Military career: Starting with a recruitment letter

Chapter 104: Gongs and drums roar into the village, the home of a second-class hero

"Sweep the floor, open the door, and put out some benches so people can sit when they come home."

The village chief, Chen Xuejun and Liu Fenglan were racking their brains at a loss as to what to do.

Chen Jing, who had been standing behind the adults, now spoke timidly while holding the buns in her hands.

Children's minds are not that complicated.

She only started to speak like that when she visited relatives, because her aunts and uncles' houses were all very bright.

But these words directly woke up the three people.

"Oh my! Look at my brain, it's not as good as Xiaojing's."

The village chief reacted quickly upon hearing this.

He raised his hand and patted his forehead. "Xiao Jing is right. Xuejun, go to every household in the village and borrow some benches. Clean up the yard and move all the firewood and sawdust aside."

"I'm going home to get some tea leaves. Remember to boil more water for them to make some tea. Also, I'll borrow Jianfeng's color TV, which is not working. It will look nice in the house."

The village chief finished his instructions with trembling lips and the people had walked more than ten meters away.

As if he suddenly remembered something, he ran back and waved his hands, saying, "No, no, I can't borrow the color TV. Someone from the TV station will be here soon."

"Your family's conditions are not good, so you should let the higher-ups take a look. You can't put things that are too good on display. You can't put them on display."

"Just sweep the floor. Don't move the sawdust, just leave it there. Don't fix your half-finished bicycle chain just now, just leave it there."

"Pack up quickly, I'll go back and get the tea."

After the village chief finished speaking, he ran home at a very fast pace, looking really anxious.

It will be easy if you have a clue.

"Fenglan, hurry up and go to Aixia's house next door and borrow some stools, teacups, etc. I'll sweep the floor."

Chen Xuejun strode to the wall, picked up a broom that was taller than him, and began to sweep the yard.

It didn't take long.

All the neighbors who were idle at home during the New Year came. When they heard that Xuejun's child had made another contribution, even people from the county came to congratulate him.

No one knows what this sending of energy is.

But every household is familiar with how to entertain guests.

Some people helped sweep the yard, while others ran back home and started sweeping the road from the door to the village entrance with brooms.

Even some diligent people, or those who really couldn't find any work to do, simply picked up the water buckets at home and sprinkled water after sweeping the floor.

Thermos bottles for boiling water were carried into Chen Mo's house one by one, and the neighbors were all trying their best to help.

Later, people from the town came.

However, they did not go home. Instead, they took shovels and dug holes on the roadside at the entrance of the village. They planted some saplings that they got from somewhere and tamped the soil down with great effort.

On a row of newly planted saplings, a banner that read "Warmly welcome leaders to visit and guide our work" was hung with a thin rope.

The banner doesn't look new, so it must be from an old actor.

The news of the gift spread quickly.

More and more people gathered at the village entrance.

Many people tapped their feet and looked into the distance.

Many people know how this unit has made meritorious service, but no one really understands what sending off the merits means.

When Chen Xuejun arrived at the village entrance, a large group of people surrounded him.

One of the middle-aged men, with his arms folded and a cigarette dangling from his lips, said in surprise, "Xuejun, what the hell, what the hell is going on with this sending of power? It's really making a big fuss!"

As he spoke, he deliberately glanced at the group of people coming from the town.

At this time, people had already lined up at the village entrance.

Chen Xuejun was originally a down-to-earth man who was not good at talking, but now, with the armed forces coming to him every few days, he has become a little more insightful.

He quit smoking hand-rolled cigarettes, which he had done for half his life, and started buying whole packs of old yellow cigarettes, opening the packs and handing cigarettes to his fellow villagers.

"I don't know either. Old Zheng told us to prepare, but I don't know how to prepare. Let's wait."

Chen Xuejun responded with a flushed face, partly because he was nervous and partly because he was too anxious.

"Oh, this is the right thing to do when you are a soldier. Look at how successful your family is. We don't lack food and drink at home anymore."

"You say it's a ball. Some soldiers can hit it, but some soldiers can't hit it. It depends on the person."

"Anyway, I just feel that the eldest son of the Xuejun family has been smart since he was young. He has made great contributions in the army and is a capable person."

"That's right. I heard that it's not easy to get along in the army either. There are so many things to do."

A group of men expressed their opinions.

Chen Xuejun straightened his back unconsciously as he listened to the villagers' discussions. As a well-behaved person in the village, he never expected that he had grown old.

