Chapter 412 The boat of friendship capsizes at any time

When it comes to the end of summer and the beginning of autumn, the autumn conscription will begin.

Just when Yi Yuanchao was feeling regretful for not being able to join the army, news suddenly came from the brigade that educated youth who had just gone to the countryside were allowed to join the army.

This news was like a flash of lightning, instantly brightening Yi Yuanchao's gloomy mood.

Yi Yuanchao immediately put down the farm tools in his hands and ran to the brigade headquarters to register, his heart full of anticipation and excitement.

Later, fate played another joke on him. Due to limited places, he was unfortunately eliminated for the second time.

Just when Yi Yuanchao fell into the abyss of despair and was about to give up, a thought flashed through his mind - Liu Zhiye, the man who favored him, came.

"That's right! Uncle Liu is in a high position, maybe he can lend me a hand and help me realize my dream of joining the army..."

This thought illuminated his heart like the dawn of hope. Yi Yuanchao cheered up instantly, hurried back to his residence, and wrote a hopeful letter for help to his family.

His letter really worked. A few days later, the captain personally visited Yi Yuanchao and said with a smile, "I never thought you had such a connection. The military officer from the capital actually personally asked for you. Haha, congratulations, you are about to embark on a military career."

Yi Yuanchao was overjoyed when he heard this. He shook the captain's hand and said, "Thank you, thank you, Captain..."

The captain waved his hand gently and said with a smile: "Hey, this is not my credit. If you want to thank you, you should thank the officer who led the troops!"

The subsequent conscription physical examination was conducted at the commune hospital. That morning, Yi Yuanchao and other registered educated youth rode a tractor for more than two hours to reach the commune.

The hospital is a two-story brick building. Due to years of disrepair, the white paint on the walls has become mottled and peeling. They lined up and took turns to undergo physical examinations.

When the doctors examined Yi Yuanchao's ears, Yi Yuanchao saw them checking them repeatedly and discussing in a low voice for a while, which made Yi Yuanchao feel nervous.

Yi Yuanchao's hearing has always been good, could there be something wrong? He was so nervous that his palms were sweating and his breathing became rapid.

Fortunately, it was finally confirmed that there was no problem with Yi Yuanchao's ears. He breathed a sigh of relief, as if a heavy burden had been lifted from his shoulders.

After passing the initial examination, Yi Yuanchao and his team went to the county hospital for a re-examination. It was the first time he had been to the hospital since he was a child, and the shining instruments and equipment were an eye-opener for me.

However, just as he was about to go back after the re-examination, Yi Yuanchao was suddenly told that he had failed due to problems found in his chest X-ray. This news was like a bolt from the blue, and he felt like the whole world was spinning.

Yi Yuanchao didn't have time to catch the bus and hurried to the physical examination site to inquire about the situation.

The hospital corridor was filled with the smell of disinfectant, and the white coats coming and going made Yi Yuanchao feel unfamiliar and nervous.

Due to nervousness and running, Yi Yuanchao spoke incoherently, his face turned red, and beads of sweat kept rolling down his forehead when he stood in front of the recruiting officer Yu Miao.

Yu Miao knew very well that the commander had specifically asked him to bring this young man back with him, and there must not be any mistakes.

He said to Yi Yuanchao in a calm tone: "Don't be impatient, tell me slowly, what happened?"

Yi Yuanchao's voice was slightly choked with sobs: "Captain Yu, I..."

Yu Miao's heart tightened, and he immediately made a decision: "Let's go and find a doctor for another check-up..."

They were received by Doctor Wang, a man with thick eyebrows and big eyes, who spoke in a gentle and kind manner.

Doctor Wang listened patiently to Yi Yuanchao's stumbling explanation, and then asked in detail about his family situation and physical condition.

Under his gentle gaze, Yi Yuanchao gradually calmed down and began to express his thoughts clearly.

Yi Yuanchao saw hope in Doctor Wang’s expression.

After several twists and turns, including re-physical examination and supplementation of various supporting documents, Yi Yuanchao finally passed the conscription physical examination as he wished.

When Yi Yuanchao took the thin enlistment notice, his hands trembled slightly with excitement.

At that moment, Yi Yuanchao felt that his life had turned a new page.

When Yi Yuanchao was about to leave, he suddenly realized that he had not had time to say goodbye to his close friends such as Yan Jiekuang.

He hurriedly picked up his pen and sent a letter to Yan Jiekuang, briefly recounting his experience of joining the army, sincerely apologizing, and frankly admitting that he could no longer continue to walk side by side with them.

