Writer 1978: I Need to Give the Literary World a Lesson

Chapter 535 "The Soul of the Chinese Army"

As the performance began, the small auditorium was packed with people. The soldiers looked at the stage with high spirits, and applause rang out even before the performance started.

When the drama troupe staff came on stage and made a "quiet" gesture, the auditorium instantly fell silent.

Then the curtain of the auditorium slowly opened, and the actor appeared in front of everyone. As soon as he made a move, there was another wave of applause.

"That's how it is in the military. Relatively speaking, the content of the performance is not important. What's more important is a way to relax and release emotions," Chief Qian explained to Liu Yimin in a low voice.

"Commander, I understand. The soldiers have been holding back for too long."

“Look, our comrades in the 27th Army are doing a little better, but the soldiers in the 47th Army are screaming. Most of them are combat heroes who have been transferred to the rear to recuperate, and they are all going stir-crazy.”

Liu Yimin looked in the direction of the voice and saw that the soldiers of the 47th Army were very conspicuous in the auditorium. The soldiers in the front row had medals pinned to their chests, their voices were rough and powerful, their skin was dark, and some of them still had sunburn on their cheeks.

Midway through the performance of "Triumph at Midnight," the soldiers of the 47th Army were deeply moved as they watched the battle unfold on stage. Their unit leaders immediately went to the middle of the formation to calm the soldiers down.

No wonder that during the performance of "The White-Haired Girl" back then, some soldiers fired shots in a moment of panic.

Soldiers of the 47th Army, having just come down from the battlefield, easily recall the scenes of the battle.

When the performance reached its final scene, a tribute to the heroes, soldiers from both armies stood up spontaneously. As the actors recited the slogan, "Our fallen comrades, we will always be together," some soldiers of the 47th Army applauded with tears in their eyes, while others wept bitterly.

After the actors left the stage, the rest of the delegation went on stage to sing "Song of the Moon," "The Motherland Will Not Forget," "The People's Army Is Loyal to the Party," and "I Love This Old Mountain Orchid."

"I Love the Laoshan Orchid" is a song written by cultural cadres of the Kunming Military Region after witnessing the heroic stories of Laoshan. Its popularity on the front lines is comparable to that of "Song of the Moon".

I love you, Lao Shanlan.
The tenacious life was severely damaged.

The dark green leaves were smoke-filled with gunpowder smoke.

The fragrant flowers bloomed even more brightly.

I love you, Lao Shanlan.
You withstood the storm and the drought.

"

After the singing, the play "Our Hero - Deng Jiaxian" began, with Li Xuejian playing the role of Deng Jiaxian.

After calming down, the soldiers began to watch attentively. Scenes from Deng Xiaoping's life flashed before their eyes.

"After Comrade Jiaxian's deeds came out, the army held a special study session to learn from Comrade Jiaxian's selfless patriotism. The comrades have been looking forward to this play for a long time," Commander Qian said in a low voice.

"I hope everyone will like it."

"Comrade Yimin, I heard you once told a story—Chen's mother asking about bravery. After our 27th Army completes its pre-battle training, we will be going to the front lines. I hope you can tell the story to the comrades and give them a pep talk," Commander Qian asked.

"today?"

"Yes, after the performance, I will also give a pre-battle pep talk later."

“Okay.” Liu Yimin immediately agreed.

Besides Liu Yimin, Wei Wei was invited to speak about the spirit of the War to Resist US Aggression and Aid Korea to boost the morale of the soldiers.

After the play ended, the applause lasted for a long time. Someone shouted the slogan, "Learn from Comrade Deng Jiaxian! Never bow down to difficulties!" The soldiers in the auditorium were in high spirits.

"Comrades, next, please welcome Comrade Wei Wei to talk about the spirit of the War to Resist US Aggression and Aid Korea. I believe you have all read his book, 'The Most Lovable People.' Comrades, let's give him a round of applause!"

Wei Wei stood up, smoothed out his military uniform, and strode onto the stage, giving a standard military salute to the "left, center, and right" groups.

"Comrade Yimin, would you like to change into a uniform without collar insignia?"

"Okay, I'll go backstage."

Liu Yimin went backstage and found a well-fitting military uniform from the props and costumes and put it on.

Commander Wei looked at Wei Wei standing above and said, "The Korean War had a great impact on Lao Wei. Every time Lao Wei mentions it, he feels sad and sheds tears."

"Commander Wei, you must have been there before, right?"

