter jets left.There was a faint white mist floating on the tarmac and runway, and no one could be seen. Du Lanxiang was wearing a dark red padded jacket and carrying a blue cloth bundle, walking towards the gate of the base.After receiving news of an accident at home, Du Lanxiang asked the head of the cafeteria for leave.Because it was the foggy season and the Japanese army did not bomb, she had nothing more to do even if she stayed here, so the boss immediately approved her to go home for two days.Just as she was about to walk out of the gate of the base, Gu Guosong chased her up from behind.Gu Guosong went to the cafeteria to find Du Lanxiang, only to find out that she had asked for leave to go home.A year has passed, Gu Guosong seems to have matured a lot, and there is a layer of calmness that was not there before on his still round face.Of course, just like in the past, he has been watching Du Lanxiang quietly and silently. Gu Guosong quickly caught up with Du Lanxiang and shouted.Du Lanxiang stopped, watched Gu Guosong come to her side, and smiled slightly. Gu Guosong: Do you want to go home? Du Lanxiang just nodded. Gu Guosong said: How about I go back with you? Du Lanxiang looked at him: why? Gu Guosong smiled a little embarrassedly: Anyway, the base is fine, and I want to go out for a walk. Du Lanxiang shook her head and turned to leave.Gu Guosong followed closely, and took out a stack of banknotes from his pocket and handed it over: I know what's going on in your family.Take the money back with you.Du Lanxiang refused with surprise on his face. Gu Guosong grabbed her hand and handed her the banknotes: "It's not much money, but at least I can buy some food."Please accept it. Du Lanxiang looked at Gu Guosong gratefully: I... I don't know how to pay you back in the future. Gu Guosong smiled: Who wants you to pay it back? Du Lanxiang put the money in his pocket: Thank you then. Du Lanxiang walked a few steps, then looked back at Gu Guosong, and waved to him.Gu Guosong watched Du Lanxiang's lonely back gradually disappear into the mist, feeling a little lost.He felt that he should insist on going to Heishizi with Du Lanxiang instead of giving up.Of course, he also knew that Du Lanxiang must have her own reasons for rejecting him.If Kirichenko had asked to go with her, Du Lanxiang would have happily agreed. Before Du Lanxiang returned to Heishizi, Zhang Xudong had already arrived.After hearing what Xie Chengxia said about the Du family's situation, Zhang Xudong rushed back to the Yuchuan silk shop, and persuaded his mother and sister-in-law to even out some of the family's rice and send it to the Du family for emergency treatment.Right now, he is in the kitchen of the Du family, pouring the rice he brought into the rice jar.Xie Chengxia watched from the side with a grateful face. After Zhang Xudong finished his work, he clapped his hands and said to Xie Chengxia: "Okay, this is enough for you to eat for a while." Xie Chengxia hurriedly handed him a bowl of water: I don't know how to thank you! Zhang Xudong took it and drank it all in one gulp, and returned the bowl to her: Sister-in-law, I'll go back first.If you need anything in the future, just come to me. Suddenly, Du Shichao and Wang Baochang were arguing outside.Xie Chengxia said in a low voice with some fear: It's the one surnamed Wang who came again.When Zhang Xudong heard this, he left the kitchen without saying a word.Xie Chengxia worriedly wanted to stop him, but it was too late, so she followed him out. At the gate of the courtyard, Chief Wang Bao pointed at Du Shichao's nose and yelled: "Old man, it seems that you are toasting and not eating fine wine. I will forgive you once or twice. It is only three things. I will never forgive you this time... Zhang Xudong In the past, he took Baochang's hand away from Du Shichao's face: What's going on? Wang Baochang was a little surprised when he saw Zhang Xudong, but he still said stubbornly: Hey, you found a soldier?Let me tell you, it is useless to find a soldier. I have seen too many soldiers. Zhang Xudong stared at him: You are Wang Baochang? Wang Baochang puffed out his shriveled