Chapter 41: Camping to Admire the Moon, a Beautiful Day Like a Dream, Understanding the Current Situation, Seeking Peace from afar
The huge courtyard is brightly lit.
This year's Mid-Autumn Festival fell on September 20th, more than a month after Japan's surrender. Luo Guyun seemed to have finally tasted the joy of victory today. He sat at the host table with Xiao Xiangyue, chatting and laughing heartily, drinking heartily. Yi Shui, Yi Han, Sun Mu's family, Erhu's family, Qin Xiao's family, Xiao Xin, Dong Dong—more than a dozen people sat around the table, all beaming with joy, creating a lively atmosphere.
Qin Xiao, who had married a nurse last year, also sat at the table with his one-month-old son in his arms. He said to Xiao Xiangyue, "The child hasn't been named yet. I'd like Yue'er to give him a name."
Xiao Xiangyue thought for a moment and said, "We met in Zhongnan Mountain, which belongs to the Qinling Mountains. How about calling it Qinling?" Everyone applauded and said, "What a great name! It's majestic and grand, much better than his father's name!" Luo Guyun laughed and said, "It's a shame that Yue'er doesn't charge for Mingxuan's business!"
Seeing Mei, Erhu, Xiaoxin, and Dongdong passing a photo around, Yishui came over and asked, "What famous scene? I missed it!"
He took it and took a look. It turned out to be a photo taken in the yard on the day when he met Mei, in which Xiao Xiangyue was sitting under the ginkgo tree and playing the flute. The photo was taken from the side. He held up the jade flute with both hands, with his eyelids drooping. Luo Guoyun had one hand on the back of the chair and the other hand around his waist, with their upper bodies pressed together. The side profiles of both of them were perfect, one handsome and the other handsome, with a large meadow covered with yellowish ginkgo leaves as the background. Luo Guoyun was sitting slightly higher than Xiao Xiangyue, and from the angle of the photo, one could just see his eyes gazing affectionately at Yue'er. Yi Shui took the photo and exclaimed in admiration: "What a beautiful couple! This must be what the so-called fairy couple looks like!"
Erhu chuckled and said, "When he was in the village protection team, the young master had a nickname called Peacock, and it really lived up to his reputation!" Everyone became interested: "Haha! Peacock? What's the story? Tell us quickly!" Erhu said, "At that time, the young master was very casual with his brothers. When he saw the young master coming from afar, he would straighten his hair and clothes, and he would almost look at himself in the mirror. He was majestic and cold with a stern face the previous second, and the next second he was full of joy. Just like a peacock spreading its tail feathers..."
Jianmei and Xiaoxin laughed their heads off: "How dare you give the Commander-in-Chief a nickname? You're quite brave!" Erhu argued: "It was only once when we were drunk that we started saying it. No one dared to call him that for real!" Sun Mu shook his head and laughed: "Birds of a feather flock together! Erhu has learned to be quite eloquent from being with Jianmei!"
Jianmei laughed and said, "That's right! When Yue'er just disappeared, Brother Luo had a stubble all day long, his hair was longer than his ears, and his face was haggard. There was no trace of his former handsome image..." Luo Guyun had strictly ordered not to mention the past in front of Xiao Xiangyue. Jianmei realized that he had said something wrong, so he quickly stopped talking and looked at them nervously.
Xiao Xiangyue calmly picked up a glass of wine, stood up and said: "Although Yue'er doesn't know what happened in these years, when I was not around, Brother Yun must have benefited from everyone's help and care. Yue'er would like to thank you here..." and drank the half glass of red wine in her hand.
Luo Guyun sat steadily, smiling with an incomparable sense of contentment. Yi Han looked at him suspiciously and jokingly asked, "When did Meng Guang take over the Liang Hong case?"
The guests and friends had a great time and did not leave until late at night.