"I've been there, but it was almost over when I went."

On stage, Wei Wei recounted the heroic deeds of martyrs such as Huang Jiguang and Qiu Shaoyun, and called on everyone to become the most beloved people of the new era.

"Though the world changes, the Chinese People's Liberation Army is a banner that will never fade. We always remember that we are the people's army, and protecting the lives and property of the people is our mission!"

Wei Wei stepped off the stage, and Liu Yimin took the stage.

Liu Yimin walked up and greeted everyone, and the soldiers clapped wildly, like dense waves.

Liu Yimin first told the story of "Chen's Mother Asks About Bravery", and then recounted the glorious history of the 47th Army and the 27th Army.

"A hero's mother raises hero's children. When her son sacrifices himself, she asks for no help, only whether he was brave!"

Comrades, this is a touching story, but I believe that there are countless similar touching stories in our 47th and 27th Armies.

"47th Army, you came from Nanniwan, marched towards the battlefield of national liberation, fought three times south of the Yangtze River, defended Linjiang four times, and then marched towards the Korean Peninsula. Before you set off, the old man personally met with the military and political leaders and said something. Do you all know what he said?" Liu Yimin asked.

The 47th Army's troops immediately stood up and shouted, "Who in the world can rival Cao Cao and Liu Bei!"

"Yes, who in the world can rival you? You first fought the US 1st Cavalry Division, and then taught them a lesson several times afterward, rendering the US 1st Cavalry Division incapable of fighting. Your hero, Luo Shengjiao, fell into an ice cave while trying to save Korea."

Now, decades after the heroes have grown old, you are fighting a decisive battle. The heroes are tenacious, and with their swords drawn, they have driven the enemy into a frenzy!
Your hero Li Jinsheng, and you, and the martyrs who rest in peace on Laoshan Mountain, are all your pride. Your blood is the banner that will forever fly high for the 47th Army.

27th Army, you fought a bloody battle at Menglianggu, liberated Jinan, and captured Wang Yaowu alive. You encircled and annihilated Huang Botao, leaving Du Yuming with no chance of escape. You liberated Shanghai, entering the city without harming a single thing. You went to fight in Korea wearing only thin clothing, and at Changjin Lake in minus 30 degrees Celsius, your battle cries shattered the enemy's courage.

The battle was fierce; entire units of soldiers froze to death. You are a heroic unit; you are the inheritors of this banner.

Comrades, we have come a long way from the Long March, the War of Resistance Against Japan, the War of Liberation, the War to Resist US Aggression and Aid Korea, and the Sino-Indian War. We have countless heroic troops, and if we want to continue to carry this heroic banner, we must grow the backbone of heroes.

Soldiers of the 27th Army, are you ready?

The regional commanders and army leaders of the 27th Army all stood up: "Fear no sacrifice! Always ready! Always ready! Always ready!"

As Liu Yimin stepped down from the stage, Chief Qian came up and whispered to Liu Yimin, "Well said!"

Commander Qian went up on the stage and looked at the soldiers below, saying loudly: "Comrade Liu Yimin has already told us about the glorious history. He let us know that in the new era, no one has forgotten our contributions."

Comrades, the time has come for the Party and the people to test us. The comrades of the 47th Army have already set an example for us, and we, the 27th Army, must learn from them. This is a trial for us by the Party and the people, and we cannot let them down!

Some people in society are saying we're fighting for money. Damn it, we'll show them with our actions that the four characters preceding "People's Liberation Army" are—'The Chinese People'!

Commander Qian tossed his hat aside, put one hand on his hip, and waved his hand. The soldiers of the 27th Army, like a pack of wolves, were just waiting for the order to rush to the front line to kill the enemy and serve their country.

After the mobilization meeting, each unit took their work back.

Commander Qian said to Liu Yimin, "Comrade Yimin, you spoke very well. Your understanding of our war history has deeply moved me and the soldiers. Starting tomorrow, we will not be able to stay with you all. We hope you will all take care of yourselves on the front lines."

"Commander Qian, military affairs are of utmost importance!"

“Yes, Lao Qian, the troops are marching thousands of kilometers in a grand procession. You have a lot to do, so you don’t need to come with us,” Wei Wei said.

Commander Qian nodded and said to a young man next to him, "Qin Tuan, the comrades in the condolence delegation are entrusted to you. You must ensure their safety."

"Yes!"

