1984: Starting from a bankrupt Sichuan restaurant

Chapter 140 The Most Adorable People of Those Years (12k Memory Fragments (Complete)!)

The young man before me was dressed in a brand-new suit and mandarin jacket, looking dashing and spirited.

Zhou Yan saw the shadow of a master in him.

picture!
so similar!
In Zhang Shufen's memory, this should be Wang Yu, the fourth young master of the wealthy Wang family in Suji. The blue and white porcelain basin that left a deep impression on her was indeed exquisite and beautiful.

Could they be related brothers, which is why they look alike?

"Okay, I promise I'll fill it up perfectly for you." Zhang Shufen smiled and took the blue and white porcelain basin. She picked up a pair of chopsticks and began to put the sliced ​​beef into the basin, one piece at a time, in circles. It was indeed quite good.

The servant following behind handed over a wooden lid, carefully closed it, and then put it into a food box.

Zhang Shufen looked at Wang Yuxiao and asked, "Young Master Wang, is this another gift for your fiancée? You've been giving them gifts for a year now. When are you getting married? Can we go and ask for a piece of your wedding feast?"

The customers in line behind them joined in the commotion, all with smiles on their faces.

"It'll be soon, it'll be in a few months before the betrothal ceremony, and we'll definitely be able to have a wedding banquet next year. Sister Zhang and Brother Zhou must both come then." Speaking of his fiancée, Wang Yu's smile brightened, and he took out a silver coin and handed it over, "Keep the change."

"Thank you, we'll definitely come!" Zhang Shufen's smile grew even brighter.

Zhou Yi, who was standing to the side, also looked up and smiled, saying, "Okay!"

Young Master Wang carried the birdcage toward the carriage parked to the side, and the servant quickly followed with a food box.

Zhou Yan subconsciously tried to follow, but found that his body was unable to move at all, and could only watch the carriage disappear into the distance.

That's right...

This is Zhang Shufen's memory, so Zhou Yan's activities are limited to within her line of sight.

Zhou Yan had no choice but to stare at Wang Shao's face and remember the black mole on his right neck, which he could have verified by a master tomorrow.

He looked up at the sky, a clear blue, with a striking red date: June 21, 1937.

Zhou Yan reached out and touched the railing; his hand went straight through the stone.

He opened his mouth, but found that he couldn't make a sound.

Clearly, he couldn't interfere with this memory; he could only observe from the sidelines.

Or rather, read.

Shufen was not exaggerating; the braised meat stall was doing incredibly well. The long queue lasted for over an hour, and they sold out more than 100 jin (50 kg) of braised meat.

The servants of wealthy families bought braised pig's head and braised beef by the pound, spending lavishly.

Zhou Yan even felt that this was an even better business opportunity than Su Ji's in 1984.

The dog tycoon is truly wealthy and willing to spend money.

Unlike in 1984, when the town mayor's monthly salary was barely over a hundred, those with ten thousand yuan were considered super-rich.

Zhou Yan noticed two little kids squatting next to the braised meat stall, one about five years old and the other about three, intently watching a group of ants carrying away the fallen bits of meat.

Zhang Shufen would glance at the two of them from time to time, a smile playing on her lips.

"Uncle, Second Uncle?" Zhou Yan seemed to be thinking. He looked at Fanwa and he did look alike. They were both chubby-cheeked and had a robust appearance, which showed that their family was indeed well-off.

With the braised meat sold out and customers leaving, Zhang Shufen and Zhou Yi began to pack up their stall.

A middle-aged man in a brown long gown and a yellow round hat stepped down from the carriage parked nearby. He quickly walked forward, a smile spreading across his round face: "Sister Zhang, have you thought about the exclusive rights to sell braised beef? I'll give you 100 silver dollars a year, and I'll give you a 10% discount on the price of the beef. I need at least 50 catties of beef a day, as long as you guarantee that our Feiyan Restaurant will be the only one selling your braised beef in the entire city of Jiaozhou."

Zhang Shufen said with a smile, "Okay, Mr. Huang is so sincere, and we've been cooperating for a year, so let's settle this matter like this."

"This is... Huang Silang?" Zhou Yan looked at the middle-aged man who looked seven or eight parts like Huang He. He must be Huang He's father, Huang Silang. He was indeed Zhang Ji's long-term partner.

"Great!" Huang Silang clapped his hands, then quickly looked around and lowered his voice, saying, "I'll have my cousin bring the money when he comes to Zhoucun to pick up the meat tomorrow. Take a look at this contract, and sign it if there are no problems."

“Boss Huang, you know how I conduct myself. There’s no need for all this. I’ve said that I’ll only sell the braised beef from Jiaozhou City to you, so I definitely won’t sell a single ounce to any other restaurant or eatery in Jiaozhou.” Zhang Shufen didn’t take the contract and said seriously, “Although I’m a woman, my word is my bond.”

"Alright! I trust you." Huang Silang put away the contract, then finalized the price of the braised beef with Zhang Shufen before turning around, getting into the carriage, and leaving.

"Mom, I'm hungry."

I'm hungry too!

Two little kids ran over, tilted their heads back, and shouted at Zhang Shufen.

"Come on, Mom will take you to buy rice candy. We also saved a braised pig's trotter for you. It'll be delicious if you heat it up for lunch!" Zhang Shufen took one child in each hand and smiled at Zhou Yi, "I'm taking the kids to buy groceries. You can go ahead and collect the food."

"Okay, I'll pack everything and come pick you up." Zhou Yi nodded with a simple smile and loaded the cutting board and cleaver onto the flatbed cart next to him.

"Let's go buy rice candy!" The two little ones shook off her hand and ran happily on the stone path.

With a smile on her face, Zhang Shufen followed behind at a leisurely pace, greeting the vendors familiarly along the way. She stopped at a tofu stall to buy a piece of tofu, picked out two crucian carp from a fishmonger, and bargained with the vendors. Before long, her hands were full of vegetables.

