Chapter 481 After being away from home for more than fifty years, I finally came back!
One week later.
Deng Shirong and his two grandchildren, along with his eldest brother Deng Shize and his family, arrived in Shenzhen safely.
Although Taiwan lifted restrictions on visiting relatives and traveling to the mainland in 1987, there were no direct flights between the two places in the 1980s and 1990s. It was not until 8:52 a.m. on January 26, 2003, when a China Airlines flight landed at Shanghai Pudong International Airport, that the history of normal aviation exchanges between the mainland and Taiwan, which had been interrupted since 1949, was finally broken.
In the past, Xinmin Evening News used the front-page headline to report the news that "the first chartered plane for Taiwanese businessmen arrived in Shanghai today."
It was the Taiwanese businessmen in mainland China's eagerness to return home that led to this event.
Five years later, passenger planes, ships and letters from both sides of the Taiwan Strait no longer had to go through a third place but could go directly to the other side. The "three links" were fully realized, opening a new chapter in the development of cross-strait relations.
At that time, since there had been no air traffic between Taiwan and the mainland since 1949, Deng Shirong and others could only take a plane from Taiwan to Hong Kong, then from Hong Kong to Shenzhen, which was separated by a river, and then take a bus from Shenzhen back to Bobai.
It was already evening when Deng Shirong and others arrived in Shenzhen. Although there were buses returning to Bobai in the evening, his eldest brother was in poor health and he had to rest when he needed to and could not do anything just to save time.
Anyway, as long as I can get back to my hometown on New Year’s Eve, nothing else matters.
Therefore, now that we are in Shenzhen, we must stay for one night. It will not be too late to return to Bobai tomorrow after we have a good rest.
When arriving at a hotel in Shenzhen, Deng Shirong introduced with a smile: "Brother and sister-in-law, Shenzhen was originally just a small fishing village. After the reform and opening up, it was established as a special economic zone and became a bridgehead for reform and opening up. Now, in just over a decade, it has completely changed."
This city full of skyscrapers was just a small fishing village more than a decade ago?
Deng Shize was a little surprised and said, "Laojiu, did the reform and opening up really only take a dozen years to turn a small fishing village into what it is today?"
Deng Shirong nodded and said, "Yes, this is the achievement that Shenzhen has made in the past decade of reform and opening up. Now Taiwan's economy has reached its peak, and it is very likely that the economy will continue to stagnate, while the development of our motherland has just begun.
So, Yunfu, you brothers and sisters, if you want to make a big career, then quickly focus on the mainland. Now the country has given many preferential policies to Taiwanese investment, and the country is truly full of gold. You must not miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. "
After hearing Uncle Man’s repeated emphasis, Deng Yunfu and his five siblings began to take the matter seriously.
Especially Deng Yunfu, Deng Yunlu and Deng Yunhua, who were already doing business, were really tempted.
Deng Yunfu immediately expressed his opinion: "Uncle Man, this time when I return to my hometown for the New Year, I will learn more about it and see what business I can start in the mainland."
Deng Yunlu continued, "I'll also learn more about it and see if there's any future for me to go back to the mainland and do fruit wholesale business."
Deng Yunhua said: "I also want to know something about the clothing business."
Deng Shirong smiled and said, "If you can trust me, I will find you some profitable businesses for your reference."
Deng Yunfu's eyes lit up and he said, "If Uncle Man is willing to give us some advice, then we won't have anything to worry about!"
Deng Yunhua said happily: "Yes, Uncle Man, you are a real business tycoon. With your guidance, we really don't have to worry."
Other brothers and sisters also expressed their opinions. Ever since they learned that Uncle Man had led the entire family to become rich in his hometown and established the country's number one private enterprise, they, as nephews and nieces, have been full of admiration for their Uncle Man.
Their achievements are really nothing compared to Uncle Man.
With such guidance from business leaders like them, why would they worry about not making money?
…
The next morning.