Stepping out of the auditorium, Qin Tuan introduced himself, his spirits high and his demeanor efficient: "Comrade Yimin, Commander Wei Wei, if you have a place to go, I will assign two squads of soldiers to protect you. Commander Wei, I will send a platoon of soldiers and vehicles from your drama troupe to help you perform on the front lines."

"Thanks! Good lad, do a good job on the front lines, don't embarrass your father," Wei Wei said.

"Don't worry, I'll definitely do a good job! Comrade Yimin, what you said just now was really good. Let's exchange ideas sometime. As the regimental commander, I also need to learn how to do ideological work with the soldiers." Liu Yimin extended his hand and said, "Okay!"

The group talked in the courtyard for a while before going back to rest. Li Xuejian, who had returned, was lying on the bed resting. After performing two shows in a row, he had no desire to read any more books.

Upon hearing Liu Yimin's voice, Li Xuejian jumped to her feet: "Professor Liu, what you just said was so wonderful, it brought tears to my eyes!"

"It's all true. In this world, our People's Army has many touching stories. You should rest now, you have a performance tomorrow."

After their performance at the auditorium tomorrow, the drama troupe will travel to other locations for performances. Five days later, they will split into groups and go to the front lines to conduct exchanges and offer their condolences to the soldiers.

"Okay, Professor Liu, you should get some rest too." Li Xuejian took off his shoes, and a sour smell wafted out. He quickly took them out to wash before going to sleep.

After soaking his feet, Liu Yimin lay on the bed and thought for a while before turning off the light and going to sleep, waiting for Li Xuejian to finish her work.

The next day, Liu Yimin got up on time. Liu Yimin and Li Xuejian went to the canteen for lunch, and the soldiers greeted them happily.

Wei Wei sat down in front of Liu Yimin with the dishes and steamed buns in hand: "This is a big stew from Henan Province. Try it and see if it's authentic."

Liu Yimin took a bite and said, "It's alright, it's quite oily, much better than before."

"Our logistics are changing too. Back then, we were envious of the Americans' logistics capabilities. You wouldn't believe it, they could drink coffee and eat chocolate while fighting a war. We have a handful of fried noodles and a handful of snow. I won't go into the fried noodles. I've already made arrangements with the 235th Regiment to go to a position on the front line. Do you want to come?"

“Go!” Liu Yimin said.

"Okay, this isn't a foxhole, it's a forward position. Good to go. I heard they're also planning some kind of raid, let's go check it out."

After listening to Wei Wei's words, Liu Yimin quickly finished his meal and prepared to leave.

The 235th Regiment sent two squads of soldiers to protect them and help load the relief supplies onto the vehicle.

Wei Wei said, "Another batch of relief supplies will arrive in a few days, mainly Chundu ham sausages and some convenient food items, such as canned fruit. They will be useful on the front lines."

"Ham sausages? That can change things up for the soldiers. They're tired of eating compressed biscuits and canned meat in the foxholes." Liu Yimin got into the car and fastened his seatbelt.

"Shall we set off?" the soldier asked.

"set off!"

The position ahead belongs to the 417th Regiment of the 47th Army. On the way there, soldiers were on duty with flags on both sides of the road, and others were on guard on the hills on both sides.

The vehicle was parked behind the position, where the 417th Regiment was waiting for them at the foot of the mountain.

"Commander, Professor Liu, I am the political commissar of the 417th Regiment. The regimental commander is directing the battle from up here."

"fighting?"

"We need to capture the prisoners. The commander is at the observation post. If the squad encounters pursuers, we need to help them suppress them."

“It seems we’ve arrived just in time. Yimin, let’s go up and take a look.”

The soldiers carried the supplies to the temporary warehouse behind the position. Liu Yimin and Wei Wei quickly walked into the trench and followed the communication trench to the observation post.

Above the sentry post was a concrete roof, covered with grass for camouflage. The commander of the 417th Regiment, wearing a military overcoat, was observing the movements on the other side through a trench periscope.

The political commissar handed each of them a pair of binoculars. With the commissar's guidance, Liu Yimin quickly spotted the soldiers carrying out their mission through the binoculars.

A small team of five or six men was retreating. Two soldiers were carrying a prisoner who refused to leave. One of the soldiers frantically hit the prisoner on the head until he was dizzy, and then carried him back.

Upon discovering the enemy's position, they hurriedly dispatched men in pursuit. The regimental commander shouted, "Heavy machine guns! Heavy machine guns, provide fire support! Mortars, fire a few rounds to cover the retreat! Heavy machine guns, open fire on the enemy positions to suppress their firepower!"

