Xu Xuzhi
Chapter 117
Chapter 117 Eight Blessings Inn
Accompanied by two guards, Feng Jiu and Qiu Sheng left the "Ba Fu Inn" and returned to their guest residence.
After a simple dinner, Fengjiu sat alone at the dining table, thinking back to Auntie's later words: She said that in fact, Christian clergy have strict rules and are not allowed to hold clear political positions.But since last year, she has relapsed——
She once avoided Zezhou not far from here when Yangcheng was bombed by the Japanese army, and turned the Wesley Zezhou Mission Station into a temporary medical station to help those injured refugees who were evacuated here from the bombed towns in the Taihang Mountains.At that time, the Central Army of General Wei Junru, the commander-in-chief of the first war zone and Shanxi-Chahar-Hebei, wanted to enter her medical station for treatment, but Ai Weide refused on the grounds that the church required strict neutrality.
Unexpectedly, the next day, a small group of Japanese soldiers who went the wrong way suddenly rushed into the mission station. They were probably alone and alone. Although they had guns, they did not kill wantonly, but they looted them as usual and drank a lot of money After drinking until he was very drunk, he beat Ai Weide, who couldn't bear it anymore and came to argue, with a gun butt, and sneaked away in the night.
The Chinese army who came after hearing the news failed to catch them, and until now she still suffers from inexplicable headaches from time to time.
Clay figurines also have an earthy nature, not to mention that this is not the first time that Ai Weide has been beaten by the Japanese: earlier, when she was riding a mule to a remote mountainous area to promote the "Tianzu Movement", she was flying over her head The pilot on the Japanese military plane swept over, and the bullets passed by. The injury was not serious, but the powerful impact still made her roll down the mountain together with the mule, and almost broke her neck.
Fortunately, the Japanese pilots just shot the Chinese people walking on the small road in the Taihang Mountains for fun this time, otherwise, Ai Weide would have lost his life.
New and old grudges are wrapped in her heart together, and her neutral position has been visibly shaken.The next day, an intelligence colonel officer under General Wei came to visit.
This 30-year-old Colonel of the Jin Army, surnamed Bao, is fluent in English and polite in conversation. Sister Ai has a good impression of him—they naturally discussed "good and evil", and Colonel Bao said unceremoniously that the Japanese army is undoubtedly evil , and the Chinese people's resistance is for the sake of goodness. I advise her not to stick to religious rules, and to respond in extraordinary times. To help the good and reject the evil is the Christian's duty.
He also gave an example of the well-known anti-Japanese hero "General Lei" - Lei Mingyuan, who was originally a Belgian Catholic clergyman with Chinese nationality, but the inhumane atrocities of the Japanese army finally made him abandon the doctrine of the mean and lead his fellow believers to shoulder the burden. After robbing, he organized a field service team and an ambulance team, and he was famous for treating wounded soldiers and refugees in the Taihang Mountains.
Ai Weide's last worry was also dispelled by the actions of General Lei, who had a similar background to her. She finally agreed to General Wei's request and opened the gate to let the Chinese army enter the mission station.
After hearing this, Feng Jiu was also very happy with Ai Weide's assessment of the situation.
At this time, when she returned to the guest room, she somehow remembered this passage again. The fresh mountain wind rushed in along the wide open window, bringing the unique mellow and warm breath of vegetation sprouting in early spring, and she couldn't help thinking wildly. Colonel Bao? 30 years old?Could it be Bao Buyi?She immediately shook her head—although the situation of the War of Resistance has become more and more tense in the past two years, and the correspondence between the husband and wife in Xiuwen and Bao Buqu has long been interrupted, she thinks that Bao Buqu should be in Guangdong, Hong Kong, or Nanyang, not in the area of Nanyang. Still in the north.
She opened the courtyard door and planned to go out for a walk. The night here is very quiet, the ancient roads still exist, and people are kind.
Before she knew it, she went to the inn again, and suddenly saw Ai Weide talking with a tall man in the uniform of the Central Army standing under the lantern at the entrance of the inn.
She stepped forward and called softly, "Mommy!"
Ai Weide leaned over to look at her, let out a happy "Hey", then raised his head to look at the man on the opposite side, and was about to introduce them, when he suddenly found that Colonel Bao in front of him turned around quickly and stared at her in disbelief. The woman opposite.
"Bong Jiu?!"
"Bao, Brother Bao?!" Feng Jiu was no less frightened than Bao Buqu.
"Why are you here?" The two said in unison, after a moment of silence, they both laughed again.
"Great rain comes after a long drought, and old acquaintances meet in a foreign land", which is indeed a great surprise in life.This was the first meeting between Bao Buqu and Feng Jiu after returning to Ning Zheng for more than two years.
Sister Ai smiled. It turned out that it was the reunion of two old friends after a long absence. She just finished talking with Bao Buqu, said goodbye to them immediately, and went into the inn with peace of mind.
Bao Buqu and Feng Jiu looked at each other with a smile, and walked out along the narrow horse path in Yangcheng in a tacit understanding.
"I'm renting the Yangduer Inn over there." Feng Jiu raised his hand and pointed.
"Where is Qiu Sheng? Why are you here alone? Ruiqing is also relieved?" As soon as the joy of reuniting after a long absence passed, Bao Buqu immediately worried about her safety and frowned beautifully.
"Qiu Sheng is sleepy, I went to bed early, and there are two guards," Feng Jiu looked back with a smile - as long as Feng Jiuyi goes out, the two young men behind him will definitely follow along not far or near. .When Bao Buqu saw these two people, his heart was only half relieved.
Feng Jiu teased him with a smile, "Hey, don't sell me out. But you, after all, are you still in the army?"
Bao Buqu stood down, wearing a blue-gray national army uniform, he looked more serious than ever, and it also set off a rare heroic stamina in him.
"Why are you still so willful?" He said bluntly.
"What? I'm self-willed? What, 'return'?!" Feng Jiu was very surprised, this was the first time she heard someone commenting on herself like this in person, especially Brother Bao who had been talking and laughing at her since she met her.
Bao Buqu felt helpless at her lack of self-knowledge, "What about you——if you are with a woman, you are the most understanding one; but if you are with a man, you will often act willfully."
I bother!Feng Jiu gave up after listening to it, and rolled up his sleeves as if, intending to have a good time with this old friend whom she thought she had already corrected, but she didn't expect that she was still a pedantic old friend, so why did she act willfully and recklessly.
In Bao Buqu's eyes, he could only see the frosty wrist under the moonlight, with a touch of gold on it, shining brightly, enchanting, it was she who had never left Xi'an before the "Double Twelve Incident" When he was in the United States, he would occasionally see her rubbing the phoenix bracelet cherished on her body, never letting its brilliance dim.
Looking back on Feng Jiulue, it seems that he didn't listen to their "two good brothers" several times, "That's because you don't know how to respect women and always want to be my master, so I ask you, why!" In fact, Ning Zheng still changed a lot, Feng Jiu expressed his satisfaction.
When Bao Buqu saw Feng Jiu's posture, his mouth puffed out and his starry eyes sparkled, he immediately gave in, and a not-so-unfamiliar emotion surged up again: It was as if he had a toothache because of his addiction to sugar when he was a child, so it took him a while. Adults are strictly forbidden to touch candies all the time, but when he tried his best to sneak out a small lump of shiny brown-red maltose, "Ah Woo" opened his mouth wide to enjoy it, but he was too eager to put the whole ball It fell to the ground, was covered with mud and sand, and seeing that it was impossible to enter, it was extremely sad in an instant.
He lowered his head, his thick black curly eyelashes fluttered in the deep eye sockets, trying to calm down the loss that could not be shaken off even after many years.
"Am I right?" It's about women's dignity, Feng Jiu defended it to the end, raised his chin and crossed his arms, questioning.
"You're right, everything is right—but why don't you go back, Ruiqing must die of anxiety?"
"He should know that I'm here now," Feng Jiu chuckled—according to the time, the second elder brother and second sister-in-law should have arrived in Guiyang earlier, and also informed Ning Zheng that she went to Yangcheng to visit Sister Ai.
She briefly explained the itinerary, "It was he who persuaded me to take advantage of the wedding to go out and do more for the country and the Anti-Japanese War. By the way, I also brought his share." Feng Jiu suddenly With a smile, his expression calmed down.
Of course Bao Buqu understood, seeing her a little sad, he quickly changed the subject, "Come on, help me see, am I no worse than Ruiqing in my uniform?"
Feng Jiu let out a "guji" laugh, and forced himself to flatter him: "Gong Jin is reincarnated, with a majestic appearance."
"Can't be so suave, right?" Bao Buqu is somewhat self-aware, among other things, Zhou Yu who was born in Lujiang should not be as black as him.
The two joked for a while, and Bao Buqu said seriously: "To be serious, after the Japanese withdrew to Taiyuan last year because of the winter, recently there was information that they might come back again. You should withdraw as soon as possible."
"Well, I won't hold back." When it comes to important matters, Feng Jiu can certainly handle them clearly.
Feng Jiu wondered why he joined the army again, and Bao Buqu embarrassedly said that everyone was doing things for saving the country, how could he lag behind?Donate property and then donate to others.Feng Jiu patted him on the shoulder appreciatively, and said jokingly, "Okay, we used to be rich and invincible, but now we are doing better, one by one is poorer than the other, right?"
Bao Buqu laughed loudly, "If you want a good meal, I can still afford it."
Just staring at her face patronizingly, now that the conversation has come to an end, Bao Buqu has the time to look Feng Jiu up and down, and soon finds that Feng Jiu is dressed like a local woman—a maroon velveteen blouse with small white flowers, fat and fat He was wearing big black leggings, and he was holding a blue floral headscarf in his hand, which was extremely rustic.
Bao Buqu smiled, "You really do as the Romans do."
"That's right. I like Shanxi very much, and I like the Taihang Mountain area - the folk customs are simple and happy, but my favorite is Ai Mama, she is really an amazing woman."
