Chapter 133 My wife and children are still in Jincheng, this…
Japan suddenly launched an attack on Heijo. The garrison was caught off guard and suffered repeated defeats. High-ranking officials who were on vacation in Kinjo rushed back to discuss countermeasures.
Before any discussion could even reach a conclusion, Pingcheng had already fallen, Han Xiwen was killed in battle, the Dou family army was leaderless, and there were signs of a rout in the north.
Jin Cheng finally issued a declaration of resistance.
Lu Lin, his face grim, flipped through the list of fallen generals at the front. His hand trembled slightly as a familiar name caught his eye: Feng Qing.
This was not the first time he had faced the death of his comrades and friends, but it was the most unexpected. It shouldn't have happened. Feng Qing and Han Xiwen should not have died so hastily. They should have fought Japan honorably.
The high-ranking officials held a meeting overnight to discuss the matter and unanimously decided to send Lu Lin north immediately to defend against the enemy.
Firstly, he had deep ties with Dou's army, enabling him to take over these troops as quickly as possible. Secondly, he had previously served in the Pingcheng Marine Corps and was most familiar with the situation there, allowing him to quickly assemble the routed troops, stabilize morale, and maintain the situation in the north. Thirdly, he had experience fighting the Japanese army in Bincheng.
The military situation was urgent, and Lu Lin could not afford to delay any longer, leaving him only one night to say goodbye to his family.
I never expected that we would part ways again so soon, so suddenly.
Shen Rong silently packed his luggage without saying a word, while Lu Zhan squatted obediently beside his mother, helping her hold the suitcase.
That evening, Lu Lin personally cooked a table full of delicious dishes. He hadn't cooked for a long time; he had been too busy. Even Lu Zhan had never eaten his father's cooking. He was a little curious, but the atmosphere at the table kept him from making a fuss.
The ribs were delicious, but he felt like crying while eating them. He turned to look at his mother, who was already sobbing uncontrollably.
Lu Lin sighed and picked up the food from Shen Rong's bowl: "If you can't eat, then don't eat. Don't cry. Everything will be alright. Just like before, I'll write to you whenever I have time."
With tears welling in her eyes, Shen Rong looked up tentatively and asked, "Can't I go with you? I can wait for you in Dong Province." She could find a city closer to him.
Lu Lin shook his head firmly: "I'm fighting a war, what are you doing following me?"
Shen Rong pouted. Did she think she didn't know? The families of those officers were also there. It was just that Jin Cheng was suspicious and wanted to detain her and her son as hostages.
She understood everything and didn't want to cry, but she couldn't help it when the moment came.
Lu Lin reached out and covered her palm, patting it reassuringly: "I wasn't planning to take you with me in the first place. The front lines are dangerous, and in war, there are advances and retreats. In a critical situation, I definitely won't be able to take care of the rear. What would you do if you came along? Are you going to stage a dramatic escape?"
Shen Rong glared at him with teary eyes, and Lu Lin immediately stopped joking: "I sent a telegram home, asking Mom and Dad to come to Jincheng as soon as possible."
After Pingcheng fell, Lujia Town was also safe. The Japanese would soon move south. The area was flat and the army would not be able to effectively resist them in a short time. Lu Lin was worried that it would become an occupied area.
Lu Lin whispered a string of nice things, which finally eased Shen Rong's brows, and he couldn't help but lightly peck at the corner of his mouth.
“Our son is here.” Shen Rong gave him a reproachful look.
Lu Lin turned to look at his son, Lu Zhan, who was covering his eyes with his hands: "I didn't see anything."
Lu Lin told his son, "After Dad is gone, you must take good care of Mom, okay?"
Lu Zhan nodded and then asked, "Dad, how long are you going to be gone?"
Lu Lin hesitated for a moment, then shook his head: "Dad doesn't know either. Maybe in a few months, maybe in a year or two. You need to grow up quickly."