Deng Shirong and others enjoyed a good Cantonese morning tea before boarding the bus back to Bobai.
It is the Spring Festival travel period now, and the passenger flow on both trains and buses is terrifying.
Under normal circumstances, it is impossible for ordinary people to buy more than 20 tickets at once, but Deng Shirong is a high-ranking official. With just one phone call, a large bus was temporarily transferred from his own bus company for his exclusive use.
On the way back to Bobai, Deng Shize asked with some concern: "Old Nine, if the news spreads that we are going back to our hometown to celebrate the New Year in such a grand manner, will it affect Yun Heng and Yun Song's work?"
Deng Shirong smiled and said, "Brother, if it was in the 1960s and 1970s, let alone coming back to celebrate the New Year with great fanfare, even if people knew that we had connections with Hong Kong and Taiwan, I'm afraid our family would be in big trouble.
However, the situation is different now. Having connections in Hong Kong, Taiwan or overseas is not only not harmful, but beneficial. It will not have any impact on their work, and even if there is an impact, it will be a good one. "
Deng Shize breathed a sigh of relief and said, "That's good. I was afraid of causing trouble for you. I kept it under wraps for the past few years and didn't come back because of this concern."
Deng Shirong said: "I don't think the situation of the 1960s and 1970s will ever happen again. Now there is only one voice in the country, and that is to develop the economy. Our country has fallen behind for so many years, and it is time to catch up."
Deng Shize said, "I only heard about what happened in the 1960s and 1970s. I heard that from top to bottom, countless people were killed and society was in chaos. I don't know if this is true or not? Also, did our village change at that time?"
Deng Shirong nodded and said, "That era was indeed very chaotic. Thanks to Duke Zhou, otherwise we really don't know what the country would have become. Our village was also greatly affected at that time. Some people were like crazy, using chicken feathers as a token of authority.
I can’t go into detail, but at that time, everyone was very quiet and didn’t even dare to complain.”
Although his brother's words were vague, Deng Shize still heard the horror of that era and couldn't help but sigh: "Our country is really full of disasters!"
Deng Shirong said: "All the suffering is over, and the country will get better and better in the future."
The two brothers were chatting casually about all sorts of things, and before they knew it they were talking about Emperor Xuanzong of Tang, Li Longji.
Deng Shize said: "Li Longji was quite powerful in his early years and created the Kaiyuan Era of Prosperity. If he had died twenty years earlier, he would have been a wise ruler whose name would go down in history."
Deng Shirong was surprised and said, "Brother, I didn't expect you to know history?"
Deng Shize shook his head and smiled, "I only have a vague understanding of history. It's mainly because I had nothing to do after retirement, so I read some history books. I can't say I understand history at all."
“That’s better than a lot of people.”
Deng Shirong praised, and then said with emotion: "In fact, this is human nature. Many people are wise and brave in the early stages of their struggle. Take Li Longji for example. He was indeed a rare wise ruler in the early stage and created the famous Kaiyuan Prosperity in history.
The Kaiyuan Period of Prosperity was truly glorious. During this period, the Tang Dynasty reached extremely high levels in all aspects. The national strength was unprecedentedly strong, the social economy was unprecedentedly prosperous, the population grew substantially, commerce was very developed, domestic transportation was well-connected, cities were prosperous, foreign trade was very active, and merchants from Persia and the Arab world flocked to the country.
It is really difficult to create such a prosperous era and maintain the original fighting spirit.
Therefore, it is no wonder that Li Longji enjoyed himself in his later years. He worked hard for most of his life and achieved remarkable achievements. It is natural for him to want to enjoy himself when he is old. "
Deng Shize nodded and said, "This is indeed human nature. If the government had been stable during Li Longji's lifetime, there would be nothing to say. It is mainly because of the 'Anshi Rebellion' that occurred in his later years, causing the Tang Dynasty, which had reached its peak of economic development, to decline directly. This is a pity."
