Go back to the prosperous days and become a layman

Chapter 942 941 The Deep Bond Between the Army and the People

Dashizuo Hutong is very close to the National Library of China. Xiao Wang thought he could go home for lunch and take a nap afterward, so he didn't bring any food.

When Tang Zhitong arrived at his doorstep carrying the ice cream box, Xiao Wang was just about to leave.

"Take an ice pop to eat on the way." Tang Zhitong stood up on his bicycle, took out a red bean ice pop from the box, and handed it to Xiao Wang.

"Okay, keep an eye on the child." Xiao Wang took the child with a smile, but when he turned to look at Jingmin, the smile on his face disappeared completely. Not only that, but he also warned his younger brother with a stern face: "Jingmin, I heard you arguing with Fengzhi just now. No fighting at home. Listen to your brother-in-law."

"Okay, okay, let's go, we're going to be late." Jingmin said helplessly to his older sister, waving her away.

After Xiao Wang actually left, Jingmin muttered under his breath, "He's like a Sichuan opera face-changing master. One second he's all smiles with his brother-in-law, and the next second he's not smiling at me anymore."

"Here, one for each of you. Give it to your teacher and the two older sisters first." Tang Zhitong pretended not to hear Jingmin's dissatisfaction, took out a handful of red bean popsicles, and let the two little ones share them first. She kept five bottles of Beibingyang soda for herself and took the rest to the cellar to refrigerate.

After coming out of the cellar, Tang Zhitong went back into the main room. As he picked up a stool, he said to Zhang Guifang, "Mom, when I came back, I saw that the grocery store, grain store, vegetable store, and pastry shop were all on Zhishanmen Street. The vegetable store seemed to have vegetables."

"Where is Zhishanmen Street?" Upon hearing this, Zhang Guifang immediately put down her work to find the food ration coupons and vegetable tickets. Although it had only been two days since she arrived, there wasn't much food left in the house.

"Go north along this alley, and you'll reach Zhishanmen Street at the end of the alley. There are shops on both sides of the street." Tang Zhitong pointed north.

"Okay, okay, I understand." Zhang Guifang found her ID, grabbed her shopping basket, and hurriedly went out the door.

When Tang Zhitong followed his mother to the front door with a stool, the two children had already finished sharing the popsicles, and there was one left over. Fengzhi handed it back to Tang Zhitong: "Brother, Mom said it's too cold, she won't eat it."

"Alright. Everyone take two stools, Fengzhi, take your schoolbag, let's go to the alley entrance." Tang Zhitong put down the stools, took the popsicles, stuffed them back into the box, assigned tasks to the two little ones, and backed the bicycle out of the gate.

The popsicle stand was located at the entrance of the alley, under the shade of a tree next to the public phone booth.

Two stools are placed side by side, lifting the popsicle box off the ground. The box with the word "popsicle" on it faces outwards, making it easy to tell what the stall does at a glance.

As for sleeve protectors and aprons, Tang Zhitong didn't prepare any and didn't plan to give them to the two little ones.

"You two, each with a small stool, sit behind the ice cream box. When you see someone pass by, shout a couple of times. You know how to shout, right?" Tang Zhitong shook the box to make sure it was stable before letting go.

"Popsicles, popsicles, delicious and refreshing popsicles, five cents each!" Jingmin was not afraid of anyone, and as soon as he heard Tang Zhitong ask, he immediately started shouting.

"Good, the task of getting the popsicles is entrusted to you." Tang Zhitong patted his brother-in-law's head, then opened the box, lifted the quilt, and instructed, "The popsicles in the box are five cents each, and there are four flavors: red bean, cream, hawthorn, and Iraqi date. Look and remember the location, because you'll have to lift the quilt less often later. You have to cover the quilt up again every time you get one."

"Okay, okay." The two little ones pressed their heads against the opening of the box, trying to remember the approximate location of each type of popsicle.

"The soda is two cents a bottle, with a five-cent deposit. You return the deposit when you return the bottle. Fengzhi, you're in charge of collecting money and giving change. Here's five yuan in change. We'll calculate how much we made today tonight." Tang Zhitong placed the Arctic Ocean soda on the ground next to the popsicle box, took two small red bean popsicles from the box, closed the box, and then took out the prepared change from his pocket and put it into Fengzhi's schoolbag.

After explaining things to the two children, Tang Zhitong let go.

Actually, it wasn't that he completely ignored it; he just hid behind a phone booth and kept watch across the alley.

"Uncle Zong, have an ice pop." Tang Zhitong walked to the phone booth and handed over a red bean ice pop from his hand. The old man had been peeking out and staring at his stall for a while.

"Oh my, there's one for me too? I'm grateful for your kindness." Old Man Zong smiled, revealing his gold-plated teeth, his mustache twitching, looking very festive.

"You're too kind, we're neighbors." Tang Zhitong saw Lao Zong take the popsicle, so he freed up his hands, peeled the remaining one, and started crunching it.