Is it going to take that long? Lu Zhan didn't like the ribs anymore. He got off the chair, threw himself into Lu Lin's arms, and said with puffed-out cheeks, "I'll miss Daddy."
Lu Lin picked up his son and kissed him. He had rarely kissed his son like this since his son started elementary school.
"Then write more letters to your father."
The family of three looked very happy, and Uncle Zhang was reluctant to disturb their peace. Shen Rong, with her sharp eyes, noticed him and asked, "What's wrong?"
“Someone sent me a note saying that an old friend wanted to see you.”
Lu Lin took the note, glanced at it, and put it aside. Shen Rong only saw the signature "Shao Gong," which she did not recognize.
"You're not coming?" Shen Rong asked.
Lu Lin shook his head: "No, I'm going to the front line tomorrow. I'll spend some time with you all tonight, and leave the rest of you alone."
Shen Rong smiled and turned to ask Uncle Zhang if Da Mao and Er Mao's things were all packed.
Da Mao and Er Mao have always worked for Lu Lin. Da Mao was definitely going to go to the battlefield this time, and Lu Lin had gotten used to using him. But who knew that Er Mao would also go? Uncle Zhang and Aunt Zhang actually agreed.
“Everything’s all packed up. His mother even made dumplings for him tonight,” Uncle Zhang replied.
"Then you all have a good talk tonight. Don't worry about things at home, Guichun is here."
After dinner, the family of three went to the Shen family's house. They had moved out of the Shen mansion a month ago in preparation for bringing the Lu family elders over.
The Shen family had already received the news and had been waiting for a long time. If Shen Rong hadn't called to say she would come, Shen's mother would have rushed over long ago.
As soon as Lu Lin arrived, he was called to the study by Shen's father. Shen Jiashi patted his nephew's head and went in as well. The three of them talked for more than half an hour.
Seeing her daughter's red eyes, Chen's mother sighed inwardly and patted her daughter's hand reassuringly: "Don't worry too much. What kind of behavior is this, looking so hesitant and timid? Even if Tianming goes to the battlefield, he still has to worry about the family. Hasn't the government already sent troops over? This battle is different from the one in Bincheng."
With the entire nation mobilized to fight this war, they will surely win, Shen's mother secretly convinced herself.
Shen Rong lowered her head and remained silent. Perhaps everyone thought the war wouldn't last long, but she knew it would last for many years.
It was already 10 p.m. when they returned from the Shen family. Uncle Zhang was still awake and waiting for them. He said that Lu's father had sent a telegram, only instructing his son to fight bravely against the enemy, and that he had not agreed to come to Jincheng.
Shen Rong became anxious, and Lu Lin also frowned.
"My second brother is coming tomorrow. Let him go back to his hometown and bring everyone over."
Lu Lintai knew his father was stubborn: "I'm afraid we'll have made a wasted trip."
That's where the Lu family's roots are. Even if he knew the Japanese would invade there, he wouldn't leave. The Lu family has been there for generations!
Shen Rong didn't care; nothing was more important than people. As long as people were alive, there was still hope. People were the foundation of the Lu family.
Lu Lin thought she was right and agreed to Shen Rong's suggestion, asking Lu You to go back personally and make sure to move the people to a safe place.
Even if you don't come to Jincheng, you should still go south to avoid it.
Early the next morning, Lu You finally arrived in Jincheng, with only three hours left before Lu Lin's plane was scheduled to take off.
The two brothers could only have a quick reunion breakfast, but they barely ate anything and kept talking. The battlefield was dangerous, and Lu Lin's fate was uncertain. Don't be fooled by his relaxed demeanor in front of Shen Rong, as if everything was under control.
In truth, he was quite uncertain. This battle was not as easy as everyone imagined. This battle was different from the one in Bincheng. That time, the Japanese had come with some probing, but this time their appetite was much bigger, and they would probably be even more ruthless.
Lu Chang is gone; he went to the front lines. The entire Lu family, young and old, must be entrusted to Lu You's care.
"Don't worry, brother. I will take good care of Mom, Dad, sister-in-law, and nephew."