Zhou Yan's body moved forward uncontrollably, and the corners of her mouth turned up. The old lady was really beautiful when she was young, and she was also a lively and cheerful woman.

At that time, the Zhou family was living a comfortable and prosperous life.

As Zhou Yan walked, it seemed as if he had stepped into thin air, and everything suddenly went black.

When the image became clear again, a line of scarlet text appeared on the rammed earth wall:
1937年8月16日，夜，19:21
“You’re just a butcher, what can you use to fight the Japanese? You’ve never even touched a gun! You…you’re gone, how are we, a widow and her children, supposed to survive?” A woman’s sobs came from inside the room.

Zhou Yan looked away from the wall and saw Zhang Shufen pounding on Zhou Yi's chest, tears streaming down her face.

Zhou Yi was still wearing the same short jacket, carrying a package on his back. His expression had lost the naivety of a few days ago, and had become more resolute and decisive.

"Shufen, the Japanese devils have invaded our land, killed our compatriots, and raped my sisters. If I don't go, the Japanese will eventually reach Jiaozhou. Who will protect you and your child then?" Zhou Yi said firmly, holding her shoulders gently.
“I have exchanged all the silver dollars and gold yuan notes in the house for gold and hidden them in a secret compartment under the bed. Keep them safe and don’t let anyone else know. Wang Yu said that buying gold in chaotic times means that the world will probably not be peaceful in the future. You have two children, so you must take good care of yourself.”

“I have already spoken with my uncles and brothers and asked them to take care of you and your child. Don’t worry, as long as there is one male in our Zhou family alive, no one can bully you and your child.”

Zhang Shufen gradually stopped crying, threw herself into Zhou Yi's arms, and hugged him tightly, as if she wanted to meld herself into his body, or as if she was afraid that she would disappear if she let go.

Zhou Yi gently stroked her back, a tear sliding down his cheek, which he silently wiped away.

"Don't worry, I'll be back to fix those two brats' houses and help them get married," Zhou Yi whispered in her ear. "I'll be back after we finish fighting the Japanese."

"Mmm," Zhang Shufen responded, her voice slightly nasal.

Zhou Yan slowly clenched his fists, a sense of tragic grandeur welling up in his heart.

At this very moment, this scene is playing out in countless families across China.

This is his grandfather; they are blood relatives, which is truly moving.

"Brother Zhou." A knock sounded on the door.

"Coming," Zhou Yi replied, released Zhang Shufen, walked to the bedside, glanced at his two sleeping sons, resolutely turned around, opened the door, and walked out.

"Brother Yi!" Zhang Shufen chased after him with a pair of cloth shoes, stuffed them into his hands, and said with red eyes, "Take these and wear them on the way."

"Okay." Zhou Yi smiled and accepted it.

At the entrance, the fourth young master of the Wang family, wearing a coarse cloth short jacket and carrying two guns on his shoulders, stepped forward and said with a smile, "Sister Zhang, don't worry, Brother Zhou and I will go to Rongcheng first. I have a cousin who is a deputy battalion commander in the 20th Army. We will go and join him first. I will teach Brother Zhou how to shoot."

"Wang Yu, why did you decide to join the army instead of being a proper young master of the Wang family? Aren't you supposed to get married next year? What will happen to your fiancée if you leave?" Zhang Shufen looked at Wang Yu, her face full of confusion.

"With the nation in peril and our land shattered, how can I think of a home? I should dedicate myself to the country and save it!" Wang Yu's smile faded, his back straightened, and his eyes showed a resolute determination.

Upon hearing this, Zhou Yi straightened his back and clenched his fists.

Zhou Yan stared with his mouth slightly agape as he watched Wang Yu, his mind reeling. In the face of national crisis, even a wealthy young master had dedicated himself to saving the country, showing no fear.

Zhang Shufen pursed her lips, tears welling up in her eyes again.

Wang Yu picked up a food box from beside his feet and handed it to Zhang Shufen, his tone softening slightly: "Sister Zhang, I escaped by climbing over the wall tonight. I left in a hurry. Could you please go to Jiaozhou tomorrow and deliver a pound of braised beef to Miss Qiu of the Qiu family?"

There's also a letter I wrote to her in this food box. Please be sure to give it to the doorman along with the food box. Just say my name, and the doorman will know.

"The Qiu family? Which Qiu family?" Zhang Shufen pressed.

Zhou Yan also subconsciously took a step forward. The Qiu residence? Miss Qiu!

"At the end of East Street, the first house directly opposite Yingchun Gate is the Qiu residence. You can find it with just a few questions." Wang Yu said, then took out ten silver dollars and handed them to Zhang Shufen. "Sister Zhang, if you happen to be passing by Jiaozhou City in the future, please send a portion of braised beef to the Qiu residence. She loves your braised beef."

"Okay." Zhang Shufen accepted the silver dollars and nodded, "I'll definitely deliver them to you."

"As expected!" Zhou Yan couldn't help but clap his hands. It really was the Qiu family. Old Mrs. Qiu should be around twenty years old now, the eldest daughter of the Qiu family. Perhaps Wang Yu never returned, and this letter and this braised beef became a knot in her heart for the rest of her life.

"Brother Zhou, let's go!" Wang Yu tossed a gun to Zhou Yi and turned to walk out of the courtyard.

Zhou Yi glanced at Zhang Shufen again, then resolutely and quickly followed.

Zhang Shufen staggered to the courtyard gate, watching them drive away in their carriage, and couldn't help but call out in a tearful voice, "Zhou Yi! I'll wait for you to come back!"

The figure driving the carriage swayed slightly, then lashed out with the whip.

Zhang Shufen watched the carriage disappear at the village entrance. After a long while, she finally closed the courtyard gate. Her legs went weak, and she collapsed to the ground against the gate, hugging her legs and sobbing softly.

Zhou Yan stood beside her, instinctively reaching out to comfort her, but his hand passed right through her.