“We’ve met several times, and I still don’t know your name.” Although Old Zong’s teeth weren’t very good, he didn’t mind the cold at all. He peeled off the packaging and started biting with his back teeth. The popsicle was so cold that he gasped for breath.

"My name is Tang Zhitong, you can just call me Anzi." Tang Zhitong smiled. Lao Zong is the director of the information center at the south entrance of Dashizuo Hutong. In the future, when relatives and friends come over, they will inevitably ask him for their home address. Therefore, Tang Zhitong's self-introduction is very comprehensive, including both his full name and nickname.

"Then I'll call you Anzi. Anzi, what company do you work for?" Old Si, a native of Jiucheng, usually addresses younger people by their nicknames when they are acquainted. Old Zong continued this practice, and his way of calling them by names was incredibly smooth.

"It's delivered by the post office," Tang Zhitong said, pointing to the mailbox next to the phone booth. This wasn't exactly a lie, since he was a mail carrier himself.

"Your moving setup doesn't look like you're delivering mail. Goodness, three trucks!" Old Zong shook his head, as if joking, almost as if he didn't believe it.

"Haha, I work in the post office's security escort department. The security escort department is responsible for delivering mail from Beijing to all parts of the country. That's what delivering mail is all about." Tang Zhitong chuckled, mentioning his specific workplace but not his job title, because even if he did, the other person probably wouldn't believe him.

"Wow, this is a messenger job? He can travel all over the country. It's a good job." After hearing this, Old Zong narrowed his eyes and looked at the corner tower across the street, as if Tang Zhitong's words had stirred up some past memories for him.

"Well, there are pros and cons, aren't there? They're always running around outside, never home. Uncle Zong, is there a coal station nearby?" Tang Zhitong glanced back at the two little ones. They had already started operating, which was a good sign.

"Yes, there are three around here. There's one in Xishiku to the west, one in Zhonglao Hutong to the east, and one at the south entrance of Gongjian Hutong to the north. Zhonglao Hutong is in the eastern part of the city, while this area is in the western part. When Zhonglao Hutong has enough goods, they'll deliver to us; when they don't, they won't sell to us. You can try Xishiku." Old Zong introduced them to Tang Zhitong as if they were old friends.

"Okay, thank you, Uncle Zong." Tang Zhitong neither agreed nor disagreed with Old Zong's suggestion, but insisted on having his own opinion.

Even if Zhonglao Hutong doesn't deliver to anyone else, it has to deliver to its own home out of respect for the official document. However, coming from Zhonglao Hutong to its own home involves passing through the main gate of Jingshan Park and the highest military institution next to it, which is a bit unsafe.

The road from Xishiku to Dashizuo Hutong is a main road, making transportation very convenient. However, Tang Zhitong was buying coal with Yan Xiongfei's note, and the quantity was rather large. It wouldn't be good if the comrades on guard north of Haizi or some important figure saw it.

In comparison, buying coal from Gongjian Hutong carries the least risk.

This is not to say that I look down on Gongjian Hutong, because several prominent figures also lived in the vicinity of this hutong.

Gongjian Hutong was originally named "Neigongjian Hutong" (Inner Palace Supervisor Hutong), where Zheng He once worked.

After the liberation, Ye Junjian and his wife Yuan Yin moved to the north end of Gongjian Hutong. Because he could write in English, Ye also shouldered the special mission of spreading Chinese culture, so much so that foreign writers often came to visit him. The nearby residents jokingly called his home "the diplomatic courtyard".

The front courtyard of the diplomatic compound is home to the deputy director of the Commission of Science, Technology and Industry, a general who was awarded the rank in 55.

The nearby Miliangku Hutong was even more remarkable. An organization called the Investigation Department, also known as the Central Investigation Department, was located there, and the infamous King of Spies also lived in this area. Thinking of the important figures in the neighborhood, Tang Zhitong scratched his head. Moving to Dashizuo Hutong had its advantages and disadvantages. Beijing was only so big, and there were only so many good locations and good houses. You were bound to run into important figures.

Fortunately, the coal station was located at the south entrance of Gongjian Hutong, which was some distance from these important figures.

Before he could finish his popsicle, someone came to make a phone call. Tang Zhitong took the opportunity to say goodbye to Lao Zong and returned to the stall.

"How are you feeling?" Tang Zhitong asked with a smile, looking at the two little ones who had just bought an ice pop.

"I think we can definitely sell them all!" Jingmin said confidently.

"Good, that's ambitious." Tang Zhitong didn't discourage the child's enthusiasm, but praised him, though he didn't really care whether they could sell out.

"Popsicles~ Cooling you down!" The two were chatting when they heard a few mischievous children shouting at their stall from the roadside.

"Don't come to me if you have diarrhea!" These kids were clearly doing it on purpose. As soon as they finished shouting the first sentence, several others joined in with giggles and laughter.

