Chapter 4 Chapter Four

When the devils bombed Taiping Town, Zhao Jiusi was staying in the base area.The purpose of his trip was to get Yang Ziyun back from the base.Zhang Shijie's condition is really not good.He never expected that he would not even see Yang Ziyun face to face after staying in the base area for half a month.Zhao Jiusi had realized that something important had happened to Yang Ziyun.Having been engaged in underground work for many years, Zhao Jiusi knew that the head of the base did not talk about Yang Ziyun, which meant that Yang Ziyun had become his colleague.The day before returning to Tongbai, the chief brought a handwritten letter from Yang Ziyun to Zhang Shijie and said to Zhao Jiusi: "Tell Zhang Shijie that the revolutionaries don't have the energy to engage in those love affairs. The situation where the enemy is strong and we are weak cannot be changed in a short time. Yes The Japanese war was a protracted and all-round war. In order to ensure the safety of the underground transportation line, Zhang Shijie could not keep any letters from Yang Ziyun. This is discipline. The ancients said: If the relationship between two people lasts for a long time, how can they be in the same day and night Mu. If you don’t hear from your sweetheart for several months, you will be depressed and perish. It’s really unreasonable. You tell Zhang Shijie that China will be in a state of war for a long time. In the case of a strong enemy’s invasion, the lives of our relatives are at risk at any time. It may be taken away by the invaders. You have to tell Zhang Shijie that his fiancée is doing a great job."

On the day Zhao Jiusi left the base area, Yang Ziyun and Zhu Guozhu, who had undergone special training, crossed the Huaihe River and went down.In accordance with the instructions of the Central China Bureau, the top officials of the base area selected a group of absolutely loyal people to leave the base area and let them continue to work for the party in a special way.The destination of Yang Ziyun and Zhu Guozhu's trip is Chongqing.Their task is to strive to be hired by the military as progressive young students.After the capital was moved to Chongqing, the senior national government decided to strengthen the secret front.Their route to Chongqing was set as follows: enter the third war zone from Anqing, pass through the sixth war zone from the third war zone, and finally arrive in Chongqing.Their identities were designed as: a pair of ambitious lovers who felt useless after defecting to the New Fourth Army, and then automatically left the New Fourth Army.After arriving in Anqing, they received instructions: In order to facilitate future work, your relationship will be renamed as newlyweds, Comrade Yang Ziyun will be the leader of the action team, and Comrade Zhu Guozhu will be under the command of Comrade Yang Ziyun.

Ten days later, Zhao Jiusi arrived in Tongbai County.After the devils bombed Taiping Town, the atmosphere of war became more and more intense.Although the county seat was not bombed, its popularity has also been sluggish. There are still a few people on the streets on market days, and the county seat is as quiet as an empty city on non-market days.No one went to the street, so the business of the restaurant was poor. Zhang Ruohong frowned, moved the abacus back and forth, and sighed involuntarily.Zhao Jiusi sat alone at the table by the door, mouthing peanuts, looking at Zhang Ruohong behind the counter, and thinking about how to invite Zhang Shijie over.Hearing Zhang Ruohong's sigh, Zhao Jiusi put down his chopsticks, "Madam Ruohong, to tell you the truth, I just went to do business with the New Fourth Army, do you want to know about your shopkeeper?" Zhang Ruohong's eyes lit up, and then changed Put on an indifferent expression, "You like to talk or not. I know he's fine."

Zhao Jiusi had indeed met Yao Sizhong, and asked Yao Sizhong if he would bring a letter to his wife.Yao Sizhong replied: "Take a message, take up the pen and shed tears, and you can't write a sentence."Zhao Jiusi was surprised by this answer.Zhao Jiusi has always had prejudice against Yao Sizhong.He couldn't figure out why he hated Yao Sizhong so much.Zhao Jiusi looked up at Zhang Ruohong and said, "Last month, they passed through Anhui from Xincai. Translator Yao has nothing to do and spends all day in the health team. There are seven or eight big girls in the health team, and two or three are beautiful. Why are you so indifferent?" Zhang Ruohong gave Zhao Jiusi a blank look, "It's useless to say that. Sizhong doesn't like that." Zhao Jiusi smiled wryly and said, "No wonder he didn't let me bring you the letter. Both of you are made of special materials. Yes. I said I met Yang Ziyun and Zhu Guozhu, do you believe it?" Zhang Ruohong said: "You don't have a few truths in your mouth. It's been like this for several years. I'm so worried if you don't see me. You should kill me Little Japan!" Zhao Jiusi said: "Are you worried about business? Your business is deserted because the front door is too small. Is this good? Rent a few rooms on the east side..."

Zhang Ruohong came out from behind the counter with a smile, "You mean you will pay the rent and capital, and we will share the money you earn. You will be the big shopkeeper, and I will be the second shopkeeper." Zhao Jiusi hurriedly poured a glass of wine and put it on the opposite side, " That’s what it means. Come on, let’s sit down and make a total calculation.” Zhang Ruohong sat down opposite Zhao Jiusi, “That’s good, but I don’t want to.” Zhao Jiusi said puzzledly, “I’ll pay for it, and I’ll earn five or five of us. Open. You don’t want to do such a good thing?” Zhang Ruohong sneered and said, “I’m opening a tavern with a man, can I make it clear? Mr. Zhao, Boss Zhao, shopkeeper Zhao, thank you for your kindness. Miss a woman, Go to the brothel. The devil's plane will come whenever you say it. You old man, why don't you talk about beating devils? You don't think about making money all day long, but you just want to seduce good women. You and Shijie have known each other for a long time It’s not short, I really don’t understand, how could he regard you as a friend who wants to make money for the country.” Zhao Jiusi said with a sneer: “I’m sorry for my temper. What is Shijie doing these days?” Zhang Ruohong stood up: "The New Fourth Army is really blind, how can people like Shijie not be allowed to participate! He is different from you, he went to seek revenge from the Japanese." Zhao Jiusiteng also stood up: "What did you say?"

Zhang Ruohong was startled, then smiled and said, "Scared you? Taiping Town was bombed, and twelve people died! If no one came out to avenge us, what would people think of us in Taiping Town?" Zhao Jiusi hurriedly asked, "He alone Someone went?" Zhang Ruohong saw that Zhao Jiusi's expression was not pretending, so she said in a more relaxed tone, "No. Twenty or thirty people went together, and they also brought binoculars and machine guns. Don't worry, they just want to catch a few devils and come back. See how dark the devil's heart is." Zhao Jiusi took out a piece of ocean and put it on the table, "Tell me, when did they leave?" Zhang Ruohong said: "It's been a few days, he said to take care of business first, and then think about catching devils A few small dishes, not so much money, Mr. Zhao, Mr. Zhao..." Zhao Jiusi had rushed out of the restaurant with a few strides.

