He put down his wine glass and exclaimed, "The master's craftsmanship is truly remarkable. If this wine could be mass-produced, it would surely become a treasure."
Qing Xuanzi shook his head: "The brewing of this wine requires specific herbs and environment, and it is already rare to obtain even a few jars."
Wei Guodong thought to himself, "That must be even more precious than the national liquor; I must drink as much as I can tonight."
Thinking this, he gestured to his wife, "You should try it too. This wine is definitely good. If we don't drink more today, we'll be missing out."
Hearing him say that, everyone couldn't help but laugh, and the atmosphere at the table gradually became lively.
After the children finished eating, they went off to play, while the adults drank and chatted.
Wei Guodong and Rong Lianhu talked about the time of the War of Resistance against Japan. At that time, they did not know each other. When they talked about those difficult years, a trace of sorrow flashed in their eyes.
Wei Guodong sighed and said, "Back then, we weren't even afraid of death, but we were afraid of our comrades falling beside us, and being powerless to help them."
Rong Lianhu nodded and said in a heavy tone, "Yes, back then, every day was a race against death. But being able to survive and see the peace we have today is a way of giving back to the brothers who sacrificed their lives."
Wei Guodong was silent for a while, then said, "If it weren't for Master Qingxuan's help back then, our company might have been wiped out long ago. Master, we will always remember your kindness back then."
Qing Xuanzi smiled slightly and said calmly, "Let's not talk about the past anymore. At that time, I was just doing what I was supposed to do. The fact that you survived and continue to serve the country and the people is the best reward for me."
Upon hearing this, Wei Guodong was deeply moved. He raised his glass and said, "Master, today let's drink to those brothers who sacrificed their lives, and to those of us who are still alive!"
Qing Xuanzi nodded, raised his cup with the others, and drank the medicinal wine in one gulp.
The liquor slid down their throats, carrying a warmth and strength, as if reminding them that being alive is a blessing.
Looking at her husband and Rong Lianhu's expressions, Wan Qiong felt a pang of sadness.
She said softly, "You really had a tough time back then. It's a blessing that you've all come back safe and sound."
Rong Lianhu smiled and said, "Yes, our current life is hard-won, and we should cherish it even more."
Fu Ya nodded in agreement, thinking of those who couldn't be saved due to severe injuries or those who sacrificed themselves due to lack of medicine; they were truly so lucky.
When the floodgates of memory are opened, fragments of the past rush in like a tide, and the atmosphere becomes heavy.
Everyone remained silent, as if the smoke and fire of the past were frozen in the depths of time.
It was Qing Xuanzi who broke the silence. His voice was soft, yet it was like a gentle breeze that soothed the heavy hearts of the group.
"Now that you've returned from the battlefield, live well in the name of those fallen soldiers."
He paused, his gaze sweeping over everyone present, as if trying to convey this weight to each of them: "Live well, and let them see for themselves how our motherland has grown stronger step by step."
His words were like a ray of light, piercing through the heavy memories and illuminating everyone's hearts.
They actually understand the logic behind these words, but some memories don't just disappear if you don't think about them; instead, they settle over time and become forever imprinted in your mind.
Qing Xuanzi continued, "Those warriors who sacrificed their lives, though their lives were short, their spirit will forever remain in our hearts."
"We who are alive should strive to make this world a better place and transform our country into the kind of place they hoped for. This is the best way to commemorate them."
Wei Guodong nodded, his eyes filled with determination: "The master is right. We must not only live well, but also contribute our strength to the future of the country. Those brothers who sacrificed their lives must also want to see us live better."
Everyone nodded in agreement, determined to witness, on behalf of their fallen comrades, the motherland's gradual rise to strength and the beauty of this world.
Seeing that they were still not very interested, Qing Xuanzi changed the subject, and the atmosphere gradually eased.
Everyone ate a lot of food, but didn't drink much alcohol.
As soldiers, even on their days off, they must be ready to fight at any time, so although they have a good tolerance for alcohol, none of them dare to drink too much.
Qing Xuanzi understood this, so he didn't urge anyone to drink, but simply chatted with everyone.
After everyone finished eating, Fu Ya and Rong Lianhu cleared the table and began preparing for Rong Jiaojiao's first birthday celebration.
They spread a large red cloth on the kang (a heated brick bed), took out the things they had prepared beforehand, and placed them one by one on the red tablecloth.
A calligraphy brush symbolizes literary talent; a thread-bound book signifies profound knowledge; a copper coin represents wealth; a pair of scissors symbolizes dexterity; and a longevity lock strung together with red string signifies peace and long life.
Finally, Rong Lianhu pulled out a small silver medal from his pocket, the one he had obtained when he discovered the laboratory in the cave last time.
He felt that half of the medal belonged to his daughter, so he placed it in the center of the tablecloth as a special gift for her.
Fu Ya helped from the side, placing a small abacus next to the calligraphy brush, hoping that Jiao Jiao would be shrewd and capable in the future, and good at managing money and household affairs.
I also put a small spoon there, hoping she would have a kind heart and know how to take care of others.
After everything was ready, Fu Ya went to pick up Rong Jiaojiao, who was playing in the corner.
Jiaojiao just turned one year old. Her round face is rosy, and her eyes, like two black grapes, are rolling around curiously as she looks at everything in front of her.
She was wearing a brightly colored floral jacket and tiger-head shoes; she looked absolutely adorable.
Fu Ya placed Rong Jiaojiao in front of the red cloth and said softly, "Jiaojiao, come on, pick one at random, and let Mom see what kind of person you will become in the future."
Rong Jiaojiao looked at the colorful things in front of her with bright eyes. She stretched out her chubby little hands and touched this and that. Finally, her little hand stopped on the medal, which she grabbed and giggled as if she had found a treasure.
Wei Guodong and Wan Qiong both laughed. Wei Guodong said, "It seems that Jiaojiao will inherit her father's ambition and become a soldier who protects the country."
Rong Lianhu smiled, a hint of relief and pride flashing in his eyes. He gently held Jiaojiao's little hand and said, "Jiaojiao, this medal is Daddy's treasure. Now that you've caught it, it's yours. I hope that when you grow up, you can be as brave and strong as Daddy, protecting our country and our people."
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