While the two brothers were talking about history, the other younger generations were listening quietly beside them.
The four brothers and sisters of Deng Yunfu have all received higher education. When they were studying, Taiwan history was considered a part of Chinese history, so history books gave detailed introductions to various dynasties in China. They also knew about the famous Kaiyuan Prosperity in ancient Chinese history.
Unlike later generations, the Taiwanese authorities really tried every possible means to de-Sinicize. In the new edition of history textbooks, the main text of Chapter 1 of the Chinese history section, "State and Society from the Shang and Zhou Dynasties to the Sui and Tang Dynasties," is only 4 pages long, with a total of more than 1,600 words.
In the section "From Tribe to Feudalism", the concept of the Xia Dynasty is not mentioned at all, and the history from the Shang Dynasty to the Western Zhou Dynasty is only briefly mentioned in 300 words.
In the section "From Feudalism to Imperial State", the thousand-year history from the Eastern Zhou Dynasty to the end of the Han Dynasty is told in only 800 words.
The main text then jumps directly to the content such as Emperor Wu of Han's policy of promoting Confucianism, the Nine-Rank System of Wei and Jin Dynasties, and the imperial examination system of Sui and Tang Dynasties.
Not only that, important historical events such as King Wu's conquest of King Zhou, the Five Hegemons of the Spring and Autumn Period, the Seven Heroes of the Warring States Period, the Chu-Han Contention, and the Yellow Turban Rebellion were all deleted. Historical periods such as the Three Kingdoms and the Southern and Northern Dynasties were not mentioned at all. Important historical figures such as Emperor Wu of Han were briefly mentioned, and only Qin Shihuang and the Legalists were mentioned briefly.
At the same time, as a history textbook, this textbook does not mention historical books such as "Records of the Grand Historian" and "Book of Han" at all.
The textbook only spends 60 pages and 6 chapters to tell the 3,600 years of history from the Shang and Zhou Dynasties to the late Qing Dynasty. Each chapter has only 1,500 words but has to tell 600 years of history. This is simply ridiculous.
When the two brothers had finished talking, Deng Changzuo asked, "Mr. Man, how long does it take to get back to Bobai from Shenzhen?"
Deng Shirong replied: "It will take about twelve hours."
Deng Changzuo was surprised and said, "Oh my God, it takes more than ten hours to drive here? How far is Shenzhen from Bobai?"
Deng Shirong smiled and said, "It's more than 500 kilometers from Shenzhen to Bobai, and the road is not easy to travel now, so it will take a long time."
Deng Yunshou couldn't help but sigh, "It's worthy of being the mainland. The distance is often hundreds of kilometers. In Taiwan, the longest distance from north to south is only 380 kilometers. If the distance between two places is more than 100 kilometers, it is considered far."
Deng Shirong couldn't help but laugh and said, "This is normal. Taiwan's area is less than 36,000 square kilometers, while our Guangxi's area is nearly 240,000 square kilometers. The difference between the two is six or seven times. Guangxi is just one of the 28 provinces and autonomous regions on the mainland, not to mention the four municipalities!"
The others were also amazed when they heard this. They all knew that the mainland of the motherland was very big, but few people really understood how big the mainland of the motherland was. Now after hearing what Deng Shirong said, they realized that compared with the mainland of the motherland, Taiwan's area was really pitifully small.
Deng Changzuo and others are full of curiosity about the mainland of the motherland. They grew up in Taiwan and only knew about the mainland from their elders. No one has ever actually been to the mainland. This is the first time they have returned to the mainland to celebrate the New Year.
Therefore, everyone asked all kinds of questions like a curious baby.
…
Bobai.
Naye Deng’s Community.
Deng Yuntai and his wife, Deng Yunzhen's family of three, Deng Yunheng's family of three, Deng Yunzhu's family of three, Deng Yunsong's family of three, Deng Yunhua and his wife, and Deng Yunheng, all seven brothers and sisters and their families were present.