"Are you on good terms?" Bao Buqu stopped and looked at Feng Jiu.
Feng Jiu nodded, "We hit it off right away, we hit it off very well."
Bao Buqu said: "Ms. Ai is the kind of person you are happy to make friends with. She is very sensible. Since last year, not only has our army been sent to the medical station, but she has also often sent us information. How much has she changed. "
Feng Jiu thought that just now in the guest house, he guessed that "Colonel Bao" could be Bao Buyi, but he didn't expect it to be true. This kind of unexpected joy makes people appreciate the loveliness of travel.
"Feng Jiu, although my nose is a bit high, I am first and foremost a Chinese." Feng Jiu thought of Ai Weide's words. Even some native Chinese may not have this kind of awareness. Feng Jiu felt infinitely emotional .
Bao Buqu came here specially to express his thanks to Mammy, and brought her a certificate of commendation from the commander of the guard, and he had to leave immediately. He sent Feng Jiu back to the door of the guest house, and put Feng Jiu into his arms abruptly, closing his eyes. He closed his eyes and took a breath of the magnolia-like fresh breath on the soft body in his arms, and said warmly: "I'm leaving tomorrow. Be careful all the way."
"Okay, don't worry. Please take care of it too." Fengjiu felt the warmth of his old friend's love.
Bao Buqu let go of Feng Jiu, took two steps back, slowly raised his hand, and gave Feng Jiu a standard military salute. This was the first time Feng Jiu had seen Bao Buqu so rigidly, unlike the free and easy way he had left her for many years. The unruly appearance contrasted too much, which made Feng Jiu laugh again, and they waved goodbye.
Unexpectedly, something happened in the middle of the night——Hong Changli suddenly fell ill, and the pain was unbearable. He was clutching his lower right abdomen tightly, his forehead was covered with sweat, and Ju Desheng was standing beside him with his hands tied.
Feng Jiu, who was woken up early, rushed over to check his symptoms, and initially judged it to be acute appendicitis.She discussed with Qiu Sheng and unanimously decided that Ju Desheng would take Hong Changli to Zezhou for treatment immediately.A few of them even counted Ai Weide, only some small means such as bandaging and changing dressings, how could they deal with such a critical situation that required immediate surgery?
Ju Desheng didn’t want to leave yet—he was heavily entrusted by the commander to protect his wife; but if his companion didn’t rush to treat him, he might suffer from intestinal perforation, peritonitis, sepsis...all of them could kill him, he gritted his teeth, and fell into a dilemma .
Feng Jiu didn't give him any more time to struggle, wishing he could kick him out the door.She told him clearly that the two of them would go to the county magistrate to identify themselves early tomorrow morning, and someone would naturally take care of them.
While talking, Qiu Shengzao neatly packed a package for them, and brought out two well-fed, well-fed, fat and strong mules and mules that were already in the stable.Feng Jiu watched Ju Desheng help Hong Changli onto the mule, raised his hand and patted a mule's butt, and shouted softly: "Don't talk nonsense, let's go!"
Hong Changli leaned on the mule's back, with tears in his eyes, he made a bow to his wife from afar.
Feng Jiu and Qiu Sheng breathed a sigh of relief, looked at each other, and secretly prayed that they could reach Zezhou smoothly and turn the crisis into safety.
Early the next morning, Feng Jiu and Qiu Sheng checked out of the room and went straight to the county government. When they passed by the inn, they went in and took a look. Unexpectedly, what she saw surprised her: even Ai Weide and the children were packing up, and the children Under the demonstration of the older children, he packed his own bedding into a luggage roll that could be carried on his back, while Lao Yang was busy putting grain, steamed buns, pickles and a stack of rough ceramic bowls into the camel basket.
"Mommy, what's the matter?" Feng Jiu was stunned.
Sister Ai looked up and saw Feng Jiu, she was also surprised, "Hey, I just got the letter, I was so busy that I didn't take care of you... No, why haven't you left yet?"
"A guard suddenly fell ill and was in a critical condition. I asked another guard to send him to a hospital in Zezhou for treatment."
"Zezhou... is not safe anymore. Fengjiu, you have to leave here quickly, and so do I. One hundred of my children have to be taken away immediately—the Japanese are likely to sweep them away immediately, and the children have to go to Xi'an. Row."
Fengjiu's heart sank, and only then did he realize that early this morning, there was a letter from the mountain people on Taihang Mountain who had been friends with Sister Ai, saying that they had observed the Japanese army's changes, and depending on the situation, they would soon dispatch ground troops to sweep Zezhou , the next stop must be Yangcheng, and told her to leave immediately.
Ai Weide packed up her things in a hurry, and said that her only comfort now: when she was in Zezhou a while ago, for safety reasons, she had sent the assistant assigned to her by the church, Jin Benguang, to lead more than a hundred The orphans were transferred to Wesley's Xi'an Relief Station, and more than 1000 refugees were sent away, but the children who stayed in Yangcheng could not be taken away, only half of the original number.
Feng Jiu didn't talk nonsense, "Mother, are you and Lao Yang leading so many children?" From Yangcheng to Xi'an, it takes about [-] kilometers of mountain roads.Most of the children are under the age of ten.
Sister Ai nodded and said, "Just now I went to see Magistrate He to say goodbye in advance, he is really a good man, he was very concerned about our itinerary, and said that we had to bring enough rations on the road, so he sent a few people to carry the work beside the county government all the year round. People, bring a mule, carrying millet—Lao Yang put the pot on his back, so he can cook porridge on the way—said he could send us to the bank of the Yellow River.”
These more than 100 old, weak, sick and disabled, with such a small number of people, can imagine the twists and turns along the way, and an impulse since I met the nun finally overcame my head: "Nurse, Qiu Sheng and I will escort the children to Xi'an with you! "
She didn't even have to look up at Qiu Sheng to ask for her opinion, she knew that she, who was like a sister to her, must have the same idea.
The nanny was stunned, and then gave a gentle smile: "Bong Jiu, thank you for your kindness. Although I don't fully understand your origin, I know that you are a very prestigious lady in China. We have to cross the Zhongtiao Mountain, so I have to cross the Japanese occupied area. The mountain road is difficult to walk, food shortage, not to mention the possibility of being discovered by the Japanese - this brutal army, they never need a reason to kill - you really don't have to Get dragged down by me and the kids."
Hearing this, Fengjiu raised her head and looked at the group of children in front of her who were helping to do some work within her capacity in the yard. Although they were young, almost all of them were so sensible that it made people feel distressed—the oldest, Su Lan, was 12 years old. The age of her eldest daughter, Yaya; the seven-year-old boy with a "horse tie" in his ear is called 58. According to Shanxi tradition, his father should have gotten him at the age of 58. He is the same age as Tanbuer. There is also a four-year-old boy who was disfigured by the stones thrown up by the Japanese bombs, who is the same age as their third child, An An.
She is the mother of three children. Although the children are forced to be separated from their parents, they will not lack clothes or clothes, and they will not know whether they will be alive in the next second.
And these children in front of them once had mothers, and they are the treasures of mothers who have unfortunately passed away.Abandoning such a group of young children, revealing her identity, and letting the county government send escorts to evacuate safely... She really couldn't do it.
Fengjiu grabbed Sister Ai's hand: "Grandma, I'm Chinese, and it's my duty to help my compatriots. Why do I become so divided? You are also my compatriots. When the country is in crisis, let us Do your best!"
Sister Ai looked at Fengjiu's earnest eyes, and moved to Qiusheng's face behind her. Qiusheng's face turned red with excitement, and she nodded vigorously.Sister Ai's blue eyes were full of emotion, and she slowly took Feng Jiu's hand.
In order to get out of danger as soon as possible, they need to start immediately.
They counted the number of people again, and according to the pre-arranged rules, one and a half older children will lead seven to eight children, and the adults will lead the line. As for the youngest four or five, they can only be carried by a few adults in baskets. , and then carry it on the back.
Ai Weide is in charge of the inspection of the whole team, Feng Jiu and Qiu Sheng are in charge of maneuvering, if there is any emergency, they must arrive at the scene immediately and assist the mother to deal with it.
As soon as he went out, he found that the county magistrate He was in his 40s, with a medium build, dark black and thin, and several mule drivers were waiting here. The team formed with the children clasped their fists together: "Mommy, from now on, I will pray for you every day."
His gaze passed Feng Jiu, and he was taken aback. Feng Jiu smiled and nodded in greeting.
Although it was the first time for County Magistrate He to see Feng Jiu, he still couldn't help being surprised that such a poor and remote village could have such a plainly dressed lady who couldn't hide her extraordinary elegance.After all, Ai Weide has been doing charity here for many years. Except for Christian clergy, some curious Chinese and Western newspaper reporters, county government staff and soldiers, there have never been dignitaries who have come to visit.
Ai Weide responded solemnly, "Brother He, I also bless you."
All the staff bowed to the county magistrate, and the county magistrate took off his hat and bowed in return.Soon, this special team marched in Zhongtiao Mountain.
They have to cross Zhongtiao Mountain, reach Yuanqu, cross the Yellow River, and then take the train to Xi'an. In theory, the straight-line distance is only 180 kilometers, but this is only in theory.
The military strategic position of Zhongtiao Mountain is extremely important. It is the last barrier to protect the land of the Central Plains. It is called "Oriental Madinat".
In order to avoid the Japanese army, the main road is naturally not allowed. Under the leadership of Wang Xiaoshan, an enthusiastic mountain man who is familiar with the terrain, the group can only walk among the high mountains.
When we were tired from walking, we rested collectively. When it was time to eat, we took some millet from the mules accompanying the team, cooked porridge with mountain spring water and a large pot, and ate rice with pickled vegetables. The thick bowls were passed around; occasionally when I met mule drivers picking up goods and mountain people hunting in the mountains, I would see how pitiful they were and give them some food.