"Brother-in-law, beat them up!" Hearing the commotion, Jingmin was furious and urged Tang Zhitong to teach these brats a lesson.

"Do you think I'm the principal of No. 4 Middle School?" Tang Zhitong was not fooled by his brother-in-law's instigation.

This is neither a starch sausage nor a school gate on a Saturday, and I am not the principal.

Others may be shameless, but I must cherish my reputation, especially since there are sentries on duty to the east.

Tang Zhitong ignoring those few scoundrels doesn't mean he's doing nothing.

"Go, the military and the people are as close as fish and water. On this hot day, bring some cool treats to our soldiers." Tang Zhitong opened the popsicle box, grabbed a handful of red bean popsicles, stuffed them into his brother-in-law's arms (who had already finished eating), and pointed to the sentry post at the gate of the highest military unit on the east side.

"Yes!" Jingmin was very enthusiastic about this, and ran off with his popsicle in his arms.

"Don't forget to salute," Tang Zhitong reminded him from behind before he had gone far.

Tang Zhitong didn't see whether Jingmin saluted or not. A short while later, he saw Jingmin running back ahead, with soldiers chasing after him.

Anyone who didn't know better would think this child had done something wrong and was being suppressed.

"Brother-in-law, mission accomplished!" Jingmin wasn't afraid of the soldiers behind him at all. He came back with a look of seeking praise, as if he had done a good deed.

"Comrade, hello, are you this child's parent?" The soldier ran over to greet Jingmin when he saw him stop.

"Hello, I'm their older brother. This is their first time setting up a stall, and seeing how hard you're working, they spontaneously brought you some popsicles. Please don't mind." Tang Zhitong pinned the blame on Jingmin and Fengzhi. If an adult did this, it would seem like they had ulterior motives, but when it came to children, few people would think that way.

Sure enough, upon hearing this, the soldier beamed and pulled out some money from his pocket: "Thank you for your concern, but we have rules and cannot accept anything from the public. This is for the popsicle, little friend, please accept it."

"We don't want it. It's because you protect our country that we have a happy life. We're giving you the popsicles willingly, so we can't accept money," Jingmin said before Tang Zhitong could even speak.

After listening to Jingmin's innocent words, the soldier smiled, squatted down, and reasoned with him: "Little friend, you meant well, didn't you?"

"If I don't give you the money, I'll be punished when I get back. You're a kind-hearted child, you certainly don't want me to be punished, right?"

"So, you still want to accept this money, right?"

As the soldier spoke, Jingmin nodded, only to realize he'd fallen into a money trap. He could only look up at Tang Zhitong for help: "Brother-in-law..."

“Comrade, the people from the Yimeng old revolutionary base area pushed wheelbarrows to support the front lines without asking for money. These few popsicles are a token of their goodwill. It would be inappropriate to accept money from them. Besides, it's not much money, and it won't warrant punishment,” Tang Zhitong advised from the side.

"I appreciate the sentiment, but I really can't refuse to give you the money." The soldier stuffed the money into Jingmin's hand, stood up, saluted the three of them, and ran back to his post.

"Well, it's almost like a grocery store selling popsicles at a factory." Tang Zhitong glanced at the money in Jingmin's hand and sighed.

"Brother-in-law, should I send it back?" Jingmin didn't want this part of the money.

"Keep it; they won't accept it even if you send it back." People are flesh and blood. Although soldiers have their own tempers, personalities, and shortcomings, once they put on that uniform, they are the most reliable people in the eyes of the people.

Having witnessed all this, the few jovial hooligans fell silent, nervously circled the corner tower, and ran away.

With this incident, Tang Zhitong believed that even if he wasn't there, the other side would definitely extend a helping hand after hearing Jingmin's plea for help.

Tang Zhitong looked west. Standing at the popsicle stand, he couldn't see the sentry on the bridge. If he could, he would have given the stand double insurance and sent Jingmin over there again.

"If you can't sell them all, you'd rather let them melt than steal any, understand?" Tang Zhitong stood there for a while longer, and seeing that Fengzhi and Jingmin were becoming more and more skilled, he gave them a few more instructions before heading back to take care of the coal business.

The dog days of summer are just around the corner, the hottest time of the year and also the time when coal consumption in Beijing is at its lowest. Buying coal at this time can alleviate the inventory pressure on coal depots, prevent neighbors from having any doubts when they see you buying coal, and solve your own coal problem for the winter – a win-win situation.

Besides, they really needed coal. After moving here, they not only gained a heated kang bed, but also three more west wing rooms.

When winter comes, won't we need to light a stove in the west wing? And won't we need a chimney for the stove?

So, we're still missing one stove set!

The debt for the new house hasn't been paid off yet, the mattress is still unsettled, the wooden frame for the cellar hasn't been put on the agenda, and now a stove has arrived.

It's true that money is essential to all seven necessities of life!
(End of this chapter)