Back to the bedroom on the second floor, Xiao Xiangyue was still standing on the balcony, gazing at the bright moon in the sky, too excited to go into the house. Luo Guyun hugged her and said, "Yue'er loves to watch the moon so much. The moon is full on the 15th and 16th. Why don't we go camping in the suburbs tomorrow, leaving behind these noisy people, and enjoy the moonlight?" Xiao Xiangyue said happily, "Okay, okay... Brother Yun, are you the worm in my stomach? You know everything about Yue'er..." Luo Guyun coaxed her, "The hot water is ready. Let's wash off the smell of alcohol before going to bed. There's no need to get up too early tomorrow. Have lunch before setting off." He dragged her back to the bedroom.
The next afternoon, the two of them took their camping gear and drove over 30 miles to a scenic valley outside Hanchang City. They pitched their tent on a smooth rocky shoal. They started by the river to fish. Xiao Xiangyue was impatient, and when he saw no fish taking the bait after a few tries, he threw down his fishing rod and went crazy on the riverbank. Luo Guyun was calm and composed, and soon he caught several plump fish and threw them ashore. Xiao Xiangyue ran forward with joy, grabbed the lively fish and cheered loudly: "Brother Yun is still awesome!"
In the evening, the two lit a bonfire by the stream and put their fishing trophies on the grill. Soon, the aroma of burnt fish filled the air. After a satisfying barbecue, Xiao Xiangyue exclaimed, "It's so fun! Brother Yun, why didn't you bring Yue'er to camp earlier!" Luo Guoyun thought to himself that when he was in Jincheng, he had camped in the wild like this, but Yue'er didn't remember it. He pretended to be wronged and said, "Yue'er is wronging you again! When we escaped from Alsophila Valley as children, it was also a river valley like this. We used the sky as a tent and the ground as a bed, camping every day. How could Yue'er not remember it?"
Before they knew it, it was already dark. A full moon hung low in the sky, its gentle light pouring down like flowing water, coating the water's surface with a layer of silver frost. The two of them lay on the riverbank, quietly gazing up at the night sky.
Xiao Xiangyue rested her head on Luo Guoyun's belly and sighed, "The moonlight described by the ancients is mostly lonely and cold, but the moonlight in Yue'er's eyes is so gentle and peaceful..."
Luo Guyun said, "Appearances are determined by the heart, and the environment changes with the heart. That's because Yue'er's heart is pure, so everything she sees is beautiful." Xiao Xiangyue said, "No, it's because Brother Yun has prevented Yue'er from experiencing the hardships and sufferings of the world, allowing her to be carefree, peaceful and happy..." She sighed softly, "Yue'er is so lucky in this life to be able to accompany Brother Yun. I pray that we can live like this until the end of our lives!" Luo Guyun said softly, "Of course, we will never be separated from now on."
A light cloud drifted in, obscuring the moon's brightness, but the starry sky became remarkably clear. They lay on a rock, counting the stars and listening to the chirping of insects around them, whispering to each other. When the moon sank in the west and a cool breeze blew, they finally retreated to the tent to rest.
A light rain fell in the middle of the night. The morning air by the stream was exceptionally fresh, though a bit chilly. The clothes we had brought yesterday were a bit thin, so we packed up and drove back.
Passing through a small town, they happened upon a market. Stalls selling all sorts of local specialties, fresh fruits and vegetables lined both sides of the road. The market was bustling with people jostling for position. Xiao Xiangyue rolled down the window and looked around with interest. Seeing that he was interested, Luo Guoyun drove slowly, letting him look as much as he wanted.
A street vendor was selling crescent candies, a local snack made from fermented malt, stretched into a candy barley syrup, then pressed into crescent shapes. Luo Guyun jumped out of the car, bought a large bag, and popped a piece into his mouth, exclaiming, "After eating crescent candies, I have to taste the moon..." He pulled Xiao Xiangyue, who was sitting in the passenger seat, close and kissed her. The crescent candies slid back and forth between their lips, and it was hard to tell whose saliva it was, but they just swallowed it, swallowing it until the last trace of sweetness was gone. Only then did they reluctantly let go, their bodies fully shared. Both of them were aroused, their lower bodies erected. Xiao Xiangyue's cheeks flushed, her eyes sparkling. Luo Guyun thought to himself that it was bad. Last night, he was busy looking at the moon and counting the stars in the first half of the night. It rained a little in the early morning and the bonfire was out. After all, the tent was not as good as the house, and the cold air penetrated straight in. He was afraid that Yue'er would feel cold, so he just wrapped him tightly with the quilt and didn't have time to do the most important thing... There were people all around him now, and he couldn't just solve it on the spot... He wanted to rush back home immediately and roll around on the big bed with the person in his arms.