At night, we had to camp on the spot. Fortunately, it was mid-spring, and the weather was neither too hot nor too cold, and the temperature in the mountains was not low at night. But in order to prevent the children from catching cold, at night, the children spread out their small luggage. The youngest child was wrapped in rags and old blankets, and everyone slept close together; in order to prevent the invasion of wild animals, a bonfire was built, and the light of the fire made everyone feel more at ease.
Qiusheng and Fengjiu lay back to back on a piece of wool felt. Before leaving, Qiusheng ignored Fengjiu and insisted on taking it with him. According to Qiusheng's intention, he also had to wear a sun hat. Fengjiu had no choice but to put it on at any time. The young lady's score, that would make the children laugh to death, she threw the sun hat in the guest house, and put on a straw hat with a pointed peak worn by the locals.The fatigue of the day came, and the sore waist and weak arms reminded them again, what a tedious, tiring and great job Sister Ai usually does.
After walking like this for two or three days, the children were all orphans. They knew that without the protection of Mammy Ai, Aunt Ning, and Aunt Qiu, they would have become ghosts, so they behaved unusually sensible, but occasionally There are three or four-year-old children crying to defecate. At this time, the team must stop and wait, or if they fall behind, they will not be able to keep up, and the journey will become intermittent.
Slowly, some children's shoes were worn out, and their feet were swollen. Walking was difficult, and it was unbearable. They inevitably cried while walking, and Fengjiu and Qiusheng couldn't help crying when they saw the bloody little feet. Fengjiu tore a ball of clean cotton from the bag he was carrying, and then tore a piece of cloth as a pad, and tied it to the child's feet, just to make do with it; He took out the pine nut candy that had been prepared and teased them, saying that they could take a rest when they walked to the Chinese pine tree and that mountain peak.For the sake of candy, the children were able to persevere. After walking for a while, Auntie was too tired to say thank you. She could only express her thanks with her gentle blue eyes.
Rao is so, the road is getting slower and slower.
It was noon that day, and the whole team was walking forward listlessly, when they suddenly saw an army approaching them. Qiu Sheng, who was leading the team, couldn't help being startled, and broke out in cold sweat.Wang Xiaoshan, who was walking beside Qiusheng, was just like other people who grew up in the mountains. His eyes were as sharp as a falcon. When he saw it from a distance, he said happily, "Don't be afraid, everyone, you are our own!"
Soon, this guerrilla team of dozens of people came to the front—they were wearing blue Soviet Russian "French" military uniforms, and their expressions were exhausted. The leading young officer carried two bars and a star on his shoulders. It was a major, he came over to salute Feng Jiu, and then looked at this strangely shaped team in surprise.
Feng Jiu hurriedly told him about their current situation, and the "Major" expressed deep sympathy and admiration. At this time, the nun also rushed over from the back of the team, looking at the famous Sister Ai Weide in Shanxi, Shaanxi and Hebei, "Major "The original wariness disappeared, and he solemnly saluted the nuns and introduced himself. He belongs to the No.18 Army led by Liu Bojian and Deng Xixian, which is the [-]th Division of the Eighth Route Army. Fengjiu was a little puzzled. No, alertness flashed in his eyes immediately.
The "major" noticed it, and quickly explained that the military uniform was allocated by General Wei Junru, and their military expenses were too tight.
Because time was short, he could not refuse to leave some food and left with the team.
The nun and Feng Jiu checked together, and there were forty or fifty canned beef and dozens of bags of compressed biscuits. This unexpected joy made the children cheer.
The only luck is that they have not encountered Japanese invaders so far, but they have a terrible premonition, so they dare not slack off.Driven by this strong sense of crisis, they often forget about being tired, sleep less than four hours a day, and hurry on their way when it is light.
Qiu Sheng said softly as he walked: "Girl, tell me, after so many days, if my uncle finds out that you haven't returned to Xi'an, will he go crazy?"
"I can't." Feng Jiu felt a pain in his heart, and said categorically, refusing to think about anything related to Ning Zheng, Qiu Sheng looked at the girl who was obviously emboldening himself, and sighed secretly.
At this moment, Xiuwen Longgang Academy in Guizhou has already turned against Yingtian.Others don't know yet, but Liu Bing'an is going crazy anyway.
Fortunately, such a difficult itinerary is not without its advantages: Zhongtiao Mountain has a beautiful mountain scenery, there are Feiliu waterfalls, there are strange stalactites in various shapes in the cave, there are running green sheep and forest musk deer, and there are stalactites swinging on the trees. There are swings, mischievous macaques screaming at the children, giant salamanders with big eyes and crying babies in the spring, white storks and black storks flying south with their families, and so on. There are golden carvings on jade belts that move freely across the sky.
From time to time, these mountain elves caused the children to cheer softly, which distracted their attention and made them temporarily forget the hardships that they could not bear at this age.
After walking for twelve days and climbing a high mountain again with difficulty, the children in front suddenly stopped and stared blankly down the mountain.
Fengjiu found that the situation was wrong, and his heart sank. He thought he had encountered the Japanese invaders after using it, and hurried to catch up from the end of the line. Suddenly, the children burst into cheers in unison. Although the voice was hoarse, it was very clear: "Yellow River! Mother! Mom! Auntie! Yellow River!"
Ai Weide immediately stepped forward and stood side by side with Feng Jiu. The magnificent river below the mountain with turbulent waves is the Yellow River, isn't it?
These orphans have never seen the world outside the mountains, and they don't have the physical strength to go far.The mountain people sent by County Magistrate He were also very happy, feeling that victory was in sight.
The children sat on the top of the mountain obediently. The mountain people opened all the remaining cans of munitions and more than a dozen bags of compressed biscuits. After drinking some mountain spring water and taking a good rest, they walked down the mountain excitedly.
The mountain road looks close, but it is far away.It took another half a day before they arrived at the Yellow River.
From Yangcheng to the bank of the Yellow River, it takes mules five days to walk, but this team of one hundred children walked for twelve days, but they didn't encounter Japanese invaders, and none of their children got sick. When she got down, how could Auntie not cross herself and thank the Lord for her protection in a low voice.
At this moment, Wang Xiaoshan took the other mountain people to say goodbye to them, cupped his hands and said: "Nurse, Mrs. Ning, you have reached the edge of the Yellow River, and we have also fulfilled the entrustment of the county magistrate, now we have to go back and transfer us." My family members are gone, the mountains are high and the waters are long, there will be a period later, so I will leave."
It can be seen that they care about their family, how dare Ai Weide delay.
Feng Jiu and Qiu Sheng thanked them repeatedly in unison, and solemnly clasped their fists in salute. The mountain villagers left a mule carrying grain and returned along the original road.
Seeing the Yellow River, there will be a train ride again immediately. The children are encouraged by the novel journey, and they have long forgotten the hard work of these days.
Unexpectedly, when we arrived at the Yellow River, it was a dead end—how could we cross the river without a boat?In the past, the boatmen who were ferrying back and forth to beg for life had been in hiding for a long time because they were afraid of the Japanese army because of the tension of the war.
Although Feng Jiu and Ai Weide often get together to discuss the way out, it is obvious that there is nothing to develop in this kind of place.
Slowly, two days passed, and the children became more and more anxious. Fengjiu and the others sang songs, told them stories, and played games with them, but it didn't work anymore.
They really want to cross the Yellow River and get on the train, but now, they are all trapped in this place where they cannot move forward and cannot retreat. The wide bank of the Yellow River has become a cage for one hundred and four people.This place is deserted, only some pickles and millet are left, and even the edible wild vegetables and fruits have been picked.
Is there only prayer left?
Qiu Sheng looked listlessly at the other side of the river. Although it was too far away to see clearly, she still hoped that a miracle would happen and a boat would take them there.
Suddenly, Qiu Sheng noticed a small black spot appeared in her field of vision. Her heart moved, she quickly stood up and rubbed her eyes vigorously. Slowly, the small black spot became bigger and bigger, and she could already see that it was a wooden boat. Qiu Sheng was pleasantly surprised I was speechless, and after a while, I yelled: "Girl! Mother! There's a boat! There's a boat!"
Feng Jiu, who was making the children happy, swept away the anxiety of the past few days, and rushed to the river with Ai Weide, who was also extremely surprised. The children were also cheering, waving their hands and shouting.
Soon, the boat arrived at the shore, and the first person to get off was a heroic officer. Feng Jiu looked familiar, but it was again, Bao Buqu? !
Bao Buqu still looked majestic, but there was an angry and eager light in his eyes, "Bong Jiu!" He ran over impatiently, grabbed her thin shoulders: "You little girl lied to me again! Didn't you Walk!"
Feng Jiu's original surprise was immediately replaced by guilty conscience, he raised his head and smiled at him embarrassingly, then lowered his head immediately knowing that he was guilty, looking like a coward who was caught for doing something wrong.Bao Buqu crossed his hips, sulking at her who had become dark and thin after only half a month of seeing her: "It's against you, if Ruiqing knows, she won't die of anger!"
"How did you know we were going to cross the river?" She tried to change the subject.
Bao Buqu said unhappily: "I just came to inspect the work of this generation of chief today. The soldiers told me that there are a group of small refugees on the other side. It has been several days. But now is an extraordinary period, and they dare not come here rashly. It’s a trick of the Japanese invaders. I just took a look through the binoculars and saw the sound of Qiu.” Speaking of this, he gave Feng Jiu a hard look, and Feng Jiu immediately lowered his raised head.
"So I'll come over quickly to see what's going on. Just wait, a big ship will come to pick you up soon." Bao Buyi took out a large mirror from the military bag on his shoulders, and flashed it to the opposite bank a few times under the sunlight; Respond in the same way.
Soon, a large wooden hull ferry came.The children happily boarded the ship in an orderly manner under the command and assistance of the soldiers, while Ai Weide just sat on the ground blankly, and he didn't even have the energy to cheer.Feng Jiu hurried over to help her up.
With the help of this large wooden hull boat, the hundred and ten people crossed the Yellow River hundreds of meters wide in three times. They were relieved when Ai Weide and Feng Jiu were the last to land: they have now entered the defense zone of the first theater of the national army. They were finally temporarily out of danger.