Yes, she was just a 28-year-old woman with two children. As the chaos of the times began and her husband left Sichuan to serve his country, how terrified she must have felt.

"It's alright, he'll come back," Zhou Yan said silently to herself, but unfortunately, she couldn't hear it.

The screen turns again.

The flatbed carriage stopped on East Street, opposite the Spring Festival Gate. Zhang Shufen's eyes were red and swollen. She told the two children not to run around in the carriage, opened the food box beside her, and looked at the beautiful blue and white porcelain basin and a letter in her eyes.

Zhou Yan glanced at it as well.

The cover reads:

Qiqi Jade Exhibition
汪遇
His handwriting was vigorous and powerful, making Zhou Yan feel inferior.

What was written in the letter?
Perhaps that's the crux of Grandma Qiu's heart.

After confirming that the letter and the braised beef were both there, Zhang Shufen closed the food box again, got out of the car, asked the neighbors on the roadside, and then knocked on the gate of the Qiu residence.

Zhou Yan stood behind her, looking at the exquisite and beautiful Qiu family old house in front of him. At this moment, it was still a courtyard house with a strong Jiangnan water town feel, with white walls and green tiles, flying eaves and wood carvings, heavy mahogany gate, and a pair of lifelike stone lions standing at the entrance.

Although it doesn't occupy a large area, it exudes exquisiteness in every corner.

It was completely different from its dilapidated state half a century later.

"This is braised beef that Young Master Wang Yu of the Wang family in Suji asked me to bring to your young lady. There is also a letter for her inside." Zhang Shufen handed over the food box.

"Young Master Wang usually delivers it personally, why did he send you today?" The gatekeeper took the food box, somewhat surprised, but still looked at her politely and said, "Would you like a bowl of water?"

“Young Master Wang couldn’t come, so he asked me to deliver it. No need for water, I have two children. I’ll be leaving now that I’ve delivered it.” Zhang Shufen shook her head, turned around, and drove away.

Zhou Yan floated behind the carriage, looking back in the direction of the Qiu residence. The gatekeeper closed the gate, and a short while later, before the carriage turned the corner, he saw the gate of the Qiu residence open again.

A beautiful figure in a beige cheongsam rushed out, stood on the street looking back and forth, her exquisite face streaked with tears, filled with panic and confusion.

is her.

Miss Qiu Qi of the Qiu family.

Duan Yuyan, who resembles her by seven points, is already a beauty. Miss Qiu's appearance and figure are both superb, but at this moment she is tragically beautiful.

She must have already read the letter, or perhaps only the beginning...

The carriage turned into the adjacent street and disappeared from sight.

...

Ugh~ Ugh—

Zhang Shufen leaned against the courtyard wall and gagged a few times.

"Shufen, why have you been gagging so often lately? Are you feeling unwell?" A slightly plump woman brought her a bowl of water and gently patted her back as she asked with concern.

Zhou Yan stepped aside, looked up at the sky: October 16, 1937, morning, 6:11 AM
Zhang Shufen took the bowl, drank a sip of warm water, and gently stroked her lower abdomen, saying, "Sister-in-law Lin, I might be pregnant."

"Really!" Sister-in-law Lin exclaimed with delight, "That's wonderful! My brother-in-law will be so happy to know!"

Zhang Shufen smiled, but there was a hint of sorrow in her smile. She whispered, "I wonder where Zhou Yi is now, and how he's doing."

"Don't worry, Shufen, your brother-in-law is a lucky man. He'll be back after fighting the Japanese. He'll be fine!" Sister-in-law Lin comforted her with a smile. "You need to take good care of yourself during the first few months of your pregnancy. You absolutely mustn't do any heavy work. You'll just be in charge of the brine and braised meat. Leave the rest of the rough work to me!"

"Then I'll have to trouble you, Sister Lin," Zhang Shufen said somewhat embarrassedly.

"We're family, what trouble could there be? You pay me a salary anyway, it's my duty," Sister Lin waved her hand dismissively.

Zhou Yan's gaze couldn't help but fall on Zhang Shufen's lower abdomen. This was... her third uncle, Zhou Han?
If I count the years, I really did get pregnant this year, and the baby will be born next May.

Shufen is a woman who already has enough to do, raising two children and making braised meat. Now she's pregnant again, so life is going to be tough for her.

Fortunately, the Zhou family has a tradition of helping each other. In addition to Sister Lin who came to help with the work, two more aunties soon came to lend a hand.

Upon hearing that Zhang Shufen was pregnant, he immediately said that he would come to help with the work every morning starting tomorrow.

Zhang Shufen offered to pay them wages, but they firmly refused.

Zhang Shufen sat to the side, silently wiping away the tears from the corners of her eyes, then smiled and got up to go into the kitchen.

Zhou Yan wanted to follow them inside, but the scene suddenly changed, and a door appeared in front of him.

"Push! Push! The head's out!"

"Son! We had a son!"

The sounds of a baby crying and Sister Lin's happy voices came from the room.

Zhou Yan stood at the door, looking at the time on the door: May 16, 1938, noon, 12:32 PM
My third uncle, Zhou Han, was born so suddenly that he was caught off guard.

The baby was wrapped in a small blanket, and several village women came and went, helping to tidy up and clean the house. Soon, the house returned to peace and quiet.

Zhou Yan then floated inside.

Zhang Shufen was pale, with a pillow behind her back. She looked at her newborn child beside her and gave a weak smile.

Zhou Qing and Zhou Ze, the two little rascals, lay by the bed, looking at their newborn brother with great curiosity.

"Mom, it's another boy? Didn't you say you'd give me a girl?" Zhou Qing looked up at Zhang Shufen and said, her tone tinged with disappointment.

“Yes, I want a little sister.” Zhou Ze nodded in agreement.

"Alright, alright, I'll give you a little sister next time." Zhang Shufen said with a slightly helpless smile, looking at the baby in the swaddling clothes, but said in a low voice, "Sons are good, girls suffer in this chaotic world."