After the new recruits gathered, Yi Yuanchao and his group of new recruits all changed into military uniforms, looking brand new.

Although the dark green military uniform was a bit rough, it made people feel extremely proud when wearing it.

However, the cotton uniforms of many recruits seemed to be ill-fitting, some were too big, some were too small, giving people a funny yet warm feeling.

The Liberation shoes on his feet were the most uncomfortable for Yi Yuanchao. They were a little too big, and they swayed and made a squeaking sound when he walked.

At the beginning, they would often trip over their own shoes, causing laughter.

But slowly, they learned how to keep their balance even with ill-fitting shoes, and were even able to run fast.

This unique scene became the most eye-catching landscape at that time.

…………

Two days after receiving Yi Yuanchao's letter, Yan Jiekuang hurriedly got on a borrowed bicycle and rushed to the commune where Yi Yuanchao had been sent to work, only to find to his regret that the other party had already left.

He felt a mixture of emotions, including the bitterness of being abandoned, the resentment of betrayal, inexplicable joy, indescribable depression and deep unhappiness. All these emotions were entangled like a tangled mess.

Standing on the dusty ridge, he stared into the distance, his eyes empty and deep, silence became his only expression at the moment.

Finally, he burst into a roar, the sound piercing the tranquility of the valley: "Go away! Don't let me see you again!"

Yan Jiekuang, looking dazed, staggered back to the village where he had been sent to work. His abnormality was soon noticed by Yan Zhaodi who had also come there.

Yan Zhaodi hurried into the residence of the male educated youth, only to see Yan Jiekuang lying quietly on the kang, motionless, like a lifeless statue.

Her heart tightened, thinking that he was ill, and she asked with concern, "Third brother, what's wrong with you? Are you feeling unwell?"

Seeing that Yan Jiekuang still didn't say a word, she said worriedly: "Brother, don't scare me, just say something!"

Yan Jiekuang was feeling unhappy and was constantly questioned by his sister, so he said irritably: "If you want to know, just look for yourself!" After that, he ignored Yan Zhaodi, stood up, turned around and walked out of the room.

Yan Zhaodi picked up the envelope without knowing what it meant. It was a letter from Yi Yuanchao. Her heart skipped a beat and she became uneasy.

After reading the letter, Yan Zhaodi also became distraught.

After reading the letter, Yan Zhaodi instantly became distraught.

When asked who among them has the closest relationship with Yi Yuanchao, the answer is self-evident: it must be Yan Zhaodi.

Ever since Yi Yuanchao stepped into this courtyard, the friendship between him and Yan Zhaodi has grown increasingly deep and has become a legend in the eyes of everyone.

As time went by, Yi Yuanchao became more and more outstanding. This change quietly touched Yan Zhaodi's heartstrings, making her fall in love for the first time. Her attitude towards Yi Yuanchao also quietly changed subtly. However, Yi Yuanchao was unaware of all these subtle emotions.

At the beginning of this year, they signed up together to go to the countryside. In fact, Yan Zhaodi's age means she can wait another two years.

However, in order to be with Yi Yuanchao and others, she insisted on signing up for this year's Up to the Mountains and Down to the Countryside program.

However, things are unpredictable. Yan Zhaodi's enthusiasm was met with Yi Yuanchao's quiet departure.

Thinking of this, she couldn't help but wet her clothes with tears, and a line of clear tears quietly slid down. Afterwards, Yan Jiekuang's anger became more and more difficult to calm down. He decided to tell Ge Xiaohu, Liu Guangtian, Bang Geng and other partners from the same hospital about Yi Yuanchao's "unkind" behavior in detail in the form of a letter.

This action was like a stone thrown into a calm lake, causing ripples, which led to the story mentioned above.

…………

Liu Haizhong, a man with a distinct personality, enjoyed competing with Yi Zhonghai in the original play. He was jealous that Yi Zhonghai was one level higher in technical level than him, and actively fought for the right to speak in the compound, unwilling to lag behind.

However, since being promoted to "team leader", Liu Haizhong has had a high opinion of himself and has become increasingly contemptuous of Yi Zhonghai, treating him as if he were nothing.

He thought that he and Yan Bugui had already become officials, while Yi Zhonghai, despite his superb skills, was just an ordinary worker after all. Therefore, he was dismissive of Yi Zhonghai in many matters, believing that he was not worthy of being mentioned on the same level as them, the "bosses".

