Chapter 1138: Family Sacrifice, Don't Forget to Tell Your Father
Chapter 1138: Family Sacrifice, Don't Forget to Tell Your Father
In the early morning, there was drizzle in the sky of Beilong City.
Su Zhengyang's car slowly drove to the He Family Cemetery on the outskirts of Beilong City. Inside the car, Yang Qiyue held a bunch of white chrysanthemums in her hand, while He Qinglan and He Qingzhu remained silent.
"It's been a year and a half," He Qingzhu said softly, "It feels like grandpa passed away just yesterday."
He Qinglan wiped her eyes and said, "Yes, every time I return to the old house, I always feel like I can see grandpa sitting on that armchair, drinking tea and reading the newspaper."
Yang Qiyue gently held He Qinglan's hand and comforted her silently. Since Mr. He passed away, she has taken care of the brother and sister as her own relatives.
Su Zhengyang looked at the rain outside the window and thought of He Lao's last words. A year and a half later, he not only recovered the Northeast, but also completely defeated Fuso. Now, China's reputation has spread throughout Asia. I believe that He Lao's spirit in heaven should also feel relieved.
The car stopped at the gate of the cemetery.
The four of them held umbrellas and walked slowly along the bluestone road toward Mr. He's grave. The tombstone had already been cleaned spotlessly, and it was obvious that someone came to clean it regularly.
"Grandpa," He Qingzhu wiped the tears from the corners of his eyes, his voice gradually firmed up, "After you left, I started as a regiment commander, and now I am the chief of staff of the 113th Division of the Northwest Army. What you valued most during your lifetime was serving the country, and I will definitely not let you down."
Su Zhengyang looked at He Qingzhu, with a hint of approval in his eyes. This young man was indeed talented. He rose from a regiment commander to the chief of staff of a division-level unit, not relying on the reputation of the He family, but on his real ability. In the Northwest Army, He Qingzhu was known for his good strategy, especially in tactical planning and troop deployment.
"Mr. He," Su Zhengyang said softly, "You see, Qingzhu has grown into an outstanding military talent. Even General Stein praised his performance in the Northwest Army."
He Qinglan looked up at her brother, her eyes full of pride. Since Grandpa passed away, her brother seemed to have become a different person, devoting himself to military work. In just one and a half years, he had made such great progress.
“President,” He Qingzhu suddenly turned to Su Zhengyang, “I heard that you are planning something in South Asia. If you need me, I am willing to…”
"Okay," Su Zhengyang nodded and agreed before he finished speaking, "When the work here is finished, you will go to Chen Tong to report. South Asia needs talents like you."
Yang Qiyue looked at her husband and He Qingzhu, and knowing that they had already started talking about military affairs, she gently pulled He Qinglan back a few steps to give them space to talk.
"Qingzhu," Su Zhengyang's voice deepened, "your grandfather's greatest wish was to see China truly rise. Now that we have recovered our lost territory, the next step is to let China's influence radiate throughout Asia."
He Qingzhu nodded solemnly: "I understand, President. Grandpa's last wish is also my mission."
The drizzle was still falling, wetting the white chrysanthemums in front of the tombstone. But the two men standing in front of the tomb had firm beliefs burning in their eyes. One was the supreme commander of China, and the other was a rising military star. They were both fighting for the same goal.
Su Zhengyang took out a bottle of fine Shaodaozi from his bag. This was Mr. He’s favorite wine when he was alive.
"Mr. He," he pulled out the cork and poured some wine in front of the tomb, "Today, I want to tell you how we fought our way to Fusang."
He poured himself a glass and took a sip. "I remember that you hated the devils the most when you were alive. You said that the crimes they committed in China were so unbearable that even if you were cut into pieces, it would not be enough to relieve your hatred."
"Don't worry," he said with a hint of coldness in his voice, "We not only attacked their homeland, but also smashed the place they were most proud of."
