Chapter 216 Qingming Festival
On the day of Qingming Festival, the sky seemed to be covered by a layer of light gauze. It was gloomy and fine drizzle fell silently. The rain was light, but there was no sign of stopping.
The scenery in the distance became hazy under the cover of the drizzle. The pines and cypresses around the Martyrs' Cemetery looked even greener in the rain. The raindrops hanging on the needles looked like crystal jade beads.
The breeze blew by, bringing raindrops gently falling on people's faces, which was cool. This drizzle seemed to be the tears shed by God on Qingming Festival, expressing endless grief for the deceased heroes and ancestors, and also adding a solemnity and tranquility to this special day.
Chu Mingzhou borrowed a military vehicle from the army and started working early in the morning. He not only brought all the things prepared by Lin Anan, but also brought some brooms and tools.
Lin Zihuai also arrived early, didn't say much, and was quick and willing to help.
By the time the family arrived at the Martyrs' Cemetery, there were already quite a few people there, mostly soldiers or their families. Everyone was very quiet, and when they met acquaintances, they just nodded.
Chu Minglan and Chu Mingyu followed Lin Anan closely. There was a rare silence on their faces, lacking their usual liveliness.
Chu Mingzhou and Lin Zihuai, one carrying a broom and some tools, the other carrying a backpack, walked in front, while Lin Anan followed behind, holding the two children.
The group walked into the Martyrs Cemetery. The environment was not what Lin Anan had imagined. There were dirt roads everywhere, which were particularly muddy after being wet by rain. It was not much better, but rather looked desolate and dilapidated. The tombstones were not big, and in the era of burial, they could even be said to be too simple.
Walking further in, Chu Mingzhou stopped at a relatively back position. He was the first to put down the broom, straightened his military uniform, and then saluted solemnly.
"arrive."
Lin Anan and others also stopped and bowed to the tombstone tacitly.
"Mom and Dad's are here, and Grandpa's are up there."
The troops were divided into two groups. Lin Anan and Chu Minglan started to clean up here, while Chu Mingzhou took Chu Mingyu to clean up at his grandfather's place. Lin Zihuai was not idle either, helping to clean up several households nearby, all of whom were direct relatives of the Chu family...
Chu Siran, Mu Caihua.
Lin Anan squatted down and gently brushed away the dust on the tombstone. Looking at the tombstone with Chu Siran and Mu Caihua's names engraved on it, a complex emotion surged in her heart.
Chu Minglan also squatted beside and started weeding, muttering to herself, "Dad, Mom, we're here to see you. This is my sister-in-law, Lin An'an. She's very kind to us. You guys should take care of yourself over there, and don't worry about us."
For the first time, Lin Anan saw surging emotions on the little girl's face. She felt fragile yet strong, very contradictory, and yet very pitiful.
On the other side, Chu Mingzhou and Chu Mingyu came to their grandfather's tombstone.
Chu Mingzhou put down the tools in his hands, stood in front of the tombstone, and stared at the name on it for a long time. He has always been a reserved person, but at this moment his eyes were full of nostalgia and respect, as if he was having a silent conversation with his grandfather.
After standing for a while, he began to clean up the weeds and debris around him.
Chu Mingyu also picked up a small shovel and learned from him.
Lin Zihuai was helping to tidy up the tombstones of other direct relatives of the Chu family. His movements were very gentle and there was no expression on his face, but he looked extremely serious.
After about half an hour, everyone had packed up and Lin Anan started to put things away.
There are two offerings of fruit and a bouquet of artificial flowers in front of each tombstone.
Chu Minglan helped on the side. She carefully wiped the water droplets on the artificial flowers to make the flowers look more vivid, as if this would allow her parents to see her most beautiful appearance.
Everyone stood in front of the tombstone. For a moment, the only sound in the quiet atmosphere was the rustling of the drizzle.
"Dad, Mom, we are here to see you. Everything is fine at home. My wife is here to join the army. She has a good temper and is capable.
Lan Jie'er and Yu Ge'er are both very sensible. Don't worry, I will continue to work hard in the army, protect our country, and live up to your expectations..."
Chu Mingzhou's voice was very deep, and it was rare for him to say so much at once.
Chu Minglan's eyes were red, and she nodded, "Dad, Mom, I will study hard, my sister-in-law taught me a lot, I won't let you down..."
Chu Mingyu stood aside, pursing his lips, almost crying. After holding back for a long time, he finally uttered four words: "Yes, me too."
Chu Mingzhou paused and looked at him silently.
Lin Anan's eyes were also a little moist, and she stood beside Chu Mingzhou, "Dad, Mom, although I don't have the chance to see you, I will work with Mingzhou to take good care of Xiaolan and Xiaoyu and manage this family well. We will work hard together, live a good life, and... I will never forget you."
After that, everyone stood quietly for a while, as if waiting for a response from their loved ones.
Except for Lin Anan, no one else held an umbrella. Although the rain was light, it still slid down their cheeks, and they couldn't tell whether it was rain or tears.
After a moment, Chu Mingzhou raised his head slightly and looked at the gloomy sky. "Let's go. It's time to go back."
Everyone bowed to the tombstone in turn to say goodbye.
On the way back, the car was still quiet.
The rain was still falling outside the window, hitting the car window and blurring the vision.
Chu Minglan fell asleep leaning on Lin Anan's shoulder, with tear marks still on her face.
Lin Anan hugged her gently and looked into the distance.
Lin Zihuai also looked out the window, lost in thought.
I'm a little homesick...
Chu Mingzhou was driving attentively. His eyes were firm, yet he could not hide a hint of fatigue.
His thoughts could not help but drift back to his childhood, when his parents and grandfather's teachings and love seemed to be just yesterday. Now, he shoulders the responsibility of the family and is well aware of his mission. Although the pressure is great, he has never thought of backing down.
The car continued to drive in the rain. Suddenly, Lin Zihuai broke the silence, "Sister, you said that I have joined the army, but I am only developing in the art troupe. Am I useless?"
Lin Anan tilted her head slightly to look at him, somewhat puzzled, "Zihuai, how can you think that? The work of the art troupe is equally important. You contribute to the cause of art, promote culture, and boost morale. You are a pillar of spiritual strength."
Chu Mingzhou also nodded. "Every position in the army is indispensable. We charge into battle to defend our country. You use art to influence the revolution and contribute to the country. You are no worse than others."
Lin Zihuai lowered his eyes and pondered for a long time, "I understand."
Lin Anan felt a little amused and helpless when she saw him like this, but it was not surprising. When one enters a place like the Martyrs' Cemetery, one's feelings are really different. It is not a movie, nor a story. It is a real sacrifice, and a wall of flesh and blood built for us by our ancestors.
Those rows of tombstones are all martyrs, all heroic souls who sacrificed their lives for the country. It is indeed shocking.
In fact, even Lin Anan was in a trance for a moment, blaming herself for being incompetent and having made very few contributions to the country...
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