Bao Buqu was very anxious: he wanted Feng Jiu to stay and find someone to send her to Xi’an, but Feng Jiu firmly disagreed—it must be done from the beginning to the end, and she wanted to help Ai Weide send the children to a place where they could settle down completely. The place.
Bao Buqu sighed, he knew Fengjiu's stubborn nature too well, and he himself is also a military order that cannot be violated, after all, military orders are like mountains.
So he could only leave two clever soldiers behind and let them assist these women and children on their next journey.
The two old friends had only been together for a few hours and were about to part again.Bao Buqu stared at her deeply, even though she hadn't showered for more than ten days, her hair was frizzy, her face was sunburned by the strong sun, her lips were cracked, and she was wearing a rustic mountain peasant woman's clothes, she was still so beautiful .
Under Bao Buyi's arrangement, Ai Weide and Feng Jiu took the children on a freight train in western Henan, and they could go directly to Xi'an in the rear by the Longhai Line.Because it was the first time to take the train, the children were very excited, and they forgot their fatigue and fear. In addition, they ate the first decent meal in half a month. The tortured children were very energetic. Chatting and chirping, pointing at the scenery outside the window, and then let out an exclamation.
The train stops and starts, and the speed is very slow. They will also go to the corresponding refugee relief station to eat according to the instructions of the accompanying soldiers.Unexpectedly, outside a small village close to the Zhongtiao Mountains, they encountered big trouble again—because the bridge was blown up, the train could no longer move forward, and the only way to go west to Xi'an was to continue on foot.
And on this only passage, there is another big trouble-Tongguan.
They have to cross the legendary mountain road, Tongguan Trail, like ancient soldiers, to reach Xi'an, but this secret path has not been traversed by even the local mountain people.
This Xiaoshan Mountain and Hangu Pass are both called the fortress of "Xiaohan". It has been a battleground for military strategists since ancient times. The mountains are steep and steep, the valleys are as deep as a letter, and the mountain is huge. How can we find this secret path? ?
Looking at the endless mountains, the children lost confidence when they heard that they were going to climb again, but they didn't say anything out of it, they just communicated with each other with their eyes.Ai Weide didn't expect that there would be another problem. Even such a determined woman was shaken.
The two soldiers were at a loss.
Looking at the limp children, Feng Jiu felt a burst of despair.
But soon, she stood up: "Nurse, children, we have been walking for half a month, and now there is only one last leg left. We must start immediately, otherwise all previous efforts will be in vain!"
Ai Weide was exhausted, "I just heard from the mountain people that none of them have crossed Xiaoshan to reach Tongguan. How can we cross it with our children?"
Feng Jiu showed a smile: "I just studied the map carefully, and I will lead the way. I am the best in geography at school. Listen to me, and no one will be left behind!"
Ai Weide regained her spirits. From Fengjiu's eyes that had grown bigger due to her weight loss, and her straightened spine, she saw a tenacity that was not inferior to her own.
"Children, what else does Aunt Ning have here?"
She took out a large handful of light red and light yellow candies, the size of a chess piece. This was the Maldon candy that Bao Buqu hastily stuffed for her before parting with her. It was actually chestnuts soaked in rum vanilla syrup, with a mellow and rich taste. It is also extremely full. It is the ultimate candy that Su Manshu, a talented man nicknamed "Sugar Monk", would rather knock out his gold teeth to exchange for. It is also a snack that Margaret in "La Traviata" always prepares.
"It's called 'Maldon'. It tastes so good. It comes from France. It's the old custom for a while. Whoever listens to my aunt will have a candy to eat. Look, my aunt has a big bag here."
It was the first time for the children to see such a modern imported product, and the appearance was so attractive, their desperate and gloomy little faces lit up, and their spirits were lifted.Feng Jiu and Ai Weide looked at each other, comforted in their hearts, and lamented how easy children are to be satisfied.
Feng Jiu pondered for a while, and looked at the Xiaoshan Mountain in front of him. It seemed to be endless, but Tongguan must be in the west.Xiaoshan is divided into three mountains: Panwei, Shiwei and Qianwei. The three peaks form an almost isosceles triangle. The main peak is Qinggang Peak, which is about 2000 meters high. Therefore, just look at the main peak and walk as straight as possible. It can't be wrong.
The whole team cheered up and started on the road again. Compared with Zhongtiao Mountain, Xiaoshan’s mountain road was steep and collapsed in many places. Loose rocks and steep hillsides, as soon as they arrive at such a place, they will patiently and carefully help the children walk over one by one, and sometimes they have to help three women. ——A double-eared cauldron, it’s amazing if it doesn’t fall.
After two days of marching like this, the mountain in front of them gradually became brighter, and they went down the mountain with difficulty. Finally, they found a large area of densely packed houses and buildings in front of them. One of the soldiers exclaimed: Tongguan!Feng Jiu looked at the map, raised his arms and called out: "Children, mother! We have reached Tongguan!"
The two soldiers saluted them like the people from Zhongtiao Mountain who helped them back then, and then left to report to Colonel Bao.
Fengjiu looked at their exhausted and persevering backs, and the boiling emotions accumulated in his heart these days reached the peak. This feeling cannot be expressed in words: what is China, China is these unknown but dedicated compatriots.As long as they are there, China will be there.
Tongguan is just at the bend of the Yellow River, more than 100 kilometers away from Xi'an.
There is a row of bungalows by the river, in which there are garrisons and railway staff.They talked and talked, and they were allowed to board the coal train again. More than 100 people crowded tightly in a small freight car, all silent, and the children no longer had the excitement of taking the train for the first time. Jiner, after several short-distance bus transfers, it took five or six days before finally arriving at the foot of the city wall of Xi'an.
When they found out that they couldn't open the city of Xi'an, where the gates were closed everywhere, everyone was expressionless—there were too many troubles along the way, coupled with increasingly serious malnutrition and severe overdraft of physical strength, this business has become a reality. People are so numb that they don't know what despair is.
Fengjiu asked the children to stay at the gate of the city with Nanny and Lao Yang, while he and Qiu Sheng walked around the city wall until they finally met the patrolling soldiers and told them that in order to guard against spies, it was impossible for the defenders to give them Now that the gate of the city has been opened, it is better to go to Fufeng, more than 100 kilometers away, there is an orphanage founded by Mrs. Jiang, which can definitely receive so many children.
... There are still more than 100 kilometers.Without hesitation, they took their children on the road again.
They checked the street signs along the way, took care of the children's food, begged for food along the way, trimmed and trimmed the children's tattered trouser legs, and took a military vehicle if they could. One day, they were walking slowly, when Feng Jiu raised her head suddenly, she saw a pagoda tens of meters high not far away, she quickly counted it, thirteen floors, eight edges, this is the famous pagoda in Fufeng The Millennium Pagoda—Is it said that there is the Famen Temple Pagoda with Buddha's real body relic?In other words, they reached Fufeng?
She immediately told Mammy, and then turned her head to look at Qiu Sheng who was carrying two dolls on her body - Qiu Sheng was really reluctant to part with Feng Jiu, so she began to carry the little doll on her body from the day before yesterday, Feng Jiu did not refuse, she She had a premonition that she was going to die soon—how could a foreigner understand this, she immediately shouted happily, "Children, hurry up, we are here!"
When they finally arrived at a row of one-story buildings with a plaque hanging on the outside, which read "Fufeng Affected Children's Correctional Institute" in black and white, suddenly a large group of people ran out from inside, including men, women and Chinese. There were foreigners, and some held up their cameras, all staring dumbfounded at the exhausted and strangely shaped team in front of them.
Feng Jiu knew that they arrived safely.She turned her head in a daze, and asked in a murmur, "Nurse, children, one hundred, are they all there?"
Ai Weide's originally weak voice suddenly became a little shrill and excited, "Let me count, don't worry. One, two, three... one hundred. Ha, not one less, Bong Jiu! A hundred children, not a single one few!"
After a total of more than 1000 kilometers and over the two mountains of Zhongtiao Mountain and Xiaoshan Mountain, after a month-long journey, the hundred orphans were safely taken out of the Japanese-occupied area by them. , and no less.
Feng Jiu grinned at Ai Weide weakly with her chapped mouth. At this time, there seemed to be a flash of white light, as if someone was taking pictures, but she couldn't care less, and only heard Mammy Ai shouting : "Bong Jiu! Oh no Feng Jiu—" It seemed that Qiu's voice was shouting "Girl!", and then amidst a lot of exclamation, after fainting in the United States three years ago, Feng Jiu stood upright again fall down.
The world became quiet and chaotic, as if the majesty had begun to split. At the beginning of the world, she seemed to be finally able to break free from the shackles of this extremely tired physical body, leaving only the soul, which was exceptionally light, floating in the air, no matter what , just want to sleep.
The time that followed was meaningless, everything was muddled, she was asleep most of the time, and there were occasional moments of clarity, but they were also fleeting.
Occasionally, there seemed to be whispers about something "critically ill" or something like "pneumonia, typhoid, heart failure, malnutrition...it's so tricky."
At some point, she began to hear someone calling "Senior seat", someone calling "General Ning", someone begging "Third Young Master", and some people gnashing their teeth and shouting "Ruiqing, don't do this!", she discerned Many voices came out: Mrs. Jiang, Mr. Duan Na, a special military adviser to the Jiang Committee, Liu Bing'an, Zhi Changsheng, Bao Buyi, Weiwei, and even more, big sister? !
Of course, there is another kind of voice, which is kind and sad, which she wants to hear the most - the one that makes me want to laugh and cry when I hear it, who is that?She struggled a bit, but forget it, don't care, don't care.She just wanted to sleep, and kept on sleeping. Along the way, she was actually scared to death, anxious to the point of going crazy, and her mind was no longer clear.
Someone hugs her, sometimes softly, sometimes wildly, there is always moist breath in the ear, there is a painful and lingering voice, and there seems to be only one sentence in what she confides over and over again: "Jiu'er...don't leave me..."