Zhang Dewei and Li Yujie disagree on whether to keep the Xinyang semicolon or not.Li Yujie believed that Xinyang was already dominated by the Japanese, and Huai Yuansheng kept the Xinyang branch, so it was inevitable that he would have to do business with little devils. If he was charged as a traitor because of this, the loss would be great.Zhang Dewei believes that doing business in enemy war zones has nothing to do with national justice.Zhang Shijie couldn't make up his mind, so he asked Zhao Jiusi for instructions.Zhao Jiusi believed that it was necessary to build a strong fortress in the enemy's theater of operations, and suggested that the Huaiyuan Sheng Xinyang branch should be retained.In this way, Huai Yuansheng persisted in Xinyang.In the past few years, Zhang Shijie has read the ancient Chinese military books thoroughly, and knows the importance of winning the first battle.He planned to launch an ambush near the junction of the enemy's defense zone.For the first battle, Zhang Shijie's expectations are not high, as long as he can catch a devil and return to Taiping Town, it will be considered a big victory.Before setting off, he divided his people into two groups. One group followed him into Xinyang City with silk to find out the defense situation of the devils in the west of Xinyang. , select an ambush location.Zhang Shijie led people back from Xinyang, turned to a valley near Pinghan Road, and joined Gao Liansheng and the others.

A simple road winding in the valley.Zhang Shijie stood halfway up the mountain and carefully observed the surrounding terrain with a telescope.Gao Liansheng said complacently: "Second brother, there is nothing wrong with choosing the place. You see, this valley is like a big pocket. Once the entrance is blocked with a machine gun, the devils who come in can't escape." Zhang Shijie put down the binoculars: " It’s not in vain to teach you. Have you figured out the pattern of activities of the devils in this area?” Gao Liansheng took out his pocket watch and said, “Every morning from 9:30 to 10:00, first three motorcycles will open the road in front, and one motorcycle will be put on the rack. machine gun, followed by two trucks." Zhang Shijie asked again: "What's on the truck?"

"Covered with canvas, with a butt curtain hanging at the back, I haven't seen it clearly for two days. It is probably a weapon and ammunition. Thirty miles from the mountain pass, it is Sanwan Town Station on Pinghan Road. Twenty miles to the southwest, it is a stronghold of devils." We will be safe when we climb over the mountain behind. How about it, did you choose the right one?” Gao Liansheng’s slender body leaned against a fir tree, and his bloodshot red eyes gleamed.Zhang Shijie put away the binoculars, "The choice of retreat is not bad." Gao Liansheng shouted unconvinced: "Ah? Am I afraid of death?" Zhang Shijie shook his head, "You are not. The enemy's situation is unknown, we must fight quickly. Liansheng , you and Ershun armed with machine guns, ambushed under the opposite tree. Blocked the valley entrance." Xie Ershun looked at the road not far from the tree, "Is it too close?"

"It's a little closer. The rest of the people follow me to the river at the bottom of the valley." Zhang Shijie took out his pocket watch and said, "When we meet on a narrow road, the brave wins. Act quickly. Remember, you must catch a living one and bring it back. It's getting dark soon. Let's lay in ambush and start tomorrow morning." While talking, he waved his hand and led more than 20 people fanning towards the bottom of the valley. Zhao Jiusi and Cao Zhenhe chased all the way to Xinyang, but it was still a step too late. Shopkeeper Hu said that Zhang Shijie had already left Xinyang after delivering the goods. He said that Zhang Shijie had brought ten people to deliver the goods.As usual, none were armed.Zhao Jiusi yelled in his heart that something was wrong.Xinyang was surrounded by mountains, so it was impossible to tell in which direction Zhang Shijie would attack the devils.The two hurried to the headquarters of the Siwangshan guerrilla group, and the news they got was even more worrying: The devils recently showed signs of raiding Pinghan Road, and they were frequently mobilizing troops.Zhao Jiusi briefly introduced the situation of Zhang Shijie and others, hoping that the guerrillas could try to stop this operation.The commander immediately issued an order to send all the scouts to find the traces of Zhang Shijie and others.In the middle of the night, there was finally news that unidentified people had come and gone in the past two days on a transportation line of the Devils on the west side of Pinghan Road.

The sun slowly passed over the top of the mountain and shone on a small river at the bottom of the valley, reflecting sparkling light.The surroundings were quiet, and the people lying in ambush in the bushes on the shore heard the sound of their own heartbeats.It was the first time for these young people to participate in a battle, and it was their first time confronting devils face to face, so they were inevitably a little nervous.Zhang Shijie once asked his brothers to observe the devils with live ammunition on Xinyang Street. Teams of devils, except for a few people with disgusting mustaches, most of them were young people with smooth cheeks like them, and they were not tall. , and the figure is not necessarily stronger, although the guns they are carrying look eye-catching, when it comes to marksmanship, it is not certain who will win. A few birds looking for food on the water flew up, and a chug sound broke the tranquility of the valley. Three