A phonograph in some shop was blasting at full volume, and even the surrounding noise couldn't drown out the music.
The national tragedy suddenly arose in a violent storm, and I threw down my pen and flew into the air.
I hate that our land has fallen into the hands of the enemy, and I am unwilling to be a slave!
The sky is filled with majestic energy, and blood is spilled across the sky.
The wind is strong and the snow is heavy.
The shame of Lugou and the hatred of Nanjing are repaid today.
There is no way back to the mountains and seas, and the blue sky is endless.
The green mountains are fortunate to bury the loyal bones, and the heroic souls are known to all directions.
I fly my plane towards the beacon fire in anger, and I will never sacrifice my life in vain!
Alone and without help, he still resists the insults like an eagle soaring into the sky.
A heart of courage shines like the sun and the moon, a heart of loyalty warms the sun.
Their heroic deeds have astonished the world, and their names will live forever...
The ethereal, sad, yet powerful singing voice reached her ears. Xiao Xiangyue's face suddenly changed. She covered her head with her hands and said painfully: "Yue'er doesn't listen... Yue'er doesn't listen..."
The song playing on the gramophone was called "A Tribute to the Sky," composed by Xiao Xiangyue four years earlier. Back then, countless young air force pilots, facing overwhelming odds, fought desperately, some crashing their planes into enemy camps, perishing alongside them. Others, captured, remained steadfast and committed suicide. One after another, bravely sacrificed their lives for their country. Xiao Xiangyue penned this deeply moving song, "A Tribute to the Sky," and performed it herself. The song has spread far and wide, bringing tears to countless ears, and remains a classic even after so many years.
Luo Guyun knew something was wrong. He gripped the steering wheel with one hand, held the person with the other, and stepped on the accelerator, wishing he could leave immediately. However, the people carrying loads and driving carts blocked the way, the streets were crowded, and the car moved extremely slowly. He couldn't help but listen to the song. Xiao Xiangyue fell on his knees in pain, confused and said, "When did Yue'er write such a song? When did she sing such a song..."
Whenever they set out before, they always had to clear the area in advance. This time, they were so focused on spending some time alone together, and since they were in the wilderness, they didn't even bring any followers. They had been camping out properly, but Yue'er had suffered this unexpected disaster. Luo Guyun felt very depressed. He was in a gloomy mood for several days. Xiao Xiangyue comforted him, "Yue'er's headache will be gone in half a day at most as long as she doesn't hear those melodies. Brother Yun, don't worry too much."
Kobe had recently left Hanchang, planning to return to Poland via Shanghai. Sun Mu was also deeply concerned, privately telling Luo Guyun, "Before leaving, Mr. Kobe repeatedly told us to stay away from those melodies. The subconscious mind is uncontrollable. If the brain nerves are repeatedly stimulated, even Yue'er, no matter how strong she is, will inevitably become mentally disturbed! But Yue'er's music is so widespread that it can be heard in every corner, making it impossible to prevent... What should we do?"
A few days later, while Xiao Xiangyue was still asleep, Luo Guyun finished his morning exercise and discussed matters with brothers Yishui and Yihan while having breakfast.
Yi Shui said: "The peace talks between Chongqing and the Communist Party have basically been reached. On the tenth of next month, which happens to be National Day, the Chairman asked my third brother to attend the National Day ceremony and the signing ceremony of the peace agreement. My wife has also asked about Yue'er many times, saying that she misses her very much. I'm afraid my third brother will have to take Yue'er to Chongqing..."