But because of his own child, he felt proud again.

"Boom!!"

"Snapped!!"

As the crowd was discussing, a clear and crisp sound of a large firecracker was heard from the direction of the town in the distance.

The villagers haven't made any movement yet.

The people from the town standing at the entrance of the village hurriedly grabbed their clothes and ran towards the Lion Bridge.

"Here they come, here comes the one delivering the merit."

Someone in the crowd suddenly howled, and that guy and the people who were there to join in the fun all started running after him.

Hundreds of people, some smoking, some holding children, some old people, some children, the crowd was moving towards the outside of the village.

"Dong-dong-clang, dong-dong-clang."

The sound was getting closer and closer, and the sounds of gongs and drums could be heard clearly.

There is a straight road from the entrance of Xinglong Village to the town, and it is not very far in total.

The car at the front of the line can be vaguely seen.

A black Peugeot came over, leading an indistinct convoy of cars behind it.

“Bang!! Bang!!”

The sound of firecrackers mixed with the sound of drums stunned the running crowd.

Even though the old Peugeot is so popular in later generations, few people are willing to drive it except for sentimental reasons.

But in 1999, it was definitely a luxury car.

Most people cannot afford to buy them, let alone drive them. These are special vehicles for many government departments. They can use these vehicles to lead into the village. Even villagers who know nothing can see that this is the so-called "showing off merit" just by looking at it. It's quite a big deal.

The convoy was getting closer.

The people running in the front realized that this was not a Peugeot leading the team.

There were three of them, followed by several khaki jeeps and Changhe cars.

The distance was too far just now and my vision was blocked, so I could only see clearly when I ran closer.

There are eye-catching banners on both sides of the car body.

"Warm congratulations to Comrade Chen Mo for winning the Second Class Merit."

Boom boom boom. Clang clang clang.
On the military card in the middle, the drum team was beating gongs and drums vigorously, and someone was holding a dark red wooden sign next to it, on which was written in vigorous font "Home of the Second Class Meritorious Service".

There was a convoy of cars stretching as far as the eye could see, with firecrackers blasting and gongs and drums beating.

Behind the convoy, there was a huge crowd of people coming from the town to watch the excitement.

See this scene.

Many people who didn't understand what sending energy was at first were dumbfounded.

"My goodness, what's written on that red cloth? And what's written on that plaque? Why are there so many people coming to give it to us?"

"Mom, that's a banner, not a red cloth. It says congratulations to my brother Chen Mo for winning the Second Class Merit. The plaque says 'Home of a Second Class Meritorious Service'. Mom, what is 'Home of a Meritorious Service'?"

Many people have a vague idea of ​​what a meritorious family is, but few can really explain it.

But this shock is real.

Because it is the family of meritorious service, which is a title awarded by the state. Not only the whole village, but also the neighboring villages combined have never heard of any family having this title.

Because there were so many people watching the fun, they gathered together.

After walking several hundred meters out of the village, the convoy saw that the front was blocked by the crowd, and the front car began to slowly approach the right side and stop.

Chen Xuejun rubbed his hands excitedly. Beside him, the village chief was also very excited. He pushed Chen Xuejun forward and reminded him: "Xuejun, you have to remember, when we meet, we must first give cigarettes and then invite the leaders to our home."

"It's not easy to come here, so we can't neglect it."

The vehicle stopped.

The door of the second car was opened and a man in a gray Zhongshan suit got out.

The children couldn't recognize who got off the bus, but many adults in the village knew it.

There was a lack of entertainment in the 1990s, and most people liked to watch TV to kill time during the slack season. However, Fu County Party Secretary Zhao Hongsheng often appeared on Fu County TV.

"Oh my goodness, the people on TV are coming out?"

The crowd watching saw the leader standing right in front of them, and some of them couldn't help but exclaim.

Chen Xuejun naturally recognized him, but he didn't expect that the person coming from the county as the village chief said would come in this way.

Are you still going to give me the cigarette?

How to greet your boss?
Chen Xuejun was a little confused for a moment, but fortunately Cao Deming, who was following the car behind, hurried over at this time.

No matter what, in similar situations, having acquaintances will definitely make you feel more relaxed.

"Secretary Zhao, this is Chen Mo's father, Chen Xuejun."

Lao Cao stood by and acted as a commentator with a smile.