"Shufen, come, have a bowl of millet porridge first. I'll look after the baby for you. Focus on your postpartum recovery first. We can make braised meat after your confinement period." A woman in her fifties walked in with a bowl of millet porridge, sat down by the bed, and looked at Zhang Shufen with heartache in her eyes. "Giving birth is so painful."

"Mom, I'm fine. This is the third one already. I'm used to it." Zhang Shufen smiled and forced a smile.

"Mother? Is this Grandmother?" Zhou Yan looked at the woman. Her eyebrows and eyes did resemble Zhang Shufen's. He remembered that Grandmother's name was Li Zhen, and he had visited her grave.

“No matter how many you have, it’s still the same pain. I gave birth to all four of you, and each one of you was in excruciating pain, like you were on the verge of death.” Li Zhen scooped up some millet porridge, blew on it, and carefully fed it to Zhang Shufen, saying, “I told your father that I’ll go back to Rongcheng after you’ve finished your postpartum period. I’m really worried about you being alone, especially with Zhou Yi not around.”

"Mother, thank you." Zhang Shufen looked at Li Zhen with red eyes.

“I’m your mother, there’s no need to thank me.” Li Zhen smiled and reached out to pat her head, saying affectionately, “I often think of what you looked like when you were little, and in the blink of an eye you’re a mother of three.”

"Grandma, I want some too." The two little ones came over.

Li Zhen said with a smile, "I'll serve you some after I've fed your mother. She needs to rest for a while after she eats."

"Mmm." The two little ones nodded obediently.

Zhou Yan stood aside with a smile. It was good to have her mother around; at least during her most vulnerable time, she had someone who loved her the most by her side.

……

The image gradually blurred, then became clear again.

On the wall, the date is: June 15, 1938, morning, 7:30.

Zhang Shufen, with a handkerchief wrapped around her head, was taking a walk in the courtyard.

There was a sudden knock on the door.

"I'll do it!" Li Zhen quickly came out and opened the door.

Standing outside the door was Huang Silang, carrying a hen and a bag of brown sugar. A year had passed in the blink of an eye, and he looked a few years older, his once chubby cheeks now thinner.

“Boss Huang, why are you here again? This is the third time. I told you, we have to wait until Shufen finishes her postpartum confinement.” Li Zhen sighed.

Huang Silang said with a forced smile, "Aunt Li, I just timed it perfectly. I can't help it. Customers always ask when the braised food will be served. If I don't sell any for a month, all the customers will leave. You know, business is tough these days..."

"Boss Huang, can you send someone to pick up the braised meat tomorrow? I need a lot, I'll remember it." Zhang Shufen walked over and said with a smile.

"Great! That's wonderful! Sister Zhang, if you don't resume operations soon, not only will our Feiyan Restaurant be unable to hold on, but the diners in town will also be heartbroken." Huang Silang said with a happy face, "The braised pig's head meat is still the same as usual, and we need 100 catties of braised beef. Many customers have asked me to place orders, and it's all piled up."

“Okay.” Zhang Shufen nodded, glancing at the things he was carrying: “Take these back with you. You brought things with you the last two times you came.”

"There's no reason to take it back. Keep this old hen and nourish yourself. I'll head back now." Huang Silang put the things on the threshold, turned around and left.

“Shufen, you…” Li Zhen looked at her with some concern.

"Mom, my postpartum confinement period is over today, and it's time to go back to work. I should earn as much money as I can while I still can, because I don't know what the future holds. I need to save more money to raise three kids." Zhang Shufen interrupted her with a smile, "Go and call Sister Lin over for me. With her help, I can save a lot of trouble."

"Okay." Li Zhen nodded and went out.

Zhou Yan looked at Zhang Shufen, who had gained about 20 pounds after finishing her postpartum confinement. Her figure was still quite slender, and her face was fuller, making her look even more approachable. Her skin was also fair and tender.

Zhang Shufen stood in front of the water vat in the courtyard, scrutinizing herself for a long time, as if she had made up her mind.

……

1939年8月16，午，11：40
Suji Stone Slab Bridgehead.

A few customers were scattered around Zhang's braised food stall, and after buying the braised food, they hurriedly left.

The once bustling and lively market at the bridgehead is now deserted, with only a few elderly people selling handmade bamboo baskets and straw sandals. The noodle stall owner sits with a frown and a bitter face, while the owner who used to cook noodles beside her is nowhere to be seen.

At first glance, it appears somewhat desolate.

Behind the braised food stall stood a dark-skinned, plump woman. Zhou Yan looked closely and recognized her as Zhang Shufen.

In just one year, she became much darker and much fatter, looking like she weighed 160 or 170 pounds.

Her short hair was also cut rather haphazardly, and she no longer looked as capable and refreshing as when we first met. She was the kind of person who wouldn't be noticed twice in a crowd.

Next to the two little radish heads, there was an even smaller radish head sitting in a specially made basket, watching his two older brothers playing hopscotch with longing eyes.

"Boss, I'd like a pound of braised beef." A gentle female voice pulled Zhou Yan back to reality.

Turning around, a look of surprise appeared on her face. The woman wearing a black cheongsam, with slightly red eyes, looking haggard but still beautiful, was none other than Qiu Qi, the young lady of the Qiu family whom she had caught a glimpse of that day!
She held a blue-and-white porcelain basin in her hands and handed it to Zhang Shufen, saying in a low voice, "Put it in here."

Zhang Shufen stared blankly at the blue and white porcelain basin for a moment. She hadn't seen this basin for two years, but she clearly recognized it. She took the basin, glanced at the pretty girl in front of her, moved her lips, and nodded, saying, "Okay."

Sister Lin picked out a piece of beef shank to cut, but Zhang Shufen washed her hands, came over and took the knife, saying, "Sister Lin, let me do it."

The beef was sliced ​​and then arranged one slice at a time in a blue and white porcelain bowl, forming a circle in the bowl, just like the one she had made for her two years ago.