Guns and artillery fired simultaneously from the positions, and anti-aircraft machine guns were equipped on the fixed positions. They were originally intended for air defense, but neither side deployed their air force, so neither side could use them.

Since ordinary rifles couldn't reach them, anti-aircraft machine guns, heavy machine guns, and mortars became the most important means of attack.

Once the soldiers had safely retreated, the regimental commander breathed a sigh of relief: "Commander, Comrade Yimin, I'm sorry for neglecting you two."

"Comrade Commander, that was brilliant, brilliant!" Wei Wei said with a smile.

"Let's go and see the tongue we captured."

Reaching the frontmost trench, the Vietnamese soldier Tongue lay motionless on the ground, his faint breath a testament to his continued life.

The soldiers in the capture team excitedly discussed the tense scene they had just witnessed: "Damn, this kid's got some backbone. I didn't care about anything else and just beat the crap out of him. My hand hurts from hitting him."

Another soldier ran over and fed the captured prisoner water, saying things like, "Tell me to relax." After feeding him water, the soldier said, "You were so good to be obedient. You got so many punches for no reason if you weren't. Tell us your name and rank."

The guy was seeing stars and stammering, unable to speak.

After Liu Yimin and his men walked over, the soldiers immediately stood up and saluted.

"Thank you all for your hard work. This is Comrade Wei Wei from the Political Department of the Yanjing Military Region, and this is Comrade Liu Yimin, Professor Liu. I'm sure you all know them."

The soldiers applauded in welcome, and Liu Yimin and Wei Wei shook hands with everyone one by one.

About half an hour later, the captured Vietnamese soldiers began to give their information. After they finished, they were taken directly to a rear hospital for treatment and then imprisoned in a prisoner-of-war camp.

The commander of the 417th Regiment led them on a tour of the position: "Our 417th Regiment is a unit with a glorious history. We are known as the 'Night Tiger Regiment.' If the enemy wants to fight us at night, they're really running into our ancestor!"

"Commander Liu, on my way here I saw a camp with dozens of soldiers undergoing intensive training. They weren't from the 27th Army. Who were they?"

The commander of the 417th Regiment, also surnamed Liu, said when he saw that there was no one else around: "There is a Hill 167 ahead, which has been occupied by the Vietnamese. We have formed a Black Panther Commando Team and are preparing to take it back before the Chinese New Year."

"Can we go see them?" Liu Yimin asked.

"Okay, they have training today, let's do it tomorrow!"

After the Cymbeline artillery reconnaissance radar site was attacked, frontline units, under orders from their superiors, began to form reconnaissance teams to launch attacks, which was the precursor to many special forces units.

The soldiers from the 235th Regiment of the 27th Army that they brought along asked the veterans about battlefield tactics and precautions on the front lines.

Wei Wei decided not to go back that night and would sleep on the front line. Wenshan wasn't very cold at this time, but the temperature difference between night and day was significant. Considering Wei Wei's age, no one wanted him to stay there, but Wei Wei was determined, and no one could persuade him otherwise.

Fortunately, they had warm coats in their vehicle, so they weren't too cold sleeping in the tunnel at night.

Inside the tunnel, Wei Wei discussed what he had seen and heard on the front line with Liu Yimin, and also told the soldiers about Yanjing.

Liu Yimin, Wei Wei, and the accompanying soldiers lived alone in a tunnel bunker. Under the kerosene lamp, Liu Yimin took out his notebook, and Wei Wei, who was about to fall asleep, immediately woke up.

The sounds of gunfire outside lulled him to sleep, but Liu Yimin's writing was deafening.

"Yimin, what are you writing?"

"At the last meeting at the General Political Department, the leaders asked me if I could write some more inspiring military songs. I have some ideas for them recently and want to write them down."

"Really? Is it the 40th anniversary script symposium?"

"Correct!"

"I've heard about the script, and I support you!"

"Thank you."

"Let me see what you wrote?" Wei Wei leaned closer and read aloud, "《The Soul of the Chinese Army》? Interesting. 'If the motherland is invaded, the hot-blooded men should stand up for themselves, drink this bowl of hometown wine, and the brave warriors will never return.' Yimin, you have a good name, the soul of the army. An army must have its own soul."

An army with a soul possesses the ability to advance without fear. Our troops have a soul; they obey the Party's command and serve the people wholeheartedly. What do you think?

(End of this chapter)