three-wheeled motorcycles and two large trucks came in from the mouth of the valley.The sun flag was swaying in the wind, and the steel helmet and gun butt glowed darkly in the sun.Zhang Shijie shot left and right, killing two motorcyclists with two shots. Before he could fire the third shot, the machine gunner and truck driver on the motorcycle were already killed.Gao Liansheng and Xie Ershun, who were ambushing at Taniguchi, also used machine guns to overturn the devils who were escorting the truck.The battle went unbelievably smoothly. After the gunfire stopped, there was a moment of silence. The young people cheered and jumped out of the ambush and ran to their trophies. Zhang Shijie didn't need to look to know that the devil on the motorcycle was dead.He walked towards the truck behind and asked loudly: "Is there any live? Is there any live?" Xie Ershun agreed in the last car: "There is one, and he was shot twice." A young man in the first car The man shouted excitedly: "The car is loaded with grenades and canned food—" Gao Liansheng ran over with a machine gun on his shoulder, "Don't forget to bring some canned food back home." Zhang Shijie gave Gao Liansheng a look, "You just remember to eat, this devil The prisoner is handed over to you, and you are responsible for carrying him to Taiping Town." Gao Liansheng looked at the ghost soldier who passed out, "Such a small man, it is no problem to carry two." He took out a cloth bag from his pocket, "Grenade I won't take it anymore, I'll pack some canned food." Zhang Shijie opened the door of the truck, pulled out the devil's body, and was about to get in the truck to study it, when two horses rushed down from the south hillside, led by Zhao Jiusi, he shouted Called: "Zhang Shijie, get out quickly—" Zhang Shijie stepped on the door of the car, turned sideways and shouted triumphantly: "Mr. Zhao, is it difficult to beat devils? Not difficult. Let me see if I can drive these two cars Go back." Zhao Jiusi looked anxious, "Quick retreat—there are devil's armored vehicles and personnel carriers behind, quickly retreat—" As soon as the words fell, the first armored vehicle of the Japanese army turned into Taniguchi and opened fire.Xie Ershun, who was passing a grenade down the car, was shot and fell off the car. Zhao Jiusi got off his horse and said, "Quickly retreat to the north! Quickly!" Picking up a machine gun from the ground, "Go up the mountain, go up the mountain!" The devil's military vehicle overtook the armored vehicle and rushed over under the cover of the armored vehicle's firepower.Two more were knocked down.The rest picked up the fallen partner, circled around the side of the truck, and climbed up the north slope.Gao Liansheng hung the sack full of cans around his neck, carried the devil on his back and retreated.Zhao Jiusi, Zhang Shijie and Cao Zhenhe each took a machine gun and shot at the first military vehicle.The military vehicle lost control and crashed into a large rock.Taking advantage of this gap, the three of Zhang Shijie also retreated towards the hillside.Gao Liansheng had just crossed the river when a bullet shot close to his body and hit a tree. The bark bounced off his face. He slipped and fell to the ground. A few feet away, a few tins of canned food fell out of the cloth bag.He pulled the devil over first, and then reached for the can.Seeing this, Zhao Jiusi yelled: "Quick! Don't worry about the devils, don't take things, go up the mountain!" Gao Liansheng rushed into the woods with the devil on his back.As soon as they entered the woods, they were covered by the firepower of the devils again.Two more people were wounded.Gao Liansheng threw the Japanese soldier heavily on the ground, "Damn it, I'm so exhausted." He took off the canned cloth bag around his neck, sat down on the ground, and turned his neck.Zhuzi cried out in a crying voice: "Second young master, Ershun and Changsheng have lost..." Zhang Shijie rushed over, squatting down with trembling lips, touched Xie Ershun's pale face due to excessive blood loss, took off his coat, covered on him.Weeping sounded in the room, Zhang Shijie looked remorseful, turned around a few times, saw the ghost soldier unconscious on the ground, and shouted: "Gao Liansheng, treat the devil, don't let him die." Zhuzi said: "We There are still four wounded, and the dressing and medicine are gone..." Zhang Shijie yelled, "He must not die! We must take him back to Taiping Town. Stop his bleeding, do you hear me?" Zhao Jiusi stared at Zhang Shijie coldly, " What are you yelling about? Do you think you are bringing heavenly soldiers and generals, invulnerable?" Gao Liansheng dragged his lead-filled legs, walked up to the devil soldier, knelt on the ground and tore open the bottom of the devil's injured leg.Guizibing had already woken up, squinted at Gao Liansheng's back, reached out and drew out the dagger, lifted it up and stabbed Gao Liansheng.Zhao Jiusi was shocked, and kicked Gao Liansheng down, "Be careful!" The devil struggled to get up, and threw himself at Gao Liansheng again with the dagger.Several people pointed their guns at the devil soldier.Gao Liansheng drew his pistol, "Damn it, I'm saving you, how dare you lay hands on me." Zhang Shijie hurriedly shouted, "Don't shoot! I want him to live." He kicked the devil in the back. Go up, "Take off his knife and tie it up." Guizibing cried out in pain, knelt on the ground, and waved the dagger in his hand. Suddenly, he grasped the dagger tightly with both hands, and stabbed hard at his chest. Screaming, he pulled out the dagger and stabbed it down again until he fell powerlessly to the ground.Everyone was