Yi Zhonghai knew Liu Haizhong's temper very well and knew that he was difficult to deal with, so he deliberately avoided his edge. This move made Liu Haizhong look down on him even more.

However, Liu Haizhong had never expected that Yi Zhonghai had quietly brought Li Yuanchao back to serve in the army without their knowledge. This made him feel fooled and furious.

So, he instigated Yan Bugui to come to Liujiazhuang with him, hoping to use Liu Zhiye's connections to find a way to get the children of their two families back.

Liu Haizhong said to Liu Jingzhai with a thick face and sincerity: "Brother Jingzhai, our friendship is not just one or two days. All our children grew up under your eyes. Now we are in trouble, you have to give us a hand and help us!"

Although Yan Bugui did not say much, the meaning revealed in his eyes was the same as Liu Haizhong's, and it was obvious that he had something in mind.

After hearing this, Liu Jingzhai looked embarrassed. He knew very well that the matter was complicated and involved many people. How could he dare to cause trouble for his own son?

"Well, let's put it this way. I can only mention this to him after I return from the wild. As for success or failure, it is hard for me to predict, and I dare not make a promise easily..." His words revealed a bit of helplessness and caution.

Liu Haizhong glanced at Liu Jingzhai and saw that he looked embarrassed. He couldn't help but frowned and said, "Jingzhai, your attitude is not very nice. For your son, this is just a piece of cake. I heard that he helped to get the child of the old Yi family."

When these words were spoken, Yan Bugui felt that something was wrong and wanted to interrupt but it was too late. He secretly cursed Liu Haizhong for being such an unreliable teammate.

Liu Haizhong had indeed been a little bit arrogant in the past two years, forgetting that he was asking for help at the moment. He was just a small "team leader", and most people might be able to tolerate him a little.

But what is Liu Jingzhai's status? Not to mention that he has been teaching for many years and has many students all over the world, his children and their in-laws are all prominent figures.

When Liu Jingzhai heard this, his expression changed slightly, but his good self-control prevented him from losing his temper on the spot. He was just secretly unhappy in his heart.

"Anyway, I'm saying this, whether you like it or not is up to you. It's getting late, so I won't keep you for dinner..." Liu Jingzhai was obviously angry and even ordered them to leave.

Yan Bugui saw that the situation was not good, and was afraid that their relationship would really become strained, and he would be implicated. So he quickly stepped in to mediate: "Jingzhai, don't be angry, you know that Lao Liu is straightforward, he speaks without thinking, and it is definitely not his intention to offend."

"We brothers have been through so many ups and downs together for so many years. How can we let a few careless words ruin our relationship? Besides, it's almost time for dinner. How can we turn our friends away? This doesn't fit your forthright character, Liu Jingzhai!"

Liu Haizhong knew that what he said was not right. Seeing Yan Bugui trying to smooth things over for him, he cooperated by slapping himself on the face and pretended to be sincere, "Oh! Jingzhai, brother Jingzhai, I was wrong, I was wrong. I apologize to you, please forgive me this time..."

"Hmph, kid, you only have a good temper. If it were someone else, with your attitude, you would have been kicked out long ago." Although Liu Jingzhai was harsh in his words, he had a big heart. Seeing that Liu Haizhong's attitude was sincere, he no longer cared.

"Yes, yes, I'll remember it." Liu Haizhong nodded repeatedly with a humble attitude.

Although Liu Jingzhai said lightly that he would not invite the guests to dinner, it was just what he said in anger.

At noon, the table was filled with delicacies, showing the hospitality. It was October, the golden autumn, when the "Shengfang crab" was plump and delicious, and paired with the 62-degree "Taihang" liquor, the taste was indescribable.

Deng Ru was delighted by the visit of her old neighbors, and without Liu Jingzhai saying anything, she prepared a sumptuous banquet.

On the table there are not only the delicious "Shengfang Crabs", but also "Spicy Snails", "Spicy Turtle", "Steamed Silver Carp", "Iron Pot Stewed Goose", and the refreshing and appetizing "Cucumber and Shredded Ears". Each dish is a must-try and makes people salivate.

After Deng Ru was busy, Liu Jingzhai thought for a moment, then picked up the phone at home and called Liu Zhiye's office, asking him if he could spare some time to come home for dinner.

At noon, the sun was shining brightly at the headquarters of the Second Division. With a loud military bugle call, the pre-lunch broadcast echoed in the camp, indicating that the soldiers who had been busy all morning were about to have a short rest.