(End of this chapter)
Accompanied by two guards, Feng Jiu and Qiu Sheng left the "Ba Fu Inn" and returned to their guest residence.
After a simple dinner, Fengjiu sat alone at the dining table, thinking back to Auntie's later words: She said that in fact, Christian clergy have strict rules and are not allowed to hold clear political positions.But since last year, she has relapsed——
She once avoided Zezhou not far from here when Yangcheng was bombed by the Japanese army, and turned the Wesley Zezhou Mission Station into a temporary medical station to help those injured refugees who were evacuated here from the bombed towns in the Taihang Mountains.At that time, the Central Army of General Wei Junru, the commander-in-chief of the first war zone and Shanxi-Chahar-Hebei, wanted to enter her medical station for treatment, but Ai Weide refused on the grounds that the church required strict neutrality.
Unexpectedly, the next day, a small group of Japanese soldiers who went the wrong way suddenly rushed into the mission station. They were probably alone and alone. Although they had guns, they did not kill wantonly, but they looted them as usual and drank a lot of money After drinking until he was very drunk, he beat Ai Weide, who couldn't bear it anymore and came to argue, with a gun butt, and sneaked away in the night.
The Chinese army who came after hearing the news failed to catch them, and until now she still suffers from inexplicable headaches from time to time.
Clay figurines also have an earthy nature, not to mention that this is not the first time that Ai Weide has been beaten by the Japanese: earlier, when she was riding a mule to a remote mountainous area to promote the "Tianzu Movement", she was flying over her head The pilot on the Japanese military plane swept over, and the bullets passed by. The injury was not serious, but the powerful impact still made her roll down the mountain together with the mule, and almost broke her neck.
Fortunately, the Japanese pilots just shot the Chinese people walking on the small road in the Taihang Mountains for fun this time, otherwise, Ai Weide would have lost his life.
New and old grudges are wrapped in her heart together, and her neutral position has been visibly shaken.The next day, an intelligence colonel officer under General Wei came to visit.
This 30-year-old Colonel of the Jin Army, surnamed Bao, is fluent in English and polite in conversation. Sister Ai has a good impression of him—they naturally discussed "good and evil", and Colonel Bao said unceremoniously that the Japanese army is undoubtedly evil , and the Chinese people's resistance is for the sake of goodness. I advise her not to stick to religious rules, and to respond in extraordinary times. To help the good and reject the evil is the Christian's duty.
He also gave an example of the well-known anti-Japanese hero "General Lei" - Lei Mingyuan, who was originally a Belgian Catholic clergyman with Chinese nationality, but the inhumane atrocities of the Japanese army finally made him abandon the doctrine of the mean and lead his fellow believers to shoulder the burden. After robbing, he organized a field service team and an ambulance team, and he was famous for treating wounded soldiers and refugees in the Taihang Mountains.
Ai Weide's last worry was also dispelled by the actions of General Lei, who had a similar background to her. She finally agreed to General Wei's request and opened the gate to let the Chinese army enter the mission station.
After hearing this, Feng Jiu was also very happy with Ai Weide's assessment of the situation.
At this time, when she returned to the guest room, she somehow remembered this passage again. The fresh mountain wind rushed in along the wide open window, bringing the unique mellow and warm breath of vegetation sprouting in early spring, and she couldn't help thinking wildly. Colonel Bao? 30 years old?Could it be Bao Buyi?She immediately shook her head—although the situation of the War of Resistance has become more and more tense in the past two years, and the correspondence between the husband and wife in Xiuwen and Bao Buqu has long been interrupted, she thinks that Bao Buqu should be in Guangdong, Hong Kong, or Nanyang, not in the area of Nanyang. Still in the north.
She opened the courtyard door and planned to go out for a walk. The night here is very quiet, the ancient roads still exist, and people are kind.
Before she knew it, she went to the inn again, and suddenly saw Ai Weide talking with a tall man in the uniform of the Central Army standing under the lantern at the entrance of the inn.
She stepped forward and called softly, "Mommy!"
Ai Weide leaned over to look at her, let out a happy "Hey", then raised his head to look at the man on the opposite side, and was about to introduce them, when he suddenly found that Colonel Bao in front of him turned around quickly and stared at her in disbelief. The woman opposite.
"Bong Jiu?!"
"Bao, Brother Bao?!" Feng Jiu was no less frightened than Bao Buqu.
"Why are you here?" The two said in unison, after a moment of silence, they both laughed again.
"Great rain comes after a long drought, and old acquaintances meet in a foreign land", which is indeed a great surprise in life.This was the first meeting between Bao Buqu and Feng Jiu after returning to Ning Zheng for more than two years.
Sister Ai smiled. It turned out that it was the reunion of two old friends after a long absence. She just finished talking with Bao Buqu, said goodbye to them immediately, and went into the inn with peace of mind.
Bao Buqu and Feng Jiu looked at each other with a smile, and walked out along the narrow horse path in Yangcheng in a tacit understanding.
"I'm renting the Yangduer Inn over there." Feng Jiu raised his hand and pointed.
"Where is Qiu Sheng? Why are you here alone? Ruiqing is also relieved?" As soon as the joy of reuniting after a long absence passed, Bao Buqu immediately worried about her safety and frowned beautifully.
"Qiu Sheng is sleepy, I went to bed early, and there are two guards," Feng Jiu looked back with a smile - as long as Feng Jiuyi goes out, the two young men behind him will definitely follow along not far or near. .When Bao Buqu saw these two people, his heart was only half relieved.
Feng Jiu teased him with a smile, "Hey, don't sell me out. But you, after all, are you still in the army?"
Bao Buqu stood down, wearing a blue-gray national army uniform, he looked more serious than ever, and it also set off a rare heroic stamina in him.
"Why are you still so willful?" He said bluntly.
"What? I'm self-willed? What, 'return'?!" Feng Jiu was very surprised, this was the first time she heard someone commenting on herself like this in person, especially Brother Bao who had been talking and laughing at her since she met her.
Bao Buqu felt helpless at her lack of self-knowledge, "What about you——if you are with a woman, you are the most understanding one; but if you are with a man, you will often act willfully."
I bother!Feng Jiu gave up after listening to it, and rolled up his sleeves as if, intending to have a good time with this old friend whom she thought she had already corrected, but she didn't expect that she was still a pedantic old friend, so why did she act willfully and recklessly.
In Bao Buqu's eyes, he could only see the frosty wrist under the moonlight, with a touch of gold on it, shining brightly, enchanting, it was she who had never left Xi'an before the "Double Twelve Incident" When he was in the United States, he would occasionally see her rubbing the phoenix bracelet cherished on her body, never letting its brilliance dim.
Looking back on Feng Jiulue, it seems that he didn't listen to their "two good brothers" several times, "That's because you don't know how to respect women and always want to be my master, so I ask you, why!" In fact, Ning Zheng still changed a lot, Feng Jiu expressed his satisfaction.
When Bao Buqu saw Feng Jiu's posture, his mouth puffed out and his starry eyes sparkled, he immediately gave in, and a not-so-unfamiliar emotion surged up again: It was as if he had a toothache because of his addiction to sugar when he was a child, so it took him a while. Adults are strictly forbidden to touch candies all the time, but when he tried his best to sneak out a small lump of shiny brown-red maltose, "Ah Woo" opened his mouth wide to enjoy it, but he was too eager to put the whole ball It fell to the ground, was covered with mud and sand, and seeing that it was impossible to enter, it was extremely sad in an instant.
He lowered his head, his thick black curly eyelashes fluttered in the deep eye sockets, trying to calm down the loss that could not be shaken off even after many years.
"Am I right?" It's about women's dignity, Feng Jiu defended it to the end, raised his chin and crossed his arms, questioning.
"You're right, everything is right—but why don't you go back, Ruiqing must die of anxiety?"
"He should know that I'm here now," Feng Jiu chuckled—according to the time, the second elder brother and second sister-in-law should have arrived in Guiyang earlier, and also informed Ning Zheng that she went to Yangcheng to visit Sister Ai.
She briefly explained the itinerary, "It was he who persuaded me to take advantage of the wedding to go out and do more for the country and the Anti-Japanese War. By the way, I also brought his share." Feng Jiu suddenly With a smile, his expression calmed down.
Of course Bao Buqu understood, seeing her a little sad, he quickly changed the subject, "Come on, help me see, am I no worse than Ruiqing in my uniform?"
Feng Jiu let out a "guji" laugh, and forced himself to flatter him: "Gong Jin is reincarnated, with a majestic appearance."
"Can't be so suave, right?" Bao Buqu is somewhat self-aware, among other things, Zhou Yu who was born in Lujiang should not be as black as him.
The two joked for a while, and Bao Buqu said seriously: "To be serious, after the Japanese withdrew to Taiyuan last year because of the winter, recently there was information that they might come back again. You should withdraw as soon as possible."
"Well, I won't hold back." When it comes to important matters, Feng Jiu can certainly handle them clearly.
Feng Jiu wondered why he joined the army again, and Bao Buqu embarrassedly said that everyone was doing things for saving the country, how could he lag behind?Donate property and then donate to others.Feng Jiu patted him on the shoulder appreciatively, and said jokingly, "Okay, we used to be rich and invincible, but now we are doing better, one by one is poorer than the other, right?"
Bao Buqu laughed loudly, "If you want a good meal, I can still afford it."
Just staring at her face patronizingly, now that the conversation has come to an end, Bao Buqu has the time to look Feng Jiu up and down, and soon finds that Feng Jiu is dressed like a local woman—a maroon velveteen blouse with small white flowers, fat and fat He was wearing big black leggings, and he was holding a blue floral headscarf in his hand, which was extremely rustic.
Bao Buqu smiled, "You really do as the Romans do."
"That's right. I like Shanxi very much, and I like the Taihang Mountain area - the folk customs are simple and happy, but my favorite is Ai Mama, she is really an amazing woman."
"Are you on good terms?" Bao Buqu stopped and looked at Feng Jiu.
