I was married off to a disabled hero in lieu of marriage; my in-laws doted on me and I aspired to gr

Zhou Zhonghai only put down his chopsticks after he burped from eating.

Even though she couldn't eat anymore, she urged Gu Quan to eat: "I can't afford authentic Quanjude roast duck, so you should eat a few more pieces. And the braised pork, Sister Li's cooking is so good, you'd be doing Sister Li a disservice if you didn't eat more."

Gu Quan also hiccuped. He was afraid that eating so much might cause him to get diarrhea like Zhao Jintao.

I haven't had this much oily food for many days. If I suddenly eat this much, it's like I've wasted my time.

"Alright, Xiao Li, go and reserve two roast ducks for them to take away tomorrow."

Pu Shizhong put down his chopsticks and ate half a plate of shredded potatoes and two large hairy crabs.

"Thank you, sir, thank you, sir," Zhou Zhonghai said, repeatedly expressing his gratitude.

"Let's go to the study for tea."

After wiping their mouths, the three went to the study, where the nanny quickly brewed a pot of Da Hong Pao tea and brought it in.

Gu Quan, being an outsider, sat to the side pouring tea and quietly listening to their conversation.

"These past six months have been tough, haven't they? Your hair has turned completely white."

We started by talking about work, but now we're concerned about personal health.

"It's alright, what's a few gray hairs? Don't worry, old chief, I'm full of energy now, it's like I've gone back to thirty years ago." Zhou Zhonghai patted his chest and chuckled.

"I'm already 68. If there weren't a shortage of people right now, I would have gone home to take care of my grandchildren long ago. Now that the college entrance examination has been reinstated, there's a wealth of talent. In a few years, I'll really have to retire."

Pu Shizhong was somewhat saddened. He had dedicated his life to the revolution, and now that he was suddenly retired, he still couldn't adjust.

"Retirement is great! I can go visit Dashui Village; my in-laws live there."

"I'm not going. They're not my in-laws. My health isn't what it used to be, and I don't know if I'll even live to retire."

"Sir, what's wrong?"

"It is rare for someone to live to seventy. As people get older, they often experience minor ailments, but it's okay; they can still last a few more years."

"If you're not feeling well, you should go to the hospital to get checked out. Health is the foundation of everything."

"I know, you're even more long-winded than my son. Zhonghai, you're doing well in agriculture, do you have any other ideas?" Pu Shizhong asked tentatively.

"No, I'll just stay in agriculture until I retire."

"You're still young, you have at least another fifteen years of good prospects. I'd like you to mention that there's a vice governor in your province who should retire."

"Old commander, I can't do it. I'm a farmer's son and I'm familiar with agriculture. I can't do any other work."

"Zhonghai, for a country to be strong, the economy and technology are the foundation. Your provincial governor, although an upright man, is hesitant and timid, and cannot accomplish great things. We need you to take charge of agriculture, industry, and commerce."

"I really can't do it."

"Zhonghai, there are no outsiders here, so I'll speak frankly. I've covered for you with all the bastard things you've done, but if I leave this position, someone might come after me later."

Even the old commander can't protect you forever; you have to become strong on your own. There are still many people relying on you. If I'm gone, and you fall, what will happen to those behind you?

"Old commander, I..."

"Listen to me, listen to the old leader. If you're under a lot of pressure and achieve results, anyone who dares to touch you will have to think twice."

"Okay, I'll do as you say." Zhou Zhonghai's nose tingled, as if his father were giving his last words, and he felt inexplicably sad.

"When the Daily News went to Tonggang County for interviews, Lao Meng, who went with us, was my chosen successor. You can have a drink and chat with him."

"Yes."

"Old Meng is a man of many thoughts, doesn't like to show off, dares to take responsibility, and doesn't cover up for his own. You'll have to think things through more carefully in the future. We old men who came from the military are getting on in years, and there are fewer and fewer people who can protect you."

"Old Chief..." Zhou Zhonghai choked up a little.

"Look at you, you're such a wimp. It's just the two of us here, so we'll tell you what we need to say beforehand. I'm not going to die anytime soon. Besides, everyone has to die eventually, what's there to be sad about?"

Pu Shizhong smiled, a rare sight of him being so kind.

Gu Quan listened with his head down. These were truly private words between family members, and he, an outsider, heard them all.

"This young man's name is Gu..." Pu Shizhong looked at Gu Quan.

"Old Chief, my name is Gu Quan, and I am Minister Zhou's secretary."

"Alright, young man, Minister Zhou acted impulsively. You'll have to give him more guidance in the future."

"I am."

"A secretary is someone's closest partner in life. You need to pay more attention to this old man's health; such a major surgery must have damaged his health."

"Yes, old commander, I will remember it."

"Good, good, Zhonghai, you're lucky. Liu Songming and Gu Quan are both loyal."

"Yes, old commander. In my life, I, Zhou Zhonghai, have met many comrades-in-arms, colleagues, and friends who are closer than family. I will never forget your kindness in recognizing and supporting me."

"I'm not as great as you say. You're my soldier. I need to use you to win battles and develop the economy. At most, we're just using each other. Don't take it to heart," Pu Shizhong said calmly.

He didn't want to see the mentorship as a burden, so that if he were to pass away, Zhou Zhonghai wouldn't be overly saddened.

"Zhou Zhonghai, everything you have is something you earned yourself. Your son lost both legs for the country, and you lost half your life for the country. If you had a more tactful and composed temperament, you would have ended up in my position too."

Pu Shizhong said meaningfully, "As a former leader, I've said all I need to say."

"Old Chief, if I were tactful, I wouldn't be myself. Take the corruption and bribery case in Liuxian County, for example, it made me furious."

"Hehe, so you can only do practical work, not administration."

"That's right, they just do all the thankless and tiring work."

That night, Zhou Zhonghai kept his old leader company and talked about their days in the army.

We talked about the great victories of war, and we also talked about the defeats.

They talked about the brave soldiers who charged forward, and also about the comrades who sacrificed their lives.

Pu Shizhong scolded Zhou Zhonghai for risking his own life to save his bodyguard.

Zhou Zhonghai said that on the battlefield, there is no difference in status; everyone is a comrade-in-arms, and he could not possibly turn a blind eye to Liu Songming's danger.

Yes, there are no superiors or subordinates on the battlefield.

Enemy bullets don't have eyes; they won't stop shooting at you just because you're a division commander.

Finally, Pu Shizhong and Zhou Zhonghai sang their favorite song:

Red plum blossoms bloom on the red cliffs, treading on thousands of miles of ice and frost. What fear is there of the bitter cold of winter? A loyal heart faces the sun.

Open towards the sun, open towards the sun, the red plum blossoms are in bloom.

Each blossom shines brightly, heads held high in a riot of color, their fragrance wafting to the heavens. Awakening all flowers to bloom in unison, they sing joyfully in celebration of the New Year.

It was a time of burning passion, a tragic era, and a generation's mission.

The older generation sacrificed their lives and blood to bring about a peaceful era. They overcame numerous obstacles, took up the banner of reform and opening up, and will pave a bright future for the country that suits our national conditions.

Gu Quan poured himself cup after cup of tea, his eyes filled with tears, and a fire burning in his heart. "Old leaders, you have given everything for the people. We young people will hold this baton firmly, shoulder your mission, and make the land of China bloom with magnificent flowers."