Liu Zhiye, the division commander, dressed in a neat military uniform, accompanied by several capable cadres, walked into the canteen for a routine inspection. Their steps were steady, and their eyes revealed their deep concern for the troops.

"Stand up, hello, Chief!" As they stepped into the cafeteria, the officer on duty reacted quickly, stood at attention and saluted, paying respect to Liu Zhiye and his party in a loud voice.

The soldiers in the cafeteria also stopped what they were doing, stood up in unison, and demonstrated good discipline.

"Yes, good! You all have worked hard. Sit down and eat quickly." Division Commander Liu Zhiye smiled and spoke in a friendly and warm tone. He waved to the soldiers to sit down and encouraged everyone to seize the time to eat and replenish their strength.

This scene not only reflects the division commander's care for the soldiers, but also highlights the harmonious atmosphere within the troops.

Liu Zhiye and other cadres walked and observed.

I saw eight soldiers sitting around a big table in an orderly manner, waiting for the officers and soldiers to serve them food.

It is not difficult to see that they still eat from a big pot. In addition to the staple food of white rice, there are two main dishes: fried pork with peppers and minced meat and eggplant. Not only are the portions large and filling, but the nutrition is also balanced, which is enough to be called delicious.

In this era of extreme material scarcity, the treatment of the People's Liberation Army was relatively good. Being a soldier was the dream of the masses at that time, because not only could they serve the country, but they could also eat meals that were rarely seen in normal times.

The conditions for the soldiers were usually quite difficult. For example, the food for the troops stationed in the capital city of the garrison was generally better, but according to the regular army standards, it was still only 4 cents a day.

According to the prices in the late 1s, 4 cents could buy 45 pencils or 1.5 pounds of vegetables. The soldiers were able to keep up with the training just by relying on the food standards, and the troops also supplied pounds of food and pounds of cooking oil per person per month.

Of course, even though the quantity of supplies was sufficient, the quality was far from comparable to the living conditions of troops in later generations.

For example, when it comes to eating meat, troops generally can only eat it during Army Day and the New Year and other festivals. At other times, it depends on how well the livestock are growing.

The Second Guard Division of Liujiazhuang has Liujiazhuang at its back, so it is much stronger than other troops in terms of living conditions and can usually have a good meal.

In addition to meat, white rice is also a luxury at this time. The most common food is coarse grain steamed buns with pickles. Occasionally, fine grains can be eaten, but they are also three-season rice, which does not taste very good.

The orderly scenes shown by soldiers in later film and television dramas were relatively rare in those days. Although the army has always been known for its strict discipline, the management was relatively relaxed when it came to eating.

During this period, a saying was circulating among troops across the country: "If someone is not active in eating, there is something wrong with his thinking." This was undoubtedly a true reflection of the shortage of supplies in the late 1960s and the soldiers' optimistic attitude.

However, the soldiers were very enthusiastic about eating, but it was hard for the cooks. Helping to tidy up the bowls and chopsticks and scoop up the food before the meal was already a relatively easy job, and they were even busier at other times.

Every morning at 5 o'clock, they have to get up on time and start preparing breakfast for the soldiers. After finishing their meal at 7:, they have to clean up the canteen, then take a break and start preparing lunch. The same goes for dinner.

You have to know that in the late 100s there was no such thing as cooking with machines. The cooks had to cut vegetables and wash rice by hand. A cooking team had to take care of the meals for more than people in the company, and without a strong body it was impossible to handle this.

Throughout the year, they repeat manual labor day after day. Perhaps they will relax a little only during festivals and New Year holidays, because the troops usually hold collective activities at this time and the soldiers help out.

Liu Zhiye then expressed his condolences to all the comrades in the kitchen team. He declined the squad leader's offer to cook a special meal for them and insisted on showing them his cooking skills.

He was going home for lunch today, so he took his correspondent Qu Jianwei and driver Yang Bing with him and went home together.

Speaking of the new driver Yang Bing, he is an excellent driver.

This is a good soldier that Yu Miao had trained from the automobile company. His driving skills are not much worse than Yu Miao's.

Hearing the roar of a car outside the door, Liu Haizhong stood up suddenly and blurted out: "Oh! Commander Liu is back, we have to go and greet him."

Liu Jingzhai smiled calmly: "Once he returns home, his status will become lower. How can an elder go out to greet a younger person?"

Liu Haizhong pretended not to hear anything and went out to greet him. When he stepped out of the door and took a look, he couldn't help but exclaim inwardly: "What a magnificent aura!"

(End of this chapter)