Qiu Qi accepted the blue-and-white porcelain basin with both hands, stared at the neatly stacked beef inside in silence for a long time, then looked up at Zhang Shufen and said softly, "Thank you."

She turned around, holding the blue and white porcelain basin, her shoulders trembling slightly, and walked step by step toward the carriage parked to the side.

Zhou Yan saw tears slide down her cheeks and drip onto the bluestone slabs at the head of the stone bridge.

The maidservant stepped forward, handed over a silver coin, and quickly followed.

Zhang Shufen held the silver coin in her hand, staring blankly at Qiu Qi's retreating figure. After the carriage had gone far away, she murmured to herself, "It's been two years. Has Young Master Wang written to her?"

"Mmm..."

The baby's crying interrupted her thoughts. She quickly wiped her hands on her apron and picked up the baby to comfort him.

"It's been exactly two years. She personally brought a blue and white porcelain basin to buy braised beef. Is there any special meaning behind that?" Zhou Yan watched the carriage disappear from sight and suddenly became curious about what was written in Wang Yu's letter.

"Shufen, you've gotten a bit tanned again lately, and you look a little heavier than before?" Aunt Lin said as she packed her things and turned to look at Zhang Shufen. "When you first married into the family, you were so careful with your food, afraid of gaining even a little weight around your stomach."

“Without a man in the house, being a little dark-skinned and chubby will make things much less troublesome. Look at me now, I can even take down a strong man.” Zhang Shufen smiled and said, “My three kids are still counting on me to live. These days, being beautiful is more of a curse than a blessing for a woman.”

Upon hearing this, Zhou Yan silently clenched his fist, staring blankly at Zhang Shufen's face.

There are no iron ladies, they are just strong because they are mothers.

The old lady had always been this clear-headed since she was young.

……

The image gradually blurred amidst the child's cries.

The bustling streets of Jiaozhou City gradually came into view.

周砚下意识先抬头看了眼天空：1939年9月8日，早，9:00
The flatbed cart stopped in an alley, and Huang Silang was directing several workers to carry braised meat from the cart to the kitchen. The cart was loaded with eight baskets of braised meat, weighing several hundred kilograms.

Zhang Shufen, dressed in coarse cloth, only brought Zhou Qing with her. After watching for a while, when only Huang Silang was left, she asked in a low voice, "Boss Huang, why do you need so much braised meat today? Is someone hosting a banquet?"

"Haven't you heard?" Huang Silang looked at her with some surprise, lowering his voice as he said, "The eldest son of the Duan family in the south of the city is marrying the eldest daughter of the Qiu family. They're holding their wedding banquet at our Feiyan Restaurant today! All the prominent figures of Jiaozhou are gathered here. It's said that the Inspector General and the County Magistrate will be there. They're going to have over eighty tables!" Zhang Shufen seemed thoughtful and asked, "The Qiu family? The Qiu family from Yingchun Gate?"

“Yes!” Huang Silang nodded with a smile. “Miss Qiu is a famous beauty in Jiaozhou City. She loves your braised beef the most and often comes to our Feiyan Restaurant to eat. She always orders braised beef.”

Zhang Shufen fell silent, thought for a moment, and then asked, "Is the eldest son of the Duan family a good match?"

Huang Silang laughed upon hearing this, "Sister Zhang, what are you saying? The Duan family is the largest family in Jiaozhou! The eldest son of the Duan family studied abroad for eight years and just returned at the beginning of the year. He is elegant and learned."

I visited the Duan family residence a couple of days ago and had the pleasure of exchanging a few words with him. He is gentle and refined in his speech and actions. There is no other young talent in our Jiaozhou City who is as outstanding as him.

Some say he's going to become a professor at National Central University, while others claim he'll continue his studies abroad after his marriage. Miss Qiu and Young Master Duan's marriage is truly a match made in heaven, a perfect couple!

Hearing this, Zhang Shufen breathed a sigh of relief and smiled, "That's good, then Miss Qiu won't have to worry about being targeted."

"Yes, it's said that a lieutenant wanted to take her as a concubine, which drove the Qiu family to the brink of ruin. The Duan family came to propose marriage, which resolved the matter. Otherwise..." Huang Silang glanced around and lowered his voice, "That lieutenant was over fifty years old and supposedly liked to beat women. Two of his concubines who married him were beaten to death."

"What a bastard!" Zhang Shufen gritted her teeth and subconsciously clenched her fist.

"I can't say that, I can't say that." Huang Silang quickly waved his hand and secretly stuffed a heavy bag into Zhang Shufen's hand. "Go back and count it again. The carriage will be repaired tomorrow. I'll have my cousin's eldest son come to pick up the goods, so you don't need to deliver them."

"Okay," Zhang Shufen replied, pocketing the money bag and driving away in the carriage.

Zhou Yan seemed to be deep in thought. No wonder Qiu Qi had come to Suji that day, carrying a blue and white porcelain basin to buy a pound of braised beef. Was she saying goodbye to Wang Yu in that way?
In times of chaos, a woman's fate is no longer in her own hands.

I've been waiting for two years, wondering if I've received any letter or news from him.

At least she married a good man, and in this chaotic world, she didn't become a plaything of warlords, which is considered lucky.

Judging from the outcome, if she had married Wang Yu, she would likely have died in the subsequent fire at the Wang family home, becoming a wronged ghost.

Of course, this is just his perspective as an observer, and drawing conclusions from results is never a very humane approach.

Zhou Yan thought the scene would change again, but the carriage came out of the alley and turned onto the street.

Yutang Street was packed with people.

The Duan and Qiu families are united by marriage, and today is their wedding day, which will be held at the Feiyan Restaurant.

Many residents of Jiaozhou City came to watch the spectacle, crowding both sides of Yutang Street.

The young master of the Duan family, the most powerful family in Jiaozhou, is seeking to marry Qiu Qi, the most beautiful woman in Jiaozhou. For Jiaozhou, which is shrouded in the shadow of war, this is a rare happy event.