In addition, Deng Shilan and his wife, as well as their children and grandchildren, were all present.
The reason why they all came together was naturally because Deng Shirong called his third sister and children before returning.
Deng Yuntai and his sister were all shocked when they received the call from their father. They never expected that their father was just taking Xiao Dong'er and Dongzi to Taiwan for a trip, but they unexpectedly reunited with their uncle who had been missing for decades. This was simply outrageous, it was outrageous to the extreme.
Even TV dramas don’t dare to film such an outrageous plot.
You know, their uncle has been away from home for more than 50 years and there has been no news since then. If their father went to look for him on purpose, it wouldn't be so outrageous if he found him, but the key point is that their father took Xiaodong'er and Dongzi on a trip.
They were able to bump into each other unexpectedly, and their luck was so bad that they were speechless.
At this time, everyone was sitting in the living room chatting, and the topic of conversation naturally focused on Deng Shize.
Deng Yunhua said with a puzzled look on his face: "It's really strange. In recent years, Taiwanese compatriots have been returning to the mainland to visit relatives. Since my uncle is still alive, why hasn't he come back?"
Deng Yuntai shook his head and said, "I'm not sure about that. Dad didn't tell us much, but I think there must be a reason."
Deng Yunheng continued, "Uncle was a soldier. Since he went to Taiwan, it is very likely that he went there in 1949. But Dad has already told us that Uncle joined our army back then. He suddenly ran to Taiwan. There must be some secret that we don't know about!"
Deng Yunsong said: "We will know the specific reason only when Dad and uncle come back."
Deng Yunheng asked curiously, "Third Aunt, after so many years, do you still remember what Uncle looks like?"
Deng Shilan shook his head and said, "How could I remember? When your uncle left, I was only seven or eight years old. Now, more than fifty years have passed, and my memory of that time is already blurred. I would not recognize him even if we were face to face. I don't know how your father recognized your uncle, since he was only four or five years old at the time."
Bu Dashi continued, "I am also curious about how my uncle and my eldest uncle met and how they recognized each other."
"We'll know when my dad and uncle come back!"
At this point, Deng Yuntai looked at his older sister and said, "Ah Zhen, has everything been arranged at the hotel?"
Deng Yunzhen said: "Everything has been arranged. When uncle and his family come back, they can enjoy the delicious food from their hometown as soon as possible."
…
Nine o'clock in the evening.
Usually at this time, Suifeng Hotel is basically closed.
However, today the Suifeng Hotel was not only open, but there were dozens of people guarding the hotel.
In the kitchen, the chefs are busy making preliminary preparations, such as blanching what needs to be blanched, frying what needs to be fried, and marinating what needs to be marinated. In short, as long as these tasks are done in advance, only the final step of cooking will be required and the dishes can be served quickly.
Not long after, a large bus stopped in front of the Suifeng Hotel.
Deng Yuntai and others were cheered up upon seeing this, and all of them went out to greet him.
The first to get off the car were naturally Deng Shirong and his two grandchildren, then the eldest grandson Deng Changzuo helped his grandfather get off, and the others followed.
Deng Shilan looked at the old man holding a cane, who looked somewhat like his father, and shouted excitedly, "Brother!"
Deng Shize looked in the direction of the voice, and he was a little excited: "Third sister, is that you?"
Deng Shilan walked up to him, holding up his gray-haired, skinny elder brother, and said with red eyes, "Brother, it's me. Are you okay? Why are you so thin?"
"I'm fine."
While speaking, Deng Shize looked at Bu Erzhu who was standing obediently beside him and asked, "Who are you?"
Bu Erzhu smiled and greeted, "Brother, I'm Erzhu, Alan's husband."
As soon as he saw his brother-in-law's appearance, he knew that he was an honest man. Deng Shize nodded with satisfaction and said, "You are good. It is a blessing for my third sister to marry you."
Deng Shirong then stepped forward and introduced both parties one by one.