Yi Han sneered, "What a bullshit peace talk! It's all a sham! The agreement is nothing but a piece of paper! The chairman is just trying to get my third brother to support him and save face!"
Luo Guyun smiled and said, "This time I will fulfill his wish. I will go."
"Third brother, what you mean is..." Yi Shui knew Luo Guyun best, and heard the hidden meaning in his words, so he asked hurriedly.
"I have decided to take Yue'er away from China as soon as possible and settle abroad." Luo Guoyun made a shocking statement.
Yi Han was so shocked that he almost dropped his chopsticks. "What did Third Brother say?"
Luo Guyun repeated: "I plan to take Yue'er away and live abroad."
Yi Shui was also a little confused and said, "This is a serious matter. Third brother, have you thought it through?"
Luo Guyun said slowly, "Brothers, don't panic. This is a decision I've made after careful consideration. First, everyone is aware of the current situation. A full-scale civil war is about to break out. I, Luo, have always pointed my guns outward. It's simply impossible for me to turn my own people against my own! Second, the music Yue'er has created over the years can be heard everywhere in the country. The only solution is to get him away from this environment."
Yi Shui hesitated and said, "This matter requires long-term consideration. If we act hastily, it may cause unrest in the military and political instability..."
"Civil war is imminent. The Chairman is relying on you and will not let you go easily." Yi Han said.
Luo Guyun threw down his chopsticks and said, "I'm determined to leave. What can he do to me? But Jiang is narrow-minded. If I leave by force, I'm afraid it will cause a complete fallout, which will be detrimental to my brothers in the army. Therefore, I have discussed with my brothers and we have to put on a good show first."
Yi Shui asked, "Does Third Brother have a strategy in mind?" Luo Guyun said, "Only you, me, and Big Brother Sun know about this. Keep it secret from Yue'er for now to prevent him from worrying. The beginning of next spring will be the time for me to leave..."
The three brothers were silent for a moment. Yi Shui sighed, "Let's not even talk about the outcome of the KMT-CCP conflict... Being able to be as clear-headed as my third brother, to withdraw decisively and retreat bravely, without any attachment to power, is something I'm afraid few people in the world can achieve..."
Luo Guyun said generously, "You and I have been in the military since we could walk. Every battle has been fought with corpses scattered all over the ground. A general's success is built on the sacrifices of thousands of soldiers. This is an eternal truth! If it is to resist foreign aggression, my generation will shoulder the responsibility. As for internal strife, I really disdain to associate with it... No matter if it's the Kuomintang or the Communist Party, any party that works for the welfare of the people is a good party!" He leaned back in his chair and spread his hands, "Let them fight... For the rest of my life, I just want to live a peaceful life with Yue'er."
Yi Han calculated, "By the beginning of next spring, we still have half a year to plan. I will gradually transfer the li taxes collected from the seven provinces in the southwest and northwest over the past few years, as well as the profits from our various businesses, into the account set up in Yue'er's name at the Bank of Zurich in Switzerland..."
"No! The military has huge expenses, so we need to leave the money for the brothers..." Luo Guyun said hurriedly. Yi Han interrupted him: "Third brother, you are confused! Now that the four major families control the government, this money will sooner or later be exploited by the central government. Transferring it abroad as soon as possible will also leave us a way out in the future."
Yi Shui pondered and said, "If such a large amount of funds is to be transferred out, it may arouse the central government's vigilance. We need to find a good channel..." Yi Han said, "I will contact several foreign arms dealers and trading companies later. I will transfer the funds in batches under the guise of purchasing arms or bulk goods. I will keep it secret and leave no trace."
Luo Guyun continued, "Brother Sun will definitely come with us this time. With you two brothers here, the brothers in the army will not suffer any losses, and I will also have no worries. If the situation changes, you brothers can seize the opportunity and make sure everyone escapes safely." Yi Shui said, "Don't worry, third brother. Nowadays, air transportation is convenient and communication technology is advanced. If we have to make any important decisions, I will report to you immediately and ask the commander-in-chief for your instructions."