Everyone wanted to come and see the excitement and share in the joy.

Duan family servants carried a basket of wedding candy and distributed it to the onlookers along the way.

"They're here! They're here!" someone shouted, and people on the street craned their necks to look at the other end of the long street.

Zhang Shufen secured the carriage, then, carrying Zhou Qing, squeezed to the side of the street and peered out.

Zhou Yan floated up, his gaze passing over the crowd, and saw a military convertible jeep slowly approaching from behind the drum and gong team.

The Duan family is indeed rich and powerful; they can even borrow vehicles from the military.

"With the fighting so fierce at the front, a merchant's son is getting married and they're using military vehicles! It's outrageous!"

"You know nothing! The Duan family donated one million silver dollars to the war effort last month! This car was specially approved by the province to be the Duan family's wedding car, just to commend the Duan family's righteous donation to save the country and shut you guys up! Otherwise, would the inspector and the county magistrate have come?"

"One million silver dollars!"

"The Duan family is incredibly generous! They deserve to make money!"

The onlookers were all astonished, and their goodwill towards the Duan family increased significantly.

The newlyweds were sitting in the back of the convertible, and Zhou Yan, who was high up, could see them clearly.

The groom was dressed in a blue suit, with his hair parted in the middle. He was indeed handsome, with a straight posture. He looked quite tall even sitting in the car, and he wore a pair of gold-rimmed glasses on his nose, giving him a refined and scholarly appearance.

The bride wasn't wearing a wedding dress, but a red wedding gown, complete with a phoenix coronet and embroidered robe. She held a round fan in her hand, covering her face, and sat upright with her back ramrod straight.

As the car slowly drove by, both of their profiles could be seen at the same time.

A talented man and a beautiful woman, they are indeed a perfect match.

At the entrance of Feiyan Restaurant, thousands of firecrackers resounded throughout the street.

The jeep slowly came to a stop, and the groom got out first. He was tall and thin, but he could still carry off the suit well; he was definitely not a skinny stick.

The bridesmaid opened the jeep door, but the bride, dressed in a gorgeous wedding gown, had difficulty getting out of the car, which made everyone anxious.

The groom saw this, walked over, bent down, got into the car, and lifted the bride out of the car.

The fan drooped down, revealing Qiu Qi's stunningly beautiful face. There was a hint of surprise on her face, and her slightly upturned lips carried a touch of sweetness.

The perfect couple was embodied in this moment.

A suit and leather shoes can actually be a perfect match for a phoenix coronet and embroidered robe.

A burst of cheers and applause erupted from the crowd, as onlookers offered their congratulations and blessings to the newlyweds.

"That's good, they should be happy." Zhang Shufen smiled with relief, but then muttered with some melancholy, "Poor Wang Yu, if he comes back alive, he'll probably be in a lot of pain."

The crowd surged toward Feiyan Restaurant to grab red envelopes and wedding candies. Zhang Shufen peeled a piece of candy and fed it to Zhou Qing, then turned and walked toward the carriage, driving it out of the city.

Zhou Yan suddenly realized that the old lady had actually met Qiu Qi and had even witnessed Qiu Qi and Duan Xingbang's wedding.

But all she ever knew was that they were Miss Qiu and Young Master Duan…

She didn't even know their names!
They would never have known that Duan Xingbang later became a missile engineer.

Yes! She probably doesn't even know what a missile engineer is!
The keywords are wrong, so how can you possibly find what you want!

Zhou Yan floated above the carriage, gazing in the direction of Feiyan Restaurant, silently mourning for Wang Yu: Now he's truly just a roadside stall…

He's quite curious now: Is Grandpa Wang really Wang Yu?

Of course, he still greatly admired Wang Shao's heroic act of dedicating himself to the country and disregarding personal feelings.

Suddenly, he spotted a man dressed in black squatting by the roadside.

After the crowd surged toward Feiyan Restaurant, he squatted there, becoming somewhat conspicuous, and also somewhat...familiar?
Zhou Yan squinted, trying to see his face.

The carriage turned the corner and disappeared from sight in an instant.

"It shouldn't be, right?" Zhou Yan craned his neck, trying to confirm, but the street behind him was already starting to blur.
-
The scene then shifts back to the Suji Stone Slab Bridge.

时间刻在石板桥上：1943年6月8日，午，11：45
"Sister Zhang, I need to reduce the amount of braised beef by half again. Business is too difficult. Those officials keep extending credit every few days, and I still end up losing money after a month. Sigh." Huang Silang had a lot of gray hair at his temples and looked much older than last time.

“Okay.” Zhang Shufen, still dark-skinned and plump, paused in packing the things and looked at Huang Silang, saying, “Okay, then we won’t charge you the franchise fee for braised beef for the rest of the year. I know it’s tough for you too.”

"You're just too kind and too perceptive. I've wanted to say this three times, but I just can't bring myself to say it," Huang Silang said, his face full of emotion.

Zhang Shufen smiled, then suddenly asked curiously, "By the way, what happened to Young Master Duan and Miss Qiu later?"

"You're still thinking about this?" Huang Silang was a little surprised, but still answered, "I heard that the adjutant was not satisfied and made some underhanded moves. Young Master Duan was worried about Miss Qiu's safety, so he took her abroad to study again. It is said that many people from the Duan family have gone abroad. The Duan family has donated a lot of money and has people protecting them."

"That's good." Zhang Shufen nodded.

"Have you heard from Zhou Yi? So many years have passed, and he hasn't sent a letter home?" Huang Silang asked curiously.

Zhang Shufen's expression darkened, and she shook her head.

Huang Silang was a little embarrassed and quickly said, "Sister Zhang, I'll head back now. I'll have my cousin come and get the beef tomorrow."

Zhang Shufen nodded.

Huang Silang walked towards the carriage, slapped his own mouth, and said, "I deserve to die! I was just too nosy and asked that one question."