stunned.Gao Liansheng tried the breath of the ghost soldier, "Dead." Zhang Shijie sat on the ground dejectedly, "It's so cruel!" Zhao Jiusi said coldly: "You have seen too little. This is still an enemy-occupied area. Do you want to wait here to die? I really don’t know the heights of the heavens and the depths of the earth. Let’s go.” Zhang Shijie got up and shouted: “Go.” Zhu Zhaolin was recuperating at Zhu Guodong's regiment headquarters in Xinye. When he heard that Zhang Shijie had brought people to Xinyang to fight devils, he proposed to go back to Taiping Town to see what happened.The news he wished to hear was a rumour.Zhu Guodong also felt that the rumors were not credible. With Zhang Shijie's dozens of people, could they destroy a transport team of the devils?Although their regiment had never fought devils before, he knew the fighting power of devils, and it was too difficult to wipe out more than a dozen devils at once. The father and son returned to Taiping Town just in time for Huai Yuansheng to bury Ershun and Changsheng.After Zhu Guodong asked a few people, he knew that Zhang Shijie had created a miracle this time.Zhu Guoliang always believed that Zhang Shijie and the others exaggerated the results of the battle, and said: "Listen to them. They brought back a dead man wearing a Japanese military uniform. The devil will know if the dead man is a devil. With their few pieces of material, they dare to attack the devil. Dare to compete with the devil’s armored vehicles? I think they are at most going to steal the devil’s warehouse. Two people died and four were injured. You devil, they're all dead long ago." Zhu Guodong murmured, "So, you, the county security commander, don't bother to attend Ershun and Changsheng's funeral." Zhu Guoliang said angrily, "I can't swallow this breath, Taiping Town It belongs to our Zhu family. A Zhang Shijie, whose beard has not yet grown hard, and has only a few young men who can shoot guns, is able to avenge Taiping Town and become an anti-Japanese hero. Why? He must be the Communist Party. I heard that someone rescued them. The person who saved them must be the Communist Party. Zhang Shijie has become a genius, and if he is not treated, there will be endless troubles.” Zhu Guodong looked at his younger brother in disappointment, “What nonsense! The Communist Party? We only have the Communist Party in our family! What are you talking about? Zhang Shijie did not do it alone, even if they made up lies, we have to pretend to believe them. Take two hundred oceans and come with me to the funeral of Ershun and Changsheng!" Zhu Guoliang called out: " Huh? You are a dignified colonel of the national army, and you are going to praise Zhang Shijie's stinky feet?" Zhu Guodong became angry, "You are so stupid! I am the general of the national army, and I have to carry the sedan chair for him at this time!" Zhu Zhaolin continued: "Listen! It’s your brother’s. This doesn’t look like a nonsense. Ershun and Changsheng died for revenge for Taiping Town, we must have an attitude. Bring some white silk, and I’ll go too.” Zhu Guodong said: “Father Well, it’s enough for me and Guoliang to come forward. Ershun and Changsheng are fellows of Huaiyuansheng’s Zhang family. They beat devils to death on the way, not just to beat devils. Once you come forward, you will give them too much face.” The two brothers left the town with gifts and sacrifices with their own concerns. The mountain area behind the town is lush with pines and cypresses, and it is the cemetery of Taiping Town.At this time, the funeral was over, and two new graves were added not far away.Zhang Shijie burned paper money in front of the grave, looked at the newly planted cypress trees, and sighed involuntarily.Guo Bingxue, who had been by his side all the time, comforted: "Think about it, no one will say you are wrong." Zhang Shijie glanced into the distance, as if seeing the scene at that time again, "If I can be more thoughtful..." Guo Bingxue From another angle, he said: "If you kill a dozen devils, you will have six casualties, which is enough. If you follow your style of play, you will kill all the devils in less than a year." Zhang Shijie smiled wryly, "Don't comfort me. Ershun and Changsheng's family, the sky is falling. I really didn't do well." "You can't think like this. Two to ten is a big victory." Zhu Guodong strode over.Zhang Shijie hurriedly turned around, "Brother Guodong, Brother Guoliang, you are back." Zhu Guodong said: "An anti-Japanese hero has emerged in Taiping Town, and I feel radiant on my face. I came here on a special trip this time to express to you My respect. Last month, four places in Nanyang were bombed by enemy planes. Only we Taiping Town people did not shrink our heads and started to take revenge." Guo Bingxue smiled, "Big cousin, you can't just say no Lian. You have thousands of people under your command, and if you take revenge, it will be earth-shattering! Your maid was killed by the bombs of the Japanese devils. My uncle, your own father, was also injured." Zhu Guodong He laughed, "Well said! In the past month or so, I have asked for instructions to fight back several times, but I have not been approved. Wearing this military uniform, I can't help myself. I really envy Shijie, he is free, he can do whatever he wants What." Zhang Shijie hurriedly smoothed things over: "Bingxue, you really shouldn't blame Brother Guodong. We can't drive away the devils with small troubles like ours. To defeat the devils, we have to rely on the regular army." Guo Bingxue snorted: "The devils captured At that time in Xinyang, Nanyang's regular army didn't even move their