Lu Lin patted his shoulder heavily: "I feel at ease with you here. Take a rest and then go back to your hometown to tell your father what I have to say in detail."
The two brothers said goodbye.
Lu Lin picked up his hat and went outside. The driver was already waiting there. Shen Rong and her son would take him to the airport.
Shen Rong led her son out of the car. The plane was already waiting there, ready to take off at any time.
Lu Lin squatted down and spread his hands. Lu Zhan laughed and ran over. Just like when they were children, Lu Lin lifted his son high and tossed him around.
"Listen to your mother at home." Lu Lin hugged him and affectionately patted his son's head.
Lu Zhan hugged his father's neck, took a deep breath—it was his father's scent—and nodded with red eyes: "Dad, come back victorious soon."
Finally, it was time to say goodbye to Shen Rong. Lu Lin stared at her, speechless for a long time. He had already said everything he needed to say yesterday. Now he just wanted to look at her properly and hug her.
Shen Rong held back her tears and threw herself into his arms, hugging his waist tightly: "Don't worry about me, I'm very strong and brave. I will take good care of the family and our son. We'll wait for you to come back. Remember, our whole family is waiting for you!"
Lu Lin gently kissed her neck: "Don't worry, as long as I don't die, I will definitely come back. Even if I'm not home, you don't have to suffer or be mistreated!"
Shen Rong nodded.
Da Mao came to urge him on, saying it was time. Lu Lin tightened his grip, took a deep breath, let go, turned around, and strode away without looking back. He was worried that seeing Shen Rong's tears would make his steps heavy.
The hatch closed, and Shen Rong stood on tiptoe to try to look at people through the window, but she couldn't see anything; it was too high.
Ground staff came to ask them to leave, as the plane was about to take off and it was very dangerous.
Shen Rong held her son's hand and looked back every three steps. Lu Lin stood at the window for a while and only entered the cabin after he knew that the mother and son had disappeared.
Lu Lin sat down in his seat and turned his head to see that there was another person not far away.
The man put down his newspaper, stood up, and greeted him with a smile: "Commander Lu, what a coincidence that we meet again. I need to take your private plane to Pingcheng on business this time. I hope I'm not bothering you?"
The plane was arranged by higher-ups, and Lu Lin knew exactly what channels he used: "Shao Gong is indeed very influential; he even has connections with the Wen family."
"Are you so fearless that I'll expose your identity?"
Shao Gong approached with a smile. Someone brought over a glass of red wine, which he handed to Lu Lin. "I just saw your wife and son come to see you off. The heartwarming scene was truly touching. I've heard that Commander Lu is a man of great loyalty and affection, both to his friends and his family. Commander Lu, don't you want your brother's sacrifice to be worthwhile? He's so young, and there are so many things he hasn't accomplished..."
Lu Lin glanced at Da Mao, who nodded slightly and went ahead with his younger brother to stand guard.
“Just say what you have to say. There’s no need to waste your breath trying to persuade me to join you. I’m not going to switch sides and run to your side just because my brother died.”
He glanced at Shao Gong beside him: "I suppose you have investigated me and my family thoroughly, and you should know that my wife and children are being held in Jincheng. I will not do anything to put them in danger. You have your beliefs, and I have my stance."
Despite his refusal, Shao Gong remained unperturbed, still smiling slightly as he raised his glass in a toast before turning to other matters: "Commander Lu is a gentleman; he probably hasn't seen the intelligence your brother asked you to convey."
These words piqued Lu Lin's interest, and he turned to look at him, waiting for what he would say next.
“We are all deeply saddened by Comrade Lu Chang’s sacrifice. The intelligence he obtained with his life was that the Japanese army was preparing to invade Pingcheng. I suppose Commander Lu now understands why he risked his life to sneak in even though he knew it was a trap. Upon receiving the intelligence you handed over, we immediately notified Jincheng to prepare for defense, but it is clear that they did not take it seriously.”