He Qingzhu and He Qinglan listened quietly. It was the first time they heard Su Zhengyang describe the Fuso War in detail.
"Our 'Flying Shark' fighter planes bombed Tokyo wantonly, turning the Imperial Palace, which they were so proud of, into ruins." Su Zhengyang took another sip of wine, "Those guys who claim to be 'descendants of God' are nothing more than that."
"And their shrines," he sneered, "those places where war criminals were worshipped, we burned them all down. Let them know what retribution is!"
"Mr. He, if you are still alive, you must come and see this," Su Zhengyang said with some excitement, "see how those little devils who once swaggered on our land are now kneeling on the ground begging for mercy."
He poured another glass of wine. "You know what? Their emperor confessed his crimes in front of our army and in front of the whole world. I had someone record that scene and keep it in our historical archives forever."
"This is the scene you wanted to see, Mr. He," Su Zhengyang's voice was a little choked, "We not only recovered the lost territory, but also made those invaders pay the price. Your spirit in heaven must be pleased, right?"
He Qinglan was already in tears. She remembered that her grandfather hated the Fuso people the most when he was alive. Every time he talked about the Fuso atrocities, the old man would tremble with anger. Now, this long-cherished wish has finally come true.
"Come, Mr. He," Su Zhengyang poured the last glass of wine in front of the tomb, "This is our victory wedding wine. Your spirit in heaven must have a good drink."
In the drizzle, the aroma of wine and tears mixed together, soaking this silent land.
Su Zhengyang took three incense sticks from He Qinglan and lit them carefully in the rain. The incense flames rose up, passing through the dense rain curtain, as if reaching the sky.
"Mr. He," Su Zhengyang solemnly placed the incense in front of the tomb, then knelt on the wet ground.
Yang Qiyue wanted to use an umbrella to cover her husband, but he gently waved his hand to stop her.
"Let it rain," Su Zhengyang whispered, "Mr. He is watching from heaven."
After saying this, he bowed his head deeply. His forehead hit the ground heavily, making a dull sound. This bow was to express his gratitude for Mr. He's support during his lifetime.
The second kowtow was in recognition of the trust that Mr. He placed in him when he entrusted the Hongmen and the Chinese Chamber of Commerce before his death.
The third kowtow was in fulfillment of his promise to Mr. He - to restore the glory of the Tang Dynasty to China.
He Qingzhu looked at Su Zhengyang's back, tears welling up in his eyes. The king of a country kowtowed to his grandfather so solemnly in the rain. This friendship and respect deeply moved him.
"Grandpa," He Qingzhu knelt beside Su Zhengyang, his voice choked with sobs, "China has really changed a lot since you left. Now Beilong City is full of new factories. The old street you loved the most has now become a bustling commercial district."
“People on the street are wearing new clothes, and children can go to school. The poor people you care about the most are now living a good life.”
"Do you remember what you often said? 'When can we see China's industrial workshops roaring day and night, when can we see China's warships return with glory?'" He Qingzhu wiped away tears, "Now, all this has come true."
"Our factories are producing day and night, and our warships are cruising the Pacific. The Japanese, whom you hate the most, will never dare to underestimate us again."
Su Zhengyang slowly stood up from the ground. His whole body was soaked by the rain, but his eyes were unusually bright.
"Mr. He," he said at last, "don't worry, this is just the beginning. I will live up to the trust you have placed in me. China will become stronger and stronger until it can once again be like the heyday of the Tang Dynasty when all nations came to pay tribute to it!"
The rain was getting heavier, but no one standing in front of the tomb wanted to leave.
At this moment, they seemed to see the kind face of Mr. He and his gratified smile. The old man who had devoted his whole life to the country and the people must be in heaven at this moment, watching all this with a smile.
When the royal army conquers the Central Plains in the north, don't forget to tell your father during the family sacrifice. Su Zhengyang is fulfilling his promise step by step.
SFS