As they were talking, the village chief also came over. He was probably worried about Ye Qiufeng's condition, so the three of them huddled together, chatting and keeping an eye on the situation inside the house.
Jiang Qiao was too embarrassed to go inside and disturb the family's reunion, as Ye Qiufeng didn't have much time left.
Actually, she herself wanted to cry. She didn't even know where her own brother was buried. In this life, even if she wanted to go and pay her respects, she wouldn't be able to find a single one.
In the dead of night, a strong wind was blowing outside. Jiang Qiao shivered for no reason. At this moment, Ye Xiaofeng came out, her eyes red and swollen, and her voice hoarse.
"Jiang Qiao, Brother Sun, Comrade Liu, my brother wants you to come in. Jiang Qiao, thank you—"
Jiang Qiao shook her head. "You're too kind. Well, perhaps it was fate that brought your brother together with me. It just so happened that I knew a few people, so it was all a coincidence. How is he now?"
Ye Xiaofeng shook her head, tears welling up again. "It's not good. They said they're very tired and asked me to come in with you."
Upon seeing Ye Qiufeng, Jiang Qiao felt a sudden tightness in her chest and quickly went over to him. "Uncle, how are you feeling?"
Ye Qiufeng shook his head, his expression somewhat serene. "My life is neither too long nor too short. In my most difficult times, kind villagers helped me. When I was helpless, my brother Sun accompanied me. Just as I was about to leave, I met Jiang Qiao, and my brother and I were able to reunite."
"I have no regrets in this life, Jiang Qiao. If you can, I beg you, please help heal your uncle's body. In the next life, I will repay you even if it means repaying your debt in the most difficult way."
Jiang Qiao waved her hand, "Uncle, don't say that. It's my great fortune to know people like you. You are the benefactors of us younger generations. Without you, we wouldn't be where we are today. Please don't talk about repaying me."
"Uncle, please rest assured. I, Jiang Qiao, will do everything in my power to cure your illness."
Ye Qiufeng nodded with satisfaction, then turned to Sun Changlin and Liu Kai, "Captain, Brother Sun, after I die, you must bury me next to my comrades. We fought the Japanese together, and even in death, we will keep each other company—"
Sun Changlin choked up as he agreed, “Okay, brother, don’t worry. I’ll come and join you guys later. When that time comes, we’ll eat meat and drink wine together with all our brothers and comrades. We’ll tell them everything they haven’t seen.”
Ye Xiaofeng, who was standing to the side, was already sobbing uncontrollably in her husband's arms.
With his last glance, Ye Qiufeng looked at Zhao Anbang and Zhao Yiming, his eyes filled with endless longing. "Uncle, take care of yourselves. Brother-in-law, Zhao, take good care of me—my sister—"
After saying this, tears welled up in her eyes, her gaze turned upwards as if filled with joy, her arm stretched out in mid-air before slowly lowering, and she slowly closed her eyes.
"elder brother--"
Ye Xiaofeng let out a shrill scream and threw herself onto Ye Qiufeng, bursting into tears.
Her cry shattered the tranquility of the small mountain village. Those who hadn't slept soundly got up quickly upon hearing the crying and rushed over.
Jiang Qiao wiped away her tears, took Ye Qiusheng's pulse, and then shook her head. "Prepare for the worst!"
Ye Xiaofeng, who had been clinging to Ye Qiusheng, was pulled away by the people around her. Zhao Anbang's hoarse voice comforted her, "Xiaofeng, let your brother go in peace, don't let him worry."
"Autumn wind, rest in peace. We will take good care of your sister."
In Jiang Qiao's eyes, Ye Qiufeng's situation was actually a kind of relief.
"Auntie, don't cry. Uncle Ye said he has no regrets."
Ye Xiaofeng leaned on her husband's shoulder and cried her heart out.
Indeed, after missing each other for so long, it was a rare opportunity to finally meet. Who could have imagined that these few short hours would turn into a final farewell between siblings? No one could bear it.
Fortunately, Jiang Qiao had already arranged for Ye Qiufeng to get ready, so he didn't need to change his clothes again.
Crying won't solve anything now. Zhao Anbang and his team started preparing for the delivery. Fortunately, they had a lot of people. Those who needed to go out to buy things were sent out, and those who needed to go out to borrow things went out early in the morning to help with errands.
Sun Changlin also sent someone to bring his family over. Ye Qiufeng had no children, so his son would have to take care of the rest.
No matter what, they were comrades-in-arms, and his child was Ye Qiusheng's child.
At home, a simple yet solemn farewell ceremony was held, presided over by the local armed forces department. Ye Qiusheng, dressed in a brand-new military uniform and covered with a bright red military flag, was carried into a car by four soldiers. In accordance with Ye Qiufeng's last wishes, the body was cremated and buried.
When Ye Qiufeng was dragged away, Ye Xiaofeng also fainted from crying, so Jiang Qiao had no choice but to stay at home to keep her company.
Originally, according to everyone's opinion, we should have stopped for two more days. However, Ye Qiufeng had previously said that we should just leave and not go through all that trouble and make things difficult for the living.
Everyone was busy with the autumn harvest. If they didn't hurry up and harvest the crops, all the hard work of the year would be wasted. Therefore, Zhao Anbang and his son respected his last wishes and had him cremated and buried directly.
The villagers who came to help also comforted him, saying, "Xiao Liu will definitely be satisfied. He has always dreamed of wearing a military uniform again. This time, his wish has finally come true. He should have no regrets now."
While preparing the meal with everyone, Jiang Qiao inquired about Ye Qiufeng's daily life.
Just as she guessed, everyone usually lends a hand whenever they have time. Sun Changlin and his group are the main force here. These two brothers jumped off a cliff together back then, survived together, and depended on each other for several years. Even after he got married, he still didn't forget his brother.
Jiang Qiao asked this question so that Ye Xiaofeng, who was sitting to the side, could hear it. Ye Qiufeng doesn't tell his sister everything, so she should hear it now and have a better understanding of the situation.
"Auntie, I'll be staying here with you for a while. If anyone in the village feels unwell, you can come and see me. It's free."
I originally planned to treat Uncle Ye and Uncle Sun, but things turned out this way. So, please don't be shy about helping them during this time—”
The villagers never expected Jiang Qiao to ask for this, especially not for free. You tell me, how can people who eat grains, work hard year after year, and endure hunger be so healthy?
Everyone has some kind of ailment, but they're reluctant to spend money to see a doctor. They just bear it as long as they can, and when they can't stand it anymore, they take some painkillers.
Jiang Qiao's words excited everyone present.
"Girl, are you telling the truth?"
Jiang Qiao nodded. "I'll stay at Uncle Ye's house until Uncle Sun is fully recovered. I'll leave after that. In the meantime, you're all welcome to come and bother me."
Don't worry, I won't take any money. Don't bring me anything or give me anything; I brought my own food and provisions.
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