He continued, "I've heard that too. Commander Lu has been working on this matter for the past few months. The reports you've submitted must be piling up."
Lu Lin's face was gloomy. He gritted his teeth but did not interrupt him.
“You’ve worked with Commander Han before, so you must know his capabilities. If Jincheng had been more vigilant and prepared earlier, perhaps he wouldn’t have died in battle, and Pingcheng wouldn’t have been so easily defeated.”
He posed a soul-searching question: "Commander Lu, do you think you were capable of turning the tide in the past? Could you have single-handedly reversed the war and kept the Japanese out of Heijo?"
Lu Lin clenched his fists, his back stiffening. Shao Gong noticed this and smiled, "Commander Lu, don't be angry. Actually, none of us can do it ourselves, which is why we need to unite to fight the Japanese. If millions of Chinese people unite as one, Japan is just a small island nation and cannot afford to waste time. Our great nation is vast and rich in resources. Defeating them is only a matter of time."
Lu Lin said coldly, "These words are useless to me. You should go to Jincheng to give a speech and tell those people what you're saying."
Shao Gong patted the chair, shaking his head with a smile: "They understand, but they won't listen. Do you know why I was able to get on your plane?"
Without waiting for Lu Lin's reply, he continued, "Because I have business dealings with the Wen family, and Madam Wen has a large amount of property in Pingcheng. If I can't go to Pingcheng, her money will be wasted. When the country is in crisis, they are still thinking about their own selfish interests. Do you think such a government can drive out the Japanese and save the people? I know you are different from them. You are wholeheartedly committed to resisting Japan and strengthening the country and enriching the people. We need progressive talents like you, and the country needs you too."
"The people of Jincheng didn't appreciate your talent. They just used you as a pawn. First, they used you to weaken Young Marshal Dou, and now they're using you to control the Dou family army. They put you on the front lines, and once you've been worn down, what value do you have left? The valiant Dou family army died because of suspicion. Do you think it was worth it? You and they climbed up from the same trench. Don't you feel sorry for them?"
Seeing that his expression was slightly moved, Shao Gong seized the opportunity to continue to break down his defenses, letting out a long sigh with endless regret: "You haven't heard from Young Marshal Dou for a long time, have you? Nobody knows whether he's alive or dead. It's such a pity that his ambitions were ruined, and that he even implicated his wife and children. What do you say, Commander Lu?"
“We’ve been in contact for a while now. You might think I’m being persistent, but we actually share the same ideals—to save the country and its people. The path you’ve chosen is doomed to fail; it’s a sinking ship on the verge of decay. Do you really want to go down with them? Don’t you think about your family?”
Lu Lin's eyes changed, filled with endless coldness.
Shao Gong smiled and looked at him: "I know a young friend who strongly recommended you to the organization, saying that you are dedicated to saving the country and are different from those scheming people in Jincheng. Unfortunately, he sacrificed himself in Bincheng a few days ago and died under the Japanese's butcher's knife. Before he died, he gave this IOU to the organization, saying that it was borrowed from your wife."
This is… Wen Zhongda. Lu Lin took the IOU in disbelief.
Lu Lin gripped the IOU tightly, veins throbbing, his eyes slightly red: "How did he die?"
"In order to expose the inhumane atrocities committed by the Japanese in Bincheng, I risked my life to infiltrate a Japanese hospital, but was unfortunately betrayed by a traitor."
He put away his smile and asked solemnly, "Your brother and your close friend both hope that you will come to our side. You must already know which path is the right one. What are you still hesitating about? You share the same ideals and should carry on with their regrets."
Lu Lin remained silent, staring intently out the window. Shao Gong knew he was struggling intensely inside.
He smiled and said, "You can take your time to think it over. We welcome you anytime."
After a long pause, Lu Lin said quietly, "My wife and children are still in Jincheng; this is my weakness."
Shao Gong breathed a sigh of relief: "Don't worry, you don't need to do anything now. We will send people to protect their safety."
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