Feng Jiu nodded, "We hit it off right away, we hit it off very well."
Bao Buqu said: "Ms. Ai is the kind of person you are happy to make friends with. She is very sensible. Since last year, not only has our army been sent to the medical station, but she has also often sent us information. How much has she changed. "
Feng Jiu thought that just now in the guest house, he guessed that "Colonel Bao" could be Bao Buyi, but he didn't expect it to be true. This kind of unexpected joy makes people appreciate the loveliness of travel.
"Feng Jiu, although my nose is a bit high, I am first and foremost a Chinese." Feng Jiu thought of Ai Weide's words. Even some native Chinese may not have this kind of awareness. Feng Jiu felt infinitely emotional .
Bao Buqu came here specially to express his thanks to Mammy, and brought her a certificate of commendation from the commander of the guard, and he had to leave immediately. He sent Feng Jiu back to the door of the guest house, and put Feng Jiu into his arms abruptly, closing his eyes. He closed his eyes and took a breath of the magnolia-like fresh breath on the soft body in his arms, and said warmly: "I'm leaving tomorrow. Be careful all the way."
"Okay, don't worry. Please take care of it too." Fengjiu felt the warmth of his old friend's love.
Bao Buqu let go of Feng Jiu, took two steps back, slowly raised his hand, and gave Feng Jiu a standard military salute. This was the first time Feng Jiu had seen Bao Buqu so rigidly, unlike the free and easy way he had left her for many years. The unruly appearance contrasted too much, which made Feng Jiu laugh again, and they waved goodbye.
Unexpectedly, something happened in the middle of the night——Hong Changli suddenly fell ill, and the pain was unbearable. He was clutching his lower right abdomen tightly, his forehead was covered with sweat, and Ju Desheng was standing beside him with his hands tied.
Feng Jiu, who was woken up early, rushed over to check his symptoms, and initially judged it to be acute appendicitis.She discussed with Qiu Sheng and unanimously decided that Ju Desheng would take Hong Changli to Zezhou for treatment immediately.A few of them even counted Ai Weide, only some small means such as bandaging and changing dressings, how could they deal with such a critical situation that required immediate surgery?
Ju Desheng didn’t want to leave yet—he was heavily entrusted by the commander to protect his wife; but if his companion didn’t rush to treat him, he might suffer from intestinal perforation, peritonitis, sepsis...all of them could kill him, he gritted his teeth, and fell into a dilemma .
Feng Jiu didn't give him any more time to struggle, wishing he could kick him out the door.She told him clearly that the two of them would go to the county magistrate to identify themselves early tomorrow morning, and someone would naturally take care of them.
While talking, Qiu Shengzao neatly packed a package for them, and brought out two well-fed, well-fed, fat and strong mules and mules that were already in the stable.Feng Jiu watched Ju Desheng help Hong Changli onto the mule, raised his hand and patted a mule's butt, and shouted softly: "Don't talk nonsense, let's go!"
Hong Changli leaned on the mule's back, with tears in his eyes, he made a bow to his wife from afar.
Feng Jiu and Qiu Sheng breathed a sigh of relief, looked at each other, and secretly prayed that they could reach Zezhou smoothly and turn the crisis into safety.
Early the next morning, Feng Jiu and Qiu Sheng checked out of the room and went straight to the county government. When they passed by the inn, they went in and took a look. Unexpectedly, what she saw surprised her: even Ai Weide and the children were packing up, and the children Under the demonstration of the older children, he packed his own bedding into a luggage roll that could be carried on his back, while Lao Yang was busy putting grain, steamed buns, pickles and a stack of rough ceramic bowls into the camel basket.
"Mommy, what's the matter?" Feng Jiu was stunned.
Sister Ai looked up and saw Feng Jiu, she was also surprised, "Hey, I just got the letter, I was so busy that I didn't take care of you... No, why haven't you left yet?"
"A guard suddenly fell ill and was in a critical condition. I asked another guard to send him to a hospital in Zezhou for treatment."
"Zezhou... is not safe anymore. Fengjiu, you have to leave here quickly, and so do I. One hundred of my children have to be taken away immediately—the Japanese are likely to sweep them away immediately, and the children have to go to Xi'an. Row."
Fengjiu's heart sank, and only then did he realize that early this morning, there was a letter from the mountain people on Taihang Mountain who had been friends with Sister Ai, saying that they had observed the Japanese army's changes, and depending on the situation, they would soon dispatch ground troops to sweep Zezhou , the next stop must be Yangcheng, and told her to leave immediately.
Ai Weide packed up her things in a hurry, and said that her only comfort now: when she was in Zezhou a while ago, for safety reasons, she had sent the assistant assigned to her by the church, Jin Benguang, to lead more than a hundred The orphans were transferred to Wesley's Xi'an Relief Station, and more than 1000 refugees were sent away, but the children who stayed in Yangcheng could not be taken away, only half of the original number.
Feng Jiu didn't talk nonsense, "Mother, are you and Lao Yang leading so many children?" From Yangcheng to Xi'an, it takes about [-] kilometers of mountain roads.Most of the children are under the age of ten.
Sister Ai nodded and said, "Just now I went to see Magistrate He to say goodbye in advance, he is really a good man, he was very concerned about our itinerary, and said that we had to bring enough rations on the road, so he sent a few people to carry the work beside the county government all the year round. People, bring a mule, carrying millet—Lao Yang put the pot on his back, so he can cook porridge on the way—said he could send us to the bank of the Yellow River.”
These more than 100 old, weak, sick and disabled, with such a small number of people, can imagine the twists and turns along the way, and an impulse since I met the nun finally overcame my head: "Nurse, Qiu Sheng and I will escort the children to Xi'an with you! "
She didn't even have to look up at Qiu Sheng to ask for her opinion, she knew that she, who was like a sister to her, must have the same idea.
The nanny was stunned, and then gave a gentle smile: "Bong Jiu, thank you for your kindness. Although I don't fully understand your origin, I know that you are a very prestigious lady in China. We have to cross the Zhongtiao Mountain, so I have to cross the Japanese occupied area. The mountain road is difficult to walk, food shortage, not to mention the possibility of being discovered by the Japanese - this brutal army, they never need a reason to kill - you really don't have to Get dragged down by me and the kids."
Hearing this, Fengjiu raised her head and looked at the group of children in front of her who were helping to do some work within her capacity in the yard. Although they were young, almost all of them were so sensible that it made people feel distressed—the oldest, Su Lan, was 12 years old. The age of her eldest daughter, Yaya; the seven-year-old boy with a "horse tie" in his ear is called 58. According to Shanxi tradition, his father should have gotten him at the age of 58. He is the same age as Tanbuer. There is also a four-year-old boy who was disfigured by the stones thrown up by the Japanese bombs, who is the same age as their third child, An An.
She is the mother of three children. Although the children are forced to be separated from their parents, they will not lack clothes or clothes, and they will not know whether they will be alive in the next second.
And these children in front of them once had mothers, and they are the treasures of mothers who have unfortunately passed away.Abandoning such a group of young children, revealing her identity, and letting the county government send escorts to evacuate safely... She really couldn't do it.
Fengjiu grabbed Sister Ai's hand: "Grandma, I'm Chinese, and it's my duty to help my compatriots. Why do I become so divided? You are also my compatriots. When the country is in crisis, let us Do your best!"
Sister Ai looked at Fengjiu's earnest eyes, and moved to Qiusheng's face behind her. Qiusheng's face turned red with excitement, and she nodded vigorously.Sister Ai's blue eyes were full of emotion, and she slowly took Feng Jiu's hand.
In order to get out of danger as soon as possible, they need to start immediately.
They counted the number of people again, and according to the pre-arranged rules, one and a half older children will lead seven to eight children, and the adults will lead the line. As for the youngest four or five, they can only be carried by a few adults in baskets. , and then carry it on the back.
Ai Weide is in charge of the inspection of the whole team, Feng Jiu and Qiu Sheng are in charge of maneuvering, if there is any emergency, they must arrive at the scene immediately and assist the mother to deal with it.
As soon as he went out, he found that the county magistrate He was in his 40s, with a medium build, dark black and thin, and several mule drivers were waiting here. The team formed with the children clasped their fists together: "Mommy, from now on, I will pray for you every day."
His gaze passed Feng Jiu, and he was taken aback. Feng Jiu smiled and nodded in greeting.
Although it was the first time for County Magistrate He to see Feng Jiu, he still couldn't help being surprised that such a poor and remote village could have such a plainly dressed lady who couldn't hide her extraordinary elegance.After all, Ai Weide has been doing charity here for many years. Except for Christian clergy, some curious Chinese and Western newspaper reporters, county government staff and soldiers, there have never been dignitaries who have come to visit.
Ai Weide responded solemnly, "Brother He, I also bless you."
All the staff bowed to the county magistrate, and the county magistrate took off his hat and bowed in return.Soon, this special team marched in Zhongtiao Mountain.
They have to cross Zhongtiao Mountain, reach Yuanqu, cross the Yellow River, and then take the train to Xi'an. In theory, the straight-line distance is only 180 kilometers, but this is only in theory.
The military strategic position of Zhongtiao Mountain is extremely important. It is the last barrier to protect the land of the Central Plains. It is called "Oriental Madinat".
In order to avoid the Japanese army, the main road is naturally not allowed. Under the leadership of Wang Xiaoshan, an enthusiastic mountain man who is familiar with the terrain, the group can only walk among the high mountains.
When we were tired from walking, we rested collectively. When it was time to eat, we took some millet from the mules accompanying the team, cooked porridge with mountain spring water and a large pot, and ate rice with pickled vegetables. The thick bowls were passed around; occasionally when I met mule drivers picking up goods and mountain people hunting in the mountains, I would see how pitiful they were and give them some food.
At night, we had to camp on the spot. Fortunately, it was mid-spring, and the weather was neither too hot nor too cold, and the temperature in the mountains was not low at night. But in order to prevent the children from catching cold, at night, the children spread out their small luggage. The youngest child was wrapped in rags and old blankets, and everyone slept close together; in order to prevent the invasion of wild animals, a bonfire was built, and the light of the fire made everyone feel more at ease.