buttocks." No matter how reserved Zhu Guodong was, he was also angry.What's the matter with a younger sister-in-law who has never been married and hangs out with other men all day long?Zhu Guodong glanced at Guo Bingxue coldly, "Cousin knows a lot! Let me ask you, how long have you not been home?" Guo Bingxue said, "Is this important?" Zhu Guoliang chimed in, "Can you speak seriously?" A few words? He is your eldest cousin, the head of the colonel!" Guo Bingxue shrugged, "That's all I have! I haven't been home for more than half a month. Say what you want to say, if you don't like me with others The man is together?" Zhu Guoliang said with a smile: "No! It's great to be with a gentleman like Shijie. Don't get me wrong. The day before yesterday, I went to Nanyang for business and met my uncle and aunt. Uncle just came to see a doctor in the hospital Go home. My aunt asked me to find you back! My aunt said, the doctor suspects that your father has choking disease.” Guo Bingxue’s expression changed drastically, “Aren’t you lying to me?” Zhu Guoliang said: “I’m more serious than you. I hope my uncle can live a long life. I hope it was a false alarm. Bingxue, I think what you should do now is filial piety." Guo Bingxue ran to the town as soon as she could. Zhang Shijie sighed: "What a wonderful person, how could he get this kind of disease?" Zhu Guoliang took out a pistol and handed it to Zhang Shijie, "I know all about the battle. It's a good job. This little thing can be used at critical times." Help. The total strength of the Japanese army that invaded China has exceeded one million, and it is of little use if it is piecemeal. You have this combat experience, and when you are a battalion commander, no one will chew your tongue. Shijie, let's do it together." Zhang Shijie held the gun Watching, I don't know how to answer.Zhong Wutong hurriedly followed and shouted: "Second young master, something happened to Ershun's family again, and the wife told you to go back quickly." Zhang Shijie put the gun in his waist, "Brother Guodong, thank you. Come tomorrow, I will also give you a gift .Let me think about this matter again. My father and mother have a hard time. I'll go back first." He ran towards the town. Zhu Guoliang pointed to Zhang Shijie's back and said: "Look, you kissed your butt with a hot face, right? Brother, don't dislike it. You want to tame him into a dog. There is no way! Something happened to the Yang family, most people They all thought it was our father's hands and feet. It's not good to be soft, you have to be tough on them. This is a small tiger, and it will definitely hurt people when it grows up. And that Yang Kaitai is not a vegetarian. According to my temper, I will Just kill them." Zhu Guodong snorted a series of noises, "I know they are all little tigers. I know they have always been wary of us. Killing them is not easy! How can you and I mess with the overlord! You have to think more about big things than your brains! You can’t let this Zhang Shijie become big, absolutely not. You have to find a way to catch them. You have to learn how to kill with a knife, understand? Whether he is the Communist Party or not has to be investigated.” Zhu Guoliang was puzzled Said: "You just said that catching him is useless..." Zhu Guodong said: "It is useless now, but it will definitely be useful in the future." Xie Ershun was the only son, and once he died, the family would collapse.As soon as the funeral was over, Ershun's daughter-in-law took advantage of the chaos and left Taiping Town with her three-year-old daughter behind.Ershun's mother had no choice but to drag her little granddaughter to the living room of Zhang's house and kneel down.Zhang Shifan and his wife Huilan asked the old lady what happened, but the old lady just said nothing.Things quickly alarmed Zhang Dewei and Li Yujie. Li Yujie ran into the living room and held the old lady's arm, "Sister-in-law, sister-in-law, get up quickly and talk about it, what happened?" The old lady cried, "The sky is falling—the son and son are gone, Ershun's daughter-in-law also ran away, please give the child a way out. If you don't care, the child will starve to death." Zhang Dewei asked: "Run away?" The old lady said: "Run away, and all the valuable things at home The old shopkeeper, wife, and Er Shun followed Master Shijie to fight devils, and died a glorious death. I, an old woman, have nothing to say. But, I am a sick old woman, I really can’t support this family. Take this child .” Zhang Dewei and Li Yujie didn’t know how to answer for a while.Zhang Shijie ran in and said, "Madam Xie, I promise you, I will raise this child, get up quickly." Madam Xie left on crutches after thanking her a thousand times. Li Yujie thought for a moment and said: "The state owns the state law, and the family has family rules. Without rules, it is inevitable that you will sit back and eat. Shijie, this child can only be recorded in your personal name. What do you think?" Zhang Shijie immediately replied: "All the flowers of this child If it’s sold, it’s on me. It’s my fault, and I’m responsible for it.” "I really don't know what to say about you. The Japanese devils should be killed. I don't know whether you should be killed. Maybe you are right. Maybe you are wrong. When you encounter problems in the future, you should think about the consequences. Do what you can." Li Yujie stood up and walked out as she spoke.Zhang Dewei walked up to Zhang Shijie, "Oh——, I don't know what to say about you. You have your reasons for what you do, and I won't stop you. If you lead someone to beat devils again, I won't stop you. Just don't bring