"Mom, the braised beef has been delivered to the Wang family. Here's the money." A sweaty teenager ran over, clutching a handful of Chinese currency.

"Slow down, you're all sweaty." Zhang Shufen smiled and took a towel to wipe the sweat from his head. She gave him some money and said, "Go to Old Man Zhang's and buy a bag of rice candy. Bring your two younger brothers over, we're going back now."

"Okay." Zhou Qing replied with a smile, then turned and ran off again, his long legs swinging rapidly.

Zhou Yan couldn't help but laugh. His uncle was really tough when he was a child. But he was raised very well. He was only twelve years old and already as tall as Zhang Shufen's shoulder, and quite strong.

Even wealthy families are having a hard time. Zhang's braised food business took a sharp downturn, and Zhang Shufen single-handedly kept the stall afloat, so she stopped asking Sister Lin for help.

The three children sat in the carriage, sharing a small bag of rice candy, their faces full of smiles.

As the carriage traveled through the streets of Suji, white silk ribbons were hung everywhere in sight.

An elderly man and a woman sat at the doorway, their eyes vacant, and suppressed sobs could be heard coming from the dark doorway.

Only when children are running and jumping in the street can you still see smiles on their faces.

Three million brave men marched out of Sichuan, but who knew that nine out of ten households would be without men!
A sense of sorrow rose in Zhou Yan's heart.

The Japanese invaders never set foot in Sichuan, yet the Sichuan army suffered the most casualties.

Zhang Shufen pursed her lips and remained silent, then whipped the horse, increasing its speed.

The carriage entered Zhoucun, and white silk ribbons were everywhere along the way.

The distant hillsides are covered with new graves.

Zhang Shufen stopped the carriage in front of her house, handed the reins to Zhou Qing, took out the key to open the door, and pushed it open. She saw a shadow standing behind the door and subconsciously reached for the small knife tucked at her waist.

"Shufen, it's me." The person behind the door came out, pressed her hand, and whispered, "Don't make a sound."

Zhang Shufen's eyes suddenly widened, her hands trembled uncontrollably, and her legs went weak, about to fall to the ground.

Zhou Yi quickly hugged her and gently patted her back: "Relax! Relax! It's me who's back."

Outside the door, the three children in the carriage stared wide-eyed.

"Bad guy..." The youngest Zhou Han was about to say when Zhou Qing covered his mouth and forcibly silenced him. Then, he drove the carriage into the courtyard, shushed Zhou Han, and said in a trembling voice, "It's the old man!"

"Old man?" Zhou Ze sat in the car staring at Zhou Yi, his eyes full of curiosity.

Zhang Shufen calmed down a bit and turned to look at Zhou Qing, saying, "Zhou Qing, close the door and take your two younger brothers inside first. Don't say anything."

“Okay!” Zhou Qing replied, tied up the horse, locked the gate from the inside, and led his two younger brothers into the main room.

“Let’s go in too.” Zhou Yi picked up Zhang Shufen and carried her into the next room.

Zhang Shufen hugged Zhou Yi and finally couldn't hold back her tears. "Six years. Do you know how I've gotten through these six years?"

“I know, I’m sorry. I only found the opportunity to come back this year because I was fighting as a guerrilla and moved to Sichuan.” Zhou Yi hugged Zhang Shufen tightly and said in a low voice.

"Guerrilla?" Zhang Shufen was taken aback, then looked up at Zhou Yi: "You are... an Eighth Route Army soldier?"

“Yes.” Zhou Yi nodded, his voice even softer: “I went to Shanghai in 1937. During the Battle of Shanghai-Songjiang, I carried Wang Yu and survived. He was wounded and transferred to the rear to recuperate, while I followed the main force around. Later, I was rescued by an Eighth Route Army unit. I felt they were more disciplined and cared for their comrades more, so I joined them…”

Zhou Yi hugged Zhang Shufen and briefly recounted his experiences over the past few years.

It sounds pretty easy.

But when Zhou Yan heard about those battles, his heart sank. Comrade Zhou Yi had truly crawled out of mountains of corpses and seas of blood.

Fate!

Zhang Shufen wasn't stupid. She read the newspaper every day and kept up with the news about the Sichuan Army and the War of Resistance. After hearing the story, she was already in tears.

Every year, Zhou Yi would try to send a letter home, only to let his family know he was safe and sound, without saying anything else.

It turns out it was because he joined the Eighth Route Army.

"Are you leaving again this time?" Zhang Shufen asked.

Zhou Yi nodded: "I'll leave tomorrow. The team is waiting for me. This time, I'm escorting the wounded comrades back. Once the mission is complete, I'll return to the team."

Zhang Shufen opened her mouth, but the words of pleas for her to stay wouldn't come out. She wiped away her tears, sniffed, and said, "I'll go cook for you."

"Yes, that's exactly what I miss most when I'm out." Zhou Yi nodded with a smile.

"I'll go make it for you." Zhang Shufen went out, pulled the three children over, and pointed at Zhou Yi who came out of the bedroom, saying, "Call the old man."

The three children looked at Zhou Yi with timid eyes.

"Old man!" Zhou Qing was the first to rush over and shout.

When Zhou Yi left, he was already five years old and had some memories.

When the eldest brother shouted, the other two boys rushed over, calling out "Old man!"

"Hey!" Zhou Yi replied with a smile, reaching into his pocket and pulling out a few candies, handing them to the three of them: "Here, I brought you some candies."

"Old man, Mom said you went to fight the Japanese devils, did you kill them?"

"Old man, Mom says you're a hero!"

The three sons surrounded Zhou Yi, with candy in their mouths, and immediately became familiar with each other, chattering away with questions.

Zhang Shufen prepared a table full of dishes: cured pork, cured pork ribs, leftover braised pig's head meat, and a piece of sausage that she usually couldn't bear to eat.

The three boys were overjoyed, eating a table full of meat with their mouths greasy.