Qiusheng and Fengjiu lay back to back on a piece of wool felt. Before leaving, Qiusheng ignored Fengjiu and insisted on taking it with him. According to Qiusheng's intention, he also had to wear a sun hat. Fengjiu had no choice but to put it on at any time. The young lady's score, that would make the children laugh to death, she threw the sun hat in the guest house, and put on a straw hat with a pointed peak worn by the locals.The fatigue of the day came, and the sore waist and weak arms reminded them again, what a tedious, tiring and great job Sister Ai usually does.
After walking like this for two or three days, the children were all orphans. They knew that without the protection of Mammy Ai, Aunt Ning, and Aunt Qiu, they would have become ghosts, so they behaved unusually sensible, but occasionally There are three or four-year-old children crying to defecate. At this time, the team must stop and wait, or if they fall behind, they will not be able to keep up, and the journey will become intermittent.
Slowly, some children's shoes were worn out, and their feet were swollen. Walking was difficult, and it was unbearable. They inevitably cried while walking, and Fengjiu and Qiusheng couldn't help crying when they saw the bloody little feet. Fengjiu tore a ball of clean cotton from the bag he was carrying, and then tore a piece of cloth as a pad, and tied it to the child's feet, just to make do with it; He took out the pine nut candy that had been prepared and teased them, saying that they could take a rest when they walked to the Chinese pine tree and that mountain peak.For the sake of candy, the children were able to persevere. After walking for a while, Auntie was too tired to say thank you. She could only express her thanks with her gentle blue eyes.
Rao is so, the road is getting slower and slower.
It was noon that day, and the whole team was walking forward listlessly, when they suddenly saw an army approaching them. Qiu Sheng, who was leading the team, couldn't help being startled, and broke out in cold sweat.Wang Xiaoshan, who was walking beside Qiusheng, was just like other people who grew up in the mountains. His eyes were as sharp as a falcon. When he saw it from a distance, he said happily, "Don't be afraid, everyone, you are our own!"
Soon, this guerrilla team of dozens of people came to the front—they were wearing blue Soviet Russian "French" military uniforms, and their expressions were exhausted. The leading young officer carried two bars and a star on his shoulders. It was a major, he came over to salute Feng Jiu, and then looked at this strangely shaped team in surprise.
Feng Jiu hurriedly told him about their current situation, and the "Major" expressed deep sympathy and admiration. At this time, the nun also rushed over from the back of the team, looking at the famous Sister Ai Weide in Shanxi, Shaanxi and Hebei, "Major "The original wariness disappeared, and he solemnly saluted the nuns and introduced himself. He belongs to the No.18 Army led by Liu Bojian and Deng Xixian, which is the [-]th Division of the Eighth Route Army. Fengjiu was a little puzzled. No, alertness flashed in his eyes immediately.
The "major" noticed it, and quickly explained that the military uniform was allocated by General Wei Junru, and their military expenses were too tight.
Because time was short, he could not refuse to leave some food and left with the team.
The nun and Feng Jiu checked together, and there were forty or fifty canned beef and dozens of bags of compressed biscuits. This unexpected joy made the children cheer.
The only luck is that they have not encountered Japanese invaders so far, but they have a terrible premonition, so they dare not slack off.Driven by this strong sense of crisis, they often forget about being tired, sleep less than four hours a day, and hurry on their way when it is light.
Qiu Sheng said softly as he walked: "Girl, tell me, after so many days, if my uncle finds out that you haven't returned to Xi'an, will he go crazy?"
"I can't." Feng Jiu felt a pain in his heart, and said categorically, refusing to think about anything related to Ning Zheng, Qiu Sheng looked at the girl who was obviously emboldening himself, and sighed secretly.
At this moment, Xiuwen Longgang Academy in Guizhou has already turned against Yingtian.Others don't know yet, but Liu Bing'an is going crazy anyway.
Fortunately, such a difficult itinerary is not without its advantages: Zhongtiao Mountain has a beautiful mountain scenery, there are Feiliu waterfalls, there are strange stalactites in various shapes in the cave, there are running green sheep and forest musk deer, and there are stalactites swinging on the trees. There are swings, mischievous macaques screaming at the children, giant salamanders with big eyes and crying babies in the spring, white storks and black storks flying south with their families, and so on. There are golden carvings on jade belts that move freely across the sky.
From time to time, these mountain elves caused the children to cheer softly, which distracted their attention and made them temporarily forget the hardships that they could not bear at this age.
After walking for twelve days and climbing a high mountain again with difficulty, the children in front suddenly stopped and stared blankly down the mountain.
Fengjiu found that the situation was wrong, and his heart sank. He thought he had encountered the Japanese invaders after using it, and hurried to catch up from the end of the line. Suddenly, the children burst into cheers in unison. Although the voice was hoarse, it was very clear: "Yellow River! Mother! Mom! Auntie! Yellow River!"
Ai Weide immediately stepped forward and stood side by side with Feng Jiu. The magnificent river below the mountain with turbulent waves is the Yellow River, isn't it?
These orphans have never seen the world outside the mountains, and they don't have the physical strength to go far.The mountain people sent by County Magistrate He were also very happy, feeling that victory was in sight.
The children sat on the top of the mountain obediently. The mountain people opened all the remaining cans of munitions and more than a dozen bags of compressed biscuits. After drinking some mountain spring water and taking a good rest, they walked down the mountain excitedly.
The mountain road looks close, but it is far away.It took another half a day before they arrived at the Yellow River.
From Yangcheng to the bank of the Yellow River, it takes mules five days to walk, but this team of one hundred children walked for twelve days, but they didn't encounter Japanese invaders, and none of their children got sick. When she got down, how could Auntie not cross herself and thank the Lord for her protection in a low voice.
At this moment, Wang Xiaoshan took the other mountain people to say goodbye to them, cupped his hands and said: "Nurse, Mrs. Ning, you have reached the edge of the Yellow River, and we have also fulfilled the entrustment of the county magistrate, now we have to go back and transfer us." My family members are gone, the mountains are high and the waters are long, there will be a period later, so I will leave."
It can be seen that they care about their family, how dare Ai Weide delay.
Feng Jiu and Qiu Sheng thanked them repeatedly in unison, and solemnly clasped their fists in salute. The mountain villagers left a mule carrying grain and returned along the original road.
Seeing the Yellow River, there will be a train ride again immediately. The children are encouraged by the novel journey, and they have long forgotten the hard work of these days.
Unexpectedly, when we arrived at the Yellow River, it was a dead end—how could we cross the river without a boat?In the past, the boatmen who were ferrying back and forth to beg for life had been in hiding for a long time because they were afraid of the Japanese army because of the tension of the war.
Although Feng Jiu and Ai Weide often get together to discuss the way out, it is obvious that there is nothing to develop in this kind of place.
Slowly, two days passed, and the children became more and more anxious. Fengjiu and the others sang songs, told them stories, and played games with them, but it didn't work anymore.
They really want to cross the Yellow River and get on the train, but now, they are all trapped in this place where they cannot move forward and cannot retreat. The wide bank of the Yellow River has become a cage for one hundred and four people.This place is deserted, only some pickles and millet are left, and even the edible wild vegetables and fruits have been picked.
Is there only prayer left?
Qiu Sheng looked listlessly at the other side of the river. Although it was too far away to see clearly, she still hoped that a miracle would happen and a boat would take them there.
Suddenly, Qiu Sheng noticed a small black spot appeared in her field of vision. Her heart moved, she quickly stood up and rubbed her eyes vigorously. Slowly, the small black spot became bigger and bigger, and she could already see that it was a wooden boat. Qiu Sheng was pleasantly surprised I was speechless, and after a while, I yelled: "Girl! Mother! There's a boat! There's a boat!"
Feng Jiu, who was making the children happy, swept away the anxiety of the past few days, and rushed to the river with Ai Weide, who was also extremely surprised. The children were also cheering, waving their hands and shouting.
Soon, the boat arrived at the shore, and the first person to get off was a heroic officer. Feng Jiu looked familiar, but it was again, Bao Buqu? !
Bao Buqu still looked majestic, but there was an angry and eager light in his eyes, "Bong Jiu!" He ran over impatiently, grabbed her thin shoulders: "You little girl lied to me again! Didn't you Walk!"
Feng Jiu's original surprise was immediately replaced by guilty conscience, he raised his head and smiled at him embarrassingly, then lowered his head immediately knowing that he was guilty, looking like a coward who was caught for doing something wrong.Bao Buqu crossed his hips, sulking at her who had become dark and thin after only half a month of seeing her: "It's against you, if Ruiqing knows, she won't die of anger!"
"How did you know we were going to cross the river?" She tried to change the subject.
Bao Buqu said unhappily: "I just came to inspect the work of this generation of chief today. The soldiers told me that there are a group of small refugees on the other side. It has been several days. But now is an extraordinary period, and they dare not come here rashly. It’s a trick of the Japanese invaders. I just took a look through the binoculars and saw the sound of Qiu.” Speaking of this, he gave Feng Jiu a hard look, and Feng Jiu immediately lowered his raised head.
"So I'll come over quickly to see what's going on. Just wait, a big ship will come to pick you up soon." Bao Buyi took out a large mirror from the military bag on his shoulders, and flashed it to the opposite bank a few times under the sunlight; Respond in the same way.
Soon, a large wooden hull ferry came.The children happily boarded the ship in an orderly manner under the command and assistance of the soldiers, while Ai Weide just sat on the ground blankly, and he didn't even have the energy to cheer.Feng Jiu hurried over to help her up.
With the help of this large wooden hull boat, the hundred and ten people crossed the Yellow River hundreds of meters wide in three times. They were relieved when Ai Weide and Feng Jiu were the last to land: they have now entered the defense zone of the first theater of the national army. They were finally temporarily out of danger.