The three siblings have many children and grandchildren, and it would take a long time just to introduce them all.
After the introductions and greetings, Deng Yunzhen said with a smile, "Uncle, aunt, you must be hungry after sitting in the car for such a long time. I have asked the chef to prepare the special flavors of our hometown. Come into the store and try them."
Deng Shize smiled and said, "Okay, I haven't tasted the flavor of my hometown for more than 50 years. I have to taste it today."
So, Deng Shize and his family, at the invitation of their brothers, sisters and cousins, followed them into the Suifeng Hotel.
With so many people, one table definitely couldn't accommodate them all. However, in Bobai Territory, there is a habit of sharing tables. Before Deng Shize and others came back, Deng Yunzhen asked the waiter to put several tables together, so it was no problem to seat dozens of people.
As soon as people sat down, the waiter served tea and food.
The first dishes served were naturally Bobai’s most classic boiled-cut series, including boiled-cut chicken, boiled-cut duck, boiled goose, boiled pig’s trotters, boiled pig’s stomach and so on.
Seeing these familiar yet unfamiliar white-cut dishes, Deng Shize couldn't help but salivate. He recalled: "I remember that my family was not well off back then, and we only had the chance to eat a few pieces of chicken and duck during festivals. At that time, my mother would first cook the chicken and duck for my grandfather or uncle, and then cut them into small pieces to eat with a sauce dish.
At that time, the sauce was made with soy sauce instead of chicken and duck soup. It was simple but delicious.”
Deng Shilan recalled the poor days back then and said with emotion: "At that time, we could not eat meat for several months. During festivals, as long as the meat was cooked, even if it was just dipped in salt, it would taste extremely delicious, not to mention the sauce made with drum oil paste."
Deng Shirong smiled and said, "Those difficult days are long gone. Our lives will get better and better in the future. Brother, sister-in-law, and all nephews and grandchildren, please try it. This white-cut pork is the most famous specialty of our Bobai!"
Deng Shize and others were no longer polite after hearing this and started to eat with their chopsticks.
"Hey, this white-cut chicken tastes really good, with a hint of ginger aroma, and the meat becomes more fragrant the more you chew it, it's absolutely amazing."
"This boiled pork belly is also delicious, with a crispy and refreshing texture."
"I think the boiled pork trotter is a must-try. Although Taiwan also has this dish, I feel that the taste is not as good as this one."
“…”
Deng Shize's children and grandchildren all have good family conditions and have eaten a lot of good food, but now when they eat this Bobaiqie, they can't help but praise it. They feel that the taste of this Bobaiqie is really good.
Soon, other dishes were served one after another, all of which were famous local dishes of Bobai.
Among them, the bamboo shoots noodle, which is indispensable for the New Year's Festival and various banquets, is the most characteristic of Bobai. The authentic flavor made Deng Shize almost cry.
After being away from home for more than 50 years, I finally got to taste the authentic hometown flavors again. Only those who have experienced it personally know how it feels.
After tasting the bamboo shoot noodle dish, Grandma Hu and her children and grandchildren were full of praise.
This dish looks simple, and almost everyone who cooks at home in Bobai can make it, but it is not easy to make it well.
The most important thing is to choose the right bamboo shoots and vermicelli. If there is something wrong with these two ingredients, even a god of cooking will not be able to make authentic bamboo shoot vermicelli.
As it was too late and Deng Shize's health had to be taken into consideration, the meal didn't take too long. Even the wine was only tasted briefly, and the dinner ended at around 9:40.
Deng Shirong wiped his mouth with a tissue and said, "Brother and sister-in-law, let the waiter clean up here. I will take you back to your place first. Take a shower and have a good rest. We will go home after breakfast tomorrow."
"Okay, I'll follow your instructions."
…
PS: I was originally just writing some casual chat between brothers, but someone took it too seriously, so I'd better delete it to avoid getting into trouble.
(End of this chapter)
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