any more Those only sons are going to fight the devils. The death of an only son is equivalent to destroying a family. Go. Remember, I will send you some food and supplies for Mrs. Xie." Early the next morning, Zhang Shijie and Gao Liansheng came to Xie Ershun's house with rice noodles and vegetable oil, but found that Mrs. Xie had hanged herself.Zhang Shijie dressed in sackcloth and filial piety to hold the funeral for Aunt Xie. On the first seven days, he went to the grave to burn paper, sent Gao Liansheng and others home, and sat alone on the grave in a daze.Zhao Jiusi rode over. After dismounting, he saluted and burned paper in front of each new grave, then sat down on a big rock, waved to Zhang Shijie, and handed him a cigarette.Zhang Shijie hesitated, took the cigarette, and Zhao Jiusi lit it for him. He took a puff and coughed loudly.Zhao Jiusi blew a smoke ring, "The anti-Japanese hero in Taiping Town, I have heard about what happened to you in recent days. I can't do without talking to you. How do you feel when you become a father before you get married?" Zhang Shijie Swallowed a puff of cigarette, resisted not coughing, and said nothing.Zhao Jiusi shrugged his shoulders and sneered: "It's hard to say, isn't it. You should be ashamed to face them! You are organized, but you have no discipline! You are a member of the Communist Party of China, not a reckless hero in Taiping Town! You don't ask for instructions on such a big matter. Just do it, do you know what kind of mistake this is? Have you thought about the consequences?" Zhang Shijie coughed again from another puff of cigarettes, and even tears flowed out, "I've already done it, I don't regret it, I would like to Accept any punishment." Zhao Jiusi was furious, "Bastard! Punish you, will they survive? They have all become victims of your personal heroism." Zhang Shijie stomped the cigarette under his feet, "Shouldn't this revenge be avenged? Everyone They are all at the mercy of others, when will they defeat the Japanese devils? The country will be destroyed long ago!" Zhao Jiusi sneered, "It's really high-sounding! You can't lie to me, and you can't lie to yourself! Otherwise, you wouldn't be in such pain. You want to let the organization Look at how capable you are, if you are not allowed to follow the main force, it is due to the blindness of the organization!" Zhang Shijie shouted: "Enough! I won't listen!" Zhao Jiusi said loudly: "What, you are talking about pain? Listen to me carefully. It means that you have only joined the party in terms of organization, but you have not joined the party in terms of ideology. No! You want to use your military exploits to prove that even if you become a detachment leader, you have been subjugated to your talent. You want to prove that the organization arranges for you to continue to engage in underground work. It's a big mistake, you want to reunite with your sweetheart earlier! Do you dare to say that you haven't thought about it?" Zhang Shijie nodded helplessly, "I thought about it. You didn't say everything. I was wrong, I did You underestimated the devil. You can’t be so reckless. You punish me. Otherwise, you can beat me up.” Zhao Jiusi shouted, “Stop messing around! The head of the detachment already knows your heroic deeds.” He took out a small The booklet was handed to Zhang Shijie, "He specifically asked me to bring you Chairman Mao's "On Protracted Warfare". You must read this book carefully. Don't turn the pages, go back and study hard. Last time the devils chased you closely. There is an important letter that I don't have a chance to give you. Here, a letter from your sweetheart." Pushing a letter to Zhang Shijie. Zhang Shijie opened the letter, and Yang Ziyun's familiar handwriting appeared in front of his eyes: "Shijie: How are you? It's been two hundred and fifty-seven days since we separated before I have the chance to write you the first letter. I'm fine. Please contact Zhao for details. The husband relayed it on his behalf. If the two loves last for a long time, how can they be in the day and night? Take care! Live well. Ziyun who loves you is on the eve of the transfer." Zhang Shijie moved his eyes on the paper, trying to find more words , Wanting to find out who wrote this letter, for a while, the whole person was stunned.Zhao Jiusi snatched the letter and lit it with a match.Zhang Shijie kept shouting: "Hey—you—" Zhao Jiusi said seriously: "This is discipline. Ziyun performed very well in the army, and Zhu Guozhu was also very good. Listen, the cause of the party depends on Zhang Shijie alone. Can't finish it. In the future, she won't write you this kind of text message. It's not for anything else, but for your safety." Zhang Shijie glanced at Zhao Jiusi and lowered his head.Zhao Jiusi sighed and said: "The anti-Japanese situation is very serious, and the relationship between the Kuomintang and the Communist Party has also become tense. The right wing of the Kuomintang may make big moves against us. In Pingjiang, Hunan, they have killed seven of us. Currently, Jinzhugou The situation is also very dangerous." Zhang Shijie looked at Zhao Jiusi nervously: "What do you want me to do?" Zhao Jiusi patted Zhang Shijie on the shoulder, "The first is to preserve yourself and not let anyone know that you are the Communist Party. Your image is natural. The grayer the better." Zhang Shijie asked: "What about the second?" Zhao Jiusi said: "The second is to preserve yourself. Let me reiterate one point: you can't directly recruit party members." Zhang Shijie was anxious, "I'm ready to develop Liansheng and Jin Sheng, they are my right-hand men, originally