Bao Buqu was very anxious: he wanted Feng Jiu to stay and find someone to send her to Xi’an, but Feng Jiu firmly disagreed—it must be done from the beginning to the end, and she wanted to help Ai Weide send the children to a place where they could settle down completely. The place.
Bao Buqu sighed, he knew Fengjiu's stubborn nature too well, and he himself is also a military order that cannot be violated, after all, military orders are like mountains.
So he could only leave two clever soldiers behind and let them assist these women and children on their next journey.
The two old friends had only been together for a few hours and were about to part again.Bao Buqu stared at her deeply, even though she hadn't showered for more than ten days, her hair was frizzy, her face was sunburned by the strong sun, her lips were cracked, and she was wearing a rustic mountain peasant woman's clothes, she was still so beautiful .
Under Bao Buyi's arrangement, Ai Weide and Feng Jiu took the children on a freight train in western Henan, and they could go directly to Xi'an in the rear by the Longhai Line.Because it was the first time to take the train, the children were very excited, and they forgot their fatigue and fear. In addition, they ate the first decent meal in half a month. The tortured children were very energetic. Chatting and chirping, pointing at the scenery outside the window, and then let out an exclamation.
The train stops and starts, and the speed is very slow. They will also go to the corresponding refugee relief station to eat according to the instructions of the accompanying soldiers.Unexpectedly, outside a small village close to the Zhongtiao Mountains, they encountered big trouble again—because the bridge was blown up, the train could no longer move forward, and the only way to go west to Xi'an was to continue on foot.
And on this only passage, there is another big trouble-Tongguan.
They have to cross the legendary mountain road, Tongguan Trail, like ancient soldiers, to reach Xi'an, but this secret path has not been traversed by even the local mountain people.
This Xiaoshan Mountain and Hangu Pass are both called the fortress of "Xiaohan". It has been a battleground for military strategists since ancient times. The mountains are steep and steep, the valleys are as deep as a letter, and the mountain is huge. How can we find this secret path? ?
Looking at the endless mountains, the children lost confidence when they heard that they were going to climb again, but they didn't say anything out of it, they just communicated with each other with their eyes.Ai Weide didn't expect that there would be another problem. Even such a determined woman was shaken.
The two soldiers were at a loss.
Looking at the limp children, Feng Jiu felt a burst of despair.
But soon, she stood up: "Nurse, children, we have been walking for half a month, and now there is only one last leg left. We must start immediately, otherwise all previous efforts will be in vain!"
Ai Weide was exhausted, "I just heard from the mountain people that none of them have crossed Xiaoshan to reach Tongguan. How can we cross it with our children?"
Feng Jiu showed a smile: "I just studied the map carefully, and I will lead the way. I am the best in geography at school. Listen to me, and no one will be left behind!"
Ai Weide regained her spirits. From Fengjiu's eyes that had grown bigger due to her weight loss, and her straightened spine, she saw a tenacity that was not inferior to her own.
"Children, what else does Aunt Ning have here?"
She took out a large handful of light red and light yellow candies, the size of a chess piece. This was the Maldon candy that Bao Buqu hastily stuffed for her before parting with her. It was actually chestnuts soaked in rum vanilla syrup, with a mellow and rich taste. It is also extremely full. It is the ultimate candy that Su Manshu, a talented man nicknamed "Sugar Monk", would rather knock out his gold teeth to exchange for. It is also a snack that Margaret in "La Traviata" always prepares.
"It's called 'Maldon'. It tastes so good. It comes from France. It's the old custom for a while. Whoever listens to my aunt will have a candy to eat. Look, my aunt has a big bag here."
It was the first time for the children to see such a modern imported product, and the appearance was so attractive, their desperate and gloomy little faces lit up, and their spirits were lifted.Feng Jiu and Ai Weide looked at each other, comforted in their hearts, and lamented how easy children are to be satisfied.
Feng Jiu pondered for a while, and looked at the Xiaoshan Mountain in front of him. It seemed to be endless, but Tongguan must be in the west.Xiaoshan is divided into three mountains: Panwei, Shiwei and Qianwei. The three peaks form an almost isosceles triangle. The main peak is Qinggang Peak, which is about 2000 meters high. Therefore, just look at the main peak and walk as straight as possible. It can't be wrong.
The whole team cheered up and started on the road again. Compared with Zhongtiao Mountain, Xiaoshan’s mountain road was steep and collapsed in many places. Loose rocks and steep hillsides, as soon as they arrive at such a place, they will patiently and carefully help the children walk over one by one, and sometimes they have to help three women. ——A double-eared cauldron, it’s amazing if it doesn’t fall.
After two days of marching like this, the mountain in front of them gradually became brighter, and they went down the mountain with difficulty. Finally, they found a large area of densely packed houses and buildings in front of them. One of the soldiers exclaimed: Tongguan!Feng Jiu looked at the map, raised his arms and called out: "Children, mother! We have reached Tongguan!"
The two soldiers saluted them like the people from Zhongtiao Mountain who helped them back then, and then left to report to Colonel Bao.
Fengjiu looked at their exhausted and persevering backs, and the boiling emotions accumulated in his heart these days reached the peak. This feeling cannot be expressed in words: what is China, China is these unknown but dedicated compatriots.As long as they are there, China will be there.
Tongguan is just at the bend of the Yellow River, more than 100 kilometers away from Xi'an.
There is a row of bungalows by the river, in which there are garrisons and railway staff.They talked and talked, and they were allowed to board the coal train again. More than 100 people crowded tightly in a small freight car, all silent, and the children no longer had the excitement of taking the train for the first time. Jiner, after several short-distance bus transfers, it took five or six days before finally arriving at the foot of the city wall of Xi'an.
When they found out that they couldn't open the city of Xi'an, where the gates were closed everywhere, everyone was expressionless—there were too many troubles along the way, coupled with increasingly serious malnutrition and severe overdraft of physical strength, this business has become a reality. People are so numb that they don't know what despair is.
Fengjiu asked the children to stay at the gate of the city with Nanny and Lao Yang, while he and Qiu Sheng walked around the city wall until they finally met the patrolling soldiers and told them that in order to guard against spies, it was impossible for the defenders to give them Now that the gate of the city has been opened, it is better to go to Fufeng, more than 100 kilometers away, there is an orphanage founded by Mrs. Jiang, which can definitely receive so many children.
... There are still more than 100 kilometers.Without hesitation, they took their children on the road again.
They checked the street signs along the way, took care of the children's food, begged for food along the way, trimmed and trimmed the children's tattered trouser legs, and took a military vehicle if they could. One day, they were walking slowly, when Feng Jiu raised her head suddenly, she saw a pagoda tens of meters high not far away, she quickly counted it, thirteen floors, eight edges, this is the famous pagoda in Fufeng The Millennium Pagoda—Is it said that there is the Famen Temple Pagoda with Buddha's real body relic?In other words, they reached Fufeng?
She immediately told Mammy, and then turned her head to look at Qiu Sheng who was carrying two dolls on her body - Qiu Sheng was really reluctant to part with Feng Jiu, so she began to carry the little doll on her body from the day before yesterday, Feng Jiu did not refuse, she She had a premonition that she was going to die soon—how could a foreigner understand this, she immediately shouted happily, "Children, hurry up, we are here!"
When they finally arrived at a row of one-story buildings with a plaque hanging on the outside, which read "Fufeng Affected Children's Correctional Institute" in black and white, suddenly a large group of people ran out from inside, including men, women and Chinese. There were foreigners, and some held up their cameras, all staring dumbfounded at the exhausted and strangely shaped team in front of them.
Feng Jiu knew that they arrived safely.She turned her head in a daze, and asked in a murmur, "Nurse, children, one hundred, are they all there?"
Ai Weide's originally weak voice suddenly became a little shrill and excited, "Let me count, don't worry. One, two, three... one hundred. Ha, not one less, Bong Jiu! A hundred children, not a single one few!"
After a total of more than 1000 kilometers and over the two mountains of Zhongtiao Mountain and Xiaoshan Mountain, after a month-long journey, the hundred orphans were safely taken out of the Japanese-occupied area by them. , and no less.
Feng Jiu grinned at Ai Weide weakly with her chapped mouth. At this time, there seemed to be a flash of white light, as if someone was taking pictures, but she couldn't care less, and only heard Mammy Ai shouting : "Bong Jiu! Oh no Feng Jiu—" It seemed that Qiu's voice was shouting "Girl!", and then amidst a lot of exclamation, after fainting in the United States three years ago, Feng Jiu stood upright again fall down.
The world became quiet and chaotic, as if the majesty had begun to split. At the beginning of the world, she seemed to be finally able to break free from the shackles of this extremely tired physical body, leaving only the soul, which was exceptionally light, floating in the air, no matter what , just want to sleep.
The time that followed was meaningless, everything was muddled, she was asleep most of the time, and there were occasional moments of clarity, but they were also fleeting.
Occasionally, there seemed to be whispers about something "critically ill" or something like "pneumonia, typhoid, heart failure, malnutrition...it's so tricky."
At some point, she began to hear someone calling "Senior seat", someone calling "General Ning", someone begging "Third Young Master", and some people gnashing their teeth and shouting "Ruiqing, don't do this!", she discerned Many voices came out: Mrs. Jiang, Mr. Duan Na, a special military adviser to the Jiang Committee, Liu Bing'an, Zhi Changsheng, Bao Buyi, Weiwei, and even more, big sister? !
Of course, there is another kind of voice, which is kind and sad, which she wants to hear the most - the one that makes me want to laugh and cry when I hear it, who is that?She struggled a bit, but forget it, don't care, don't care.She just wanted to sleep, and kept on sleeping. Along the way, she was actually scared to death, anxious to the point of going crazy, and her mind was no longer clear.
Someone hugs her, sometimes softly, sometimes wildly, there is always moist breath in the ear, there is a painful and lingering voice, and there seems to be only one sentence in what she confides over and over again: "Jiu'er...don't leave me..."
(End of this chapter)
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