Zhou Yi ate two bowls of rice, and he ate with great relish.

"I'll wash them." After finishing her meal, she got up and insisted on washing the dishes, saying, "You've worked so hard taking care of the kids all these years."

“What’s so hard about it? You’re fighting the Japanese on the front lines, and I’m taking care of the kids in the rear. It’s not hard at all.” Zhang Shufen shook her head and smiled as she watched him clear the dishes and wipe the table.

I used to think this was normal, but the last time I saw him like this was six years ago.

Zhou Yan watched silently from the sidelines; this was a rare moment of family reunion since the start of the war.

Time flew by, and it was already evening.

The three sons, who had been running around all day, were fast asleep in the outer room.

Zhang Shufen pulled open Zhou Yi's clothes and looked at the scars all over his chest and shoulders, her eyes reddening.

"They're all minor injuries. Look at me, I'm as lively and energetic as ever," Zhou Yi said with a smile.

"He's gotten darker and stronger." Zhang Shufen touched his face and sighed softly, "He's also gotten old; he's got wrinkles now."

"You haven't changed at all, you're still so beautiful," Zhou Yi said with a smile, cupping her face in his hands.

Zhang Shufen blushed and punched his chest lightly: "I've become so dark and fat now, how could I not have changed? You're really talking nonsense. I was wondering how you recognized me so quickly."

“Because in my eyes, you haven’t changed at all. You’re still as beautiful as you were back then, radiant as ever.” Zhou Yi cupped her face and said earnestly, “I can always recognize you at a glance.”

Zhang Shufen laughed, tears streaming down her face, then hugged him and kissed him.

Zhou Yan, who was standing at the door, quickly slipped out and checked the time.

Good heavens, his father was created on this day.

……

Suji Stone Slab Bridgehead.

时间1944年1月8日，午，11：00
A few customers came to the braised meat stall.

They were all talking about something important.

Last night, a huge fire broke out in the Wang family compound, and more than a hundred members of the Wang family, along with their servants and maids, were burned to death.

Some people said they heard gunshots.

Some say it was bandits who killed, set fires, and robbed.

Some people say it was the warlords who did it, because they had their eyes on the Wang family's silk factory.

In any case, the Wang family, the largest family in Suji, disappeared overnight.

Upon hearing the news, Zhang Shufen was somewhat absent-minded all morning.

As she packed up to leave, she finally couldn't hold back her tears and covered her face, crying out, "Master and Madam Wang are both good people. They shouldn't have done this. There are so many children left. These damned people deserve to go to hell!"

The Wang family were big customers of the braised meat stall. Even after Wang Yu left, the Wang family still had her deliver meat to their residence every day. They would order more when entertaining guests, and a pound of braised beef on ordinary days.

The children often delivered meat to the mansion and received pastries and snacks as a reward from the lady of the house. They also got along very well with the young masters and ladies of the Wang family.

Who would have thought that she delivered meat to his residence yesterday, only to hear this news this morning?

The carriage traveled a short distance towards Yang Wharf, but she turned back. She dared not look, nor did she dare let the children see that scene.

...

The screen turns again.

The streets of Suji were filled with cheering crowds.

Time: October 1945, 9.

The War of Resistance against Japan was won.

Zhang Shufen, carrying a baby in her arms and followed by three teenagers, also came to the street.

"Mom, what are they shouting?" Zhou Han asked.

"The Japanese devils have been defeated by us!"

"We have won the War of Resistance!"

"we won!"

Zhang Shufen's voice was a little hoarse, and her eyes were already red.

Everyone on the street is the same, crying and laughing, laughing and crying at the same time!
They have waited too long and sacrificed too much for this moment!

Zhou Yan smiled as he looked at the cheering crowd.

This is the rebirth of the Chinese nation!
Better to die fighting than to be a slave to a conquered nation!
...

Those faces, some crying and some laughing, gradually blurred.

The scene then shifts back to the Suji Bridge.

时间：1946年1月8日，午，12:01。

"Have you heard? Wang Yu, the fourth young master of the Wang family, is back! I hear he's become a high-ranking official! Yesterday he led a team to wipe out the bandits in Gaomiao!"

"I heard that the bloodshed was so fierce that rivers of blood flowed! On the anniversary of their deaths, people used the heads of their enemies to worship their families!"

“It’s so satisfying!”

"What a pity, back then Young Master Wang and Miss Qiu were engaged."

Zhang Shufen was quite happy today. She went to the butcher's shop and got a piece of pork belly cut from the second cut, then stir-fried it into a plate of twice-cooked pork.

The children all ate very happily.

...

The video started to speed up, like a fleeting glimpse of scenery.

Zhou Yan saw the founding of the nation in 1949, and his grandfather returned to Zhou Village in glory with a big red flower tied to his chest.

A smile finally appeared on Zhang Shufen's face.

Wang Yu was arrested and brought back to Jiaozhou for trial, but he refused to plead guilty, claiming that he was an undercover agent but that his superior had already been killed.

After hearing about this, Zhou Yi went to meet Wang Yu.

After returning, he began to collect evidence to exonerate him.

However, with the outbreak of the Korean War, he could only hand over the collected materials to Zhang Shufen, who would then deliver them to the organization. He then hurriedly returned to his unit and headed north.

Zhang Shufen didn't know what happened afterward.

The memory ends at the entrance of Zhoucun Village.

The plaque recognizing the recipient of first-class merit was escorted to Zhoucun by leaders at all levels and spontaneously gathered masses.

It was drizzling that day. Zhang Shufen, wrapped in black cloth and pregnant, led her four children, dressed in mourning clothes, to receive the plaque.

This time she didn't cry.

His eyes, however, had lost all their sparkle.

...
-
P.S.: 12,000 words, I'll finish writing down the memories in one go!
Just so you can enjoy watching it!

I keep my word, please vote for me!

　It's burned out, please vote for me!

　　
　
(End of this chapter)