there was Er Shun, but it is a pity that Er Shun..." Zhao Jiusi said in an orderly tone: "You can't directly recruit party members! This is also a measure that must be taken to protect you. The problem of the two of them is organizational We will consider it. We fought a few battles with devils in the previous stage, and now there are nearly 200 wounded in Jinzhugou, and the medicine is in short supply. You must go to Nanyang and Xiangyang to get medicine as soon as possible. Has Zhu Guodong asked you again?" Zhang Shijie took out the gun "He gave it to me a few days ago, and he told me to go find him when I'm mature." Zhao Jiusi lowered his head and thought for a while: "Don't refuse, procrastinate. The two brothers of the Zhu family must be careful. Also, at Yang Kaitai's place, What's going on recently?" Zhang Shijie said: "Taibaiding has grown to nearly 100 people. I have been there several times, but Yang Kaitai has not seen him for some reason. It seems that his resentment has not been eliminated." Zhao Jiusi said: "Go more Several times. Yang Kaitai is a man. If you stay in Taiping Town, you will inevitably confront the Zhu family. The two brothers of the Zhu family have guns in their hands. You must unite with Yang Kaitai.” Zhang Shijie squatted down and took a piece of Pick up the unburned paper and hold it in your hand, "For the weapons made in Xinyang, you can leave me a machine gun. If Ziyun has news, I should go and tell Brother Yang. Let's go to the main office and sit down. I invite you to drink." Turned around and walked towards the town at the foot of the mountain. The meeting room of the Nanyang Security Headquarters is located in the chapel of a church. The place where the statue of Jesus used to be is now hung with a flag of blue sky and white sun, and those pictures reflecting Bible stories have also been replaced by quotations from Chairman Jiang.The podium where the pastor preached was covered with a red tablecloth, and a middle-aged fat man wearing the rank of major general was standing behind the podium with an excited expression to lecture: "One doctrine is the Three People's Principles; one political party is the Kuomintang; one army is the national army." "One leader is Generalissimo Chiang. It doesn't matter if there are Japanese or not. I have been stationed in Nanyang for two years, and I know the disadvantages of gossip. After the universities in Henan moved to Nanyang, there are more people who can read and write. Tens of thousands, okay? Good. It’s easy to hire a teacher to teach your son. However, when there are too many people who can read and write, it’s inevitable that there will be a lot of chatter. This is not allowed. If you don’t listen to the greeting, what should you do? ?” Under the stage, Zhu Guoliang listened intently to his boss's speech, and felt someone patting him on the shoulder from behind. He turned his head and saw the fleshy face of Wang Baosheng, the commander of the Biyang County Security Corps.Wang Baosheng shrugged his nose and said in a low voice: "Brother Zhu, did you hear that the higher-ups are going to attack the Communist Party. After the meeting, let's have a drink and have a business with you." After finishing speaking, he grinned his lips, The two long, wide and yellow front teeth are all exposed. Zhu Guoliang left Nanyang, and immediately came to Zhu Guodong's residence, waited for the guards to offer tea and took the door out, and said excitedly: "Brother, I just finished a meeting from Nanyang, and I heard the meaning of the above, and I have to recite the curse on the Communist Party." 。我想把新四军在金竹沟那个留守处端了。”朱国栋放下手中的文件，“不会就你一个人在谋划这件事吧？”朱国梁端起茶杯牛饮一气，“泌阳的王宝生已经和鸡公岭的土匪张文太联系了，我打算凑一份子。”朱国栋严肃地说：“你绝对不能出这个头。” “为什么？”朱国梁急得站了起来。朱国栋把弟弟按下椅子上：“别忘了，国柱如今是共产党的人，他又是从金竹沟出去的。记着，只要上面还没有明着和共产党翻脸，咱们就不能明着和共产党作对。让别人去做这种事吧。”朱国梁不解地说：“你不出头，谁服你？我想升升官，手下多弄几个人。你现在驻守在新野，咱们家的安全有保证，可你要是调防了呢？杨开泰在太白顶已经有一百多人马了，张世杰到信阳打了鬼子后，很多人带着枪来投奔他，都被他介绍到太白顶去了。”朱国栋问：“这两个人不是已经闹翻了吗？”朱国梁摇头叹气道：“又好上了。真该趁杨开泰立足未稳，把他灭了。张世杰把从鬼子那儿弄来的枪和你给他的子弹，都送到太白顶上，两个人又称兄道弟一起喝上了酒，亲热得像真郎舅一样。这个张世杰，真是鬼迷心窍，大家都在说杨紫云已经和咱们老三私奔了，他硬是不信。”朱国栋站了起来，“世上没有后悔药。单是一个张世杰，或者单是一个杨开泰，都不可怕，都动摇不了朱家的根本，要是他们联合起来，事情就不好说了。这一年多，张世杰去没去过金竹沟？” “他和他那个洋车队今天去南阳，明天去信阳，后天又去了襄阳，我也不知道他去没去过金竹沟。他去太白顶的事儿，还是咱们家的丫环从他们家的丫环口里听说的。”朱国栋托着腮帮在房内踱来踱去，“派两个人，盯着张世杰。王宝生准备什么时候对金竹沟下手？”朱国梁道：“就这几天。哥，你同意我参加了？”朱国栋道：“不，我只是想利用这个机会，看看张世杰是不是和共产党有关系。” 张世杰最近一段心情比较舒畅。有了杨紫云的信，他那颗总是悬着的心稍稍放下一点。上次去太白顶，杨开泰总算出面接待了他，两个人从杨紫云谈起，慢慢地把前一段时间结下的疙瘩解开了，虽说不再像以前那么亲密无间，毕竟一种新的关系建立起来了。从太白顶回来之后，张世杰带人跑了几趟襄阳、南阳，通过关系搞到一些药品和医疗器械，派高连升秘密送到金竹沟。还有一件值得高兴的事是高连升和刘金声已被批准入了党。这两个忠心耿耿的伙计如今成了革命同志，张世杰有些话也能够敞开心扉说了。他的性格原本就豪爽外向，最喜欢以心换心，所以才赢得了小孟尝的称号。这几年的秘密身份让他改变了许多，在赵九思面前虽然可以畅所欲言，毕竟赵九思比他大了十多岁，又是他的上级，那种命令的口吻让张世杰很接受不了。 这天，他们又从南阳搞到一批药品，由于数量较少，准备先放在仓库，等再去襄阳搞一些，一并送到金竹沟。从仓库出来，高连升抓耳挠腮，不断瞟着张世杰。张世杰眉毛一挑，“有话快说。”高连升说道：“这件事也不知该不该告诉你。我在南阳教会医院取药的时候，碰见郭小姐了。”张世杰：“你碰见郭冰雪了？这有什么不该告诉我的？”高连升挠着头说：“郭小姐父亲的病很严重，她自己也瘦成一把骨头了。我见她可怜，就替你许了个诺言，说你过几天去南阳，肯定会到医院去看她父亲。”见张世杰不做声，又强调了一下，“她那么可怜巴巴地问起你，我实在是不忍心。都说人情薄如纸，郭参议员得了绝症，原先那些巴结他家的人都不见了，就连朱家，也不过到医院应付应付。听梧桐说，朱太太天天在家哭呢。”张世杰道：“下次再去南阳，你记着多带点钱。我是应该去看看冰雪的父亲，这一段时间事儿实在太多了。”两个人说着，走到前院，刘金声从铺子后门急匆匆过来，“二少爷，朱国栋又回来了，在咱家的铺子里，要见你。”张世杰警觉地问：“他又来干什么？不会是咱们弄药的事走漏风声了？大概又想让我到他的部队去。我去会会他，你们两个去仓库，把东西转移到密道去。” 张世杰来到前面店铺，朱国栋正在当值掌柜的陪同下看着货架上的商品，边看边点头称赞：“不错，不错，东西比我们同顺兴全多了。世杰真是个经商奇才啊。”张世杰忙接口道：“国栋哥，什么时候回来了？”朱国栋亲热地揽住张世杰：“世杰，我正在夸你呢，搞这极品信阳毛尖，如虎口拔牙，难为你能进这么多货。”张世杰道：“鬼子虽说占领了信阳，可他们人少，总还是有空可钻。王掌柜，把这筒毛尖给朱团长包起来。”朱国栋连忙摆手，“别，别，我不是这个意思，世杰，我这次回来，是想邀请你到我的驻地看看，感受一下正规部队的气氛。”张世杰有点意外，“国栋哥？”朱国栋拍拍张世杰的肩膀，“你放心，只是让你去感受一下，你要实在不想干，我决不勉强你。世杰，这个面子你总该给吧？”张世杰知道不好再推脱，说道：“既然大哥如此盛情，我就去看看吧。” “把高连升和刘金声也带上，你要是突然想明白了，答应留下，他们以后就是你的副官。掌柜的，你去找找他们两个人，世杰，我的车已经在外面等着了，咱们先上车，边聊边等他们。”朱国栋说着，不由分说拉着张世杰就朝停在外面的吉普车走去。 张世杰等人刚刚离开太平镇，周银杏骑着马来到淮源盛总号，听说张世杰不在家，马上又转身进了山。