chest: It's me, what do you want? Zhang Xudong grabbed Wang Baochang by the collar, then quickly pulled out a pistol and put it on Wang Baochang's forehead: How about it?If you dare to say a word again, I will kill you immediately! The muzzle of the gun was on the forehead, and Wang Baochang was dumbfounded.Zhang Xudong said viciously: Listen to me, Du Zhiguo died for the country, and the Du family is the family of the martyrs!If you fucking dare to come to this house again to mess around and harass the families of the martyrs, I can put you to death on the spot! Wang Baochang softened for a moment: Brother, you have something to say... Zhang Xudong warned: If I hear any more troubles, I will let all the brothers from our place come over and put your family together, one of your family members Can't run away either!Did you hear me clearly? ! Wang Baochang said again and again: It is clear and clear, and there is something to say. Just as Zhang Xudong let go of his hand, Wang Baochang ran away in a hurry.Seeing Zhang Xudong put the pistol back on his waist, Du Shichao looked worriedly at Wang Baochang's back and said: If you make such a fuss, won't this Wang be more pestering in the future? Zhang Xudong helped Du Shichao walk into the house, and said with a smile: Don't worry, I forgive him for not daring to come.These guys are bullying.If he really dares to come again, I can't spare him.I wasn't talking big to scare him just now. After the US President's special envoy left, Chongqing held a plenary meeting of the Nationalist Government's Political Council.In order to protest the "Southern Anhui Incident", members of the Political Council on the Communist Party's side refused to attend according to the instructions of the Central Committee.Although Chiang Kai-shek was angry, but with the US government's attitude towards the "Southern Anhui Incident" as the background, there was nothing he could do.More importantly, Chiang Kai-shek has realized that if he wants to get more aid and loans from the United States, he must make some gestures.So this afternoon, he invited Zhou Enlai to the Huangshan official residence for a meeting. After Zhou Enlai was seated, Soong Meiling warmly served coffee and put it in front of Zhou Enlai: Mr. Zhou, please try this coffee, it was brought back by Kong Xiangxi from the United States. After Zhou Enlai took a sip of coffee, Chiang Kai-shek began to speak, with a very friendly attitude: Enlai, it has been many years since the Whampoa Military Academy.Those students of you and me back then have now become the pillars of the country.Time is so fast. Zhou Enlai also said something in his words: Yes, I am no longer the director of the political department, and the chairman of the committee is no longer the principal. Chiang Kai-shek sighed: Yes, yes.Enlai, the political participation meeting is over, and the speeches He Yingqin and I made at the meeting also made a summary of what happened in Anhui.Although your party's senators did not attend the meeting, our attitude is still very clear.I have made a promise at the political participation meeting that there will never be any military operations to suppress the Communist Party in the future. Zhou Enlai smiled and said: I am very happy to hear such a guarantee from the Chairman.But the chairman's promise is one thing, and the actions of the army in the future are another. Song Meiling said: Mr. Zhou, I think the chairman's statement at the meeting is responsible. 蒋介石：我看这样好不好，你跟延安方面联络一下，现在形势已经缓和下来，我们可以就两党合作重新进行对话，看看延安方面有什么意见？ 周恩来说：这个我当然会去做，不过，委员长对参政会所作的承诺，不能替代对“皖南事变”的真相和真凶的调查。如果不把这件事情说清楚，是无法向国人交代的，当然也无法向国际上交代。 蒋介石：发生这件事情，我很遗憾。不过打仗嘛，一乱起来，难免会出现一些误判。 周恩来反驳道：这不是一个误判的问题。自从国共两党合作以来，贵党在各地都对我党的组织实行打压，军事上的摩擦不断，这恐怕和国民党内一些人顽固分子有关，和他们对我党的一贯态度有关。 蒋介石却言不由衷地叫起苦来：国难当头，我是有些鞭长莫及啊。下面的一些人乱搞，我也没有办法。不过我可以保证，只要贵党的军队听从中央政府的调遣，那么扩充防地和队伍、提高军饷的事情都好说。毕竟，我们还要团结抗日嘛。 周恩来停顿了一下，突然说：委员长，听说叶挺将军已经被押到了重庆？ 蒋介石故作惊讶：是吗？我没有听说啊。 周恩来继续说：如果叶挺将军到达重庆，我希望委员长能让我和他见见面。 蒋介石略一犹豫，说：我让人去查实一下，如果叶挺到了重庆，我会安排你们见面。 宋美龄赶紧插进来把话题移开了：周先生，不知道你下个礼拜是否有空？ 周恩来笑着问：蒋夫人有什么吩咐？ 宋美龄微笑道：我想邀请周先生和周太太一起到家里来坐坐，顺便吃顿饭，不知道周先生和太太愿不愿意赏光？ 周恩来爽快地：我当然备感荣幸。不过，内人能不能来，我还得回去跟她商量一下。 蒋介石也说：一起来坐坐，到时候，我们还可以喝一点酒。