"Haha, Happy New Year, Brother Chen." Zhao Hongsheng smiled warmly and grabbed Chen Xuejun's hand.

The video camera of the TV station in the rear was in place and started filming.

"Hello, leader, happy new year."

Chen Xuejun was somewhat bewildered by such an enthusiastic leader, but Zhao Hongsheng was quite calm. After shaking hands, they walked side by side towards the village. He was the one who took the initiative to speak along the way, offering concern, encouragement, and asking about the situation at home.

The leader got off the car.

Behind them was a huge crowd, some were holding banners, some were carrying plaques, some were beating drums and gongs, and some were lighting firecrackers. The team stretched for more than thirty meters.

Following behind happily.

The sound of firecrackers could be heard ten miles away, crackling and filling the air with red debris and the pungent smell of gunpowder.

On both sides of the road, in the wheat fields.

There were crowds of people following the procession everywhere.

"My goodness, you still have to be a soldier. Being a soldier is good."

At the roadside at the entrance of the village, some villagers were tapping their feet and looking into the distance, their faces full of envy.

"Yes, this Xuejun is quite impressive. He will be the only bachelor in our village in the future."

"Hey, holy crap, people from the TV station are here, stand still, maybe we can be on TV too."

Accompanied by Zhao Hongsheng into the village.

Many villagers even stopped smoking and tried to hold their clothes as much as possible to make themselves look neat, hoping to appear on TV again.

far away.

Liu Fenglan held her daughter in her arms, and Chen Feng stood in front of them. The mother and her two daughters were stunned for a moment when they saw such a grand scene of commendation.

"Mom, what is my brother doing in the army?" Chen Feng stared. He always felt that something was wrong with his brother recently.

After all, the two brothers have been playing together since childhood and know each other very well.

In Chen Feng's eyes, although Chen Mo is a competent brother and good at all aspects of study, the gap between him and the person he has in his mind is too big.

How could a person who is usually well-behaved at home join the army and act like he has all the magic in his hands?

Forget about making meritorious service. Chen Feng has no idea what it means to make meritorious service.

But there were also gifts of comfort this time. So many people drove to my house to congratulate me and set off firecrackers.

This doesn't match the image he has of his brother.

When Liu Fenglan heard this, she didn't say anything, but just pursed her lips, feeling both happy and worried.

Because she also felt that her son had changed so much, as if he had grown up suddenly.

"Hey, Fenglan, hurry up! People are almost entering the village."

An older woman ran over, patted her legs, and hurriedly took Chen Jing in her arms, yelling, "Go home and get ready."

"Pour the tea and bring out whatever food you have."

"Oh, good."

Liu Fenglan seemed to have just realized what was happening. She responded hurriedly, turned around and ran home.

In fact, she didn't need to prepare anything.

The aunts from the neighborhood were all in the yard, and tea and candy had already been prepared.

Hearing the noise outside, everyone stretched their heads to look outside.

The crowd quickly moved from the road to the doorstep of Chen Mo's house.

Everyone watched as big red banners were hung on the wall of Chen Mo's house.

The drum team stood at the door and performed the yangge dance.

A large plaque was carried into the courtyard.

That is the plaque of the meritorious official’s home, a large dark red plaque with golden lettering.

The shock of having this "home of a hero" enter the courtyard in a village with a strong rural atmosphere is more shocking and enviable than how much money one can earn working in the south.

The crowd watching around almost couldn't close their mouths. You know, the eldest son of the Chen family was often seen in the village last year.

How come such a big fuss has occurred just a few months after joining the army?

Dong Keyang and Liu Shaopei, childhood friends of Chen Mo who were close to each other, rushed over after hearing the noise.

The two of them were dumbfounded.

Because in the team that was sending off the merit, there were not only people in military uniforms, but also the principal of their high school and several school leaders, all with beaming faces.

That's the principal. Students have no impression of people from other departments, but the school leaders have a natural bloodline suppression.

"My goodness, what did Chen Mo do by joining the army? How did he become a minister?"

Dong Keyang muttered something, quietly followed the crowd, and squeezed into the house.

at this time.

The people who were sending off the merits were basically all present in the yard.

Zhao Hongsheng looked around Chen Mo's house and did not choose to go in, mainly because there were too many people.

It will be more crowded when you go inside.

Some people from the TV station and the newspaper stood in front to take pictures, some who were nimble simply climbed on the wall, and some who couldn't squeeze in front simply stood on the pile of firewood.