在一处供人歇脚的亭子处，杨开泰正带着几个人等在那儿。周银杏下了马，说道：“张世杰不在家，大哥，我看这件事情就算了。新四军把你的人枪骗了个精光，张文太要去抢金竹沟，就让他抢吧。” 杨开泰站起身，一个手下忙牵着马朝他走过来。昨天，在鸡公岭一带活动的土匪头子张文太找到太白顶，说是给杨开泰一个报仇雪恨的机会，趁着金竹沟都是新四军的伤病员，联手把那个留守处端了，并说这件事情幕后有泌阳县保安司令王宝生撑腰，一点风险都没有。杨开泰以曾发誓此生再不踏进金竹沟一步为由拒绝了，考虑了一夜，他还是决定通过张世杰给金竹沟送个信儿。虽然张世杰从没在他面前暴露过身份，又因为随便开枪被拒绝加入新四军，但杨开泰知道他和新四军一定有联系。杨开泰上了马，朝东边走去，周银杏忙提醒他，“大哥，回太白顶的路在这边。”杨开泰继续往前走，“我知道，咱们去一趟县城。不管怎么说，紫云现在还是新四军的人。”周银杏拍马追过去，“去县城？去县城找谁？”杨开泰道：“去了你就知道了。也不知道能不能赶得上，尽人力看天意吧，日后紫云问起，我也好有个交代。” 朱国栋把张世杰三个人拉到新野军营，一下车就把他们带到大操场上，两个营的战士正在大操场上练兵，喊杀声震天。一行人从队伍中穿行，不断有人向他们行军礼。高连升看得眼花缭乱，口中啧啧称赞，“朱大少爷，这么多人都归你指挥？”朱国栋随意说道：“这只是我的一半人马。世杰要是带你们参军，你能指挥那么一些人。”用手在操场一角画了个圈。高连升用手点着数一数，“乖乖，怕有几十上百个人吧，我可办不了这么大的事，我现在在淮源盛手下只有十个伙计。”张世杰看看操场上虽拥挤却井然有序的阵型，“国栋哥，你是个将才，治军有方啊，我相信你们到了战场上，肯定能狠狠打鬼子。”朱国栋抬手向部下回了个军礼，“我也想到战场上狠狠打鬼子，不过，世杰，我现在最缺的是一批像你们这样的人，会用脑子打仗，又不怕死。最近鬼子频频向信阳一带增兵，你们果真有报国之心，这可是个机会。走，到我的团部坐坐。我已经给国梁捎了信儿，他也过来，咱们几个太平镇人应该好好议议怎么对付日本鬼子这件大事。” 到了团部，张世杰向高连升使个眼色，两个人一前一后走进厕所，高连升压低声音问道：“二哥，朱老大到底在耍什么花招？”张世杰也低声说道：“这里面肯定有圈套。不管他说什么，做什么，我们都只管和他打哈哈。抽个空告诉金声，要沉住气。”高连升道：“金声做事很稳当。朱老大要是敢设鸿门宴，我身上的枪可不是吃素的。”张世杰道：“别瞎比喻。他肯定有什么事！眼要把细点。” 张世杰和朱国栋在地图前盘桓了很长时间，卫兵来报告饭菜已经准备好了。他们走进厢房餐厅，桌子上已摆着八个凉菜，朱国栋把三人让到客人位置上，两个卫兵斟茶倒水，恭恭敬敬站在一边。张世杰看看空着一半座位的大桌子，“国栋哥，你太客气了。嫂子和侄儿侄女呢，叫他们一块儿过来吧。”朱国栋道：“他们都在老河口，国梁这会儿也该到了。小李，出去迎一迎，看看二少爷到了没有？”卫兵答应着走到门口，朱国梁在一个副官和两个卫兵的陪同下进来了。张世杰三人忙起身打招呼，朱国栋向他们摆摆手，“坐下，快坐下，出了太平镇，咱们都是一家人，国梁，快入席吧，就等你了。”张世杰先坐下，高连升和刘金声等朱国梁入了席，这才坐下。朱国梁呷了一口茶，目光在桌子上扫了一圈，“不好意思，路上碰到一件新鲜事，耽搁了一会儿。”朱国栋饶有兴趣地问道，“什么新鲜事儿，说来听听。”朱国梁把目光落在张世杰身上，“来的路上，碰到鸡公岭的土匪大批出动，我怕他们到桐柏县城捣乱，就派人跟了一段，后来发现他们往金竹沟方向去了，我这才往这边赶。”朱国栋不经意地说道：“土匪要打劫金竹沟？国梁，你这事办得不对。这你得管管，毕竟是国共合作时期。张文太是个杀人不眨眼的大恶人，做事一向不计后果。”朱国梁道：“金竹沟又不在我的管辖范围之内，不过，念在金竹沟和我们朱张两家有些渊源，我已经给泌阳保安团送了信，他们应该会处理这件事。世杰，你说是不是啊？”张世杰端起茶杯，“我一个生意人，对这些事情不大感兴趣。”朱国梁道：“你以前好像和金竹沟做过几笔大生意。”张世杰道：“那都是过去的事了，我一手交了货，人家一手交了钱，两清了。新四军大部队转移之后，那里没钱可赚，我再没去过。”朱国栋吩咐倒酒：“世杰，人家毕竟让你赚过钱。你要是想去看看，我可以派一队人马跟着你去。”张世杰道：“国梁二哥不是已经给泌阳保安团送信了吗？再说，国栋大哥盛情邀请，酒还没喝一杯，我管那些事干嘛？他们真要有难，也是他们的命。”朱国栋哈哈一笑：“对对，咱们几兄弟今天能在我的驻地相会，机会难得，来，我们先干一杯。” 高连升和刘金声举起酒杯，看了看张世杰。张世杰向他们两个人笑了笑，“朱团长敬酒，你们喝就是了，不用看我。”一扬脖，一杯酒倒了下去。高连升把酒喝下去，呛得咳嗽起来，他抹了抹嘴，说道：“第一次跟上校团长这么大的官儿同桌喝酒，有点激动，见笑了。”朱国栋道：“咱们今天不论职位，只叙同乡情谊。小李，告诉厨房，上热菜。来，我们再干一杯。” 天色慢慢暗了下来，餐厅里亮着一百瓦的大灯泡，气氛也达到白热化的程度。张世杰把一杯酒倒进口中，抓起酒壶斟满，大着舌头说道：“来，国栋大哥，我敬你一杯。”刘金声劝道：“天已经黑了，二少爷，我们该回去了。”张世杰瞪刘金声一眼，“急什么急，我还没喝尽兴呢。国栋大哥，国梁二哥，小日本太可恨了，我做梦都想到战场上打小日本，可我一个生意人，怎么去？国栋大哥，我不是没考虑过加入你的正规军，可加入了又怎么样，你我现在在喝酒，也没到前线去打日本呀。”朱国梁的舌头也有点硬，“张世杰，我看你是喝多了，我哥上不上前线，是他能决定的吗？别以为你打死过几个鬼子，就能把自己当成抗日英雄。”朱国栋的声音很平静：“国梁，你就让世杰说吧，我知道他心里有委屈，世杰，你是不是惦记着金竹沟？”张世杰大着舌头说：“金竹沟，金竹沟是什么地方？想起来了，我在金竹沟见过你们家老三，你家老三不让紫云跟我回来，我要去金竹沟，我要把金竹沟翻个底朝天，我要去找紫云——”摇摇晃晃站起来，又慢慢顺着凳子出溜到地上。刘金声忙把张世杰扶起来，“二少爷，二少爷。朱大少爷，我家二少爷喝多了，我们该回去了。”朱国栋关心地说道：“世杰已经喝醉了，不如在这儿住一晚上吧。”刘金声忙说道：“还是回去吧，我怕家里老爷太太会担心。”高连升也在一旁叫道：“二哥，二哥，我们回家吧。”张世杰睁开双眼，想摆脱刘金声，“我不回家，我要喝酒。”挣扎着要站起来，下盘没力气，慢慢又往地上溜下去。高连升和刘金声一起搀住张世杰，“二哥这个样子，没办法回家，既然朱团长盛情，我们就在这儿住一晚上。”一边说，一边在刘金声胳膊上拧了一下。刘金声以怕老爷太太担心为由，坚持要连夜回太平镇。张世杰不失时机地吐了高连升一身。一看张世杰真醉了，朱国栋只好派车送他们回去。 高连升和刘金声扶着有点萎靡不振的张世杰上了汽车。张世杰靠在后座上，对朱国栋和朱国梁招招手，说道：“国栋大哥，国梁二哥，让你们见笑了。”朱国栋弯腰对着车窗，说道：“世杰，回去好好休息，好好考虑考虑我的提议。”张世杰揉着太阳穴点点头，“我会的。再见。”车子一开，朱国梁说道：“哥，看这样子，张世杰好像是和共产党没有关系。要不，他早回去通风报信了。”朱国栋转身往回走，“也不一定，张世杰平时酒量挺大的，今天他醉得也太快了。国梁，派两个得力的人盯着他，一举一动都给我盯仔细了！” 后半夜，吉普车到了淮源盛门口，高连升先下车，打开车门，扶出张世杰。张世杰扒在车门上，对司机道：“谢谢长官师傅。金声，快进店里，把上好的茶叶拿一筒给师傅。”刘金声冲进店里，拿了一筒茶叶，递给司机。The car drove away.高连升搀扶着张世杰进店里。张世杰一进店，马上有了精神，大步朝后院走去。高连升跟了过去，问道：“二哥，你没事了？”张世杰道：“我一直都没事。金声，你带人到金竹沟看看。记住：从后门出去，绕道淮河边。这事儿有点怪，不得不防。连升，我们马上去县城联系赵先生，备马车，对外就说我喝酒喝出毛病，到县城看医生去了。”刘金声问道：“仓库里的药品怎么办？要不要我顺路运到金竹沟去？”张世杰想了一会儿，道：“先去探探虚实，药，我们带到县城去。” 天亮时，在通信员的带领下，张世杰和高连升来到位于豫鄂边界深山里的游击队驻地。他们已经知道金竹沟已经遭遇过上千人血洗了。曹镇河领着他们来到一片临时搭起的简易房子外，赵九思正背着手站在一棵大树下。张世杰摘下墨镜，叫了一声：“赵先生，损失严重吗？”赵九思转过身来，长叹一口气，“我们赶到的时候，土匪已经放火烧了支队大院。二百多留守人员，只剩下不到五十人，大部分都受了重伤。”张世杰指指牵在高连升手中的两匹马，“我把搞到的药品带过来了，不多，先拿去给重伤员应应急。”他走过去和高连升、曹镇河一起从马背上卸下袋子。几个人一起进了房子。房子里面躺满了伤员。张世杰蹲在一个浑身缠满绷带的伤员跟前，叫道：“吴参谋，是你？”吴参谋艰难地睁开眼，抓住张世杰的手，吃力地说道：“张，张世杰，我……不行……了，不……能跟……你比……比拼……了……报仇……”松开了张世杰的手，头歪在一边。张世杰叫道：“吴参谋，吴参谋……”赵九思把吴参谋瞪着的双眼合上，“他伤好后本来要返回前线，组织上留下他负责金竹沟的安全，如果不是他指挥得当，恐怕一个人也保不住。”张世杰冲了出去，使劲地踢打一棵树，说道：“我对不起吴参谋他们，我，我不该跟朱家兄弟周旋太久……”赵九思追过来问道：“朱家兄弟知道有人要袭击金竹沟？”张世杰懊恼地说：“朱家兄弟肯定知道。他们想试探我，给我设了一个圈套。他们把我叫到新野，突然告诉我有土匪袭击金竹沟，我一不知消息是真是假，二不知道该怎么办，只好装醉。我在新野拖延太久了。”赵九思道：“这是一次谋划很久的阴谋，后台是政府。你的处置十分正确。反共已经可以明目张胆了。你要是暴露了身份，损失可就大了。前一段，你在杨开泰那里是有收获的。他把消息告诉了你姐。这算是个收获吧。”张世杰道：“这个仇该由我们来报。张文太、王宝生，还有朱家兄弟，都该死！赵先生，你下命令吧。什么阿猫阿狗都敢咬新四军，不管这事不得了。”赵九思道：“这事必须做。以血还血，以牙还牙！选几个得力的人，等我的消息。” 几天后，张文太和王宝生被几个神枪手击毙在泌阳魁星楼饭庄里。 朱国梁得到王宝生和张文太被打死的消息，忙赶到朱国栋的驻地，“哥，亏得听了你的话，没有参加剿金竹沟的行动，否则，恐怕也得落个张文太和王宝生的下场。”朱国栋指指椅子，“坐下来喘口气。别看新四军主力已经撤走，共产党在整个桐柏地区的力量还很强大。记着：一般情况下，不要和共产党正面冲突。乱世，做事要用三只眼才能看清利害。张世杰这些天在干什么？”朱国梁吃惊地看着哥哥，“你怀疑杀死张文太和张世杰有关？张世杰好像出去送货了，我派去那两个人这两天没有消息。”朱国栋忧心忡忡地说：“但愿张世杰只是出去送货。国梁，我们部队最近可能调防。” “这么快就调防？你到新野还不到两年。”朱国栋站起身走到地图前，“日本人不会老老实实待在武昌不动，襄阳，南阳，他们不想占吗？桐柏地区战略地位有多重要，他们不知道吗？仗，肯定得打。就是不知道小鬼子下一步是继续南下，还是往北彻底控制平汉路。不管他们采取哪种行动，我都要上前线了。国梁，家，暂时交给你了。张世杰的底细咱们还没摸清，杨开泰在太白顶又成气候了。太平镇不太平呀。在这种情况下，不能跟张世杰和杨开泰发生正面冲突。眼下没法除掉他们。” 为了防止朱家兄弟把张文太、王宝生的死跟张世杰扯上关系，赵九思让张世杰带着小分队到了游击队的驻地，准备让他们住两天再回太平镇。张世杰在山上住了一夜，赵九思就得到命令，上级要他到支队开会。赵九思实在不放心张世杰，一大早就把张世杰叫住了。 赵九思把一张地图摊在桌子上，对张世杰说：“武汉的鬼子近期向信阳一线增兵两个联队。华北的鬼子，通过黄河铁路桥，向南增兵四个大队。开封的鬼子，也有西渡黄河的准备。”张世杰用手敲敲地图：“鬼子是不是要打通郑州到信阳的平汉铁路？”赵九思道：“表面看，是这样。”张世杰担忧道：“如果鬼子真是这个目的，桐柏县城怕保不住。太平镇……”赵九思紧接道：“也保不住。泌阳，唐河和新野，也很玄。如果真要出现这种情况，整个桐柏地区，就成了敌占区。明天，我要到支队去汇报工作，你们要根据情况灵活应对。敌人很强啊——”张世杰点点头：“我知道，桐柏山这么大，鬼子真要打过来，我们会用游击战争把他们陷在山中，一点一点解决。”赵九思呲牙一笑，“看样子《论持久战》你学得不错。鬼子真要来，你要和杨开泰联起手来。土匪打金竹沟，杨开泰给我捎了信，看来，他很念旧。”张世杰道：“杨大哥我了解，在打鬼子这件事上，他的立场和我们一致。在他心里，一直惦记着紫云。老师，能不能托你捎件东西？”赵九思问：“总不会这会儿才想起交换信物吧？”张世杰拿出一个纸包，说道：“今年是我和紫云的本命年，这是我妈在金顶玉皇庙求来的红腰带，本来作为党员，不该信这个，不过……你给捎去就行了。” 赵九思接过纸包：“还是年轻好啊，我去年过本命年，连双红袜子都没人给织。”张世杰道：“等你下一次过本命年，我让淮源盛的织户给你织一大匹红绸子，全部做成内衣内裤。”赵九思把地图收起来，“得，得，我可没这个福气，红绸子留着你和杨紫云结婚时用吧，但愿你们不用等那么久。” 曹镇河敲敲门进来，说道：“二少爷，送你一件礼物。”张世杰站起身，“曹大哥，你我还客气个啥？”曹镇河一挥手，四个游击队员押着两个人进来。曹镇河说道：“二少爷，别谢我，谢谢朱国梁，这是他送给你的两个保镖。”张世杰一拍桌子，“朱国梁竟敢盯我的梢？”两个人忙跪下求饶：“张二少爷，求求你放了我们，都是朱司令吩咐的，我们不跟不行啊。你放了我们，我们保证什么都不说。”张世杰掏出枪，打开保险。赵九思按住他的手，“省两