Commander Chen and Ye Zhengjun were busy with work and had to prepare for an upcoming meeting. After visiting Xibao and Fubao, they didn’t stay long at the Lu family. When they were leaving, Xibao was reluctant to let them go.
"Grandpa!" His round eyes were filled with tears, and his chubby little hand tugged at Ye Zhengjun’s clothes.
Feng Qingxue, holding Fubao, and Father Lu, who were seeing off their guests, noticed this. The latter felt somewhat sad. When he and Feng Qingxue went to visit the frontier troops, Xibao didn’t show such reluctance towards his own grandfather.
Xibao’s expression was spot on. His unwillingness to part was displayed vividly.
Ye Zhengjun’s heart softened, patting him on the head, "Be good Xibao, stay home and look after your mom and sister. Grandpa will come to play with you after the meeting in a few days, okay? Then, Grandpa will borrow a big horse for you and take you horse riding."
"Big horse?" Xibao repeated over and over.
"Yes, a big horse for riding." The Capital Command certainly had warhorses. Given his stature, Ye Zhengjun felt he could easily borrow one to take Xibao out. Xibao was someone important after all!
Xibao nodded, "Big horse!"
"Yes, yes, I won’t forget." Ye Zhengjun understood Xibao’s message. He was telling him not to forget.
Upon hearing his repeated assurance, Xibao finally let go of his little chubby hand.
Commander Chen and Ye Zhengjun were stunned, and then they seemed to understand.
"This boy!" He’s so smart!
Xibao waved at Commander Chen, joyfully saying: "Bye-bye!"
Father Lu and Feng Qingxue couldn’t help but laugh.
Having achieved his goal, a buoyant Xibao hopped back, not forgetting to call back at Father Lu and Feng Qingxue, "Grandpa, Mama, Sister!"
"I’m coming! I’m coming!" Father Lu decided to spend the remaining month continuing to tutor his little grandson.
Such talent would be a waste if not honed.
At the same time as the elder leaders’ conference, Father Lu was collecting old newspapers, various instructions issued by the nation and so on from various sources. After intensive study, he told Feng Qingxue privately: "In a few days, Fubao will be two months old. I don’t see any need for you to stay in the Capital. Return to the troops earlier."
Feng Qingxue was startled, "Dad, you mean?"
"Storm clouds are gathering." Father Lu sighed softly, "These past two or three years, one campaign has followed another. Our Wanglou Brigade, under the sole command of your uncle, has been spared from such campaigns because of your third uncle’s covert protection. But I’ve studied old newspapers recently and noticed unrest in many regions. Some leaders from the Capital had even gone down to initiate campaigns, but later disagreements arose over certain matters. This conference will definitely be focused on this subject. However, the past becomes the past, there will be a new campaign."
This is 1964. Has the special period already begun?
Yes, there’s no such thing as an unfounded incident; all large-scale campaigns have a brewing period.
Feng Qingxue couldn’t recall the detailed records of this historical period; her mind was a whirl. She was annoyed with herself for her carelessness; she should have investigated the causes and consequences. Fortunately, her tone remained calm. "Since you say so, Dad, I’ll start packing up with my aunt right now and buy the return tickets in a few days. Dad, do remind Uncle and Cousin to be prepared."