Yi Han sighed, "I have sent people to renovate the mansion in Nanjing. I thought my third brother and Yue'er would stay in Nanjing more often. Alas... Now I'm afraid only my eldest brother will go there occasionally to stay." Luo Guyun smiled and said, "In the future, when my third brother and Yue'er are not around, my eldest brother will be in Nanjing and my second brother will be in Shanghai. It would be better for us to get married, get a house and a wife, and have someone to take care of us. I will feel more at ease..." Yi Han smiled and said, "I don't have such plans. It depends on my eldest brother..."
Luo Guyun said: "Brother is extremely wise. No one can compare to him in assessing the situation and making plans. But when it comes to love, it's all about sincerity for sincerity. The simpler and purer, the better..."
Yishui was four years older than Luo Guyun, nearing forty. He was a suave and charming man, with a fleeting stream of lovers. Recently, tabloids regaled him with gossip about two renowned Peking Opera actresses vying for his affections.
"Third brother and Yue'er are in perfect harmony, which is easy to say! I told you when we were fighting bandits that year, don't think that all love affairs in the world are as happy as yours! Feelings are the most vulnerable to the test! Sincerity? People's hearts are hidden, how can you know what others are calculating? In the end, I'm afraid that sincerity will be wasted..." Yi Shui was a little indignant.
Luo Guyun held his forehead and smiled, "Okay... okay! Blame it on me... One sentence caused Big Brother to complain so much. If he doesn't want to marry, then he doesn't. It's no big deal."
On October 9th, the special plane landed at Chongqing Jiangbei Airport. Over the past eight years, Xiao Xiangyue had flown countless times—to Jincheng to recuperate, to accompany Luo Guoyun on inspection tours, to Chongqing for performances, to the United States... but he couldn't remember any of them. As far as he could remember, this was his first time on a plane, a novelty that was incredibly exciting. Gazing at the puffs of white clouds outside the window, he was so excited he couldn't even blink.
That evening, the Chairman and his wife hosted a banquet at their Linyuan official residence for the Communist Party's negotiating representatives. All the leading figures from the Party and the country were present. Luo Guoyun sat beside the Chairman, their expressions intimate, as they toasted repeatedly to the Communist Party representatives.
The Madam was incredibly affectionate towards Xiao Xiangyue. Holding her hand, they chatted enthusiastically, asking about her family's affairs. No one else could get a word in. Luo Guoyun listened carefully and nearly spit out his soup...
His wife had been talking about a Japanese bombing raid on their official residence a few years earlier, where a bomb had come so close that it had nearly shattered them. Xiao Xiangyue had then recounted how, in Jincheng, a Tang Dynasty pagoda next to their residence had been blown to smithereens, barely a hundred meters away. It had been a truly thrilling experience... And how, during their inspection of the Hanchang trenches, they had been bombed by the Japanese, and how Luo Guyun had shielded him from the bombing, wounding his own arm... Her descriptions were so vivid, as if she had personally witnessed it.
Xiao Xiangyue was a strong-willed person, unwilling to let anyone know about his amnesia. Whenever he had free time, Luo Guyun would tell him stories about everything that had happened since his twentieth birthday. He listened with rapt interest, as if listening to anyone else's story. He would often probe for details, committing them to memory. Since Sun Mu was about to meet his wife, he recounted the events of his visit to the United States that year, so as to avoid revealing any flaws during the conversation... Yue'er was truly a man of great intelligence, recounting these stories as if they were his own experiences, and Luo Guyun smiled heartily.
The guards brought a bowl of Poria cocos and tangerine peel soup. Luo Guoyun took a sip himself, finding it neither hot nor cold, before passing it to Xiao Xiangyue. Chongqing's autumn was cold and damp, and the locals favored spicy food to dispel dampness. Xiao Xiangyue didn't like chili peppers, so Sun Mu specifically instructed her to drink the cold-removing and damp-clearing soup regularly.