"Boss, please come in and have some tea. We have prepared food and other things."

Chen Xuejun tried to continue inviting leaders.

Zhao Hongsheng smiled and waved his hand: "Brother Chen, you don't have to be so polite. There's no need to prepare anything at home. The main thing is to be happy that the child is successful outside."

As he spoke, Zhao Hongsheng clapped his hands, and someone notified the firecrackers and drum team outside to stop.

The plaque of the meritorious official’s home is also placed at the entrance of the main hall.

Zhao Hongsheng said in a loud voice: "Fellow villagers, please don't bother. Our comrades who are sending off the meritorious service today, please come to Xinglong Village."

"It's because our village has a very promising child. Comrade Chen Mo won the second-class merit in the army. He is the pride of our entire Fu County."

"it is good!!"

Cao Deming led the applause.

Everyone in the yard applauded.

The sky gradually darkened, but the enthusiasm of the gathered crowd remained the same.

Chen Xuejun's heart beat faster because the county leader was praising his child.

Although Zhao Hongsheng held a high position, he was not from the local military region after all. He made his position very clear. After finishing his opening remarks, he continued to ask Chen Xuejun about some family matters.

I took the opportunity to ask the village chief about the situation in the village.

Television stations and newspapers were responsible for capturing beautiful pictures of the government and the people being one family.

Wait until the applause gradually subsides.

Cao Deming reached out and tugged at his uniform, then took over the conversation, speaking passionately: "Fellow villagers, Secretary Zhao just said that we came to Xinglong today to congratulate Comrade Chen Mo and deliver the good news."

"Comrade Chen Mo has performed exceptionally well since joining the army. He has been commended numerous times by the military district and even won first place in seven categories in competitions. His exceptional military qualities have overwhelmed all competitors."

"He was awarded the third-class merit and commended by the military district years ago. This time, he was awarded the second-class merit while performing patrol missions."

"These honors are what Chen Mo deserves. Of course, without the supervision and care of the army, and without the encouragement and support of his fellow countrymen, Comrade Chen Mo would not have achieved such great results."

"To express our congratulations, our Fu County will not only send Comrade Chen Mo a congratulatory message, but our government, the county armed forces department, the military sub-district, the television station, the Fu County Daily, the civil affairs department, and our county's No. 1 High School will also jointly contribute to the event."

"Award Comrade Chen Mo a 6000 yuan bonus for his meritorious service."

"Come on, fellow villagers, let us all applaud again and express our warmest congratulations to Comrade Chen Mo for the honor he has achieved."

As soon as Cao Deming finished speaking, he was the first to applaud.

The crowd clapped along. The fireworks, red banners and plaques along the way were enough to shock the villagers.

This meritorious service bonus is something I am truly envious of.

Six thousand yuan in 99 was almost the entire savings of most families, and some families could not even save that much.

The next process is simple.

People from the armed forces came over, put ribbons on Chen Xuejun and Liu Fenglan, pinned big red flowers on their chests, and took photos.

After obtaining the consent of the family, the accompanying staff hung the plaque of the hero's home in the most conspicuous place in the main hall.

The gifts of comfort were brought into the house in piles as if they were free of charge.

Many villagers saw that Chen Xuejun and his wife, who were honest and simple in their daily lives, were now living a more and more prosperous life and could even take photos with their leaders.

Maybe it will be on TV in a couple of days.

There are many people who are happy from the bottom of their hearts, but there are even more people who are envious.

Chen Xuejun held the merit award plaque in his arms and a thick envelope in his hand. This old father, who had been strong all his life, was so excited that he was speechless at this moment.

My son has made meritorious service in the army many times, and people from the armed forces and even county leaders came to express their condolences.

He had never dared to even think about such a thing before.

Now, it's right in front of you.

It really made him, as a father, feel proud in the village.

The envy of the surrounding villagers, the smiles and pride on the faces of the Chen family, and the busy people delivering the gifts.

Create a lively scene.

It's just a pity.

Chen Mo, who was far away in Shanxi Province, was unable to experience it personally.

At this time, he was still following his comrades from Class 8 with a rope tied around his waist.

On the training ground, the youthful blood continues to flow.

On the field.

Chen Mo's figure became more and more upright, and his beliefs became more and more firm.

This is the most intuitive manifestation of him finding a new goal.

Always motivate yourself.

(End of this chapter)