Madam looked at Xiao Xiangyue and sighed, "I've never envied anyone in my life, but I'm a little jealous of Xiangyue. We've both experienced war, and after all these years, Xiangyue's eyes remain pure and untainted by dust. It's truly rare..."
At the dance after dinner, Xiao Xiangyue played the violin piece "Anhe Qu." This piece, played on the violin, possesses a unique charm compared to the flute. Its tranquil, distant melody is soothing and relaxing. Everyone in the hall paused their dancing to listen to this celestial music, which seemed to emanate from the azure heavens. A gentle breeze soothed their hearts, bringing a gentle warmth that seemed to melt even the ice. When the piece paused, both the Chairman and the Communist Party's negotiating representatives were deeply moved, lost in thought.
The chairman spoke passionately: "I would rather be a dog in peacetime than a man in chaos! The Chinese nation has experienced war and great suffering. We should do our best to find a peaceful way out!" Everyone echoed.
Luo Guyun watched coldly and sighed in his heart. No matter what the future holds, at least at this moment, this group of people with different thoughts sincerely hope for peace.
The next day, after the peace agreement was signed, the central government arranged a celebratory performance. Madam relocated the Survivor's School to Chongqing and invited Xiao Xiangyue to visit the school after the performance. Yue'er had composed the school song, and his compositions were integral to the performance. Luo Guoyun, of course, would not let him hear these melodies and deliberately avoided them. He simply said Xiangyue was feeling unwell and politely declined Madam's invitation.
The two of them traveled light with a few guards and came to Meihua Mountain near Beibei.
It was a rainy autumn in Chongqing, and the stone path leading to the top of the mountain was covered with moss and was a bit slippery. Luo Guyun held an umbrella in one hand and held Xiao Xiangyue's arm with the other, walking carefully, fearing that he would fall.
A solitary grave stood at the end of the stone path. Luo Guyun offered his umbrella to Xiao Xiangyue, and they stood solemnly before the tomb, burning incense and offering their respects. He silently prayed, "Brother Xuchen, from now on, we are separated by vast distances, mountains and rivers, and oceans. I cannot visit you often, so please forgive me."
Xiao Xiangyue handed the guard an umbrella and stood shoulder to shoulder with him in the rain. Staring at the words engraved on the tombstone, she whispered, "Who is this General Zhang? Has Yue'er ever met him?"
The tomb's inhabitant, General Zhang Zizhong, led over 2,000 men against heavy Japanese forces in the defense of Hanchang. Wounded by seven bullets, he died a heroic death. Luo Guoyun dispatched a death squad to recover his body and transport the coffin back to Chongqing. Zhang's wife, Li, was deeply moved when she watched an opera choreographed by Xiao Xiangyue about Nanjing Mayor Xiao Shanling. She expressed her wish that if her husband died for his country, she would follow Xiao's example and remain with him through thick and thin. Her words proved prophetic: after Zhang Zizhong's coffin arrived in Chongqing, his wife died of a seven-day hunger strike. They were buried together on Meihua Mountain. To commemorate Zhang, the faculty and students of the Tiannian Conservatory of Music held a graduation concert in Zhang's hometown, Hanlincheng, providing Watanabe Hiko with an opportunity.
Luo Guoyun took the umbrella from the guard and held it over him, then put his arm around his waist and said, "Yue'er doesn't recognize General Zhang! It's very cold in the mountains, and I'm afraid you'll catch a cold if you get caught in the rain. Let's go back."
From autumn to winter, Luo Guoyun was incredibly busy. He visited the Air Force School in Hangzhou, delivered a speech, and encouraged students to be loyal to their country... He visited the Jincheng Aircraft Manufacturing Base to inspect the development of new fighter jets... He visited the Expeditionary Force in Kunming and observed the construction of the Yunnan-Vietnam Railway... He returned to Nanjing to prepare for the return of the capital...
Xiao Xiangyue was inseparable from him, accompanying him wherever he went. Security was extremely tight wherever he went. He avoided any place where he might hear those melodies. When he occasionally appeared in public, he would clear the area in advance, keeping outsiders at bay. After several months, nothing happened.
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